I didn't like this one as much as the previous two books. The majority of the book takes place in the upside and my favorite parts of the first two books were when the main characters were stuck in/exploring the downside. Also, the creepiness and grossness was nonexistent. It was just lacking something that the previous books had, but I can't quite put my finger on what it was exactly. ( )

I’ve read some pretty creepy books in my time, but The New Girl by S.L. Grey is in a whole different category when it comes to horror. Hell, it takes a very special blend of crazy to come up with such a riveting, suspenseful and exceptionally creepy plot, in my opinion, but I am definitely not complaining. The New Girl is a nail-biting book that revolves around a rather odd-looking new student that attends Crossley College. She looks like an outreach student, one that is simply there to fill the quota of the private school, but what Tara – an American teacher with a past and a weird obsession with reborn dolls – soon comes to realise is that nothing is quite as it seems. Of course, Tara wasn’t the only one who noticed the girl, Ryan – a predator – has also seen the new girl walking around like she doesn’t belong and he’s taken quite a liking to her. Unfortunately for him, she’s much more dangerous than she looks and in the end he’ll soon fall victim to something other than “urges”.

The New Girl is based in South Africa and has a real otherworldly flair to it that is not only unique but truly a breath of fresh air. Sure, we have our “American moments” with the slang and such, but that’s simply Upside speak. The real trouble’s far below the surface where the rules don’t necessarily apply – especially when it comes to grammar.

The New Girl is the third book in this series. With its predecessors, The Mall and The Ward, both critically acclaimed works, it’s logical to read them first, however it’s not vital. Nevertheless, the moment that you’ve finished reading this spectacularly crafted novel, you’re going to want to read the rest of S.L. Grey’s works.

I loved this book. I loved the fact that I blurted out in the middle of the night: “Jesus, this shit’s whack!” while the shadows danced and the darkness tried to push through the artificial light. I loved how S.L. Grey was able to mix together a fictitious fear alongside a very real threat, while keeping in mind the South African lingo (Parktown prawns anyone?). In other words, The New Girl was absolutely PRIMO! Everyone who loves horror should get their hands on it, and those who are in the mood for something a bit different is in for a huge, albeit creepy, surprise…

(review originally posted on www.killeraphrodite.com) ( )