A quick read despite being over 400 pages. I enjoyed the story. It's not anything groundbreaking, but the pacing is excellent and I found myself reading for hours at a time. Not quite spooky, but definitely mysterious and enthralling. ( )

One of the best books I’ve read this year!!

By page 2, I was crying ( )

CW: loss of loved ones. Drowning scene after car accident described, mother is drugging teens to keep them docile and seemingly unwell, ableism.

2.5 Stars

Well there were definitely some chilling moments, but overall this didn't quite deliver in the thriller department for me.

There were some brilliantly gothic elements in this novel - a large creepy mansion in an isolated area, a grieving and traumatised orphan, a disturbed and slightly menacing girl, and parents (one distant and inaccessible, and the other claustrophobically close) who want a 'companion' for their unwell daughter. Unfortunately, a random, awkward and unnecessary romance acted like a big anchor and dragged this book down into the depths of 'just okay for me'. It's such a shame because there were some pretty hair raising moments dotted throughout this book. I love a good romance but only when it makes sense for the characters and the story. If Barrett had been removed, the story would have pretty much remained the same. This just comes down to personal preference. Just okay for me. ( )

I have no idea why I requested this from the library; not my thing at all.

A lovely, creepy novel that middle schoolers will really enjoy, The Companion will keep you turning pages wondering how it will get resolved.

Page One: Margot's family dies in a car accident. Margot survives only to be an orphan with no other family at all. Unlike other older orphans, a family agrees to take Margot. She discovers upon arriving at their isolated mansion that she is to be their daughter Agatha's companion. Something happened to Agatha about a year ago, so she now needs care. Laura, Agatha's mom, dedicates her life to Agatha. Margot's shock, especially at sharing the nursery with Agatha, changes to sincere liking. Agatha can't speak, but she can follow commands: go shower, eat lunch, etc.

Margot wants to be a "good orphan," or she'll have to go to the state institution. All other places are full. Basically, it's Agatha, Laura, and Margot in a huge mansion isolated with no cell service. Laura doesn't believe teens should be on their devices and declines giving Margot the password to the wi-fi. Margot's days consist of breakfast, helping with Agatha, helping in the garden, and reading. Laura seems kind enough. As time passes, Margot gets to know Agatha better and wonders why the word "Go" keeps appearing on her wall when she's asleep. Does Agatha want her to leave? Eventually, Agatha's brother comes home for a visit. Finally, Margot can spend time with another teen who can speak! It will be a lonely few years until Margot can leave.

It's not that there are many surprises in the novel--you know what's going on--the tension and suspense involves how it will end because there doesn't seem to be options available. It's a nice, creepy distraction for a few hours, so enjoy this 2021 Lone Star novel. ( )