Christian Library Journal – January/February/March 2018
Gilt Hollow / by Lorie Langdon.
Blink ISBN 9780310751854
YA Grades 9 and up Rating: 5
Six years ago, the courts dumped Ashton into juvie for murdering one of his friends. And while he admitted to the crime, he lied. Released early for good behavior, Ashton is now ready to use his freedom to clear his name—by whatever means necessary. The problem? Everyone believes he’s guilty….
Except Willow.
As his childhood friend, Willow knew Ash better than anyone. She stood by his side when no one else would, and he repaid her by ignoring every letter she wrote him over the past six years.
With Willow’s life finally starting to get back to normal, Ashton’s release adds new complications to high school. He seems determined to ignore her; but even though juvie brought out his dark side, Willow’s still convinced that her best friend could never kill anyone. But will she stand her ground when her family’s safety depends on her condemning Ashton?
Young readers may want to keep the lights on while reading Gilt Hollow. Lorie Langdon’s dark murder mystery keeps readers in suspense as Ashton and Willow balance high school drama with hunting down a killer. Because the story alternates between Willow’s and Ashton’s perspectives, readers will have the opportunity to gather clues, eliminate suspects, and guess who the killer is before the mystery’s revealed.
Gilt Hollow is Lorie’s first solo-written novel, and she does a great job capturing how teens think and react in dramatic and traumatic experiences. However, these characters feel a bit too perfect. While Willow is desperate to fit in, she is utterly loyal to her ex-friend, despite lingering doubt and peers’ opinions. Ashton is attractive and, despite everyone supposedly hating him for his “crime,” he is accepted fairly easily. The killer, when revealed, instantly becomes a dislikable and psychotic character—losing all humanness and desire for reader-character empathy.
This book effectively includes flashbacks to enhance the plot and strengthen minor characters’ motives. And although faith is not a strong factor in this book, the subtle Christian references highlight the moral-ness of the story.
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