I keep reading these books for younger kids and forgetting that they are supposed to be for younger kids. I kept thinking, boy, this author explains things quite a bit. But I actually liked some of the comparisons she makes, like when one of the main characters shakes the hand of someone that is somewhat suspect, and his hand comes away red like blood from berry juice. That was a very striking image. I like how this book builds slowly to a very frightening climax, and how the choices that the two main characters make seem natural. Very satisfying ending.