Don't Look Behind You

Seventeen-year-old April Corrigan lives a comfortable life in Virginia as a tennis star and honors student until her father's testimony in a federal drug case puts their family in danger. She must leave behind her boyfriend, her friends, and her entire identity with barely a moment's notice. The Corrigan family enters witness protection and relocates to Florida, where they struggle to adapt to new names, new personalities, and strict rules designed to keep them hidden. April particularly resists these changes and the loss of contact with her former life. As threats from dangerous criminals continue to surface, April and her family face difficult choices about trust, safety, and whether they can ever return to their previous lives. This thriller explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the complex relationship between personal freedom and security. The story raises questions about how much of oneself must be surrendered for survival.

Readers describe this as a fast-paced thriller that keeps them engaged, though many note it feels dated due to its 1989 setting and lack of modern technology. The story maintains tension throughout and teaches lessons about witness protection programs. Readers appreciated: - Quick pace and building suspense - Realistic portrayal of family dynamics under stress - Educational aspects about witness protection - Clean content suitable for young readers Common criticisms: - Dated references and technology - Some plot points require suspension of disbelief - Main character can come across as self-centered - Ending feels rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) Multiple readers mentioned the book works better for its intended young adult audience than adult readers. One frequent comment notes that while the premise draws readers in, the execution doesn't fully deliver on the initial promise.

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📚 Lois Duncan based this novel partly on personal experiences - her father was an FBI agent who worked with informants in witness protection 🔐 The U.S. Witness Protection Program (WITSEC) has protected over 19,000 witnesses and family members since its creation in 1971 🏆 Duncan received numerous awards for her young adult fiction, including being named a Margaret A. Edwards Award winner for her lifetime contribution to writing for teens 🎬 Like many of Duncan's novels, "Don't Look Behind You" reflects her talent for writing suspense that appeals to both teens and adults - a skill she developed writing mystery stories for magazines at age 13 🎾 The tennis elements in the story were drawn from Duncan's observations of competitive youth sports in Florida, where much of the novel is set