31 Reads of Terror: 'She Was the Quite One' by Michelle Campbell

Sometimes covers can be misleading—take, for instance, the paperback cover of She Was the Quiet One by Michelle Campbell. I stumbled upon it at a Dollar General for a mere $3, lured in by the tagline: "The guilty one is never who you think..." My heart raced at the thought of a pulse-pounding thriller. Even after reading the blurb, I felt a twinge of intrigue I couldn't resist. Yet, as often happens in the literary world, the cover and blurb proved to be a deceptive siren call, leading me into a narrative that was far from what I had hoped.

The plot unfolds as Sarah Donovan and her husband, Heath, seize what seems to be their golden opportunity as the new dorm heads of Moreland Hall at the prestigious Odell Academy. After years of scraping by as underappreciated teachers, they dream of stability and a brighter future for their two small children. But their hope quickly spirals into chaos with the arrival of the Enright twins, Bel and Rose, who plunge into their lives like a wicked storm.

These twins are total opposites, yet they both crave attention like moths to a flame. Smart and resourceful Rose finds solace in Sarah’s guidance, while the more vulnerable Bel becomes entangled with Heath, sparking up a relationship that raises countless red flags. Is Heath genuinely trying to help her navigate the treacherous waters of their wealthy cohort, or is he merely preying on her naivety? As Sarah tries to step in, the tension mounts, and it becomes chillingly clear that a precarious chain of events has begun—one that could culminate in murder. Beneath the veneer of privilege and enticement, the narrative thickens, revealing that not everyone will have the chance to tell their side of the story.

Though the cover may scream adult thriller, the reality is that She Was the Quiet One is more of a young adult melodrama wrapped in a grown-up disguise. Yes, there are adult characters, but they mingle with a cast of teenagers, and the prose, descriptions, and dialogue resound with the youthful cadence of YA fiction. I was searching for an adult thriller, only to discover a narrative aimed squarely at a younger audience—most of whom are likely adults themselves.

It took several chapters before a flicker of interest ignited within me, but the story derailed into the worn-out territory of student/teacher relationships—a topic that modern authors seem to fetishize. Yes, it’s ripped straight from the headlines, but frankly, I’m growing weary of the sensationalism. It’s a storyline I never desired to explore, and as a reader, I found it decidedly off-putting.

To make matters worse, I didn’t resonate with any of the characters. This deep disconnection only drained my enthusiasm further. There were moments when I seriously contemplated tossing the book aside for good, but alas! I needed a title for today’s 31 Reads of Terror, so I mustered the willpower to claw my way to the last page.

In the end, She Was the Quiet One left me disappointed. It’s a book I regret purchasing—three dollars I’ll never recoup. Perhaps there’s an audience out there who might find some enjoyment in this tale, but for me? I can’t in good conscience recommend it. So, consider this a friendly warning: not every book glitters, and sometimes the cover hides a trap just waiting to snap shut on your expectations. ╌★★✰✰✰

〜B.J. Burgess