Hartley doesn't want to believe the rumors, but after breaking into her boyfriend Josh's locker and finding a condom wrapper, she knows she can't deny it. He's cheating on her. Not only that, but he's cheating on her with the president of the chastity club, Courtney Cline.
After breaking into Josh's house to confront him, Hartley and her best friend Sam find Courtney's dead body--in Josh's closet. Josh is on the run and begging Hartley to help clear his name. She reluctantly agrees, and relies on the help from the school newspaper editor, Clint for help. After another dead body surfaces, Hartley begins to wonder if they're in over their heads. And if she should be helping Josh clear his name or trying to save her own life.
A good murder and suspense novel. I enjoyed the plot and sarcasm from Hartley and her friends. I did guess at who the killer was about 2/3 of the way through the book--and found out I was right!
Showing posts with label mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mystery. Show all posts
Friday, January 6, 2012
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Girl is Murder by Kathryn M Haines
Iris hasn't had an easy few months. Hearing that her father was returning from Pearl Harbor, wounded in the attack, Iris' mother kills herself. Shock is the least of Iris' emotions.
So Iris and her father move to the Lower East Side of New York, and Iris will be going to a public school for the first time in her life, not the private all-girls school she's use to. And nothing could have prepared her for public school. Her purse is stolen the first day and she has no idea where to find anything.
Iris' father is a private investigator, hindered only by his leg. Knowing they're running out of money and job leads, Iris tries to help. So when a boy goes missing at her school, she's sure she can help out. But does her assistance make it easier or harder for her dad to do his job?
Written in the style of Nancy Drew, Iris always seems to be in the wrong place at the right time. She does have some naivety that undermines her detective skills. I liked the premise and the historical background was vivid and entrancing. The ending was a little disappointing, but on the whole, I enjoyed the story.
So Iris and her father move to the Lower East Side of New York, and Iris will be going to a public school for the first time in her life, not the private all-girls school she's use to. And nothing could have prepared her for public school. Her purse is stolen the first day and she has no idea where to find anything.
Iris' father is a private investigator, hindered only by his leg. Knowing they're running out of money and job leads, Iris tries to help. So when a boy goes missing at her school, she's sure she can help out. But does her assistance make it easier or harder for her dad to do his job?
Written in the style of Nancy Drew, Iris always seems to be in the wrong place at the right time. She does have some naivety that undermines her detective skills. I liked the premise and the historical background was vivid and entrancing. The ending was a little disappointing, but on the whole, I enjoyed the story.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Cat's best friend Patrick was found one morning at the gas station, tied up with a gas pump nozzle shoved down his throat. The police are placing blame on outsiders, while Patrick lies in a coma. Cat's own relationship with Patrick has been strained--she's shut him out since the awful incident she went through a few years ago. She feels partially responsible--if they had been getting along, she would have been with him that night.
Cat also doesn't believe Patrick was attacked by outsiders. In fact, she knows exactly who attacked him and left him tied up to die. Her only problem now is proving it. But her searching into Patrick's last night opens a whole can of worms involving her brother, her past, and the whole community. Until she becomes a target.
Mostly about Cat, the town, and life in the South. The ending has a slight twist to it, but not unexpected. I enjoyed the story and unraveling the mystery and secrets of the town and Cat.
Cat also doesn't believe Patrick was attacked by outsiders. In fact, she knows exactly who attacked him and left him tied up to die. Her only problem now is proving it. But her searching into Patrick's last night opens a whole can of worms involving her brother, her past, and the whole community. Until she becomes a target.
Mostly about Cat, the town, and life in the South. The ending has a slight twist to it, but not unexpected. I enjoyed the story and unraveling the mystery and secrets of the town and Cat.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Death Cloud by Andrew Lane
Sherlock Holmes, the world's greatest detective, hasn't yet made a name for himself. He's 14 and on break from his school. His father's off to India, so Sherlock has to stay with his uncle and aunt--two family members he's never even met. He spends most of his days outside and away from the housekeeper.
Sherlock then meets Matty, a boy living on his own who wanders the countryside. Matty tells Sherlock of a dead person from earlier...and the strange black cloud he saw float out the window after his death. Sherlock thinks he's explained it...until he sees it after stumbling upon a dead body near his uncle's home. A Mr. Crowe comes for the summer to tutor Sherlock and the three of them begin an adventure to solve two murders and unveil a plot to destroy the British Army.
There are definitely slow moments throughout the book, giving you a feel for the scenery as well as the mystery. Sherlock is well-drawn, as are his compadres. When the action starts around halfway through the book, the pace picks up a bit and it goes faster.
Sherlock then meets Matty, a boy living on his own who wanders the countryside. Matty tells Sherlock of a dead person from earlier...and the strange black cloud he saw float out the window after his death. Sherlock thinks he's explained it...until he sees it after stumbling upon a dead body near his uncle's home. A Mr. Crowe comes for the summer to tutor Sherlock and the three of them begin an adventure to solve two murders and unveil a plot to destroy the British Army.
There are definitely slow moments throughout the book, giving you a feel for the scenery as well as the mystery. Sherlock is well-drawn, as are his compadres. When the action starts around halfway through the book, the pace picks up a bit and it goes faster.
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee
Meg's older brother Orion has been missing for six months. This, on top of her mother's death a few years ago, has broken their family. Meg's father goes through the motions, her aunt tries to help out as she can, and Meg is determined no one else in their family will disappear. She wants to know what happened to Orion, but doesn't know where to start.
One night she sees a strange light from Satis House, long abandoned. Too curious to stay home, Meg climbs over the rooftops of the nearby houses to investigate that strange light. What she finds is a fake seance and an old friend--Charles Dickens. They both spy on the seance, where Meg is astonished to find her brother Orion! Unable to signal him before he leaves, Meg is determined more than ever to find him.
Thus begins Meg and Mr. Dickens' adventure into the seedier side of London. The two follow clues and sightings to the underbelly of London and the child labor which keeps the city going. Their journey is full of peril and more than once, Mr. Dickens' fame as The Great Man gets them out of trouble. Or brings it down upon them.
An engrossing tale. There are hints of Dickens' work throughout, although if you aren't familiar with them it doesn't hurt the story at all. Dickens himself was a proponent of ending child labor, which he often wrote about. A great historical fiction.
One night she sees a strange light from Satis House, long abandoned. Too curious to stay home, Meg climbs over the rooftops of the nearby houses to investigate that strange light. What she finds is a fake seance and an old friend--Charles Dickens. They both spy on the seance, where Meg is astonished to find her brother Orion! Unable to signal him before he leaves, Meg is determined more than ever to find him.
Thus begins Meg and Mr. Dickens' adventure into the seedier side of London. The two follow clues and sightings to the underbelly of London and the child labor which keeps the city going. Their journey is full of peril and more than once, Mr. Dickens' fame as The Great Man gets them out of trouble. Or brings it down upon them.
An engrossing tale. There are hints of Dickens' work throughout, although if you aren't familiar with them it doesn't hurt the story at all. Dickens himself was a proponent of ending child labor, which he often wrote about. A great historical fiction.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Strawberry Picker by Monika Feth
Jenna is 18 and on her own for the first time. She lives with Merle and Caro, two of her closest friends. When a young woman is found murdered, the girls are concerned but continue their lives.
Until Caro goes missing. Before her body is discovered, in the same way as all the other girls, Jenna and Merle start to question what was going on with Caro's new boyfriend. And their determination to find him.
Nate is sure he's been careful, but he is worried the police are on to him. Caro seemed like the perfect girl but she disappointed him. And now he has new prey...Jenna.
The book was originally written in German, then translated to English. It took a while to get into, the perspective changes from various characters often, and it switches from 3rd person to 1st. About halfway through it picks up, but I'm not sure how much it will appeal to teens.
Until Caro goes missing. Before her body is discovered, in the same way as all the other girls, Jenna and Merle start to question what was going on with Caro's new boyfriend. And their determination to find him.
Nate is sure he's been careful, but he is worried the police are on to him. Caro seemed like the perfect girl but she disappointed him. And now he has new prey...Jenna.
The book was originally written in German, then translated to English. It took a while to get into, the perspective changes from various characters often, and it switches from 3rd person to 1st. About halfway through it picks up, but I'm not sure how much it will appeal to teens.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Kiss Me, Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
Scarlett regrets more than anything the two wishes she made at New Year's, instead of resolutions. She'd like to have boobs and a kiss from her crush Dan McAndrew.
Her first wish comes true and makes gymnastics even harder to balance.
Her second wish also might come true when she's invited to a party only the popular kids are going to--abandoning her two best friends.
At the party she does get her second wish--she and Dan kiss. And then he dies.
Scarlett's sent to her grandmother's school--Wakefield Academy. And while she struggles to fit into a more academic school, she prays no one learns her secret.
But secrets can follow you anywhere. And when a note appears in her desk saying "It's not your fault", Scarlett is determined to catch who put it there and find out the truth to Dan's death.
Scarlett is a likable character and I enjoyed reading this first in 3. Her point of view is looking back over events, so there is some foreshadowing and her regrets over what happens comes off the page in waves. There are some anxious moments throughout, but mostly the mystery of how Dan died and how she was involved are center to the story. I can't wait to read the next one!
Her first wish comes true and makes gymnastics even harder to balance.
Her second wish also might come true when she's invited to a party only the popular kids are going to--abandoning her two best friends.
At the party she does get her second wish--she and Dan kiss. And then he dies.
Scarlett's sent to her grandmother's school--Wakefield Academy. And while she struggles to fit into a more academic school, she prays no one learns her secret.
But secrets can follow you anywhere. And when a note appears in her desk saying "It's not your fault", Scarlett is determined to catch who put it there and find out the truth to Dan's death.
Scarlett is a likable character and I enjoyed reading this first in 3. Her point of view is looking back over events, so there is some foreshadowing and her regrets over what happens comes off the page in waves. There are some anxious moments throughout, but mostly the mystery of how Dan died and how she was involved are center to the story. I can't wait to read the next one!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams
Ingrid, thirteen, has a habit of zoning out while reading, ignoring math homework, and attempting to emulate her idol, Sherlock Holmes. So when she finds out Cracked-up Katie was murdered the same day Ingrid was at her house, she is unsure of what to do. Should she step forward to the police and tell them what she knows (not much)? Or should she try to find out more information?
Ingrid opts for more information, once again in the wrong place when she returns to the scene to get back her cleats. Now the police chief is suspicious, two men Ingrid knows are innocent sit in jail, and the real killer is still out there and knows about her investigation.
All this on top of practicing for an upcoming play Alice in Wonderland. What's a young Holmes to do?
Ingrid is a likable character with an interesting thought process. There is a little romance here as well, but most of the story is concentrated on figuring out who killed Katie Kovac and watching Ingrid figure out clues. A nail-biting ending concludes this story, but not the series--this is book 1!
Ingrid opts for more information, once again in the wrong place when she returns to the scene to get back her cleats. Now the police chief is suspicious, two men Ingrid knows are innocent sit in jail, and the real killer is still out there and knows about her investigation.
All this on top of practicing for an upcoming play Alice in Wonderland. What's a young Holmes to do?
Ingrid is a likable character with an interesting thought process. There is a little romance here as well, but most of the story is concentrated on figuring out who killed Katie Kovac and watching Ingrid figure out clues. A nail-biting ending concludes this story, but not the series--this is book 1!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki
Timothy's been having nightmares since he learned his brother was injured in Iraq and is now in a coma.
Abigail has nightmares too--only hers come when she's awake. When the two are suppose to do a history project together, they realize their nightmares may have a common source.
Stalked by two faceless beings, attacked by a painted dragon, a skeleton brought to life, and chased by Timothy's injured brother, neither believe it could be a curse.
Until they learn the truth. And their only hope is to defeat the man responsible.
More creepy than scary, this book definitely hits the right tone. Action-packed, especially at the end, and a heavy dose of disbelief. Timothy and Abigail stumble on the truth before they realize it, which clues the reader into what's going on. Mystery and creepy all at the same time.
Abigail has nightmares too--only hers come when she's awake. When the two are suppose to do a history project together, they realize their nightmares may have a common source.
Stalked by two faceless beings, attacked by a painted dragon, a skeleton brought to life, and chased by Timothy's injured brother, neither believe it could be a curse.
Until they learn the truth. And their only hope is to defeat the man responsible.
More creepy than scary, this book definitely hits the right tone. Action-packed, especially at the end, and a heavy dose of disbelief. Timothy and Abigail stumble on the truth before they realize it, which clues the reader into what's going on. Mystery and creepy all at the same time.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Kendra and her brother Seth are sent to stay with their grandparents for a couple weeks while their parents are on a cruise. They don't know Grandma and Grandpa Sorenson very well, in fact, Grandma Sorenson isn't even at the house. Kendra and Seth are given full reign of the house and yard, but are told to stay out of the forest.
Of course, Seth can't help but wonder what's in the forest, and he wanders in one day. Kendra wonders at the giant butterflies and dragonflies in the yard, until she notices their odd behavior. They drink milk--so Seth and Kendra also try it. Turns out, their grandparents are the caretakers of Fablehaven--a sanctuary for mystical and magical creatures. And when Seth accidentally insults the fairies, everything dissolves into chaos. Grandpa Sorenson is kidnapped and it's up to Kendra and Seth to put aside their fears to save him.
The first in the series, there are a lot of things going on here. The point of view shifts a little at the beginning of the book, but the story distracts from that. The whole book is part mystery, part fantasy, and part realistic fiction. Kendra and Seth are well developed and likable. An excellent first book in a series.
Of course, Seth can't help but wonder what's in the forest, and he wanders in one day. Kendra wonders at the giant butterflies and dragonflies in the yard, until she notices their odd behavior. They drink milk--so Seth and Kendra also try it. Turns out, their grandparents are the caretakers of Fablehaven--a sanctuary for mystical and magical creatures. And when Seth accidentally insults the fairies, everything dissolves into chaos. Grandpa Sorenson is kidnapped and it's up to Kendra and Seth to put aside their fears to save him.
The first in the series, there are a lot of things going on here. The point of view shifts a little at the beginning of the book, but the story distracts from that. The whole book is part mystery, part fantasy, and part realistic fiction. Kendra and Seth are well developed and likable. An excellent first book in a series.
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
Yes, this book has been out a while, but since it's more on the Juvenile side of fiction, I haven't picked it up before now.
Cassandra is an eleven-year-old survivalist. She's prepared for any--and every--thing. While spending time with her grandfathers who own an antique dealership, a box of items is delivered with an unusual briefcase inside. The briefcase is labeled "Symphony of Smells" and is filled with vials of different powders, each with a distinct smell. The box came from a magician's home, so Cassandra, with her new friend Max-Ernest, decides she needs to investigate. Once in the house, they find a secret room and a notebook with a riddle. They also meet the bad guys--Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais.
Cassandra knows the couple will be looking for her and Max-Ernest. She is proven correct when the two show up at her school. What she doesn't expect is Benjamin Blake--a classmate--disappears after Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais leave. Now Cassandra must convince Max-Ernest to help her save Benjamin from a fate they don't want to think about.
A good mystery and suspense novel, especially for the older elementary grades. This is written in the style of the Lemony Snicket books--so the narrator is extremely involved in the plot and the action. There is a lot of things going on with the plot, too much to explain here, but the book is pretty engrossing. And descriptive.
Cassandra is an eleven-year-old survivalist. She's prepared for any--and every--thing. While spending time with her grandfathers who own an antique dealership, a box of items is delivered with an unusual briefcase inside. The briefcase is labeled "Symphony of Smells" and is filled with vials of different powders, each with a distinct smell. The box came from a magician's home, so Cassandra, with her new friend Max-Ernest, decides she needs to investigate. Once in the house, they find a secret room and a notebook with a riddle. They also meet the bad guys--Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais.
Cassandra knows the couple will be looking for her and Max-Ernest. She is proven correct when the two show up at her school. What she doesn't expect is Benjamin Blake--a classmate--disappears after Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais leave. Now Cassandra must convince Max-Ernest to help her save Benjamin from a fate they don't want to think about.
A good mystery and suspense novel, especially for the older elementary grades. This is written in the style of the Lemony Snicket books--so the narrator is extremely involved in the plot and the action. There is a lot of things going on with the plot, too much to explain here, but the book is pretty engrossing. And descriptive.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
Elizabeth doesn't have the best life--or the worst. Her dad remarried, her stepsisters aren't mean, but not nice either, and her stepmother can't stand her. Her close relationship with her dad is also a thing of the past.
Then she gets a job a the New York Circulating Material Repository to make some money and friends. The job is not what she expected. The Repository is a huge building filled with items from history that people can check out. Elizabeth is amazed.
She then learns of the Grimm Library--actual items from the Brothers Grimm's stories. These items all have a magical component--and they're being stolen. The staff are all on alert and Elizabeth is determined to find the culprit. Then one of her new friends disappears and she must decide what's more important.
There is a lot going on in this book. The concept is great but the story could have been polished a bit more. Plenty of action and characterization, it was just missing a little realism amongst all the fantasy.
Then she gets a job a the New York Circulating Material Repository to make some money and friends. The job is not what she expected. The Repository is a huge building filled with items from history that people can check out. Elizabeth is amazed.
She then learns of the Grimm Library--actual items from the Brothers Grimm's stories. These items all have a magical component--and they're being stolen. The staff are all on alert and Elizabeth is determined to find the culprit. Then one of her new friends disappears and she must decide what's more important.
There is a lot going on in this book. The concept is great but the story could have been polished a bit more. Plenty of action and characterization, it was just missing a little realism amongst all the fantasy.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Grace has always been close to her family, even though they have many secrets from her. Like her brother Jude, who came home one night covered in his own blood and his best friend Daniel disappeared.
But Daniel's back and Grace is more confused than ever. Wanting to be loyal to Jude, she can't help but be drawn to Daniel again and again. Daniel appears to feel the same way, but when she gets close to him, he pushes her away. When Grace's baby brother disappears, Daniel is the one to find him. Jude is even angrier at this and Grace must decide who to trust. Secrets have a way of coming out and Grace is determined to know Daniel's. Determined to save him too, if she can.
I did enjoy the story, but there were a few irritations as I read it. For one, when Grace finds out Daniel is a werewolf, she tells him over and over again how he can be a hero. She's 17, and doesn't seem to be that naive in the rest of the book. This is the story of the prodigal son with werewolves. There are Christian fiction overtones as well, but they aren't heavy or preachy. A good werewolf romance with plot and mystery.
But Daniel's back and Grace is more confused than ever. Wanting to be loyal to Jude, she can't help but be drawn to Daniel again and again. Daniel appears to feel the same way, but when she gets close to him, he pushes her away. When Grace's baby brother disappears, Daniel is the one to find him. Jude is even angrier at this and Grace must decide who to trust. Secrets have a way of coming out and Grace is determined to know Daniel's. Determined to save him too, if she can.
I did enjoy the story, but there were a few irritations as I read it. For one, when Grace finds out Daniel is a werewolf, she tells him over and over again how he can be a hero. She's 17, and doesn't seem to be that naive in the rest of the book. This is the story of the prodigal son with werewolves. There are Christian fiction overtones as well, but they aren't heavy or preachy. A good werewolf romance with plot and mystery.
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Sophie is a witch and in big trouble. No matter the reason, every time she casts a spell it goes horribly wrong. She is finally sent to Hectate Hall, where all witches, shapeshifters, faeries, and other creatures go when they fail to fit into a 'normal' existence.
Hex Hall isn't so bad--Sophie's found a good friend in Jenna, her vampire roommate, and a huge crush on Archer, the school's resident hottie. Not that it's all sunshine--some of her fellow witches are showing up dead and Sophie is seeing a girl in green wandering around. Sophie can't help but wonder why her power seems so different from everyone else's and if she can learn how to control it.
I really enjoyed this story. Sophie is a great character, full of smarts, spunk, and her own sense of self. There are instances where the story twists in unexpected ways. If you liked Harry Potter, you'll probably like this one too.
Hex Hall isn't so bad--Sophie's found a good friend in Jenna, her vampire roommate, and a huge crush on Archer, the school's resident hottie. Not that it's all sunshine--some of her fellow witches are showing up dead and Sophie is seeing a girl in green wandering around. Sophie can't help but wonder why her power seems so different from everyone else's and if she can learn how to control it.
I really enjoyed this story. Sophie is a great character, full of smarts, spunk, and her own sense of self. There are instances where the story twists in unexpected ways. If you liked Harry Potter, you'll probably like this one too.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
I didn't think I'd read this at first, because the reviews weren't fantastic for it. But I thought I'd give it a try, and I'm glad I did!
Mary is a thief who lives in Victorian England. Saved from the gallows, she's given a second chance to make something of herself by attending the Academy, a school for girls who want more than a life of servitude to a husband or living on the streets. She's then introduced to the Agency, a group of women who work secretly to investigate crimes and criminals. As women are more property than person in Victorian times, they can work behind the scenes without ever being noticed.
Mary is sent to the Thorold household as a companion to their daughter, but really to find out more about Mr. Thorold's business dealings. He's suspected of smuggling gemstones and artifacts from India. Frustrated with the lack of business talk in the home, Mary decides to start hunting around his offices, where she runs into James Easton, also spying on Thorold. The two decide to team up and learn what they can about Thorold's practices. What they find is a whole lot more than they ever expected.
The mystery is complicated but interesting. A good book with intrigue and history all in one. Someone who doesn't enjoy historical novels would still enjoy this book. I don't notice small inaccuracies, and even though the whole book takes a while to get up to a pace, it was still entertaining. The first in a series.
Mary is a thief who lives in Victorian England. Saved from the gallows, she's given a second chance to make something of herself by attending the Academy, a school for girls who want more than a life of servitude to a husband or living on the streets. She's then introduced to the Agency, a group of women who work secretly to investigate crimes and criminals. As women are more property than person in Victorian times, they can work behind the scenes without ever being noticed.
Mary is sent to the Thorold household as a companion to their daughter, but really to find out more about Mr. Thorold's business dealings. He's suspected of smuggling gemstones and artifacts from India. Frustrated with the lack of business talk in the home, Mary decides to start hunting around his offices, where she runs into James Easton, also spying on Thorold. The two decide to team up and learn what they can about Thorold's practices. What they find is a whole lot more than they ever expected.
The mystery is complicated but interesting. A good book with intrigue and history all in one. Someone who doesn't enjoy historical novels would still enjoy this book. I don't notice small inaccuracies, and even though the whole book takes a while to get up to a pace, it was still entertaining. The first in a series.
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