I’ve always enjoyed James Patterson’s thrillers, especially the Alex Cross series and the Women’s Murder Club novels. James Patterson is a very prolific author, co-authoring many books with authors that rarely get the same attention as his name commands, and he churns out titles so fast they’re impossible to miss on any supermarket bookshelf. His concise, fast-paced style makes his books very addictive, quick reads. That’s exactly why I picked up Crazy House, his YA dystopian thriller co-written with Gabrielle Charbonnet.
Crazy House is a dystopian thriller for young adult readers (I would say it’s suitable for age 14+), and is part of a series. If you liked reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, then you will enjoy this as it has a similar feel. Set in a futuristic America divided into strictly controlled “cells,” Crazy House follows seventeen-year-old identical twins Becca and Cassie Greenfield. Living alone on their family farm after their father’s hospitalisation, the “careful” Cassie contrasts with her more rebellious sister, Becca. When Becca disappears overnight and the town dismisses Cassie’s concerns, Cassie embarks on a desperate search. What she uncovers is far more sinister than anyone admits.
Cassie discovers that Becca has been sent to the so-called Crazy House – an underground prison where kidnapped teenagers are forced to fight in brutal combat rings, where she soon ends up herself. There are no formal charges or trials for anyone there, where the only official sentence for these “enemies of the system” is death. With high-stakes training, public executions and constant manipulation by the “prison authorities”, the girls must rely on each other to try and survive. Every moment threatens to become their last.
Overall, as a fan of James Patterson I really enjoyed Crazy House, although it won’t be for everyone as it pulls no punches when it comes to violence. Scenes of teenage combat are graphic, with beatings, kicks and punches delivered in front of a raucous crowd. There is a brief mention of sexual assault and occasional mild swearing, which might unsettle younger or sensitive readers. And then there are the very public executions of the child prisoners in front of the other detainees by the evil Ms. Strepp. The dystopian setting and total authoritarian control add layers of tension and unease.
While the story never specifies the exact year it takes place, though the technology and societal breakdown it hints at a not too distant future America under the mysterious United’s rule. Readers do get a little backstory on how the United States fractured into these cells, leaving questions about the wider world unanswered. This lack of context can, at times, feel frustrating, but it also helps to fuel the sense of isolation and control within the country.
The short punchy chapters, that have all the hallmarks of Patterson’s novels, keep the pace fast and relentless – perfect for teenage readers with limited reading time or just anyone that craves nonstop action. There is never a lull – there is always something happening, a fight or a shocking twist or turn, that thrusts the reader deeper into the story. While it may occasionally lack a bit of depth, the breakneck pacing rarely lets you pause. It’s impossible to skim ahead without knowing what comes next.
Crazy House is a good YA thriller that explores how authoritarian regimes manipulate its citizens through fear, surveillance and punishment, whether by the town Provost or the prison warden. It evokes echoes of The Hunger Games but doesn’t quite match its emotional resonance or world-building richness. The first instalment ends abruptly, leaving many questions unanswered and requires reading the next book in the series, The Fall of Crazy House, to complete the story.
I found Crazy House to be an exhilarating, if at time slightly uneven and frustrating, read. Delivering adrenaline-fueled action and a gripping story that fans of fast-paced dystopian thrillers will enjoy, provided they’re prepared for its darker themes and abrupt ending. If you’re ready for an intense thrilling ride and willing to dive into the sequel, Crazy House is worth turning the pages.
Rating: 4/5
RRP: £12.99 (Hardback) / £6.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit www.jamespatterson.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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