The Getaway

By: Lamar Giles

Narrated by: Karl T. Wright, Imani Parks, P. J. Ochlan

"Timely, thrilling, and gripping from start to finish. An absolute page-turner." --Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying

Jay is living his best life at Karloff Country, one of the world's most famous resorts. He's got his family, his crew, and an incredible after-school job at the property's main theme park. Life isn't so great for the rest of the world, but when people come here to vacation, it's to get away from all that.

As things outside get worse, trouble starts seeping into Karloff. First, Jay's friend Connie and her family disappear in the middle of the night and no one will talk about it. Then the richest and most powerful families start arriving, only... they aren't leaving. Unknown to the employees, the resort has been selling shares in an end-of-the-world oasis. The best of the best at the end of days. And in order to deliver the top-notch customer service the wealthy clientele paid for, the employees will be at their total beck and call.

Whether they like it or not.

Yet Karloff Country didn't count on Jay and his crew--and just how far they'll go to find out the truth and save themselves. But what's more dangerous: the monster you know in your home or the unknown nightmare outside the walls?

©2022 Lamar Giles. (P)2022 Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Timely, thrilling, and gripping from start to finish. An absolute page-turner." --Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying

"The Getaway grabbed me from page one and didn't let go. I was immediately fascinated and disturbed by the fictional Karloff Country. You too will be lured in and then horrified by the truth behind those perfect customer service smiles..." --Malinda Lo, New York Times best selling author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club

"With hints of Cory Doctorow, Jordan Peele, and Richard Matheson, this book stands on its own as a dystopian adventure, but the deeper metaphors around servitude, privilege, class, and solidarity mean that there's a lot to think about as the characters reckon with their proximity to and complicity in violence both local and far-flung. Hold tight: You'll want to stay on this nightmarish roller coaster till the end." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Quite interesting!

This book was quite different than anything I’ve ever read! It was a mix of sci-fi, comedy, and drama. It had some twists and turns I was not expecting! A great read.

Overall Thriller!

It was definitely futuristic with glimpses of the past horrors African Americans faced delicately weaves together. So many twists and turns. The voice acting was amazing while reading along. Definitely recommend! Oddly was rooting for Jay and Chelle!

Best Book I’ve Read in a While

This book will keep your on the edge of your seat with thrill in horror. The balance of humor, with chilling narratives, and tough conversations about the intersection of racism and capitalism, creates the nail biting read this book is.

great dystopian read!

Ok, I picked this up because of the cover. Immediate "Purge" vibes. I'm so glad I did!

I loved the setting for this book. A dystopian story that takes place in an off-brand Disney? Yessss.

I really enjoyed the alternating POV, too. Lots of dark twists, but good! The story has lots of great messages as well. I'll be checking out more of this author, and I'm assuming there may be a sequel!

good book with a slow start

I really liked the storyline. I liked that the characters stayed true to who they were.