The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Tiffany Brooks is a treasure hunt with a twist. Depicting a reality show set on a deserted island that is rumoured to hold buried treasure, this one contains drama and a main character who is determined to reinvent herself. I especially enjoyed reading about the show’s entertaining challenges and the mysterious treasure markers. This is a unique contemporary that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.
Title: The Girl Who Knew Too MuchAuthor: Tiffany Brooks
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 1, 2021
Rating:
Survivor meets Lord of the Flies in this fast-paced reality-TV style mystery about twenty teens dropped on a deserted island to compete for a cash prize…but the hidden treasure is the one they will stop at nothing to find.
You think it's a game. Think again.
Survivor meets Lord of the Flies in this fast-paced adventure with fascinating characters and pulse-pounding tension. Twenty teens are dropped off on a deserted island to compete for a cash prize. But Riley is looking for a vast treasure rumored to be hidden on the island. Only it turns out others also want the cache of riches and will stop at nothing to find it.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Tiffany Brooks
On a deserted island, twenty contestants compete on a reality TV show for the chance to win a million dollars. However, on their first day, they learn that there is treasure rumoured to be buried somewhere on the island, and if one or more of the contestants find it, they will be rewarded with an even greater cash prize. Riley, the main character, is already familiar with this mysterious buried treasure thanks to her godfather’s involvement with treasure hunts, but in her search, she comes to find that treasure hunting is more dangerous than she thought, and that she is not the only one on the hunt.
❀ Flawed Main Character
Riley is a flawed main character, and she transforms throughout the book. She joins the reality show in order to fix her image, as she gained negative attention on social media, and she is desperate to get others to see her true self. On the island, no one knows about Riley’s past, which creates the perfect opportunity for a new beginning. I especially enjoyed reading about Riley’s resourceful tactics in hunting for the treasure and her motivation for finding it–to honour her godfather’s legacy.
❀ Competitions add Suspense
There are two competitions in this book–the main reality show and the treasure hunt–and I enjoyed both of these aspects. The challenges on the show are entertaining, and the descriptions of the production process create drama. Throughout the book, there are also many descriptions of the treasure hunting process as characters decipher treasure markers in an attempt to figure out if the buried treasure is real or only a legend. I have never read anything like this before, and the dangers of searching for treasure build suspense, especially with the backdrop of a deserted island.
❀ Unique Story
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Tiffany Brooks is a unique story of self-discovery with a touch of thrill. I enjoyed the two different competitions that the book depicts as well as the main character’s determination to share her true self with the world. The treasure hunting scenes are particularly strong, making this a great read for those looking for a more suspenseful contemporary.
About Tiffany Brooks
Tiffany Brooks lives in San Francisco with her family and a bunch of pets, who luckily don't object to being featured on her Instagram. The best thing about living on the west coast is she can find out what happens on Game of Thrones three hours ahead of air time. That, plus not having winter weather, means she'll never move back east, although that doesn't stop her New England family from asking when she'll be moving "back home" to NYC or Connecticut. Reality Gold, her debut novel, kicks off the Shifting Reality Collection, a YA trilogy.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Oh, wow, what a fun premise!
It’s definitely unique! 🙂
The concept sounds really interesting!
When I saw the cover I really wouldn’t guess the story to be about a reality tv competition but it does sound like a fun book. I’m definitely intrigued!
I was also a little misled by the cover, but I was pleasantly surprised by the content! This is a wild one for sure 🙂
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for sharing your review! Have a happy & successful New Year!
Thank you! The same goes to you 🙂
What a fun premise! This sounds excellent
This is an entertaining read for sure 🙂
That seems like a good read!
It’s so different from what I usually read–I’m glad I gave it a chance 🙂
This sounds like a suspense filled story. I know I would enjoy this one.
Many twists and turns in this one! I hope you enjoy it if you decide to pick it up 🙂
sounds interesting enough. cool cover too