“The thing about secrets is that they're like ghosts. They haunt you until you let them go.”
— Monica reflects on the burden of hidden truths in her investigation.
Archivist's Choice
The Cheerleaders
Kara Thomas (2018)
Genre
Thriller / Mystery / Young Adult
Reading Time
7 hr 30 min
Key Themes
See below
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Five years after a car accident, murders, and her sister's suicide broke up Sunnybrook High's cheer squad, Monica finds secrets suggesting the past is not over and she is part of a deadly conspiracy.
Synopsis
Five years after the deaths that ended Sunnybrook High's cheerleading squad, Monica's town plans to honor the lost cheerleaders. Monica's sister, Jen, was the last cheerleader to die by apparent suicide, and Monica wants to forget it all. Her world changes when she finds unsettling letters in her stepdad's desk and an old cell phone belonging to her sister. These discoveries, with a new friendship with Ginny, lead Monica to suspect that the official story of the cheerleaders' deaths is a lie. She finds a dark secret involving Coach Davies, a local drug dealer named Mr. Maddox, and a pact made by the cheerleaders themselves.
Monica learns that the initial car accident was not an accident. The subsequent murders and her sister's "suicide" are all connected to a deeper conspiracy. She deciphers a cryptic message from Jen, showing Jen was forced into a dangerous situation. Monica confronts her stepdad, who confesses he covered up the truth to protect Jen. The real killers are multiple townspeople, including Ginny's father, who were involved in a drug operation. Monica, with help from Brenda, a former friend of Jen's, exposes the truth. This leads to arrests and a chance for the town to heal. Monica finds some peace, understanding her sister's final actions and ensuring justice.
Reading time
7 hr 30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Suspenseful, Dark, Mysterious, Angsty
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy dark, twisty YA thrillers with a focus on uncovering small-town secrets and a strong female protagonist.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighthearted mysteries or are sensitive to themes of suicide, murder, and drug use.
Plot Summary
Five Years Later: Monica's Reluctance and a Disturbing Discovery
Five years after the events that ended Sunnybrook High's cheerleading squad, Monica's older sister Jen was the last cheerleader to die by apparent suicide. Monica is hesitant about the school's plan to memorialize the five lost girls. Her stepdad, Dale, is a detective, and her mother is overprotective. Monica and her best friend, Ginny, are trying to enjoy their senior year. While cleaning out her stepdad's desk, Monica finds a hidden compartment with old letters and a small wooden box. Inside the box, she finds a flip phone, an old cheerleading uniform pin, and a small, folded piece of paper with 'Coach Davies' written on it. This discovery makes Monica question the official story of the cheerleaders' deaths, especially Jen's suicide, and starts her investigation.
The Old Phone and New Suspicions
Monica tries to charge the old flip phone, but she does not have the specific charger. She tells Ginny, who helps her search for a compatible charger. At school, Monica meets a new student, Polly, who is very interested in the cheerleaders' story. Polly mentions that her aunt, Brenda, used to work for the Sunnybrook Police Department and was involved in the initial investigations. Monica feels uneasy around Polly, sensing that Polly knows more than she says. Meanwhile, Monica's brother, Ethan, who was close to Jen, acts strangely whenever the cheerleaders are mentioned. This adds to Monica's suspicion that there are hidden truths about the past.
Connecting the Dots: Coach Davies and the Accused Killer
Monica researches 'Coach Davies' and learns he was the cheerleading coach at Sunnybrook High when the deaths happened. She also learns that Mr. Maddox, the man accused of murdering two of the cheerleaders, lived next door to Coach Davies. This closeness seems too coincidental to Monica, suggesting a deeper connection. Needing answers, Monica decides to find Brenda, Polly's aunt. She hopes Brenda's past involvement with the police department might help explain the inconsistencies she is finding. Brenda is initially unwilling to speak, but Monica's persistence eventually gets her to share unsettling details about the investigation that were never made public.
Brenda's Revelations and a Cryptic Message
Brenda, Polly's aunt, tells Monica that the police investigation into the cheerleaders' deaths was rushed and that important evidence might have been missed or hidden. She says Mr. Maddox, the accused killer, was a quiet man who seemed unlikely to commit such a violent act, and that his 'confession' felt forced. Brenda also hints that powerful people in Sunnybrook wanted the case closed quickly. Later, Monica finally gets the old flip phone to charge. She finds a series of text messages between Jen and an unknown contact, using a code Monica does not immediately understand. One message, however, clearly says, 'He knows. We're in trouble.' This message makes Jen's death more mysterious.
Unraveling the Code and a Secret Meeting
With Ginny's help, Monica deciphers the coded messages on the flip phone. They find that Jen was having a secret affair with Coach Davies, the cheerleading coach. The messages show Jen planned to meet Davies the night she died, shortly after the car accident that killed two other cheerleaders, Chloe and Daisy. The texts say Jen was upset and feared someone had found out about their relationship. The last message from Jen to Davies expresses panic, suggesting she was in immediate danger. This revelation changes Monica's understanding of her sister's life and death, showing that Jen's suicide was likely a cover-up for something worse than a forbidden romance.
The Truth About Mr. Maddox and the Accident
Monica confronts Brenda again with the new information. Brenda confirms that Mr. Maddox was not the killer and was probably framed. She reveals that Maddox had an affair with Chloe's mother, Mrs. Davies, who was Coach Davies's wife. Maddox was killed by the police because he was holding a gun, but Brenda suspects he was set up. Monica also learns that the car accident with Chloe and Daisy was not accidental. They were fighting with two other cheerleaders, Betty and Sasha, who were also having affairs with Coach Davies. The fight grew, and the car was deliberately driven off the road. The police and the girls' parents covered this up.
The Cheerleaders' Pact and Jen's Dilemma
Monica finds evidence of a pact among the cheerleaders, organized by Coach Davies, to keep their affairs secret. The girls, including Jen, Betty, and Sasha, were all involved with him. Jen, however, grew uncomfortable and wanted to expose Davies. The car accident happened because of the tensions and rivalries among the girls over Davies. Chloe and Daisy were trying to tell the truth about Davies and their affairs, which led to the fatal confrontation with Betty and Sasha. Jen saw parts of the accident and knew the truth, making her a dangerous witness to the cover-up.
The Real Killers and the Cover-Up
Monica realizes that her stepdad, Dale, a detective, was involved in the cover-up. She confronts him, and he confesses he helped hide the truth to protect the town and his career. Dale reveals that Betty and Sasha caused the car accident that killed Chloe and Daisy. He also admits that Betty and Sasha murdered Jen because she threatened to expose them and Coach Davies. They staged her death as a suicide to silence her. Mr. Maddox was framed to draw attention away from the real perpetrators and protect the powerful families involved, including the parents of Betty and Sasha, who had political influence in Sunnybrook.
The Confrontation and Justice
With the full truth, Monica, with Ginny and Polly's support, plans to expose Betty and Sasha. They gather the remaining evidence, including the flip phone messages and Brenda's testimony. Monica uses the upcoming memorial event for the cheerleaders to publicly confront Betty and Sasha. The confrontation is tense, but Monica's evidence is clear. Betty and Sasha are exposed, and the truth about the cheerleaders' deaths, including Jen's murder, comes out. Dale, feeling guilty, also steps forward to confirm Monica's findings. This leads to the arrests of Betty and Sasha and the complete unraveling of the long-standing cover-up in Sunnybrook.
Aftermath and Healing
The revelations shock Sunnybrook. The memorial for the cheerleaders now has a new, somber meaning as the town faces the dark secrets it had buried for five years. Coach Davies is also involved and faces legal action for his actions. Monica, though deeply hurt by the truth about her sister's death and her stepdad's part in it, finds some closure. She has honored Jen's memory by seeking justice and exposing the truth. The experience strengthens her bond with Ginny and Polly. The healing process will be long for Monica and the town, but the truth has set them on a path toward genuine remembrance and accountability, ensuring that the cheerleaders' deaths were not in vain.
Principal Figures
Monica
The Protagonist
Transforms from a reluctant, grieving sister into a courageous truth-seeker who exposes a town-wide cover-up.
Jen
The Deceased Cheerleader/Catalyst
Her hidden life and tragic death are gradually revealed, transforming her image from a suicide victim to a murdered truth-seeker.
Dale
The Supporting/Antagonist
From a seemingly protective stepfather to a revealed complicit figure, ultimately confessing and seeking redemption.
Ginny
The Supporting
Remains a steadfast and supportive friend, growing in courage as she assists Monica in uncovering dark truths.
Polly
The Supporting
Transforms from a mysterious newcomer into a crucial ally in exposing the town's secrets.
Brenda
The Supporting
Moves from a fearful, silenced witness to a courageous informant, helping Monica expose the truth.
Coach Davies
The Antagonist
His hidden predatory nature is gradually exposed as the truth about the cheerleaders' deaths unfolds.
Betty
The Antagonist
Revealed from a seemingly innocent survivor to a ruthless murderer, eventually facing justice.
Sasha
The Antagonist
Revealed from a seemingly innocent survivor to a ruthless murderer, eventually facing justice.
Mr. Maddox
The Mentioned/Victim
His true innocence is revealed, posthumously clearing his name and exposing the depth of the cover-up.
Themes & Insights
The Corrupting Power of Secrets and Lies
The plot of "The Cheerleaders" is driven by the impact of secrets and lies, especially those kept by adults in power and the cheerleaders themselves. Coach Davies's affairs, the car accident's true nature, Jen's murder, and Mr. Maddox's framing are all results of trying to bury the truth. Sunnybrook collectively chooses to believe a convenient lie over a painful truth, which leads to years of injustice and trauma. Monica's journey is about breaking through this deceit.
“There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn't mean anyone else is safe.”
Grief, Memory, and the Search for Truth
Monica's story is rooted in her unresolved grief over Jen's death and her struggle with the town's clean memory of the cheerleaders. The school's attempt to memorialize the girls without confronting the truth is a main reason for Monica's investigation. This theme explores how grief can be complicated by unanswered questions and how true healing begins when the full truth is known. Monica's dedication to Jen's memory pushes her to find the dark reality.
“I just wanted to forget. Only, Monica's world is starting to unravel.”
Betrayal and Trust
Betrayal is a common theme, appearing in many ways. Jen is betrayed by her friends (Betty and Sasha) and her lover (Coach Davies). Monica feels betrayed by her stepfather, Dale, who was part of the cover-up. The town is betrayed by its authority figures who valued reputation over justice. Monica's struggle to trust those around her, including new friend Polly, shows the impact of these betrayals. The exposure of the truth starts to rebuild trust, though it is fragile.
“Whatever happened five years ago isn't over. Some people in town know more than they're saying.”
The Illusion of Perfection and Small Town Facades
Sunnybrook appears to be a quiet, perfect American town, but underneath is corruption and decay. The cheerleaders, symbols of youthful perfection, are found to be involved in illicit affairs and violence. This theme explores how communities can maintain a normal appearance while hiding dark secrets, and the consequences when that illusion breaks. The desire to maintain this 'perfect' image is a main reason for the cover-up.
“Everyone remembers the cheerleaders the way they want to.”
Justice vs. Protection
A central conflict in the novel is the tension between seeking justice for the victims and protecting influential people or the community's perceived reputation. Dale's actions, and those of other adults, are driven by a desire to protect powerful families and prevent scandal, even if it means sacrificing truth and justice. Monica's pursuit of the truth forces a confrontation between these two opposing forces, ultimately advocating for justice, no matter how uncomfortable the revelations.
“The police shot him, so no one will ever know why he did it.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Unearthed Flip Phone
A physical artifact that serves as the primary catalyst for the investigation.
The old flip phone discovered in Dale's desk is the most significant plot device. It acts as a direct link to Jen's final days, containing coded messages and a direct confession of fear. Its discovery immediately contradicts the suicide narrative and provides Monica with concrete evidence to pursue. The phone's contents guide Monica's investigation, leading her to uncover the affairs, the car accident's true nature, and Jen's murder. It symbolizes the buried truth waiting to be uncovered.
Coded Messages
A narrative technique used to gradually reveal Jen's secrets and build suspense.
The coded messages on Jen's flip phone are a crucial narrative device. They create suspense and force Monica (and the reader) to actively piece together the truth. The gradual deciphering of these messages, with Ginny's help, reveals Jen's secret affair with Coach Davies and her increasing fear, escalating the mystery from a simple suicide to a complex conspiracy. This device allows the author to control the pacing of revelations and keep the reader engaged in the puzzle.
The 'Dead Cheerleaders' Legend
A recurring motif representing the town's collective memory and denial.
The 'dead cheerleaders' legend is more than just a memory; it's a powerful motif that frames the entire story. It represents the town's collective grief, but also its collective denial and the carefully constructed facade of tragedy. The upcoming memorial serves as a catalyst for Monica's re-engagement with the past. This legend highlights how communities can romanticize or simplify traumatic events to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths, and Monica's quest is to dismantle this false narrative.
The Cover-Up by Authority Figures
A plot mechanism that creates obstacles and highlights systemic corruption.
The systematic cover-up by police (including Monica's stepfather, Dale) and influential townspeople is a key plot device. It not only creates formidable obstacles for Monica's investigation but also exposes the deep-seated corruption within the community. This device raises the stakes, making Monica's search for truth dangerous and personal. It shows how power can be wielded to manipulate justice and protect reputations, turning the very institutions meant to uphold the law into instruments of deceit.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Sometimes the people you trust the most are the ones who will hurt you the worst.”
— A realization about betrayal among friends in Sunnybrook.
“Grief doesn't have a timeline. It's a shadow that follows you everywhere.”
— Monica dealing with the loss of her sister and the cheerleaders.
“In a small town, everyone has a story, and most of them are lies.”
— Commentary on the deceptive nature of Sunnybrook's community.
“The past is never really past. It's just waiting for you to catch up.”
— Monica uncovering clues about the cheerleaders' deaths.
“Fear is a powerful motivator, but so is the truth.”
— Monica pushing through her fears to solve the mystery.
“You can't outrun your demons. You have to face them head-on.”
— Advice given to Monica about confronting her trauma.
“Sometimes the quietest people have the loudest secrets.”
— Observation about a seemingly innocent character in the story.
“Justice isn't always about punishment. Sometimes it's about understanding.”
— Reflection on the resolution of the mystery.
“The line between victim and villain is thinner than you think.”
— A twist in the investigation revealing complex characters.
“Memories are like broken glass. Sharp, painful, and impossible to put back together.”
— Monica recalling traumatic events from the past.
“In the end, the only person you can truly rely on is yourself.”
— Monica's growing independence and self-reliance.
“The truth has a way of coming out, no matter how hard you try to bury it.”
— A pivotal moment in the unraveling of the mystery.
“Sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones wearing human faces.”
— Realization about the true nature of the antagonist.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The novel follows Monica, a teenager in Sunnybrook whose sister was the last of five cheerleaders to die in a series of tragedies five years earlier. When the town begins memorializing the girls, Monica discovers clues—like letters in her stepdad's desk and an old cell phone—that suggest the official stories about the deaths are wrong, and she becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation to uncover the truth.
