Book Review: Sanctuary Bay by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz

Title: Sanctuary Bay

Authors: Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz

When Sarah Merson receives the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the most elite prep school in the country-Sanctuary Bay Academy-it seems almost too good to be true. But, after years of bouncing from foster home to foster home, escaping to its tranquil setting, nestled deep in Swans Island, couldn't sound more appealing. Swiftly thrown into a world of privilege and secrets, Sarah quickly realizes finding herself noticed by class charmer, Nate, as well as her roommate's dangerously attentive boyfriend, Ethan, are the least of her worries. When her roommate suddenly goes missing, she finds herself in a race against time, not only to find her, but to save herself and discover the dark truth behind Sanctuary Bay's glossy reputation. 

I liked this book quite a bit.  At first I was just interested because it took place at a boarding school and ever since I was in high school I have loved books set at a boarding school.  This school though is the most isolated! There is no cell service.  You don't leave from the time you get there until you graduate! Yes that means you could be there from the time you are 14 until 18!! And, it's on an island.  It's extreme boarding school.  

The book starts with a bang with Sarah hiding and hearing some scary things.  That hooked me in right away, and as the story continued I kept going back to that scene wondering if it had anything to do with the rest of the book.  From there it slows down for a bit before the mystery kicks in.  The mystery was good.  I didn't have it figured out and was surprised by what you learn.  Definitely didn't see it coming! 

I liked Sarah although a few times I wanted to shake her.  I understood why she did some of the things she did, but I wanted to believe she was smarter than that! I also liked her relationship with Ethan.  The story would've been lacking without Ethan and how he and Sarah interact.  

The ending was good.  I was satisfied for now, but I do want to know more.  I'm hoping there will be sequel the authors have said at this point they don't plan on writing one!!! I guess not every book has to have a sequel, but boy would I like one!

Final - Good mystery that kept me guessing and not knowing until the end.