Blog Tour & Giveaway: Infamous by Allison Stowe

Infamous
Allison Stowe
Publication date: September 19th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Enter the world of this YA thriller, where nothing is ever quiteas it seems…

It’s been five years since the high profile kidnapping case which turned Cassie Waterson’s life upside down. The aftermath led her to become a household name – for months, she was splashed across TV screens, appeared in newspaper headlines, and featured in the furtive whispers of the residents of her hometown. But why? She hadn’t done anything significant. In fact, she’d done nothing at all; merely watched, motionless,as a shadowy figure lifted her baby sister off her feet, and bundled her into the back of astation wagon.

That single moment soon became Cassie Waterson’s life. Agonised by guilt, confused by the lack of punishment, scrutinised by the media circus… everyone claims to know Cassie now, but nobody does at all. The face she puts on for cameras, the voice she fakes for the talk shows… none of that is the reality behind the mask. Cassie is not the strong, confident girl who glares with certainty from the screen. Cassie doesn’thave her assuredness, or her optimism about her sister coming home. Cassie is someone else entirely, and the only person who knows is the one person she must avoid… at all costs.

Every story has two sides, and the flipside of Cassie Waterson is Alexis Aldridge. Unknown, anonymous, kept hidden from the world by her fearful parents… Alexis is a conundrum, wrapped in darkness. While her and Cassie lead opposite lives, they both long for the one thing they miss: a sense of normalcy, and the freedom to be themselves.

Infamous is an unmissable YA mystery novel which will take you on twist after turn, and which provides suspense and surprises on every page.

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My Review:

3.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Heart-Wrenching, Mystery, Teen--

Cassie was a typical 8 year old, not wanting to be bothered by her 3 year old sister while playing outside- that is until her sister was kidnapped right in front of her while she was suppose to be watching her. Cassie refuses to give up on hope of finding her sister, even while her parents fade away and the public says there is no chance. Meanwhile, Alexis is content with her life, having no idea that she is missing out on something bigger and better, locked away inside her house.

This was just like a lifetime movie, you know the kind that start all sweet and happy and then turn into the most terrible kind of dysfunction, with twists and outrageous turns that nobody could predict. My expectations for this book did not match up with what the story is because there was no way I could predict this level of drama (and the synopsis was a little vague). Because the fact this was a surprising kind of mystery, you get a short, vague review so as to not spoil anything.

The story was dual narrated by Cassie and Alexis, two very distinct voices with two very different lives running parallel- but with one commonality of having a hot mess of a family and childhood. To me though, Cassie was the main character, the one I was the most invested in, the one I felt like I knew and connected emotionally to. She had to grow up quickly since her parents checked out, growing up as the parent with the guilt of her sister's kidnapping on her conscious. I liked the dynamic she had with best friend Sara, as well as the developing relationships with her father and new girl Kendall. It was nice watching Cassie become a fully rounded person, able to shake off her past instead of letting it define her.

This was a pretty long, complicated emotional mystery story that spanned ten years, taking the reader through all parts of Cassi's journey to try and find her sister. It is a perfect read for those who like dark slow burn mysteries full of family drama.

I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary copy of this book.

Author Bio:

Allison Stowe is the author of the YA novel, ‘Infamous.’ Raised in a generic Toronto suburb, Allison spent her childhood posting fan fiction online in hopes of influencing TheWB’s writing rooms. She wrote her first novel at age 13. It was based on her favorite TVshow, and upon submission she learned of copyright law.

In 2010, she graduated with a BA (Hons) in Journalism from Ryerson University, where she was the Managing Editor of the online newspaper. During her brief journalistic career, Allison wrote for Chatelaine magazine and TV Guide Canada (essentially achieving a life dream). Shortly after graduation, she relocated to Brighton, UK, and refocused her attention on her second passion – helping young people.

While studying for her MSc in Educational Psychology at UCL, Allison wrote Infamous as a way to fulfil her instinct to keep writing. When she isn’t writing about the lives of young adults, or watching prime time teen dramas, Allison mentors university students who’ve been diagnosed with mental health issues. She lives in London, UK, with her fluffy ginger cat, Sawyer. ‘Infamous’ is her debut novel.

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