Ellie Marney's 'Caged' is one of those books that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It’s the second installment in the 'Every' series, and it dives deeper into the gritty, crime-solving partnership between Rachel Watts and James Mycroft. This time, they’re tangled in a case involving illegal animal fighting rings—dark, brutal, and way too close to home. The tension between Rachel and Mycroft is electric, and the way Marney writes their dynamic makes you root for them even when they’re at each other’s throets. The book’s pacing is relentless, and the moral dilemmas it throws at the characters add layers to what could’ve been a straightforward mystery. It’s not just about solving crimes; it’s about the cost of justice and the messy, complicated relationships that fuel it.
What I love most is how Marney doesn’t shy away from the ugly sides of her characters. Mycroft is brilliant but self-destructive, and Rachel’s loyalty is both her strength and her Achilles’ heel. The animal cruelty angle is hard to read at times, but it’s handled with enough sensitivity to keep it from feeling exploitative. If you’re into YA mysteries with heart and grit, this one’s a must-read.