Choker Review

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

Release date: January 4, 2011

Source: E Book from Publisher

Zoe and Cara were as close as friends could be—until Zoe moved away. Miserable without Zoe, Cara grew into an unhappy sixteen-year-old, tormented by the popular girls and nursing a hopeless crush. Then one day Cara returns home from a miserable day at school to find Zoe sitting on her bed. Shocked and delighted, Cara agrees to hide Zoe from troubles at home and the two resume their friendship as though no time has passed. Zoe even helps Cara get up the courage to stand up for herself and talk to her crush. But when one of the popular girls winds up dead, Cara begins to suspect that Zoe is responsible, and her questions only feed Zoe’s anger. As Cara searches for answers, she is forced to confront a deadly truth….

Review:

Going into Choker I was beyond excited to read it although I hadn’t heard too many things about it. Luckily it didn’t disappoint in the creepiness factor, but the fact that I figured out the twist towards the middle of the story ruined it for me.

Cara and Zoe were two of the most unique and complex characters I’ve ever read about. Cara was weak and followed Zoe relentlessly. At times I wanted to shake Cara and tell her that Zoe’s ideas and thoughts were dangerous and that she needed to think for herself. Some of the things Zoe did were terrifying and disgusting, and their friendship was almost disturbing.

There was a lot of mystery and intrigue involved in the story and at first I had no idea what to expect. As the novel progressed I started noticing little things that made me suspicious and I did start to suspect the ending. I have to say Elizabeth did a fantastic job of keeping the plot moving and throwing in surprising curve balls. Some of the scenes freaked me out so much and others left me anxious to keep reading. The ending was very original and twisted and I know it will shock most readers, but I did predict it. (Which may only be because I’ve seen a certain horror movie too many times).

The title is a perfect fit for the book. It ties in with the story in so many ways. I truly felt for Cara after she chokes on a carrot in the cafeteria and becomes the laughing stock of the whole school. High school can be hard enough without having to stress over bullies.

Murder, mystery, and suspense combine in this debut novel and I do recommend it. For me, suspecting the ending and not truly caring for the main character turned me away a little, but I know many others have loved this. Be prepared for a creepy, disturbing, and intense read when you pick this up! I am looking forward to seeing what Elizabeth Woods writes next.

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars