Review: The Wrong Number (Fear Street #5) by R.L. Stine

Title: The Wrong Number

Series: Wrong Number #1 | Fear Street #5

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: March 1990

Published by: Archway Paperback

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis:

It begins as an innocent prank, when Deena Martinson and her best friend Jade Smith make sexy phone calls to the boys from school. But Deena's half-brother Chuck catches them in the act and threatens to tell their parents, unless the girls let him in on the fun. Chuck begins making random calls, threatening anyone who answers. It's dangerous and exciting. They're even enjoying the publicity, and the uproar they've caused. Until Chuck calls a number on Fear Street.

To his horror, Chuck realizes he has called THE WRONG NUMBER. The jokes are over when murder is on the line. The murderer knows who they are and where they live — and they have nowhere to call for help.

My rating: ★★★★☆

It began as a prank... and ended in murder!

It all starts because Chuck doesn’t believe in Fear Street’s curse, even after Deena and Jade warn him that a lot of bad stuff has happened there. He makes a prank phone call to someone on who lives on Fear Street, but it’s more than he bargained for when they overhear a goddamn murder happen! Now they’re all caught up in this mess with the murderer threatening them. Thanks a lot, Chuck.

Lol

Chuck is Deena’s half brother who just moved to Shadyside with her family. He and Deena have never been close, but I liked that she was optimistic and gave Chuck a chance. But Chuck, man, he was insane! I mean, he was definitely an interesting guy, but he was such a jerk sometimes! But other times he was funny and even sweet... Weird guy, I tell ya. Lol.

I also like Deena’s best friend Jade. It was awesome how easily she came up with lies to get her and Deena out of tough situations! She was just so amazing at thinking on her feet! She was also smart and puts things into action. Unlike Deena. Her doing nothing drove me insane! I just wanted her to get things done! Take initiative! Although I could relate to her a bit more with her anxiety over things.

Another character I liked was Denna’s crush Rob. They were just so cute! And oh my god, I can’t believe the word “bod” was used in this book! As in...

Did [Rob] think [Deena] was after his bod?

Omg, stop. Lol.

Some recurring characters: Bobby McCorey was mentioned. He was one of the guys who tried to crash Justine’s party in the Halloween Party. Cory from The New Girl also made an appearance and he was an idiot... like always. Lol. And also Lisa from that same book was in this. I actually didn’t like her much in this one—she was very pushy. Ugh. And last, Della O’Connor from The Overnight was also mentioned.

Overall, I liked this book well enough. The Wrong Number was so 90s and I loved it! It taking place before caller ID was a thing—those were the days. Lol. I also loved that there was so much action! The murder, the girls doing their research and getting into trouble, facing the murderer... it was so good! The ending was suspenseful! And it was also pretty funny in parts.

The Fear Street connection: These three idiots make a prank phone call to someone on Fear Street where there is a murder. They also visit the street. Idiots, I tell you. Lol.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a link to your review or comment below! :)