Almost a year had passed since Julie and the others had made a pact of silence, and now this message had come, anonymously, in the mail. Who could have known? Barry had been driving when they hit the boy on the bicycle, had persuaded the others to drive off, and had convinced them that reporting their involvement could do no good. They did report seeing the boy—but help came too late. He had died. With taut suspense [I Know What You Did Last Summer] builds as each of the four miscreants is taunted or attacked (Barry is shot) and they fear that the mysterious avenger is bent on killing them all. The pressure of events affects other factors of their lives in a book that has vivid characterization, good balance, and the boding sense of impending danger that adds excitement to the best mystery stories.
Zena Sutherland, in her review of "I Know What You Did Last Summer," in Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (reprinted by permission of The University of Chicago Press; © 1974 by The University of Chicago), Vol. 27, No. 6. February, 1974, p. 93.
This is a free excerpt of 190 words. There are 194 words (approx.
1 page at 300 words per page) in the full critical essay.
Read the rest of this Criticism with our Duncan (Steinmetz Arquette), Lois 1934–: Critical Essay by Zena Sutherland Access Pass.
