Unraveling Isobel

February 1, 2012 Uncategorized 0

Unraveling Isobel

Author: Eileen Cook
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Pages: 304
Source: ARC from publisher


About the Book: “Thrilling and creepy, super sexy, and so very hilarious.” –Lisa McMann, bestselling author of the Wake trilogy

Isobel’s life is falling apart. Her mom just married some guy she met on the internet only three months before, and is moving them to his sprawling, gothic mansion off the coast of nowhere. Goodbye, best friend. Goodbye, social life. Hello, icky new stepfather, crunchy granola town, and unbelievably good-looking, officially off-limits stepbrother.
But on her first night in her new home, Isobel starts to fear that it isn’t only her life that’s unraveling—her sanity might be giving way too. Because either Isobel is losing her mind, just like her artist father did before her, or she’s seeing ghosts. Either way, Isobel’s fast on her way to being the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.

My Thoughts: A few months ago I tweeted that I was looking for some book recommendations. The ever fabulous Lisa McMann responded saying that I should read Eileen Cook’s books. A couple weeks later an ARC of Unraveling Isobel showed up from the publisher. Obviously the universe was saying I had to read this book! 


Unraveling Isobel captured my interest from page one. Eileen Cook does a wonderful job of creating the atmosphere for the story. I’m not sure how she worked the creepy factor and the humor together so well but it was perfect. Any story that can creep me out and make me laugh is a winner in my book.


I was totally engrossed in the characters and what was going on. The story is told in a way that I thought I knew what is going to happen but I could never be sure. Something would always surprise me and make me doubt my prediction. I love a book that can keep me guessing. I just loved all the mystery and secrets surrounding Isobel’s new life. 


Isobel’s dad has schizophrenia. When all the creepy stuff starts going down Isobel wonders if maybe she is just going crazy like her dad. There is quite a bit of discussion surrounding mental illness in the book. Isobel is reluctant to talk about her dad, she doesn’t want to go see a therapist, etc… I thought that Eileen Cook handled it in a way that was authentic, respectful, and promoted discussion. 


Unraveling Isobel was my first taste of Eileen Cook’s writing. It certainly will not be the last! If you’re looking for contemporary fiction with a twist this book is for you. Be warned… after reading it you might want to sleep with the lights on!

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