Review: Deadly Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Deadly Hemlock (Hemlock #1) by Kathleen Peacock
July 5th, 2012 · Simon and Schuster
Source: Publisher/Purchase
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 416

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

To be honest, when I first heard of Deadly Hemlock, I wasn’t exactly sold by its blurb. I had never read a werewolf book before and had my reservations about it but luckily, due to the epic, rave reviews which kept popping up everywhere, I decided to trust the hype and roll with it.

Right from the start, I was pulled into the story; completely captivated. I had only set out to peruse the bookshelf in attempt to find a book to read when I picked up Deadly Hemlock. I read a few pages and that was it, I knew exactly what I was going to be reading next.

Mac is strong, brave, caring, real and her voice captured me from page one. I definitely think she's one of the best YA females out there. The characters – both main and secondary – are just one of the many highlights. Not only are they superbly written but fleshed out as well; I definitely won’t be forgetting them anytime soon. There is indeed a love triangle but don’t fret because it is done well, extremely well. In fact, I would even go as far to say it’s the best I’ve ever read. One thing is for sure though; readers will have a hard time choosing whether their Team Jason or Team Kyle as both boys have something to offer and are swoony in their own ways.

I had a sneaking suspicion, a gut feeling, who Amy’s killer was right from the beginning and although I ended up being correct, I was never not entertained. The twists and turns just kept on coming and for the most part, I didn’t know what to expect.

Kathleen Peacock is a brilliant storyteller. Some stories peak too soon, some too late but with Deadly Hemlock, it was just right (Is it just me, or does this sound strangely familiar? Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears?).

I nearly made the mistake of not reading this (what a terrible move that would have been!) but I am so glad I gave Deadly Hemlock a chance as it completely knocked me off my feet. Deadly Hemlock ticks all the boxes – a sweet, slow-burn of a romance, a thrilling plot, lovable characters, evil villains, edge-of-your-seat suspense, wonderful world building – and is a great example of how paranormal stories should be done.

4.5/5