Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson: Book Review

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson is a quirky tale about Lillian Breaker and a couple of kids with an interesting power set in 1995.

Nothing to See Here was first published in October 2019.

Synopsis

Lillian and Madison have been friends for years, though they haven’t seen each other in many years. One day Lillian receives a letter from Madison asking for help. Lillian goes to her aid and readily agrees to help. Madison is the step-mother to a set of twins with unusual power, they can spontaneously combust. The twins’ father, Senator Roberts, is in the process of becoming the next Secretary of State and doesn’t want his twins’ abilities to be discovered.

Positives

Bessie and Roland are an interesting set of characters. I feel as though they were well written. As were most of the other characters. Carl is probably the most intriguing, mysterious.

The settings are easy to believe.

Negatives

Honestly, the biggest issue I had with this book is the character of Senator Roberts. He is probably of the most self-centered, arrogant jerks I have seen in a book in a while. I understand that it is his character flaw, and quite possibly how one would expect a career politician to behave.

Close behind is Madison Roberts. She seems to have a bit of the poor little rich girl syndrome. She is controlling and manipulative while seeming to be the one not in control. Her manipulation of Lillian began when they met, and continues throughout the story. Though she does get a taste of her own medicine by the end of the story.

My Opinion

While this is a short novel, under 300 pages, there are times while reading it seems much longer. The action was slow, and stagnant during a few moments of the story.

I also found myself cheering for Bessie and Roland when they realized what their father was truly like, and the actions they took. They may only be 10-years-old, but they have dealt with more than most adults. Their father left their mother when they were young. Their mother later committed suicide and tried to get them to do it as well. The kids were then put in the care of their maternal grandparents, who were not exactly great role-models either. I can understand the feeling of being angry with the adults in your life. I’m grateful that they were able to accept Lillian and allow her to love them.

I must say I don’t feel the book lived up to the hype that I felt surrounded it. That’s not to say it’s not a good book, it’s just one that I could have done without reading in all honesty.

Looking for some more books to read? Check out my other book reviews and my monthly reading wrap-ups.