Dare Me: A Novel by Megan Abbott

Dare Me is about a group of teen girls, cheerleaders to be exact and their coach. The cheerleaders all lack self confidence and emotional control. They are vying for attention and popularity. There is the typical "leader of the pack" --- mean girl and her followers.

Addy and Beth are best friends, Beth is the typical mean girl and Addy is her side kick. Then a new coach, Coach French enters the picture and the dynamics of the group even loyalty change to a degree. Everyone with the exception of Beth, love the new coach.  Addy quickly finds herself caught between Coach French and Beth, which results in a fight for power.

Beth is conniving, sneaky and power hunger. She will do anything to maintain control, even if it means destroying lives.

The writing is ok and the book is rather average. It started off strong and then just sorta flopped around like a fish out of water. This cheerleader/murder mystery book is just average and predictable. It doesn't really live up to the hype.

Grade: C