The Cousins
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Cousins
Karen M. McManus's "The Cousins" is a young adult mystery thriller centered around Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story, three estranged cousins who have never met their reclusive, wealthy grandmother. After their parents were disinherited years ago with a cryptic note, the cousins receive an unexpected invitation to work at their grandmother's island resort for the summer. Driven by their parents' insistence and their own curiosity, they uncover a dark web of family secrets, lies, deception, and multiple murders that span decades. The novel employs a multi-POV narrative, including flashbacks to unravel the mystery of their family's past. Aimed at a teen audience, the book delves into mature themes of family dysfunction, addiction, and complex relationships, making it suitable for readers who enjoy suspenseful narratives with intricate plot twists.
Things to Consider
Violence
The central mystery of the novel involves multiple instances of murder and a subsequent cover-up. These acts are significant plot drivers, detailing past deaths and their repercussions on the Story family.
The family's past includes a murder that leads to "several others in the following years." Specifically, Matt Ryan drowns after being tricked by Anders, with Allison helping to cover up his death. The true grandmother, Mildred, was also murdered, and her assistant Theresa then impersonated her for two decades.
Romance and Sexual Content
The book contains multiple references to premarital sexual activity, adultery, and passionate kissing, though explicit sexual scenes are not detailed. These instances are integral to the family's secret-laden history and ongoing relationships.
Substance Use
Substance use, specifically alcohol consumption and alcoholism, is a significant theme and character element. It features underage drinking and the severe consequences of addiction.
Scary & Intense Content
The book is a young adult mystery/thriller filled with suspense, dark family secrets, and psychological intensity. The plot involves multiple murders, a lengthy deception, and underlying family trauma, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
14+ years old. The book is officially rated for ages 14 to 18 by Plugged In and 14-UP by Books-A-Million, due to its complex themes of murder, adultery, alcoholism, and implied sexual activity. It tackles mature subjects that require a certain level of emotional and cognitive development to process appropriately.
Good to Know
The Cousins is a standalone young adult mystery novel. The narrative employs a multi-point-of-view structure, alternating between the three cousins (Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah) and Allison (Milly's mother) in flashbacks to 1996, which helps to gradually reveal the intricate family secrets. The book explores themes of inherited trauma, the impact of wealth, and the destructive nature of long-held secrets within a family structure.
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