Review #23 All Unquiet Things

All Unquiet Things

By Anna Jarzab

Publication date: January 12, 2010

My rating: *****

My review:

At the end of the summer shortly before the beginning of her junior year of high school, teenager Carly Ribelli was murdered. Her body was found by her ex-boyfriend Neily Monroe. Now a year later, Neily still has nightmares. As his senior year approaches only one other student at Brighton Day School understands what he is going through-Carly’s cousin and best friend, Audrey Ribelli. Not only did Audrey lose her best friend, she also lost her father who was accused of the murder and is now in prison. Audrey believes that her father is innocent. Carly knew secrets of some of the most powerful players at Brighton Day School and Audrey and Neily work together to find out who really killed her. If they solve her murder then maybe they can both let go of the guilt they feel over Carly’s death.

All Unquiet Things is partly a suspense novel and partly a story of friendship and loss. How responsible are we for the choices that others make? Can we save the ones we love from their pain? Can we love them too much? These are questions that the novel poses. We hear the story through the alternating viewpoints of Neily and Audrey and we also hear from Carly through letters and diary entries. Neily loves Carly nearly from the moment he meets her and he does his best to be there for her through the ups and downs of her life, even after she breaks up with him. He ignores a phone call from Carly shortly before she dies and he is just eaten with guilt over it. Audrey had a difficult life until she moves to Empire Valley and Carly helps her to feel at home. She feels guilty for introducing Carly to the wrong crowd. Neily and Audrey’s lives were shaped by knowing Carly and her death leaves a gaping wound for both of them. These themes are explored in the novel along with the suspense plot surrounding Carly’s murder.

I would have to say that this is one of the best novels I’ve read this year. It is moving and beautifully written. The mystery is also fantastic and I was surprised by the conclusion. All Unquiet Things would make a great crossover novel that adults would also enjoy. It may not be getting as much buzz as some of the paranormal debut novels but this is one you do not want to miss! I look forward to more great books from author Anna Jarzab.