Favorite

The first two thirds of this YA thriller are well worth the price of admission and include all the requisite elements of jeopardy - a spunky teen still reeling from the confusion/devastation of her mum's inexplicable disappearance five years previous, a wealthy, control-freak matron in an isolated mansion replete with sneaky servants, and a hottie boy who may or may not be part of the malevolent machinations to keep the heroine off-balance. (Oh, and there's also an inquisitive kitty that a tad too much curiosity threatens to kill.)

In several chapters, I was actually reminded of "Veronica's Room," Ira Levin's two-act play from the 1970's, in which the lead character's uncanny resemblance to a long-deceased darling lays the sleazy groundwork for an unsettling nightmare. That said, the final third of "Favorite" too quickly slides into a predictable, back-story succession of talking heads, a device that diminishes all of the excellent efforts of building suspense that might have garnered an extra star in the final analysis.

This is an enjoyable read. The action starts within the first few pages and keeps going which makes it difficult to put it down. I made my family wait around for me to finish the book before I was willing to go out to lunch today.

Angie is very likeable and the reader feels an immediate connection to the main character. Her family is fun and quirky. Karen McQuestion does a great job painting a vivid picture in the mind's eye through amazing descriptions. The plot is intriguing with twists and turns in all the right places. It kept me guessing, while wondering where the author would ultimately take the story. The ending is realistic, leaving the reader satisfied after the final page is turned.

I would highly recommend this story to all, middle school and up. It's a quick, satisfying read that grabs the reader and refuses to let go.

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I liked the mood and atmosphere built up by this book in its first third. There was a genuine spookiness and a decent mystery. Unfortunately, it goes downhill pretty swiftly from there. I figured out the "twist" on the basis of a single overheard conversation and in light of that "twist" the lead antagonist's actions make no sense whatsoever. The ending is far too rushed and I know it's a YA book but it felt a little too short and insubstantial. The main events take place in the course of an extremely unlikely 48 hour period. Based on this one book I'd say McQuestion is a decent writer but she needs to give herself more time to let the story unfold in a more natural way. This felt forced. She should also spend more time researching what would really happen in terms of police procedure to a girl who'd been the victim of an attempted parking lot snatch. That part of the story felt totally unrealistic, even from the beginning. The story itself is a good concept, but if I was her editor, I'd tell her to go back and work on it some more before actually turning it into a novel.

The premise of this book is so promising. There's a missing mother, a nearly-taken daughter, a rock star dad, an amiable older brother, a very large crazy man, a cute guy from a weird rich family and a suitably skeptical police detective. What more could any reader ask for?

Well, it turns out the reader could ask for another fifty pages to develop said story. I was with the author through the end of Chapter 13, about halfway through. We've had our introductions, we know about mom's disappearance, Angie has seen the creepy mansion, and she is suitably unsettled. Then it felt as if the story was scrambling to an ending. Ultimately, I was happy with the set-up and comfortable with the ending. It's not precisely happily-ever-after, but feels even better for it. I just didn't totally buy the short run up to the ending.

I think this will still be a favorite (ok- everybody has to use the pun somewhere to review this)with teen readers who like the mystery and who wouldn't want to stick with a longer work. However, the adults who often love teen suspense titles are not going to be as thrilled by this one.

This is a solid suspense novel but I'm only giving it 3 stars because it could have been further developed. The beginning and middle are fairly strong - love the cat's contribution - but the psychological scarring and such could have been explored more. Also, some loose ends - does the main character have the worst friends on the planet? Doesn't anyone ever show up? That was so blatantly weird I actually expected a paranormal twist. Same with the other family members - the daughter-in-law abandons a girl at the first threat of losing a little money but is still declared a good person with good intentions? The last third of the book was weak and seems rushed, unfortunately, which is too bad because the author can obviously write and write well. Three stars.

The story started out good and I was interested enough that I even took it to work to read, which is something I rarely do. However it did not take long to figure out what was going to happen and I lost some interest. There were a few surprises. Angel and her family were different but in today's world not unusual which may make it easier for a young reader to relate . The family living situation was such that young readers can connect. I did like that while the father appeared to be living in another world regardng his musical career he did care about his family and he portrayed a sense of detirmination when it came to his making a living. I tried to look at it form two perspectives one being the story line and the other as to what a young reader would take away from the story. Had the story line been a little more intriguing it would have gotten 5 stars.
Iam trying not to say too much specififc to the story so as not to give it away . It is a good read and I think a young person would enjoy it.

Angie's mother has disappeared, Angie is snatched from a mall parking lot, and her life is turned upside-down. Five years have passed since Angie's mom has disappeared, her father is always on the road, and her grandmother cannot watch over Angie and Jason day-after-day. Where did her mom go, and will Angie ever forget her mother's disappearance? Why did Scott Bittner abduct Angie from the mall, and why did Scott's rich mom invite Angie to her estate? What was going through Angie's mind as she walked through the gorgeous Bittner mansion? I highly recommend "FAVORITE" to all mystery lovers, who enjoy a gripping story, packed with suspense. The author becomes a Master storyteller for young adults and adults as she crafts a steadily engrossing thriller. The read is enjoyable, intriguing, and packed with twists-and-turns. Will Angie's mom and dad ever reunite, how long will Scott be in prison, and how will Angie get through the suffering of loss?

“What a way to start the book,” was the first thought that crossed my mind after reading the first several pages. It definitely started off with some sort of a bang that is hard to follow through when you’ve already set the bar.

Favorite is a great, fast read for those that love a good mystery/thriller story. It’s also a book that gives me trouble when typing the name, as I’m consistently trying to avoid spelling it Favourite. Anyway. The book is listed under the genres of mystery, thriller, and suspense... (more of this review can be found @ http://clockworkorigin.com/favorite-review/)

I loved this little story about 2 teenage siblings, Angel and Jason. Their mother mysteriously disappeared leaving them with their struggling musician father, who ended up in jail. Living with their grandma, they try to have a normal life, until..Angie is attacked by a stalker. While slowly recovering from her trauma, both kids are left alone, as grandma goes on a cruise with her boyfriend and dad plays a gig. Suddenly the mother of the stalker calls Angie and entices them into her "magic" castle to enter her rich and eccentric world. Both teens fall under her spell. Nothing is as it seems and they become trapped in a web of insanity. No spoilers here, but there are enough uncertainties about what is going on to keep you turning the pages. The characterizations were a bit "too forced" in the teen mold and I would suspect that this book may appeal more to preteens. At any rate, a fun read.

Started reading this book, a few hours later was finished. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the writing style and felt the author captured the teen "voice" very well. The Favorite family is very likable and the ending, while dramatic is very satisfying, something I find missing in many books today that concentrate on sequels.

This is a book for young adults and I found it very fitting to that genre. There is no sex, or bad language. The cover describes it as part thriller, part coming of age. I agree. In particular, I enjoyed the way the suspense mounts chapter by chapter to a thrilling climax. Could we have figured out the ending?--sure, but that made it no less enjoyable and pleasing.

I would recommend this book for young adults. The attack sequence in the first part of the book might be a little intense for the younger group.

A decent premise but I was left feeling a little hanging at the end. Yes, there is an evil protagonist and there are some good characters but it was lacking and the writing was a bit sophomoric. Not to be a snob but I need either characters I can become attached to or a story that is unique and unexpected and this didn't really deliver on either. It was a good way to waste a few hours though.

Interesting thriller; very intriguing, emotional and chilling. Realistically horrifying thriller which keeps you glued to every chapter, frighteningly worried that it will have a very sickening ending.

I loved this book! Angie lives with her grandmother because her father is a life-time aspiring musician that is constantly traveling, but he loves his kids more than anything. Angie and her brother Jason try to go through life after their mother leaves, but Angie cannot shake the feeling that her mother didn't just walk away from them. Once Scott Bittner tries to kidnap Angie, she gets thrown into the Bittner's life. Scott's mother contacts Angie to apologize and beg for forgiveness so Angie agrees to meet her. She offers Angie and her brother things their family could never provide. Angie is very reluctant to offer forgiveness because something just seems "wrong" to her about the entire situation. Once Angie decides she cannot take the Bittner's anymore and tries to leave, her world gets turned upside down and she might not make it out alive!

This was a fast, easy read. The premise is a little unbelievable, but still, it was a fun story. I was a bit befuddled that there wasn't more about psychic ability/precognition since that seemed to have been such a draw-in at the start of the novel. I'm going to read more of McQuestion's work.

This is the second Karen McQuestion book I read, very different from the first one. This short story was an interesting plot, if not predictable, but I feel that readers were slighted due to the shortness. There wasnt a lot of time to build the characters and their thoughts seemed to jump around just to get to the point. More than once I paused while reading and thought it was an unusual story but with enough interest to keep me reading. Not my favorite by McQuestion but wont turn me off from others to come that I know I will love.

This is a book that I as a preteen would recommend for 11-14 young girls.
This story tells the tale of a young girl determined to find her mother who disapeared for 5 years. Angie Favorite is suddenly attacked by Scott Bittner, causing fatal injuries. Shortly after, Angie is invited to stay at Mrs.Bittner`s (Scott Bittner`s mother) mansion. Angie is investigating what exactly is going on, when she finds her mother, who had beem kept in captive against her will by Mrs.Bittner. Angie has to discover why her mother was taken into captive and unravel a dark secret. Can she save the day, and will her story end with a "happily ever after" ¿ (Sorry can not find proper ¿)
Find out by buying this book on your Kindle for $4,99 now!
It is a good book, I think there were too many feelings repeated ad not enough explanations. It could be a bit more exciting and scary. I cried and gasped with Angie and if I only had one word to describe this book, it would be "gripping".
Hope that you have enjoyed my review, you do not have to agree with anything I wrote. I think it is good to have different opinions and thoughts. If you think some of my points do not say what you say, do not say anything.
Arrigato, sayonara!
Kia-kun

LIKED THIS BOOK JUST FINE BUT NOT ONE YOU REMEMBER FOR LONG AFTER YOU HAVE READ IT. IT IS ENTERTAINING BUT NOT ONE YOU JUST CAN'T PUT DOWN. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A REALLY BAD REVIEW BUT I DON'T MEAN IT THAT WAY IT IS JUST A 4 RATHER THAN A 5 AND I LIKE 5'S. LOL IT IS WORTH READING AND IT IS EASY TO FOLLOW AND ISN'T SILLY WHICH IRRITATES ME. ENOUGH SAID.

This has been the first book that I have read by this author . I love the book it captured me from the first moment I started reading . Very impressed I will definitely be reading another book by this author.

This book started out going in the wrong direction with somewhere along the way getting mixed up but had a great ending. Just shows you never know who to really trust and what could be something bad be actually something good but we never know

When I saw this book on the shelf, I was intrigued by the cover. I'd never read a YA novel before, so I figured I'd let this one be my first. I absolutely loved this and fell in love with the protagonist right away. I found myself wishing and willing everything to be alright. As I read the climax of the story, my heart starting beating fast and I felt like I was right there with Angie. I was so pleased at the end, I didn't want to put the book down, but it was already over. Awesome read.

This is the second book of Karen McQueen's that I've read. I love her real life characters. This story grabs you at the beginning and doesn't stop until the last page. Good job, Karen. Can't wait to read more from you.

Favorite is a very well written book, with its best feature being its suspense. It has a great plot, with lovable characters and nothing that comes out of the blue or randomly. It is, even without much action, not a slow book and was hard to put down. Even though I agree with the decision of it being a stand alone novel, I would most gladly read a sequel.

I wish we didn't have to list books as YA because I think so many books get overlooked by adults that would absolutely love them. Just like the Lovely Bones could have been considered "YA" and yet, was read and LOVED by adults, so too, Favorite has that same energy.
This book could easily have been priced 9.99 and I'd like to thank the publisher for keeping the price sooo reasonable! That being said, I'm scooping up the rest of McQuestions books while the prices are still a bargain!
If you liked Lovely Bones - you will love Favorite!

This little mystery book is billed as being for teens. It will satisfy any adult who is into mysteries. This is a story told by a 16 year girl who has had a lot of trauma in her life. The great thing about this story is the unexpected twists and turns and the dramatic ending. I stayed up late to finish this book. I just had to see what happened next. Mystery lovers enjoy!

This book is spellbounding in that Karen McQuestion truly has the ability to put herself in her characters' shoes. As a 15 year old girl myself, I can tell you that Angel is probably the most relateable teenage figure I've ever read about, (that includes books from authors such as Meg Cabot, who tune to girls such as myself).I feel as I could easily step into Angel's life and become one of her best friends, so to speak. Although the diction is simple, the story is better off that way , unmuddled by words that you'd need a dictionary to understand, and instead focuses on the raw depth of emotion that Karen McQuestion's characters exhibit.This story is a treasure, one that deserves to capture unsuspecting future readers
such as myself for a long time. I'm looking forward to reading more from Karen McQuestion in the future.

I am twelve years old, and this is the best book I have ever read in my life. it is totally unexpected, and there are alot of thrilling parts that speed up your heart rate! there is a little bit of a "thing" going on beetween mike and angie, and the ending is totally emotionally satisfying! this is a really great book, and i sugest it to anyone beetween the ages of 8 to 16. it is very, very good, and even if you are older then 19,I suggest that you give it a try. ~jordan from rossland bc.

I am twelve years old, and this is the best book I have ever read in my life. it is totally unexpected, and there are alot of thrilling parts that speed up your heart rate! there is a little bit of a "thing" going on beetween mike and angie, and the ending is totally emotionally satisfying! this is a really great book, and i sugest it to anyone beetween the ages of 8 to 16. it is very, very good, and even if you are older then 19,I suggest that you give it a try. ~jordan from rossland bc.

Rarely do you find a book that keeps you so entwined. From beginning to end it has so much emotion and you feel yourself easily feeling what this girl went through inevitably finding out what really happened to her missing mother. Great writing! Couldn't put this book down! My next book I am going to read on my kindle will be by Karen McQuestion again. One great author!

An other young adult book from Karen McQuestion. and a quick read. It was ok but I was a little bored reading this book. I think I probably would have enjoyed this one if I were a teen . It is well written and would recommend it to teens.

This is the third time writing this review, I kept hitting the wrong button. so i'm gonna make it short this time. I read when I go to bed because it helps me go to sleep. But thats not what happened with Favorite, it did just the opposite, I couldn't put it down. I let my family and friends know that this is a book for them to read next. I am looking foreward to some more sleepless nights reading more from Karen McQuestion.

i could not put this book down! i read it continuously for 7 hours..what a great read!! i am a huge fan of this author and look forward to her next book. i highly recommend this book. you will not be disappointed..

I loved to read at this age and finding good books was hard. I was so happy to see this author did not talk down but to her reading audience. I did not see that ending coming! The characters were well fleshed out and the story line was fun to read. I have a pen pall that is just the right age for this book I can't wait to send it on to her.

Once I started reading Favorite I could hardly put it down. I definitely reccomend this to other YAs. I really enjoyed the beginning and middle of the book, but the ending (although it was a satisfying end) could have been better. I am looking forward to reading a non-YA novel by Ms. McQuestion!

To be honest it is worth 100stars for a review. I'm so happy that the family got together in the end but I was hoping so much that Mike and angel (if anything's misspelled I'm sorry) would get together. :( :)

A great book by a great author. When I read this book I had to read it all in one sitting. Having a twenty year old daughter I found the characters believable and engaging. Without giving away to much I worried about the main characters emotional state, but then I thought she is just a character in a book. Yes I was that caught up. I can't wait to read Karen's other books.

an amasing book! karen mcquestion, you are officially my new favorite author. i can't imagine being in the position of angie, but the way its described, you can't help but feel her anguish. love it! i read it in two sittings and i would have read it in one if my father hadn't told me it was time to go to his job and i had to leave the kindle. and now i can't think of anything but this book!

Im 14 and I LOVE this book. HIGHLY reccomended. This was the first book I bought on my Kindle. I thought it would be an O.K read. Man was I wrong! I could not put this book down! The beginning is riveting and the end is more than satisfying. I would definitley recommend this book along with all other Karen McQuestion books. She definitley does not disappoint!!

I have to admit the reason I was first drawn to this book was because of its rating and also the price. Once I started reading this I was hooked and couldn't put it down. well written, great storyline. I will definately read this author again !

If I am being truthful, this is one of the only mystery books I can actually say that I loved and enjoyed reading. I do not know what it was about it, but Karen McQuestion, you are a fantastic author and I hope to read more from you soon! I might even call you my new favorite...funny right?

What are you all talking about? Sure, the basic story line was good but it was all way too predictable. And the characters emotions were so weak. I was never made to feel what they felt.
I bought it because it was cheap but I will not be ordering another McQuestion book.

If I am being truthful, this is one of the only mystery books I can actually say that I loved and enjoyed reading. I do not know what it was about it, but Karen McQuestion, you are a fantastic author and I hope to read more from you soon! I might even call you my new favorite...funny right?

What are you all talking about? Sure, the basic story line was good but it was all way too predictable. And the characters emotions were so weak. I was never made to feel what they felt.
I bought it because it was cheap but I will not be ordering another McQuestion book.

This book sucked me in right away and kept me in suspense until the very end. Very well written and somewhat creepy. From a noising mother to a foiled kidnapping attempt, this book is not as it first appears to be.

I bought this book thinking it would be an OK read for the free time of my holiday, i was wrong.It was a brilliant book. Favorite is a gripping read and you really feel like your there with the characters. I commend Karen McQuestion and i will be searching for more of her work.

I was surprised that I read this book in 2 hours, and more than a little dissapointed. Even though the plot was a bit predictable it was still intruiging. the characters seemed realistic and the world these characters live just as good. Definitely worth the cost

Im not a book critic, but this book was amazing! It is definintly my favorite book. It is a page turner with mystery, suspense, and a surprise ending you will never guess. Once you enter this book, there's no way out. (that's a good thing though) You should definently buy this book.

This book was slightly boring in the beginning with her being in the hospital and all... But then it got exciting and started piecing together but i suspected most of it the whole way but im good at guessing and suspicions but it was amazing overall

I loved this book. My second one by this author. Completely different than the first one but just as good. My only problem was it didn't really explain who really beat Angel up. Kinda left hanging with that. Going to buy another one of her books.

I liked this book. It was really good. I liked how things connected and how the out come came about. I enjoy these types of books because they show that you don't know what you have till it's gone and mothers are a great key in life.

i was satisfied with the book after angie found her mother. But i did not like how she coudnt give mikey a chance just because of his last name. alo if it wasent for him, angie woudnt have had those hints about the bittners. overall i do recomend this for a good weekend read

I too thought this was YA literature. As an English teacher I think it is good, though predictable, for young teens since there is nothing objectionable in it. I even think my 10 yr. old granddaughter who reads way above level would enjoy it.

I thought this book was really good. I read this book in one sitting. I never put it down. I thought this book was really good because of all the genres. It was suspense, drama and mystery all put together in one book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read.

I never heard of this author and I have read thousands of books; but I thought what the heck it sounded interesting....I luved the twist's that McQuestion did in the book. So much so, I bought a few others. Try it!

I thought this was a very interesting book. There were a few mistakes like "confidant" instead of "confident."Otherwise I really enjoyed reading it. I liked how it all came together in the end. I would defidently recommend this book to others.

I loved this book. It truely is a tear jurker and very realist. Karen McQuestion really captured everything that I like as a fourteen year old girl. Needless to say I loved it and look forward to reading it over and over again.

i really liked this story, the tone of voice the story's narrater is very relatable. every girl can put themselves in angie's place. i would have liked if angie would have found herself in a relationship with mike, but it was still a great story in the end. heather belle, louisiana

this book will keep you on edge and when i started it i couldn't put it down. this is honestly the best book i have ever read. the anticipation starts on page 3 and goes to the final dramatic conclusion.

This was a great book! I couldn't put it down because I just had to find out what was going to happen next. Now that I have finished it, I still find myself thinking back to the story, I love that it sticks with you.

I read this on my kindle and I was at the 50% mark and couldn't stop reading. It kept me wanting more. I wish it would have gone into more detail at the end but other than that I thought it was a great read.

wow what a read!
i enjoed it so much( on my kindle ) i am fixing to buy another k. mcquestion book. can't wait !
i am even willing to let my daughter borrow my kindle so she can read"favorite".

What a surprisingly great read. My first McQuestion read but by no means the last. It was fast paced wthout being predictable and still managed to capture all the true emotions of the characters. brilliant work!

I read this book because it was recommended and sounded interesting. I recently purchased a Kindle and this was one of the selections I chose to download right away. It was a very good story, a page turner, but I wish it would have been a little longer. I usually like the thrillers, so this was a stretch for me, but it was good and I will probably purchase more of Karen's books in the future.

Well written and easy to read, I wasnt able to put the book down. No gore, just well written and an enjoyable thriller...

An excellent novel, and one I could thankfully buy in the UK (I seem unable to purchase every other book I try as being unavailable in my country)
I will buy her other books if able to...for my new Kindle
A good read and well worth the money

This is a great book and has a great story and its from a great author. Even in the beginning of the book before any serious drama begins, Angie is a real girl and she battles problems that any teenager would have to face. More towards the end, she also shows us a side of bravery amd strength. She knows just what to do in the wrong situation & Karen McQuesion keeps you hanging on to this compelling book at the end of every chapter.:)