- The premise: Every October Cara and her family have unexplained accidents. Some years they escape with cuts, bruises and broken bones but other years are dark like the season their father died. Fowley-Doyle shares this season and takes us on one heck of a ride where accidents are not the only problems facing this family. Besides the mystery of the accident season, this is a tale of secrets, forbidden love, friendship, sisters, family and coming of age.
- The writing/language: The writing was delightful; if I read the Accident Season, I would have highlighted everything. Fowley-Doyle has this magical way of describing feelings and painting scenery. As Colby Minifie read, I found myself slipping into the story as the lyrical, often-haunting words flowed. I can hardly believe this is a début novel.
- The characters: Colorful and quirky from Mom’s purple hair to their different personalities. Each of the siblings intrigued me. The siblings, Cara, her sister Alice, and their ex-stepbrother Sam are incredibly close; in part because of the accident season. Their friend Bea is a tad eccentric from her tarot cards to her vividly witchy imagination. I easily connected with all of them and their actions and personalities felt realistic. The bond between this family and group of friends felt genuine and the way they came together during the accident season endeared me to them.
- The story: The story comes to us from Cara and at times, she was an unreliable narrator. This added to the overall suspense and creepiness as the story unfolded. Was the accident season real? Moreover, what was causing it? Bea and her incredible gift at spinning tales gave us a haunting atmosphere. The author takes us through their mundane lives and the complications created by the season from school to parties. She skillful shows the risks youth take even with the threat of danger. We see the believers and the naysayers of the family and wonder ourselves even as the hair on the back of our neck rises. We experience love, heartache, jealously friendship and their fears.
- A standalone: We get a fully developed story that was fast paced, and wholly original. I loved the blending of paranormal and magical realism. As the story progressed, it became more complex with twists and turns that kept me listening. I found the story delightful from its creepy mystery to the sweet romance. The climatic ending was action-packed and had me holding my breath. I worried that we would be left with questions, but the author tied up threads and delivered an ending that satisfied me.
Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer