After the Sleepover by Kerry Wilkinson

*** Review ***

Kerry Wilkinson’s After the Sleepover catapults readers into a chilling sequel, picking up the threads left dangling in the gripping prequel, The Night of the Sleepover. As a devoted fan of Wilkinson’s writing, I eagerly delved into this psychological thriller, and true to form, the author doesn’t disappoint. The narrative ensnares you from the first page, weaving a tapestry of suspense, red herrings, and unexpected turns that kept me engrossed throughout.

The story is a haunting echo of events that transpired twenty-five years ago when Leah experienced a sleepover that turned into a nightmare. Her three best friends vanished without a trace, leaving an indelible scar on the small town’s collective memory. Now, history eerily repeats itself as three teenage boys disappear after camping in a field adjacent to one of their homes. The sense of déjà vu is palpable, and the desperation of the distraught families is heart-wrenching.

The author expertly employs smoke and mirrors, peppering the narrative with red herrings that kept me guessing. The suspense builds relentlessly, and just when you think you have it all figured out, Wilkinson throws a curveball that reshapes the entire landscape of the mystery. The pacing is impeccable, creating an addictive quality that compelled me to keep turning the pages long into the night.

Leah, the central character, takes center stage once again, grappling with the trauma of the past and confronting the possibility that her understanding of the original sleepover may have been flawed. The character development is nuanced and believable, and Wilkinson masterfully draws on Leah’s emotional turmoil to drive the narrative forward. The personal stakes are high, as Leah embarks on a journey to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

However, despite the relentless suspense and intricate plot twists, there were moments when I anticipated a more explosive revelation. The resolution, while satisfying, lacked the shock factor I had anticipated. It’s as if the story gently unfolded its secrets rather than delivering the anticipated bombshell. I found myself craving a more profound impact, a revelation that would send shockwaves through the narrative.

Moreover, the lack of a robust backstory to Leah’s initial sleepover left me yearning for more context. While it adds a layer of continuity to the series, After the Sleepover could have stood alone with a more thorough exploration of Leah’s past. A deeper dive into her experiences would have enriched the narrative, providing a more comprehensive understanding for readers who might not have ventured into the prequel.

It’s worth noting that, like its predecessor, After the Sleepover maintains Wilkinson’s signature rapid-fire timeline, introducing a plethora of characters and interweaving their stories with finesse. The familiar faces, including Leah, Zac, Ben, and Josh, alongside new characters, contribute to the overall sense of mystery and terror that permeates the narrative.

In conclusion, After the Sleepover is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Kerry Wilkinson’s skillful storytelling and adept use of suspense make this sequel an absorbing experience. While some may find the resolution to be less explosive than expected and yearn for a more standalone narrative, the book undeniably delivers a satisfying continuation of the Sleepover series. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating more from Wilkinson’s captivating universe of mysteries.