Rape, incest, and abusive rich grandmothers. Though I adored anything V.C. Andrews when I was a teenager, looking back on her novels now I have to say the woman created some pretty dark and demented plots. In fact, I would be surprised that my parents even let me read them back then if they hadn’t allowed me to watch Children of the Corn when I was eight. By myself. In the dark.

Still, I have to admit that the lady sure knew how to grip a reader. I don’t know if it was because of all the wicked twists and immoral acts, or just tight writing, but Andrews’ plots always managed to suck me in so hard I would wind up reading late, late into the night (which may not have been a great strategy for getting homework done but probably helped me keep my Malachai nightmares at bay). Either way, the woman was a true mistress of her craft.

So thank you V.C. Andrews, you inspire me.