Mundie Moms

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Book Review: Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday


Published by: Harper Collins
Release Date: October 11, 2011
Source: Purchased

4 stars - I really enjoyed it

Synopsis: First I find out that my boyfriend is cheating on me. Then he’s pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And now he’s depending on me to clear his name. Seriously?

As much as I wouldn’t mind watching him squirm, I know that he’s innocent. So I’m brushing off my previously untapped detective skills and getting down to business. But I keep tripping over dead bodies and I’m still no closer to figuring out who did it. And what’s worse: all signs seem to point to me as the killer’s next victim.

I really need to pick a better boyfriend next time.

There's something about a smart, snarky girl detective character that I just love. Life couldn't be worse for Hartley. First, she finds out that her boyfriend's cheating on her and then while she's snooping around his bedroom, she finds a dead body. Not just any dead body, but the dead body of the girl Hartley suspects he was cheating with. How humiliating. Fortunately for Hartley, a neighbor (who just happens to be the good-looking, brooding type and a senior at her school) was taking pictures of his car and he helps her with what turns out to be a classic mystery.

And Gemma’s written it in a style that’s a nod to both Veronica Mars and a much, much more sarcastic Nancy Drew. I admit that I looked forward to Hartley’s exchanges with Chase (yes, the neighbor who is also the editor of the school’s paper) the most. Because the two of them are, in turn, sweet, funny and OMGHYSTERICAL when they are together. There’s a scene where Hartley ends up hiding under Chase’s bed, which still causes me to giggle when I think about it.

The side characters are well drawn, too. Especially Hartley’s best friend, Sam and the police detective, Raley . Even minor characters like the grief counselor, Miss Bessie are brought to life with only a few descriptive words and lines of dialogue. Gemma is masterful at making you laugh, wonder, guess (and incorrectly) and most of all enjoy Hartley’s determination to find the killer. As with any good mystery, no one is safe and almost everyone ends up being a suspect, yes, even Chase.

When you’re in the mood for a well written YA mystery, be sure to pick up Deadly Cool. In the meantime, I’m ready to go back to Herbert Hoover High for the next installment, Social Suicide, which will be released on April 24th. I need to see what Hartley, Chase and Sam are up to in their next adventure.

8 comments:

  1. Thank you for your review, I just got the book this week. Glad you liked it!

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  2. I LOVED this one! It did however make me miss Veronica Mars like whoa. I can't wait for the next book, either, and lucky me I have a review copy! Now just need to get to it...

    Ashelynn @ Gypsy Book Reviews.

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    1. Ashelyn - Yes! Lucky you!! I have it pre-ordered. I'm looking forward to your review of the sequel.

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  3. I enjoyed this book too mainly because it reminded so much of Veronica Mars and Nancy Drew of course . . . my fav girls in mystery history! ;) Anyway, I'm looking forward to the sequel.

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    1. Erin - So glad that we drew (oops, pun) ;) the same comparisons. I'm taking a break from reading my beloved paranormals/fantasy books and this was perfect.

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  4. I loved Veronica Mars, too! Gemma's books are always fun, so looking forward to this read :)

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    1. Misa - This is my first Gemma book. I am definitely looking forward to more.

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