We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz

Today's review is the Teachers and Friends Book Club selection for September.  It was chosen by city side employee Roberta and our discussion will be held at Solun next week.  

I have mixed feelings about the story.  I liked the premise.  Two young women who became friends in college meet up yearly to take a vacation in a remote spot--hiking, biking, boat rides, etc.  Last year in Cambodia, Emily was assaulted by a man they met in a bar, but was saved when Kristen burst into the room and attacked him. The man died from his injuries, but the women hid his body and were never charged. 

This year, they are going to Chile. Unfortunately, the same scenario plays out, this time Kristen is attacked.  She fights off the man, and hits him with a lamp.  They repeat their hide the body and leave the country plan.  But this man is not a local.  He's the son of a wealthy American also on vacation, and his parents are not going to let the crime go unsolved.

As the investigation continues, Emily learns more and more disturbing things about Kristen's past.

This is where I am going to stop with plot as it's a murder mystery.  That being said, the last paragraph of the book completely threw me (and Ms. Corrado...) for a loop.  I look forward to discussing it. 

I did find Emily and Kristen's dialogue a tad annoying.  They both seemed to have valley-girl esque voices in my head, despite being from Wisconsin.  Kristen reminded me of Debbie from The Addams Family movie too.  And Emily was so whiny.  I wish they were stronger female leads, but I guess that would have changed the plot significantly. 

I'll be adding this to the collection, but it will be on hold for other members until our meeting.

All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.