Need

Need
By Carrie Jones
Bloomsbury, 2009. 306 pages. Young Adult

Zara White is obsessed with phobias ever since her beloved step-father died in front of her. She feels knowledge of her fears will help her cope with them. To help Zara deal with her grief Zara's mother sends her to live with her grandmother in Maine. Zara hates cold, snowy Maine until she meets Issie, her boyfriend Devyn, and their gorgeous friend Nick. Nick immediately befriends Zara although she wonders at his overly protective attitude. After her arrival in Maine Zara suspects a man is stalking her, a man who leaves gold dust in his wake. She believes he is a pixie and for some reason her friends believe her. In addition, several young men from the community have gone missing. Zara tries to unravel the mysterious occurrences and at the same time learns a startling secret about her own past.

The tone of Need is set immediately by both the title and Zara’s internal musings about life’s unfairness. The stark and dangerous landscape of icy Maine provides a classic backdrop for the suspenseful plot. The serious flirtation between Zara and Nick adds to the story as Nick is superlative high school boyfriend material. Fans of Twilight will like this quick read. The ending certainly leaves room for a sequel.

ALC