Nothing Bad Happens Here: A Summer Mystery in Paradise?
When I first stumbled upon Nothing Bad Happens Here by Rachel Ekstrom Courage, I was instantly drawn in by the tantalizing juxtaposition of a picturesque Nantucket summer and the chilling premise that something sinister lurked beneath its beautiful facade. Having always had a soft spot for small-town mysteries, I knew I was in for a ride. But as I dove into the story, I found myself grappling with both the enchantment of its setting and a growing frustration with its protagonist.
The journey follows sixteen-year-old Lucia, who’s reluctantly spending her summer in an idyllic town where, supposedly, nothing bad happens. As you might guess, her summer takes a sharp turn when she discovers the body of a teenage girl on the beach—an event that reopens old emotional wounds. Sadly, the mystery doesn’t fully ignite until the final quarter of the book, leaving readers to navigate through Lucia’s character development for much of the journey. This pacing might deter some mystery enthusiasts initially, but the lush world-building is the novel’s saving grace.
Courage does a fantastic job of crafting the small-town dynamics that make Nantucket feel immersive and vibrant. Lucia’s stark contrast to the island’s carefree teens provided a refreshing angle, showcasing how vastly different life experiences can shape one’s perception of the world. I could practically smell the salty air and feel the warmth of summer sun while I read; the narrative epitomizes that sort of lazy day vibe.
However, my empathy for Lucia took a nosedive as her decisions became increasingly erratic. I know she’s a teen grappling with trauma, but her inconsistencies and moral flip-flopping transformed her from an intriguing heroine into an almost overly frustrating character. I found myself questioning how someone could comfortably hang out with people she barely knew, scrambling my own sense of logic. The supernatural twist just added to my befuddlement, surfacing out of nowhere and leaving me raising an eyebrow rather than leaning in with intrigue.
On a brighter note, the book culminates in an unexpected—and undeniably crazy—conclusion that left me reeling. While some twists felt like a punchline I could see coming, Courage wrapped up with an ending I didn’t anticipate. Still, a part of me craved an epilogue to catch glimpses of what lay ahead for these characters.
If you’re a reader drawn to character-driven narratives and are willing to embrace pacing that leans more towards introspection than action, Nothing Bad Happens Here may tickle your fancy. It’s not your run-of-the-mill murder mystery, and for those who appreciate rich world-building and character exploration, it will undoubtedly resonate. Overall, while the book didn’t reach the heights I’d hoped for, it certainly provides a thought-provoking look at trauma and friendship against the backdrop of an unsuspecting paradise.
So grab a cold drink, settle into your favorite nook, and give this one a shot—I’d love to hear your thoughts on Lucia’s journey!
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