Review: This Stays Between Us by Margot McGovern
The moment I stumbled across This Stays Between Us, I felt a spark of nostalgia hit me hard, invoking memories of the thrilling, heart-pounding 90s horror films that kept me glued to the screen during sleepovers. When I discovered that Margot McGovern had written a homage to this beloved genre, I was immediately intrigued. As a lifelong fan of slasher flicks, I knew I had to dive into this spine-tingling tale of friendship, fear, and survival. And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint!
From the very first page, McGovern plunges us into an eerie atmosphere that is unmistakably reminiscent of those classic horror films. The story follows four schoolgirls on a seemingly innocuous retreat to an isolated ghost town, steeped in the chilling legend of Smiling Jack. The setting itself becomes almost a character, vibrantly illustrated through Margot’s evocative prose. The abandoned town bristles with tension and expectation, creating a perfect backdrop for the chaos about to unfold.
What I loved most about the characters—Mack, Priya, Raffi, and newcomer Shelley—is how relatable and distinct they are. They perfectly embody the different stereotypes we often associate with high school life: the jocks, the intellectuals, the cool kids, and the loners. Yet, McGovern gives depth to each girl, exploring their backgrounds and what brought them to this retreat—interweaving narratives that add weight to the horror elements. Through the ups and downs they face, I found myself rooting for them, especially as their friendships are tested against the dark specter of Smiling Jack.
The pacing of the novel is spot on. Margot intertwines moments of dread and raw emotion seamlessly, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while deepening our understanding of the girls’ struggles. It’s this balance of thrill and emotional resonance that truly encompassed my reading experience. The moments of terror, the gnawing tension, are visited upon the girls quickly and sharply, making it impossible to put the book down—almost like a gripping film reel playing in fast forward.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how it challenges typical narratives associated with horror. McGovern skillfully highlights the vulnerabilities and strengths of young women, making it not just a tale of survival, but one of empowerment. While I won’t spoil any pivotal moments, there’s a profound message embedded in the chaos, making the story linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
As I read through to the conclusion, I found myself reflecting on my own adolescent fears and friendships, ultimately tying these subjects back to the human experience in a way that felt deeply personal. Young Adult literature sometimes risks being all about the external thriller, but This Stays Between Us deftly dives beneath the surface, revealing the complexities of personal struggles that many readers, young and old, can identify with.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend This Stays Between Us to YA readers and adults alike who thrill at the intersection of horror and emotional depth. This isn’t just a book—it’s an experience that promises to hook you with its chilling allure and relatable characters. I am so grateful to Better Reading and Penguin Books Australia for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Buckle up, friends—this is one wild ride you’ll want to take!
Publication date: 4 March 2025 | Suitable for ages 15+
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