I had never read a James Patterson before but soon realised what I have been missing. This is a story set in a different world to our current one. Two sisters live in a ‘cell’ – similar to perhaps what we call a city. One sister disappears – as have several other children. Her sister searches everywhere for her to no avail. This sisters life then begins to unravel to the point where she has nothing. She decides to visit another ‘cell’ and finds her sister although she has changed.
This is a story of courage, showing what can be achieved if you have no other option. The ending wasn’t as I expected but left the book open for follow on.
This is a tense thriller, keeping you on the edge of your seat, with dramatic scenes and twists. It wasn’t till I had finished that I realised it had been written for teenagers but don’t let that put you off.

I was so disappointed that I did not enjoy this book.I found it just didn't flow for me and I didn't like the characters so much so that I feel I cannot write a fair review .I hope others enjoy it and it was just not my cup of tea.

Crazy House tells the story about the twin Cassie and Becca. One a rule follower, a perfect citizen, and the other one, the rule-breaker. It was also told in both their perspective, so the readers have an idea on what’s happening the to Cassie on their cell, realizing that all the things she believed all her life are not what it seems as the government led them to believe. And also to Becca’s struggle and fight to survive in the prison. Both are equally entertaining and it is interesting to read on how things played out with the girls. The plot is intriguing and though there is a mystery circling around the crazy house, it is not that hard to guess as to what it will be.

There is also a bit of romance in the story but it feels forced since there’s not a lot of time given for the romance to develop. The ending also seems abrupt and I feel like there should be more. Don’t get me wrong, it is a good ending as finally the mystery was revealed, but I was expecting more. Like maybe a second book? Because, though things about the prison were revealed, on why it exist in the first place, their main problem is in no way solved. And you don’t end your story that way, right?

So, anyway, Crazy House, a fast-paced YA mystery thriller added with action and romance set in a dystopian society is an entertaining read. I know James Patterson writes mystery thriller novels so I’m sure his fans would be interested to read his new offering with Gabrielle Charbonnet. And also, to the dystopian fiction fans, Crazy House will sure appeal to them.

Quite a gripping read, but not to sure about the ending.

Really enjoyed this book, it was very well written, the characters were great and I really had a hard job putting it down. Thoroughly recommend this its a great read!

I was quite excited to get into a James Patterson novel, but I somehow missed the fact that this was a YA dystopian story. Had I realised that I would have immediately skipped it. My fault…..

Having said that, the book wasn’t bad, and the characters were enjoyable as well.
As for the plot….. Take what you would think should be incorporated in a YA dystopian novel, and you will find it here. Possibly a good thing for YA dystopian fanatics, or those new to the genre, but for those others, it will be a little clichéd.

Anyway, thanks Netgalley and Random House UK for a review copy.

A new YA novel. Not really my interest but I did like the way it was written.
I definitely think a great story for young teens.
Set in a world in the future where there are Cells for neighbourhoods. Rules, laws and curfews to follow, or punishments received.
Teenagers go missing and one is the twin sister of Cass. Becca is thrown in to max security prison on death row. Cass needs to find her a get her safe, because the wrong twin was taken, and they both could loose their lives.

A solid YA dystopian suspense novel. There are excellent horror elements within a well-developed world. Crazy House is quite the fast-paced page turner. You'll find yourself needing to know if Cassie will find Becca before it's too late. James Patterson pairing up with Gabrielle Charbonnet may have been a smart move on his part because this is his best young adult novel. The cover is intriguing. If you are on the lookout for a young adult dystopian thriller, don't hesitate to check out Crazy House.

I received a free ecopy of this book in return for an honest review. Many thanks to Netgalley and and the publisher for the opportunity

Dystopian fiction is very in vogue at the moment and personally I never get tired of these cautions for the future. Some of these stories have never seemed closer to happening for real. In this gem, the country (I'm assuming America) is broken up into productive little 'cells' of land. Each cell is entirely separate. The citizens are not allowed to leave and go to other cells and they are definitely not encouraged to ask who benefits from the products they work hard to produce. 'Careful' Cassie and 'Ridiculous' Rebecca are twins but while Cassie works hard and keeps all the rules, Rebecca is a wild child who is always breaking rules. When Rebecca, like previous teens in their cell, disappears, Cassie needs to start breaking rules to find her. The narrative alternates between Rebecca in a hellish teen prison and Cassie searching for her sister. Cassie's slow realisation that her society is not as wholesome as it seems, intertwines with Rebecca's toughening survival instincts. If you are looking for teen romance, it is in there too, but a fairly minor plotline buried under quite a bit of gruesome stomach churning action. While this is a dystopia I would consider it dystopia-light as the political detail is limited. I felt the ending was quite abrupt. When you are reading a page turner and unexpectedly run out of pages it is blow. Makes a change from current abundance of romance heavy YA tales.

Crazy House
James Patterson
Book Review: ♥ ♥ ♥ ❣
Becca and Cassie are twins. Cassie aims to be the perfect student and thinks of herself as the good twin. Becca is the more adventurous one. She likes to test the boundaries.

In a world where everything isn't what it seems. Teenagers are disappearing and taken to a prison. There is no trial, and the rules are strict. Becca was never good at following the rules. Unfortunately, she is taken to the camp by mistake. They wanted her sister. The bond between these two is strong. Cassie won't stop looking for Becca until she finds out the truth.

Crazy House is a dystopia suspense novel aimed at the young adult audience.

3.5 stars out of 5.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley*

368 pages. £14.06 Hardback.
Expected publication: May 22nd, 2017