My Cannonball Read holiday gift exchange buddy got me this book (thank you!!!) and if they picked it because they have read it and liked it or just took a crack at my taste from my Goodreads, I’m pretty sure we would be good pals. I don’t remember (or know) who that was, so if you see this and it’s you, find me on the ‘gram at @cheerbrarian.
It’s 1989 and the Danvers High Varsity field hockey team hasn’t historically been award winning, but this year is going to be different. Why? Because they are tapping into some dark forces, which fits the location like a glove as their hometown is the site of the origins of the Salem Witch trials. If you liked the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you’ll probably like this book. This literally could be an episode of the show, or a seasonal arc, wherein Buffy and the Scooby gang would be suspicious of the field hockey team and work to uncover what the heck is going on at their school.
This novel is delightfully and strongly set in the 80s. The 1980s is a character in this book like New York is a character in Sex and the City. The fashion, the attitude, the culture of the time are all at the forefront of the storytelling.
If I could give it 4 1/2 stars I would, but since I can’t on Goodreas I have to round down to four. The first 15/16ths was a 5 from me but the landing was a wobble. I don’t think this is spoiler territory as I wish I knew this ahead of time. The ending has a very abrumpt time jump (so abrupt I did that thing where I flipped back and forth to see if I had missed something) and the resolution of one plot point that gave me the ick.
But still, I would and do recommend. It’s an unexpected ride (pun intended) and a fun and funny story about female empowerment and the lengths they will go to win. My copy is on it’s way to a book-loving friend in Oregon who I also think will greatly enjoy it.
