Title: Tender Beasts
Author: Liselle Sambury
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: February 27, 2024
Genres: YA contemporary, horror
Buy Links: https://bookshop.org/a/25463/9781665903523
Synopsis
After her private school is rocked by a gruesome murder, a teen tries to find the real killer and clear her brother’s name in this psychological thriller perfect for fans of The Taking of Jake Livingston and Ace of Spades.
Sunny Behre has four siblings, but only one is a murderer.
With the death of Sunny’s mother, matriarch of the wealthy Behre family, Sunny’s once picture-perfect life is thrown into turmoil. Her mother had groomed her to be the family’s next leader, so Sunny is confused when the only instructions her mother leaves is a mysterious note: “Take care of Dom.”
The problem is, her youngest brother, Dom, has always been a near-stranger to Sunny…and seemingly a dangerous one, if found guilty of his second-degree murder charge. Still, Sunny is determined to fulfill her mother’s dying wish. But when a classmate is gruesomely murdered, and Sunny finds her brother with blood on his hands, her mother’s simple request becomes a lot more complicated. Dom swears he’s innocent, and although Sunny isn’t sure she believes him, she takes it upon herself to look into the murder–made all the more urgent by the discovery of another body. And another.
As Sunny and Dom work together to track down the culprit, Sunny realizes her other siblings have their own dark secrets. Soon she may have to choose: preserve the family she’s always loved or protect the brother she barely knows–and risk losing everything her mother worked so hard to build.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
Author’s website: lisellesambury.ca
Author’s instagram: Instagram.com/lisellesambury
Author’s twitter: N/A
Why Should You Read This?
Liselle Sambury’s “Tender Beasts” presents readers with a gripping psychological thriller that intertwines family secrets, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Set against the backdrop of a prestigious private school rocked by a shocking murder, the story follows Sunny Behre as she grapples with the complexities of her family’s dark past and the accusations against her youngest brother, Dom.
Sambury masterfully constructs a narrative filled with tension and suspense, drawing readers into a web of intrigue from the very first page. Sunny’s journey to uncover the truth behind the murder and clear her brother’s name is fraught with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its exploration of familial relationships and the intricacies of loyalty and betrayal. As Sunny delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers layers of deception within her own family, forcing her to confront uncomfortable truths and make difficult choices about where her loyalties lie.
The character development in “Tender Beasts” is superb, with each member of the Behre family coming to life with their own distinct personalities and motivations. Sunny’s internal struggles and conflicting emotions add depth to her character, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.
While the pacing of the novel is generally well-executed, there are moments where the plot feels slightly predictable or drawn out. However, Sambury’s skillful writing and attention to detail ultimately keep the story engaging and immersive.
Overall, “Tender Beasts” is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and family dramas alike. Sambury’s exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of secrets make for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story that will linger in readers’ minds long after they’ve turned the final page.