When it comes to novels for teenagers and young adults there are lots of different genres to choose from. One of my favourites, and a favourite of many teenage readers, is a YA mystery thriller. These thrilling reads captivate their teenage audience with a superb combination of fast-paced, high stakes action, tension-packed suspense and relatable characters. Teenage readers are invited into worlds where secrets are concealed, hidden agendas lurk behind closed doors and danger waits around every corner. From the opening pages to the heart-pounding finales, mystery thrillers will keep teenagers turning pages late into the night. It is a genre that thrives on secrets, betrayals and unexpected twists. One such novel that I have enjoyed reading is S.T.A.G.S by M. A. Bennett, it’s a masterful gripping thrill-ride that weaves class conflict and chilling ritual into one unputdownable weekend – think of Downtown Abbey meets Lord of the Flies or The Hunger Games.
S.T.A.G.S by M. A. Bennett is an exciting captivating YA thriller novel for young adults (I would say 14+). It is the first book in a five book series. Get ready for one deadly weekend with nine private school students and three blood sports…
Welcome to St Aidan the Great, affectionately known as S.T.A.G.S, the oldest and most exclusive boarding school in England. It is the new school for seventeen-year-old Greer MacDonald who has just earned a coveted scholarship. For Greer, hailing from a modest background in Manchester, this is the chance of a lifetime to prove herself among Britain’s elite. But fitting in proves harder than she imagined.
Just before the Michaelmas break, Greer receives an enigmatic invitation from Henry de Warlencourt, the school’s most popular prefect. The embossed words “huntin’ shootin’ fishin’” promise a country weekend of traditional country sports. Thrilled to be included, she joins three other outsiders and six prefects for what should be an exclusive and idyllic retreat at the sprawling Longcross Hall.
As the weekend gets underway, it soon becomes obvious, with crystal clarity, that the invitation masks a darker purpose. The so-called “sports” are more than hunting stag, shooting pheasant and fishing for trout, they are actually twisted tests of survival designed by a secretive clique known as the Medievals, who wield wealth and privilege with deadly intent. When bodies start to pile up in the woods, Greer must use her resourcefulness to outwit the predators who see her as nothing more than prey.
huntin’
shootin’
fishin’
Overall, I though that S.T.A.G.S was an enjoyable YA thriller and a great introduction to the rest of the series. Starting with a tale of murder, it slowly builds to explore class and privilege through a lens of psychological horror. It takes a look at how power corrupts, how rites that are meant to bond the privileged can become instruments of terror and how desperation fuels survival. Its themes of bullying, elitism, animal cruelty and bigotry intertwine to create a chilling commentary on social hierarchy and moral decay. It is an enjoyable tale of a cult of violence and murder for nothing more than sporting fun and, as the book puts it, “to supress the plebs” and keep the outsiders in their place.
I thought that this was a story that was very well told in a superb setting of upper class privilege in beautiful countryside, sprawling mansions and schools, old traditions and sinister rituals.
Narrated by the main protagonist Greer, it builds the tension at a steady pace. Full of violence and a twisty plot it examines the class system; old money and family privilege versus the nouveau riche, and how far people will go to preserve their power and status, traditions and bigotry. With a well-plotted storyline, it is an excellent thrilling read, but I did fell that the conclusion was reached a bit too easily.
It is a very character driven story with a fantastic blend of characters. The mannerisms and language by the different class of kids is great, as is that of the three misfits – especially that of Chanel who is trying to be as posh at the Medievals.
- Greer MacDonald with her blend of vulnerability and cunning makes her a compelling guide through the manor’s sinister halls.
- Henry de Warlencourt is the charismatic leader of the Medievals. His charm hides a ruthless devotion to tradition and exclusion.
- The Medievals are a six-member elite group that enforces cruel rituals under the guise of upper-class pastimes. They represent the darkest extremes of privilege.
- The Misfits are the three students invited alongside Greer. Each brings unique strengths and flaws that shape the group’s dynamics.
S.T.A.G.S is an interesting and chilling story with an excellent atmosphere that will keep the attention of its teenage readers. Alongside the themes of classism, hunting and animal cruelty there are also themes of bullying, racism, attempted murder and suicide so it may not be suitable for everybody.
An enjoyable psychological twisty thriller that will grip teens who thrive on mystery and moral complexity, although at times I did feel it was a bit simplistic. But it is an engaging and fast read, full of betrayals, shifting alliances and moments of genuine terror.
Rating: 4/5
RRP: £8.99 (Paperback) / £4.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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