The novel begins with a backstory about five high schoolers who were punished for behaving uncharacteristically foolish during a class which has led them to their current predicament. It’s neither a smooth starting nor the characters introduced are easygoing. Still, something about the humdrum beginning keeps the readers engaged to deliver a gut punch.
The punch comes in the form of an unexpected ending of Simon’s life in the middle of detention. Simon along with his fellow classmates-Bronwyn, Nate, Cooper, and Addy are facing detention for their teacher Mr. Avery’s class as each one of them is caught with a mobile phone in their bags despite claiming otherwise. All of them are suspecting that someone has played a prank on them which has cost them such an unfair punishment. As being stranger to each other, everyone becomes a suspect as the mastermind behind this prank.
However, as the things take a turn for the worse, each one becomes a suspect not just behind the prank which brought them to the unfortunate gathering but also of the suspicious death of Simon. As a gossip writer of the Bayview High (school), unearthing everyone’s secrets on his About That app; Simon is hated by everyone in the school community. So, it’s no surprise that everyone heave a sigh of relief when he exits out of the world.
But their happiness of not airing dirty laundry in public anymore is short lived as the gossip app carries on posthumously without Simon at its helm. That add an element of suspense to the ongoing murder mystery. As the focus keeps on shifting from the one to another of the remaining four, it becomes difficult to determine who is lying and who is telling the truth,
As the storyline progresses, we get to know more about each of the four suspects, their backstories and what might give them a legitimate motive to eliminate Simon. Unsurprisingly, this tragedy brings all of them together and they form a strong bond as often people going through difficult times do.
with all the twists and turns when the truth comes to light, it’s more baffling than imagined previously. The four protagonists along with the readers are taken aback by the revelation of Simon’s unfortunate demise and the truth behind it.
As the noteworthy and long standing member of the bestsellers list, the novel’s reputation precedes itself. So, it’s not surprising to find that the storyline and characters don’t disappoint us. The story keeps the readers engaged till the very last page.
All in all, I would definitely recommend it for a one time read for its solid premise and engaging writing style. It’s worth reading till the end when all the pieces fall into their places and the picture reveals itself not only for the readers but also for the four central characters.