The Cousins is the type of book that draws you in for a real twisty narrative with surprises around every corner. But, after you finish reading, the biggest surprise is how little happened in this story.

It bothers me when ‘YA’ becomes an excuse for shallow, uncomplicated emotions and events. The exciting parts of the plot felt like hearsay, and none of the criminal or intense events are described firsthand. Lots of dark, crazy things happen here, but I was left unsatisfied because it never felt like we got to experience them. I can’t even blame it on the split narrative between the past and the present because there’s a way to do that which is more descriptive and involved that’s missing in The Cousins.

I’m not even going to talk about that forced, unnecessary romance. Besides the shock factor for that one instance, it served no purpose and deserves no more time or attention.

The Cousins was an initial four-star read which I’ve dropped to three on reflection. Time and space have reduced the artificial high from a thrilling pace and revealed the lack of complexity.