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Mother's Helper
This is an alternative cover edition for IBSN 0590550594 / 9780590550598 .
Becky can hardly believe her luck when she's offered a job as mother's helper on a holiday island. She can work on her tan and earn money at the same time! It's the perfect holiday job, or so Becky thinks...
But then the accidents start to happen, and the frightening phone calls begin. Suddenly Becky's island paradise seems more like a prison, and her dream job is turning into a nightmare. Mother's helper is going to need all the help she can get.
Becky can hardly believe her luck when she's offered a job as mother's helper on a holiday island. She can work on her tan and earn money at the same time! It's the perfect holiday job, or so Becky thinks...
But then the accidents start to happen, and the frightening phone calls begin. Suddenly Becky's island paradise seems more like a prison, and her dream job is turning into a nightmare. Mother's helper is going to need all the help she can get.
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 25, 2018
I thought this would be romantic, she admitted to herself. Keeping an eye on a poor little rich boy, living on a beautiful, remote island, making a ton of money for helping keep a little boy safe... it sounded romantic.
Seventeen-year-old Becky Collier is trying to earn some money to go to college next year so she takes a job as a nanny/mother's helper to a sweet one-year-old boy (Devon) on an isolated island called Sebastian. But she begins to find the situation odd... her employer Mrs. Nelson (Devon's mother) never wants Becky to go out or to be seen. (Mrs. Nelson is hiding Devon away because she thinks someone wants to do him harm and may kidnap him.) Becky is going crazy indoors. Mrs. Nelson goes out a lot to town on business, locks her bedroom door, and doesn't really seem comfortable with her son. Eventually Becky does get out and meets a boy called Cleve who says he has seen Mrs. Nelson sitting at a cafe in town by the dock... she watches to see who comes in on the ferry. But why can Mrs. Nelson go out and be seen but Becky can't? And who is Mrs. Nelson looking for?
This was an entertaining, fast and easy read. I liked Becky. She did her best to keep little Devon safe and handled herself well when she discovered the situation she was in. Becky wondered if she could trust Cleve, who she was starting to like. It was sort of obvious who the villain was, though. I also enjoyed the island setting. And the mystery.
A fun young-adult read from the 90's.
Seventeen-year-old Becky Collier is trying to earn some money to go to college next year so she takes a job as a nanny/mother's helper to a sweet one-year-old boy (Devon) on an isolated island called Sebastian. But she begins to find the situation odd... her employer Mrs. Nelson (Devon's mother) never wants Becky to go out or to be seen. (Mrs. Nelson is hiding Devon away because she thinks someone wants to do him harm and may kidnap him.) Becky is going crazy indoors. Mrs. Nelson goes out a lot to town on business, locks her bedroom door, and doesn't really seem comfortable with her son. Eventually Becky does get out and meets a boy called Cleve who says he has seen Mrs. Nelson sitting at a cafe in town by the dock... she watches to see who comes in on the ferry. But why can Mrs. Nelson go out and be seen but Becky can't? And who is Mrs. Nelson looking for?
This was an entertaining, fast and easy read. I liked Becky. She did her best to keep little Devon safe and handled herself well when she discovered the situation she was in. Becky wondered if she could trust Cleve, who she was starting to like. It was sort of obvious who the villain was, though. I also enjoyed the island setting. And the mystery.
A fun young-adult read from the 90's.
February 19, 2024
Though not the most entertaining or exhilarating Point Horror entry, this was fun and I look forward to checking out other titles from author A. Bates. The story follows a girl named Becky who takes a job as a mother's helper (hence the title) on an island and finds herself in danger as it soon becomes obvious that someone is watching her. The development of the story is interesting enough, but I couldn't imagine a reader behind on the edge of his or her seat at any point. Also, if you're familiar with Point Horror books, you probably won't be shocked at all when the ending of this one rolls around. This book serves as the perfect example of a 3/5 rating. Not terrible, but nothing to write home about.
January 20, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded down.
Usually, going into a Point Horror novel I expect nothing more than some cheesy fun. I didn't know much about this book in particular or the author... but I will say that it really surprised me.
In this story we have Becky, our protagonist, who is taking care of a one-year-old under some very strange circumstances - they are living / hiding out on an island to escape the evil father, who is looking for them. His intentions are never really clear, though it's implied he wants to hurt Devon's (the baby) mother and take him away. There are a couple of strange happenings on the island, and Becky and Mrs. Nelson (the baby's mother) suspect the father has finally found them...
I will admit this whole premise is a bit loose, but for whatever reason, it sucked me right in.
One thing I really liked about this book, is it drops you right into the story without bombarding you with information. It presents the scenario through Becky's point of view who I found to be a realistic and likable character. She's determined to take care of the baby no matter what and certainly knows what she is doing... but she also suspects something strange going on and doesn't take anything at face value.
I liked this approach to the mystery - we always stay in the present moment and the characters make decisions based on the information they have, for the most part. Nothing vital is kept from the reader and you feel like you're learning things along with Becky. I appreciate a book that doesn't baby the reader.
I also really dug the writing. It's straightforward and similar to other Point books I've read, but there's just a nice flow to Bates's writing that makes for a quick and smooth reading experience.
There's also some lighter, almost comedic undertones in the story - not usually in the form of jokes, but in the form of Becky's inner monologue, often her reactions and musings over the strange (sometimes silly) scenarios that occur during her stint as a babysitter. While I enjoyed this aspect of the story and it added another layer to Becky's character - it also got (just a little) annoying at times, and even as invested as I was in the story I never felt truly threatened.
The situation itself is pretty serious, with implications to the baby's life being in danger - but the suspense wasn't always at the forefront.
Of course, there's a big twist - one that I didn't exactly see coming but it didn't shock or surprise me, either. It felt pretty natural - not perfectly airtight, but the foundation of the plot isn't the most believable thing in the world to begin with. (Again, I'm wondering how I managed to get sucked into the story regardless?)
Overall I really enjoyed this Point Horror book. I wavered between a 3 and 4 star rating, and settled on a 3.5 (rounded down).
It's not the most thrilling or action packed one out there, but the mystery had my attention and I found myself invested Bates's writing and her lifelike portrayal of Becky. The book is a bit slow-moving and uneventful in the middle and it might not be for everyone. But I would say that this is one of the better Point Horror books I've read so far, and probably my favorite non-Stine one. I'll keep on the lookout for other entries written by Bates in the future.
Usually, going into a Point Horror novel I expect nothing more than some cheesy fun. I didn't know much about this book in particular or the author... but I will say that it really surprised me.
In this story we have Becky, our protagonist, who is taking care of a one-year-old under some very strange circumstances - they are living / hiding out on an island to escape the evil father, who is looking for them. His intentions are never really clear, though it's implied he wants to hurt Devon's (the baby) mother and take him away. There are a couple of strange happenings on the island, and Becky and Mrs. Nelson (the baby's mother) suspect the father has finally found them...
I will admit this whole premise is a bit loose, but for whatever reason, it sucked me right in.
One thing I really liked about this book, is it drops you right into the story without bombarding you with information. It presents the scenario through Becky's point of view who I found to be a realistic and likable character. She's determined to take care of the baby no matter what and certainly knows what she is doing... but she also suspects something strange going on and doesn't take anything at face value.
I liked this approach to the mystery - we always stay in the present moment and the characters make decisions based on the information they have, for the most part. Nothing vital is kept from the reader and you feel like you're learning things along with Becky. I appreciate a book that doesn't baby the reader.
I also really dug the writing. It's straightforward and similar to other Point books I've read, but there's just a nice flow to Bates's writing that makes for a quick and smooth reading experience.
There's also some lighter, almost comedic undertones in the story - not usually in the form of jokes, but in the form of Becky's inner monologue, often her reactions and musings over the strange (sometimes silly) scenarios that occur during her stint as a babysitter. While I enjoyed this aspect of the story and it added another layer to Becky's character - it also got (just a little) annoying at times, and even as invested as I was in the story I never felt truly threatened.
The situation itself is pretty serious, with implications to the baby's life being in danger - but the suspense wasn't always at the forefront.
Of course, there's a big twist - one that I didn't exactly see coming but it didn't shock or surprise me, either. It felt pretty natural - not perfectly airtight, but the foundation of the plot isn't the most believable thing in the world to begin with. (Again, I'm wondering how I managed to get sucked into the story regardless?)
Overall I really enjoyed this Point Horror book. I wavered between a 3 and 4 star rating, and settled on a 3.5 (rounded down).
It's not the most thrilling or action packed one out there, but the mystery had my attention and I found myself invested Bates's writing and her lifelike portrayal of Becky. The book is a bit slow-moving and uneventful in the middle and it might not be for everyone. But I would say that this is one of the better Point Horror books I've read so far, and probably my favorite non-Stine one. I'll keep on the lookout for other entries written by Bates in the future.
July 6, 2024
I read this with my book club that I run on Instagram where we revisit Point Horror and other books from our childhood - @talespointhorrorbookclub
Tagline - Rock-a-bye-bye-baby
Memorable For – An isolated island setting and a pro active lead character!
Blurb -
Becky can hardly believe her luck when she’s offered a job a mothers helper on a holiday island. She can work on her tan and earn money at the same time! It’s the perfect holiday job, or so Becky thinks…
But then the accidents start to happen, and the frightening phone calls begin. Suddenly Becky’s island paradise seems more like a prison, and her dream job is turning into a nightmare. Mothers helper is going to need all the help she can get.
Some Thoughts - This book had the perfect island setting that felt like an amazing summer getaway. It’s seemed that Becky has it made for her summer job looking after Baby Devon. Becky is a pretty decent PH girl. She’s very proactive and does trust her instincts even when she may be a little off base. There’s not mana characters in this book so it’s a little easy to guess what’s going on but the ending still surprised me! This is the perfect summer thriller read!
Other highlights include learning a lot about Whales, a boy called Cleve who likes to hide in bushes, Mrs Nelson’s obsession with library cards, a never ending ringing phone, creepy dolls, and explosion and a very cute baby!
Tagline - Rock-a-bye-bye-baby
Memorable For – An isolated island setting and a pro active lead character!
Blurb -
Becky can hardly believe her luck when she’s offered a job a mothers helper on a holiday island. She can work on her tan and earn money at the same time! It’s the perfect holiday job, or so Becky thinks…
But then the accidents start to happen, and the frightening phone calls begin. Suddenly Becky’s island paradise seems more like a prison, and her dream job is turning into a nightmare. Mothers helper is going to need all the help she can get.
Some Thoughts - This book had the perfect island setting that felt like an amazing summer getaway. It’s seemed that Becky has it made for her summer job looking after Baby Devon. Becky is a pretty decent PH girl. She’s very proactive and does trust her instincts even when she may be a little off base. There’s not mana characters in this book so it’s a little easy to guess what’s going on but the ending still surprised me! This is the perfect summer thriller read!
Other highlights include learning a lot about Whales, a boy called Cleve who likes to hide in bushes, Mrs Nelson’s obsession with library cards, a never ending ringing phone, creepy dolls, and explosion and a very cute baby!
November 8, 2023
3.5 stars
July 12, 2025
A young lady gets hired as a nanny, and the usual stuff that happens in these sorts of novels begin. Not really as scary as some similar novels.
November 5, 2025
Verdwenen (Mother's Helper) was a fun little read and an enjoyable entry in the Point Horror series that I'm rereading. Reading these books is so nostalgic and so much fun!
April 25, 2021
Het is al een flink tijd dat ik deze boeken heb gelezen dus ik was blij dat ik er wer een paar vond in een minibieb. Dit was een lekker spannend boek waarin een meisje voor een kindje zorgt terwijl ze ook zorgt dat zij, het jongetje, en de moeder van het jongetje niet gevonden kunnen worden. In het begin was het nog niet zo spannend, maar al snel gebeuren er vreemde dingen en komt er een flinke lading paranoia in de mix. Ik had op punten wel een idee wat er aan de hand was, maar toch kwam het einde als een schok. Dat iemand zo ver zou gaan. Ik had nog graag wel wat extra informatie gezien, iets meer uitleg. Maar ik heb genoten en ik vloog door het boek heen.
Ik weet nog niet wat ik vond Steve vind. Aan de ene kant, leuke gast, andere kant, zoveel vragen en mysterieus gedrag dat ik hem op punten heel verdacht vond.
Ik vond de hoofdpersoon erg goed geschreven, en ik vond het dapper van haar wat ze allemaal deed in het boek. Ze was ook een superlieve babysitter voor Daniël.
Ik weet nog niet wat ik vond Steve vind. Aan de ene kant, leuke gast, andere kant, zoveel vragen en mysterieus gedrag dat ik hem op punten heel verdacht vond.
Ik vond de hoofdpersoon erg goed geschreven, en ik vond het dapper van haar wat ze allemaal deed in het boek. Ze was ook een superlieve babysitter voor Daniël.
February 8, 2017
I think all of the Point Horror books deserve 5 star ratings. A trip back into time, back into the 80s. This was a good book too.
A teenager is hired to stay full time as a babysitter for a lady and her 1 year old son. When very strange things start happening and the teen starts discovering the real situation behind why she was hired, its time to do something and fast.
Ive just got to read all of these in the set!
A teenager is hired to stay full time as a babysitter for a lady and her 1 year old son. When very strange things start happening and the teen starts discovering the real situation behind why she was hired, its time to do something and fast.
Ive just got to read all of these in the set!
April 9, 2018
Really didn't remember this one first time around, the story is quite simple and it's not really until the later half that it really gets interesting. The reveal was quite good though.
July 22, 2023
Review based on comparisons with other Point Horror's.
I liked the main character Becky. I felt she had a bit more depth to her in comparison with other point horror characters.
Overall a fast paced read with short chapters. I honestly was curious as to how it would end up! Review based on comparisons with other Point Horror's.
I liked the main character Becky. I felt she had a bit more depth to her in comparison with other point horror characters.
Overall a fast paced read with short chapters. I honestly was curious as to how it would end up! Review based on comparisons with other Point Horror's.
November 28, 2018
4 stars bc i genuinely did not see the Big Twist coming. idk what that says about me lol
June 15, 2023
I've just recently started rereading the Point Horror books of my childhood and this is one of my favorites so far. It wasn't overboard cheesy and was actually a little suspenseful. Oh, and there were creepy dolls which always makes me happy.
June 23, 2023
This review is based upon other point horrors only.
I really enjoyed this one, it wasn’t at all scary, but the story was pretty good, and I liked the characters.
I really enjoyed this one, it wasn’t at all scary, but the story was pretty good, and I liked the characters.
December 15, 2016
I think this is A. Bates' best book! . I actually had some sympathy for the villain at the end! Bates always leaned more towards psychological thriller than pre-Scream proto-slasher-lite and this is a star example of it!
January 12, 2022
Again, so weird to read these books where people didn't have mobile phones!
* Becky was really good with baby Devon, she obviously cared so much for him.
* Mrs Nelson was a bit weird, and seemed completely unable to connect with her son.
* Cleve asked such weird questions 🤣
* Fancy the Sherif slipping off the cliff!
* The dolls were a little creepy.
* The damn ringing phone would have driven me mad too.
* Becky was really good with baby Devon, she obviously cared so much for him.
* Mrs Nelson was a bit weird, and seemed completely unable to connect with her son.
* Cleve asked such weird questions 🤣
* Fancy the Sherif slipping off the cliff!
* The dolls were a little creepy.
* The damn ringing phone would have driven me mad too.
June 21, 2019
I'm not sure how much I love the actual pacing of this book, but its a rare Point Horror book that explores class, and relationships, and the fucked up world of the rich. And male violence—and female violence! I know!
I read this for our podcast Teenage Scream, which dissects the best (and worst) of 90s Teen Horror.
https://soundcloud.com/teenagescream
I read this for our podcast Teenage Scream, which dissects the best (and worst) of 90s Teen Horror.
https://soundcloud.com/teenagescream
October 1, 2019
Not as interesting as point horror books usually are, perhaps it’s due to being in the same location nearly the whole time or maybe it was the repetitive bits that made it drag on a bit. not bad, but not the best from the point horror series for sure. The twist I saw coming from the very beginning, But it’s 90s YA, it’s a fun read regardless.
May 10, 2020
I mean. It’s point horror ya so you know what you’re getting.
May 1, 2019
Having just "re-read" this for the first time in ... a very, very long time ... I'm not at all convinced I ever read this "back in the day" to begin with. I didn't recall one single thing about the story. So now I'm wondering if this was one of those Point books that my brother bought and read, but I never did.
The book was a bit underwhelming when compared with some of my favourite Point books, but it still had its moments. Of course, I guessed who the "bad guy" was about 9 pages in, but at the same time I knew I could be wrong so didn't take anything for granted. The book did a decent job of making me wonder if I was right or not ... but still I wouldn't say I was either hooked or duped by the story.
Becky at times reminded me of the heroine from My Secret Admirer, Jenny, in that she did silly things I wouldn't have done in her place. She also didn't really strike me as much of a teenager a lot of the time, but who knows what I would have thought back when the book was originally published, if I read it then.
So that's another Point re-read (or just read?) ticked off, and now I will leave my notes taken down during the read, behind a spoiler tag (as they do contain spoilers!):
The book was a bit underwhelming when compared with some of my favourite Point books, but it still had its moments. Of course, I guessed who the "bad guy" was about 9 pages in, but at the same time I knew I could be wrong so didn't take anything for granted. The book did a decent job of making me wonder if I was right or not ... but still I wouldn't say I was either hooked or duped by the story.
Becky at times reminded me of the heroine from My Secret Admirer, Jenny, in that she did silly things I wouldn't have done in her place. She also didn't really strike me as much of a teenager a lot of the time, but who knows what I would have thought back when the book was originally published, if I read it then.
So that's another Point re-read (or just read?) ticked off, and now I will leave my notes taken down during the read, behind a spoiler tag (as they do contain spoilers!):
August 18, 2022
I've been enjoying much of Auline Bates output and this one is by far my favorite.
The atmosphere is slightly darker than the others even with the same teenage protagonist and a potential love interest or creepy potential killer angle for that teen audience. No longer being a teenager, I think it's also because a very young child is involved in the story and being a mom as well...it was nail biting.
Becky Collier has been hired by a woman who we mostly know as Mrs. Nelson to keep an eye on her one year old son, Devon. They are staying on a tourist island that you can only reach by ferry and the woman is hardly there at the cottage where they are renting it for the summer.
Becky doesn't seem to mind because she needs the money to save up for college, she has experience with children having three younger brothers, Devon is such a delight and she's away from being stuck in Seattle after her boyfriend Jason dumped her for her ex- best friend, Sarah.
The main downside is no free time to herself to enjoy Sebastian Island but Becky soon finds the experience becoming...strange. They did come here to be secluded for there was that threat they might just kidnap the baby because Mr. Nelson is quite wealthy and Becky isn't supposed to answer the phone or let anyone see the baby...
There are no neighbors for miles except for that other cabin where that cute older boy lives with his uncle so Becky might just find herself with a summer romance but why does Cleve ask all of these strange questions? Is he spying on Becky or someone else like Mrs. Nelson and baby Devon?
A quaint cottage on an island sounds perfect but soon Becky is going to find that the fantasy is really a prison locking away a dark secret...
It does take awhile for the story to become suspenseful but it unfolds into a plot that is very heavy handed with twists and you are feeling very protective of Devon like Becky is and you have no real reason to not like Becky. The characters you are supposed to be ambivalent about hating or liking do that justice.
The climax has you torn between whether you can sympathize or not so it may make you angry or emotional. It's slightly vague and left to interpretation but it works out for the people it should.
If you haven't read Mother's Helper and like a good thriller with a touch of heartwarming humor...I'd recommend this one.
The atmosphere is slightly darker than the others even with the same teenage protagonist and a potential love interest or creepy potential killer angle for that teen audience. No longer being a teenager, I think it's also because a very young child is involved in the story and being a mom as well...it was nail biting.
Becky Collier has been hired by a woman who we mostly know as Mrs. Nelson to keep an eye on her one year old son, Devon. They are staying on a tourist island that you can only reach by ferry and the woman is hardly there at the cottage where they are renting it for the summer.
Becky doesn't seem to mind because she needs the money to save up for college, she has experience with children having three younger brothers, Devon is such a delight and she's away from being stuck in Seattle after her boyfriend Jason dumped her for her ex- best friend, Sarah.
The main downside is no free time to herself to enjoy Sebastian Island but Becky soon finds the experience becoming...strange. They did come here to be secluded for there was that threat they might just kidnap the baby because Mr. Nelson is quite wealthy and Becky isn't supposed to answer the phone or let anyone see the baby...
There are no neighbors for miles except for that other cabin where that cute older boy lives with his uncle so Becky might just find herself with a summer romance but why does Cleve ask all of these strange questions? Is he spying on Becky or someone else like Mrs. Nelson and baby Devon?
A quaint cottage on an island sounds perfect but soon Becky is going to find that the fantasy is really a prison locking away a dark secret...
It does take awhile for the story to become suspenseful but it unfolds into a plot that is very heavy handed with twists and you are feeling very protective of Devon like Becky is and you have no real reason to not like Becky. The characters you are supposed to be ambivalent about hating or liking do that justice.
The climax has you torn between whether you can sympathize or not so it may make you angry or emotional. It's slightly vague and left to interpretation but it works out for the people it should.
If you haven't read Mother's Helper and like a good thriller with a touch of heartwarming humor...I'd recommend this one.
March 27, 2022
This is a YA novel that my daughter has had on her shelf for some time. Becky is a high school graduate who gets the ideal summer job. She will be caring for a baby while living on a romantic island. Working on her tan and making good money for school sounds too good to be true. And, it is too good to be true. She loves the baby named Devon she is caring for, but things start to get weird and then downright dangerous. She doesn’t know who to believe or even if she’s going to survive the ordeal.
My daughter and I read this book aloud together. That was the fun part of reading the book. The story moved very slowly and the action didn’t start until 2/3 of the way through the book. 1 1/2 stars ⭐️s out of 5.
My daughter and I read this book aloud together. That was the fun part of reading the book. The story moved very slowly and the action didn’t start until 2/3 of the way through the book. 1 1/2 stars ⭐️s out of 5.
June 21, 2023
Becky can’t believe her luck, a summer job babysitting a cute baby boy on an island, the money will help pay for her college fees and she gets to read and sunbathe when little Devon is asleep. But why do accidents start happening? Where does the mother, Mrs Nelson go all day? Who keep leaving the broken dolls around the cabin?
This was the June Tales Point Horror book pick and it was great fun. More mystery than horror, it is a compelling story, clues to be found, questions to be asked and who is the teenage boy Cleve watching her and is he the person behind it all? A lovely twist that even though you could see coming, was very satisfying.
Love these books, they are very of the 90’s but the nostalgia is like a warm hug! Onto July 🫠
This was the June Tales Point Horror book pick and it was great fun. More mystery than horror, it is a compelling story, clues to be found, questions to be asked and who is the teenage boy Cleve watching her and is he the person behind it all? A lovely twist that even though you could see coming, was very satisfying.
Love these books, they are very of the 90’s but the nostalgia is like a warm hug! Onto July 🫠
November 2, 2019
I read this in about 2 hrs or less today and I honestly wish I could get my 2 hrs back. I only gave it two stars cause the ending was somewhat entertaining. It truly is not a great book, it was oddly written and the chapters were divided really weird. Like 1 chapter would be half a page then the next would be 5 pages. This was my first intro to the author and I hope this isn't a true example of their writing. Maybe it was just a cash grab book. Nevertheless if you just want something to pass the time then it is for you. If you are actually looking to enjoy your reading time...skip it.
July 26, 2023
I think this is one of the worst Point Horrors I've read. So many chapters that don't really move the story on at all. Trying to create tension and suspense with a whodunnit and there's only two other characters apart from the mc who actually exist on the page besides just being a name mentioned in passing. I read it as a teen and remember not liking it then either. And I guessed the end twice too. Its sort of quick to read but mainly because you can skim read the nothing happening-ness until you get to the end.
October 22, 2023
Summary:
Looking after little Devon on a remote island seems to be the ideal summer job for Becky, however appearances prove to be deceptive in this Point Horror Thriller. Becky’s employer, Mrs. Nelson, claims that she & Devon are fleeing from her abusive husband. Becky soon realises that Mrs. Nelson’s story doesn’t quite make sense & this is when her dream job turns into a deadly nightmare.
My Thoughts:
This was just some light entertainment for me. Come on, it’s Point Horror 😊
My Rating: * *
Looking after little Devon on a remote island seems to be the ideal summer job for Becky, however appearances prove to be deceptive in this Point Horror Thriller. Becky’s employer, Mrs. Nelson, claims that she & Devon are fleeing from her abusive husband. Becky soon realises that Mrs. Nelson’s story doesn’t quite make sense & this is when her dream job turns into a deadly nightmare.
My Thoughts:
This was just some light entertainment for me. Come on, it’s Point Horror 😊
My Rating: * *
September 4, 2025
I wasn't expecting much with the lukewarm goodreads rating but I was pleasantly surprised by this well-constructed thriller.
The main character Becky is capable and pleasant to read about, if maybe a little underdrawn. The twist is set up nicely without it being too obvious (I had an idea what the issue was based on the character interactions, but not the full picture) and the red herrings are fun. There's even an young child here that manages not to be annoying! I'd recommend for 90's YA thriller fans.
The main character Becky is capable and pleasant to read about, if maybe a little underdrawn. The twist is set up nicely without it being too obvious (I had an idea what the issue was based on the character interactions, but not the full picture) and the red herrings are fun. There's even an young child here that manages not to be annoying! I'd recommend for 90's YA thriller fans.
October 8, 2021
I liked this until the end. It had lots going for it - spooky cabin on a spooky island, spooky employer, spooky boy next door. Absolutely loved the phone calls and feeling of someone watching.
But the ‘twist’ didn’t make sense? I figured most of it out from the start, but why did she want to kill Becky? The killing just seemed sudden and random.
Hmm.
But the ‘twist’ didn’t make sense? I figured most of it out from the start, but why did she want to kill Becky? The killing just seemed sudden and random.
Hmm.
April 10, 2022
Have read a few rather indifferent entries in this series, I felt this was a bit of a step up. The story made sense, the characters acted like human beings and the 'threat' was nicely ambiguous with the revelation coming from a good direction. Okay, the 'villain' is a bit problematic, but the story flowed well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews