A Chilling YA Mystery That Blends Nancy Drew Sleuthing with Goosebumps Suspense

Looking for your next young adult thriller with a touch of the supernatural? Welcome to Sortilege Falls by Libby Heily is an underrated gem that mixes mystery, suspense, and subtle horror in a way that will keep teen readers—and even adults—hooked from page one.

This is the first book in the Grape Merriweather series, and it sets the stage with an intriguing premise: a small town ruled by mysterious, perfect-looking teenage models who fall dangerously ill, one by one.

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Plot Summary – What Is Sortilege Falls Hiding?

Grape Merriweather: The Relatable Heroine

Sixteen-year-old Grape Merriweather has just arrived in the seemingly quiet town of Sortilege Falls. But beneath the surface, something is very wrong. A group of local teens, known simply as the models, are unnaturally attractive and revered by everyone in town. They’re also deeply unkind to “normal” people like Grape.

When Mandy—one of the few friendly models—befriends Grape, things begin to spiral. Mandy’s sudden illness sparks a dark chain of events. As more of the models fall sick, Grape uncovers a chilling mystery that suggests their parents are hiding something dangerous.

To save her friend and herself, Grape must unravel a secret that ties the town together in silence and fear.

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Themes & Writing Style

Fast-Paced and Full of Suspense

Libby Heily’s writing is sharp, accessible, and immersive. The book moves at a brisk pace, with cliffhangers and twists that keep you flipping pages. It’s a clean read—no heavy romance or violence—making it perfect for younger YA audiences and parents seeking age-appropriate thrillers.

Familiar Yet Fresh Atmosphere

Fans of Nancy Drew, Veronica Mars, or even R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps will appreciate the blend of detective work and eerie events. The story manages to be both grounded in teenage reality and heightened with a supernatural vibe, creating a unique reading experience.

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What Makes This Book Stand Out?

1. Unpredictable Mystery

This isn’t your typical “new girl in town” plot. Just when you think you’ve solved the mystery, Heily throws in a new twist. The unpredictable nature of the story is one of its greatest strengths.

2. Memorable Main Character

Grape Merriweather is quirky, smart, and refreshingly self-aware. Her voice carries the story, and her reactions to the bizarre town dynamics feel authentic and relatable.

3. Eerie Yet Clean YA Read

Parents and teachers will be pleased to know that Welcome to Sortilege Falls is free from profanity, graphic content, or excessive violence—making it ideal for classroom discussions or book clubs for teens 12 and up.

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Who Should Read Welcome to Sortilege Falls?

If you enjoy:

• Young adult mystery with light paranormal elements

• Smart female leads and small-town secrets

• Fast-paced, clean reads with strong storytelling

…then this book should be next on your TBR list. It’s also a fantastic option for reluctant readers thanks to its gripping plot and conversational tone.

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Final Verdict – A Hidden Gem in YA Fiction

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Welcome to Sortilege Falls is a captivating mystery that manages to be both spooky and sincere. It’s an excellent start to a promising series and a great pick for fans of teen thrillers, small-town secrets, and stories that are hard to predict.

We’re definitely rooting for Grape Merriweather’s return in the next installment!

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Book Information

• Author: Libby Heily

• Series: Grape Merriweather #1

• Genre: YA Mystery, Paranormal, Thriller

• Published: May 2016

• Recommended Age: 12+

• Pages: ~260

• Where to Buy: Available on Amazon | Find it on Goodreads

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Welcome to Sortilege Falls appropriate for middle schoolers?
Yes, it’s a clean YA book with no explicit content, suitable for readers 12+.

Is this book part of a series?
Yes, it’s the first in the Grape Merriweather series. Readers will definitely want more after this first installment.

Is there a supernatural element in the story?
While not overly heavy, the book does carry paranormal undertones and mystery that add depth to the plot.