February 14th, 2013 
Vicky 
Title: Hysteria
Author: Megan Miranda
Publication date: February 14, 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury UK
Format: Ebook
ASIN: B009IRLD5C
Length: 353 pages
Genre: Mystery
Age group: Young Adult
Source: Netgalley
Add it: Goodreads
Buy it: Amazon US | Amazon UK | The Book Depository
Synopsis
Mallory’s life is falling apart. Her boyfriend was stabbed. He bled to death in her kitchen. Mallory was the one who stabbed him. But she can’t remember what happened that night. She only remembers the fear . . .
When Mallory’s parents send her away to a boarding school, she thinks she can escape the gossip and the threats. But someone, or something, has followed her. There’s the hand that touches her shoulder when she’s drifting off to sleep. A voice whispering her name. And everyone knows what happened. So when a pupil is found dead, Mallory’s name is on their lips. Her past can be forgotten but it’s never gone. Can Mallory live with that?
My thoughts
I read Fracture, Megan Miranda’s debut this time last year and fell in love with her writing instantly. The plot was fast-paced, the characters relatable and there literally wasn’t one dull moment in the story. So when I first saw that the author had a new book coming out this year, I knew I was in for a treat.
If I had to pick one thing I love about Miranda’s books it would definitely be her ability to grab my attention right away, right at the very beginning. Three sentences in and I’m already hooked – and not everyone can do that. Her ability to create suspense and keep you in the dark until the very end is definitely one of the reasons why I enjoy her books so much and why I’ll keep reading them in the future. And this is exactly how I felt about Hysteria.
It was really creepy. I loved the fact that it’s impossible to tell whether what the main character goes through – the dead boy’s mum following her wherever she goes, a mysterious hand pressing down on her shoulder when she goes to sleep and the red fingerprints and bleeding blisters on her skin the next day - is only her imagination or if it’s reality. I was prepared for the worst – when Mallory leaves for the boarding school and needs to spend her nights in a dorm room totally alone I was convinced someone would try to kill her. I kept thinking what on earth might have happened to make Mallory kill this guy and the way Miranda describes the terror she’s felt everyday since the murder is great. The way the author works with flashbacks and how Mallory’s past is embedded into the present story worked really well as well and I think it was perfect for the book.
My only problem with this novel is that I just can’t not compare it to the author’s previous book. While Miranda’s writing style is brilliant and equally captivating in both stories and I found her characters relatable and realistic in both of her books, I just didn’t find Hysteria as fast-paced as Fracture and when it all came to an end, it fell a bit flat for me. I think I was waiting for a heart-pounding showdown or some huge, dark secret and when it didn’t happen, I felt a bit let down. Just a tiny bit. I kept thinking ‘that’s it?‘. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book. But if I had to pick between Fracture and this story, Fracture would win by a mile.
Having said that, did I enjoy the book? Immensely. Did the author manage to hold my attention and make me keep on reading? Absolutely. Will I pick up her next book? Without a doubt. Hysteria is a great story by a wonderfully talented author whose writing style is definitely one of my favourites among young adult novelists. If you like mysteries and young adult fiction (and the combination of the two), Miranda’s work is a good place to start.
Teaser
“My mother hid the knife block. In hindsight, that was the first sign. And then, two nights ago, she locked her bedroom door. It had to be subconscious, but still, I didn’t want to think too hard about what she was secretly thinking. I guess that was the second sign. And now there was a suitcase on my bed. Which wasn’t really a sign at all. It was the actual event.”
Rating:
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I’m glad you liked Hysteria as well…I have to agree with you in the writing style – I was hooked from the start. I haven’t read Fracture so have nothing to compare it against but this was a great read!
Mel S recently posted..My Antihero Valentine Blog Hop + GIVEAWAY!
Oh, do read it if you can, it’s brilliant.
If you enjoyed Hysteria you’ll definitely love that one.
Can’t wait to read this one – Fracture was amazing!
It was! Fracture was one of my favourite young adult books last year.
Hope you enjoy Hysteria too!
I had some issues with this, but agree it was entertaining. I still need to read Fracture..great review Vicky, so glad you loved it
kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Review/Giveaway: Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo
Same here – I wasn’t really keen on the ending (and I’m not sure I liked the boarding school setting either) but her writing style is still one of my favourites among YA writers so I ended up enjoying it. I’m sure you’ll love Fracture, though – most people seemed to love it.
I’ve been reading some pretty mixed reviews about HYSTERIA lately, but I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it! Oh, high creepiness levels are always a plus in my book, and based on your descriptions, I think HYSTERIA is a story to be feared.
A bit anxious about the anti-climax, though, but overall, looking forward to getting my hands on this!
Lovely review, Vicky!
Megan K. recently posted..5 Lovely, Bookish Words
Yeah, lots of people gave it three or two stars
But I don’t think it’s that bad… The anti-climax thing bothered me a little bit because I was waiting for a stronger, more heart-racing ending but the writing (almost) makes up for it. Almost. 
Great review, Vicky! I think this one is going on my tbr right *now*! Awesome sounding book
Natalie Allan recently posted..On word-hugs from my characters…
Thanks Nat!
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
I really like the sound of this – I’m a fan of the unreliable narrator when it’s done well, and this sounds pretty creepy and tense. Great review!
kit recently posted..Review: The Voice of the Violin, Andrea Camilleri
So am I!
It doesn’t always work, though. I’ve read quite a few books where it just didn’t really work out as it should have, but Hysteria is great in this respect. You’ve seriously no idea if it’s real or if it’s just her imagination and it makes the story even creepier.
This sounds really good. I like that one can’t be sure, whether all the stuff that’s happening is reality, or the main character’s imagination.
And the cover is quite creepy as well.
Petra recently posted..Antihero Valentine Hop
It is! And that’s one of the things I loved about it the most. Not knowing what the heck is going on, I mean.
I have to admit that whilst I enjoyed Fracture I wasn’t its biggest fan, but this one sounds really interesting so I may just give it a go!
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Jess Hearts Books recently posted..The Fault in Our Stars Tour Live: Meeting John and Hank Green
Oh
I’m the exact opposite – I loved Fracture but wasn’t really keen on Hysteria’s ending (although the writing is still brilliant and Megan is definitely one of my favourite YA writers). I hope you enjoy this one!
Great review Vicky, I’m looking forward to reading this one! (And Fracture too!)
Hope you have a wonderful evening
xxxxx
Megan @ReadingInTheSunshine recently posted..The Stag and Hen Weekend by Mike Gayle
Hope you enjoy them hun!
Have a great week! xxx
Ooh you read this book. Great review, so sorry you didn’t like it as much as Fracture. I haven’t read Fracture yet so maybe I will go with no expectations and come out loving it.
Pragya recently posted..Cover Reveal: Drowning in You by Rebecca Berto
That’s a good plan – most people who didn’t like this book and gave it only two stars have already read Fracture, so maybe if you read Hysteria first you’ll end up loving it.
I did like it, or at least enjoyed it a lot more than most people, it seems – but I wasn’t a big fan of the ending and the last few chapters.
I’m so pleased to hear this book was a winner (especially because I requested it on Netgalley). I’ve never read anything by Miranda before so I have no basis of comparison, which, I suppose is a good thing. I like the idea of making the reader question the sanity and validity of the main character’s mental well-being, it’s very “Black Swan.” I can’t wait to find out if/why she killed her BF!
Nikki @ Foil the Plot recently posted..Book Review: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan & John Green
It is – most of the reviews I’ve read mentioned how good the author’s writing style is so maybe if you have no basis of comparison you’ll end up loving it more than we did.
It’s still a page-turner and I still love Megan’s style, though, even if I wasn’t keen on the ending. Hope you enjoy it! x
Miranda is definitely great at building the suspense. I was a bit let down at the end of this one as well but it was still super enjoyable!!
Melissa recently posted..Cat Thursday – Piper Checking out the Snow
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who felt that way! But I still enjoyed it
I’ve seen this book around quite a bit. I think I’ll have to add it to the list. I love spooky books, so hopefully this’ll be a good one. I like this cover a bit more than the US version. Glad you enjoyed it
Felicia recently posted..In My Mailbox!
So do I!
It looks a bit more creepy as well. If you like spooky books I’m sure you’d enjoy this one!
I have seen so many mixed reviews for this book. I am happy to see all the positive are really really positive. Great review.
Thanks Jenn! x
Ohh I didn’t know about this one. I loved Fracture. I haven’t bought books in sooo long though because I’m saving so I’m missing out on so many good books.
I’m glad you liked it but shame about the ending
xx
Natalie Frampton recently posted..Review : Trapped by Michael Northrop
Yeah, I know – I’m gutted the ending fell a bit flat.
But the writing was still amazing which definitely made up for it.
PS. you could check Netgalley – that’s where I requested it from, although I’m not sure if it’s still available or not.
Have you found any flats yet?
xxx
Still worth giving it a go then. I like fast paced ones that keep you gripped all the way through.
P.S No
no flats not many coming up round here and any that are, are too expensive. I saw your grandad is better now too hun, which is great news xxx
Natalie Frampton recently posted..Review : Trapped by Michael Northrop
It was pretty fast-paced and REALLY scary at times so I’d say give it a try. I really enjoyed it (apart from being a tiny bit disappointed with the ending).
Oh! Are you staying in Alton, then? I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you two – hope you find something nice and reasonably priced soon. xxx
oh good I will keep an eye out for it then.
Yeah staying here because of Work and because I don’t drive etc. public transport would be too expensive.
Natalie Frampton recently posted..Review : Trapped by Michael Northrop
Wow! This definitely sounds compelling.
Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic recently posted..My First Book Signing… Marissa Meyer
I’ve read a few bad reviews of this one, and I almost gave up on it. But now, after reading your review, I decided that I DO want to read it! I love books that hook me right from the first page. I also love creepy stories that can keep me up all night!
Great review. I love your blog!!! So happy I found it (:
I would love it if you check out mine too. Thank you ^^
Sapir @ Diary of a Wimpy Teen Girl
So have I but don’t let that put you off!
Megan is a great writer and I absolutely love her style. The ending might not have been as strong as Fracture’s was but it’s a good book all the same. 
I hope you enjoy it (if you decide to give it a try)
And thank you so much, that’s so lovely! I’ll make sure to stop by your blog asap. xxxxx
The book sounds great (and her first one too) will have to check them both out. Since I need to read a few books that came out this year and also I have never read Megan Miranda, I think I will read Hysteria for my challenge.
I seems to me that it is getting harder to find a book that when you are done, so is the story.
I find the enjoyment of reading the book is the best. When you look forward to reading than you know the book and the writer are good, that you have made the right choice to read!
Aj
Alice M (Aj) recently posted..Review: Further:Beyond the Threshold by Chris Roberson