1st Audio of year!

You

By: Caroline Kepnes

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 424

Published: 2014

Audiobook: 11 hours and 6 mins

Read:  January

3.5 out of 5 stars

What a great audio! The narrator’s creepy voice matched Joe perfectly. This story intrigued me from the get-go. However, I felt it draaaged on, maybe it was because I didn’t have long commutes and so I felt I never made it anywhere. Either way, I was bored in the middle and felt it moved slowly. Joe’s story did pick up at the end and I was surprised at the ending. I heard a few people say that even though Joe was a creep they were rooting for him – I don’t get it. He was definitely an awful person and in my opinion didn’t deserve to live. However, he made a great enthralling story. Looking forward to watching the Netflix show!

A coincidence or more?!?

The Cheerleaders

By: Kara Thomas

Genre: YA Thriller

Pages: 384

Published: 2018

Read:  July

4 out of 5

CONNECT THE DOTS.  A car accident, a murder, and a suicide. 5 cheerleaders – all dead within a month. Told in the voice of one of the cheerleader’s sister, is the dark twisted story of this small town’s tragedy. Thomas keeps the reader guessing throughout the book, once you think you got it - wait - another twist is upon you. Never having read Thomas before, she is definitely on my radar now. I’m going to have to consider going back and reading Little Monsters (2017) and The Darkest Corners (2016).

The great debate begins....

Charlie, Presumed Dead

By: Anne Heltzel

Genre: YA mystery

Pages: 272

Published: 2015

Read:  August

3 out of 5

The premise was good and unique, and the book held my interest, but the ending was so bad and rushed it changed my entire perception of the book. This book was chosen as a teen book club choice because one member LOVED it and another HATED it. There is a constant debate between them, so we decided to open it up for group debates. I have very mixed feelings and can see both girls’ point of view, however in the end I feel the book is just an average YA book. There is a definite twist I didn’t anticipate, which I can understand influencing the teen readers, but the book also lacks luster. My favorite aspect was that it was told by three narrators – one being Charlie, who is presumed dead, and his voice was told in second person as though you were him. Interesting choice!

Not a good TTT nomination

The Game of Love and Death

By: Martha Brockenbrough

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Pages: 329

Published: 2015

Read: June

1 out of 5

The premise of this story sounds very interesting – Immortals, Love and Death, choose individuals to play a game and see if death occurs or they fall in love. However, the storyline quickly goes downhill. Love and Death have the ability to change into different characters at any given times which means there are a lot of characters to follow and makes it difficult to track. I also felt the game, even though short in length, did not have enough action to keep the reader’s attention. I wanted the game to have a more adventurous ride.  Not only did I not like this book, I am shocked that it was nominated for the Teens’ Top Ten this year. I read a lot of YA books published in 2015 that are way more deserving of the nomination. I hope that some of my teens will read this book, so I can hear their take.

A 2015 Teens' Top Ten nominee - A mystery

Don’t Look Back

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: YA fiction/mystery

Pages: 384

Published: 2014

Read: July

4 out of 5

It is a complete coincidence, which made it a completely confusing time, when I choose to read this book and listen to We were Liars by E. Lockhart at the same time. They are so similar – an accident, memory loss, discovery of what happened after accident and why no one wants the protagonist to regain her memory. AND they were both published in 2014. However, Don’t Look Back is much better written and more entertaining. It well deserves a place in the 2015 Teens’ Top Ten nominees. I definitely felt Sam’s disorientation and cheered for her’s and Carter’s relationship. Whereas in, We were Liars, I don’t feel as connected to the characters, relationships and therefore story itself.  Armentrout has a way of writing that makes all the characters look guilty and still not have story be unbelievable. When you think you figured it out, there is another twist and turn. I’m looking forward to reading more of the nominees and seeing how they compare to this one. 

Similar to Mean Girls, the movie..

Gone Too Far

By: Natalie D. Richards

Genre: YA fiction/mystery

Pages: 304

Published: 2015

Read: February

4 out of 5

I have read both of Richard’s books. Her first one, Six Months Later, was nominated for the teens’ top ten award in 2014. This one reminded of the movie, Mean Girls (2004).  There is a notebook with pictures and schoolmates’ secrets, lots of blackmailing and horrible tricks played by all. The mystery is...who is the owner of the notebook? Who is playing these horrible humiliating acts on their peers?  This book is more realistic fiction that Six Months Later, but still seems a little over the top. However, I haven’t been a teen for many years so maybe things have gotten more out of control, sophisticated and crueler.

A great read about undocumented immigrants

The Land of Careful Shadows

By: Suzanne Chazin

Genre: Adult fiction/Multicultural

Pages: 352

Published: 2014

Read: February

4 out of 5

This book was recommended to me by the author herself when she read how much I enjoyed The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez. Although both are unique in their plots, they both deal with undocumented, or illegal, immigrants.  Careful Shadows is about a Latino homicide detective’s murder case that may or may not involve illegal immigrants. The story captured my attention immediately, but I did find it pretty predictable and the love connection between, Jimmy Vega and Adele Figueroa, an immigrants’ rights activist, felt forced. It is as though it was an afterthought, just to add romance to the story. While I enjoyed Unknown Americans more, I definitely was sucked into this storyline and look forward to reading the next in series.  

YA by Kathy Reichs

Virals

By: Kathy Reichs

Genre: YA mystery

Pages: 448

Published: 2010

Audiobook: 10 hours 31 mins

Read: January

3 out of 5

I have never read a Reichs novel before and didn't really have a strong interest. Her young adult book was recommended by one of my teens. It was okay and  I definitely see how certain readers can like it. What I appreciated the most was that Reichs seems to do her research while writing her books and I felt this book could interest both male and female readers. It contains some paranormal aspects but still involves a great mystery. Even though I haven't read any of her adult novels I believe they are probably comparable and just involves adult characters. This one evens has mention of some of the adults from her Bones series. 

Entertaining and Musical...

The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman

By: Ben H. Winters

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Pages: 256

Published: 2010

Read: January

4 out of 5

This was a cute story about a special homework assignment, a secret in a teacher’s past, and a school music competition. This book has just enough angles in it to interest both boys and girls – especially those into music and mystery solving. The music aspect references some popular bands and songs, however they may not be familiar to the age appropriate with reading it. This would be a great step up for the kids that enjoy A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy or The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osbourne. I recommend this book to 3^rd to 6^th graders. 

A Stacey Kade mystery novel

Bitter Pill

By: Stacey Kade

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 210

Published: 2013

Read: November

3.5 out of 5

Boy, does Rennie have trouble follow her? This was a fun, quick read that definitely will hold a reader’s interest. The mystery itself was intriguing and after finishing it I was surprised I didn’t solve it. The clues were definitely there, but not “in your face” nor did the murderer come out of left field.  I enjoy the small town feel in books and really getting to know the characters. Because of this, I ended up feeling disappointed in the character(s) that deceived me and the town. These are all good qualities to a mystery. What could have made it better - everything with the murder wrapped up a little to neatly, but on the plus side new questions aroused making the reader wonder if there will be a sequel one day. The strange thing is the aspect I have the most problem with is the cover – in my eyes, that is not Rennie. 

Another Teens' Top Ten nominee

Six Months Later

By: Natalie D. Richards

Genre:  YA Mystery

Pages: 323

Published: 2013

Read: October

4 out of 5

This is one of those books that immediately grab your attention, but you remain leery of it. Will it be able to follow through on the mystery, but also hold the realistic feel?  Chloe falls asleep in study hall to wake up 6 months later remembering nothing – How is that possible? This was a quick, fast-paced and intense book. Every time I thought I figured it out, a twist occurred. However, the characters could have been defined more, especially Blake and Adam. I also found a small discrepancy in the book, but because of the intense pace of book my guess is most readers won’t catch it.  I hope the incident that caused Chloe’s memory loss could never happen in real life; however it was not disappointing or so unbelievable that it ruined the book. 

A scary mystery for children

Doll Bones

By: Holly Black

Genre:  Juvenile fiction/horror

Pages: 247

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 5 discs (5 hours and 12 mins)

Read: September

3 out of 5

                  

I have been listening to and reading a lot of children’s scary stories lately and really enjoyed this one. The reader is taken on an adventure with the three 12 year old children and The Queen, a doll stuffed with the cremated ashes of a little girl.  This story reminds me of a scary version of The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Koningsburg. The children leave on an adventure without telling their parents and little money, sneak into a closed library, and the parents don’t seem to even notice or care (until the end). This story isn’t that scary, but focuses on the adventure the children take to seek the graveyard in order for the little girl whose ashes are in the doll, so the girl can finally be at rest. I recommend this book for children 10-14, who can handle a slightly freaky mystery. 

YA from R.L. Stine - he should stick with the younger audience

A Midnight Night's Scream

By: R.L. Stine

Genre:  YA Horror

Pages: 250

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 4 discs (5 hours)

Read: August

2.5 out of 5

I am sure it was a coincidence, but as I was listening to this and driving to Chicago I continuous saw flashes of car accidents in front of me. It was so horrific I almost felt the need to turn around and stay home for the day. Keep in mind, there isn’t a single car accident in the book. My point being the story may have freaked me out a little, however I still believe it was too juvenile for YA. Stine is better known for his upper elementary/middle horror chapter books. I felt the only reason this could be classified as a YA novel is because the characters are high schoolers and there is a little drinking. As far as the actual horrific events, middle schoolers could handle it and I would think older teens may find it cheesy.

A Puzzle-Solving Mystery

Key to the Treasure

By: Peggy Parish

Genre:  Juvenile mystery

Pages: 154

Published: 1966

Read: July

5 out of 5

I first read this book as a kid and remember loving it. The book is very unique in the fact that the puzzles that Jed, Bill, and Liza find can be solved by the reader before reading how the kids solve it. So it's a true puzzle-solving mystery.  I still worked the puzzles myself this time as well. However, I appreciated more of the story as an adult.  It shows the importance of one's family history being past down through the generations.  I feel this is an excellent example of a children's classic and is definitely timeless.  It's about kids growing up in any decade trying to find a lost treasure hidden on their grandparents property over 100 years ago. This book should be treasured by kids of all ages . Join the journey as the siblings find the key to a treasure! 

a first for me...a YA thriller

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die

By: April Henry

Genre:  YA thriller

Pages: 213

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 5 discs (5 hours and 28 mins)

Read: July

4 out of 5

WOW! Honestly, I don’t remember reading a YA thriller before so I have no close comparison to this thrilling read.  In my younger years, I loved Christopher Pike books so I hoped I would enjoy this YA thriller. I was NOT disappointed.  I loved how the story was a roller coaster of an adventure. The entire story took place over only three days and was so action-packed I didn’t want to stop listening.  Henry developed a great protagonist, Cady, who was a tough strong teenager and never stopped giving up. My only disappointment was that I felt the ending was a little rushed, but it does still provides some great intensity. This is a must read for teens and adult fans of a good YA novel. I really hope teens vote for this novel to be a Teens’ Top Ten award winner. 

A childhood classic

 From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By: E.L. Konigsburg

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Pages: 125

Published: 2003

Read: May

3.5 out of 5

This was a reread from my childhood. I didn't remember much about the story, but I know I enjoyed it. I love the idea of running away and staying locked in a place overnight.  I think it's a dream of every child at one point or another.  As a child, I would probably have chosen a library :) As a teen, the mall!  I loved how innocent Claudia and Jamie were - making sure clothes were washed, learning something new everyday, took baths, and yet solved a mystery too. The book really teaches a lesson about growing up, being responsible and even money management yet in a very exciting setting.  As an adult, I had a couple minor issues; the biggest one being: why did the emblem have to look like a beer can, wouldn't a soda can have been a better choice? Overall, I believe this book is a timeless classic and a good selection for 8 to 12 year olds.

An action adventure YA book

Boy Nobody

By: Allen Zadoff

Genre: YA action/adventure

Pages: 337

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 6 CD’s (7 hrs and 36 mins)

Read: April

2 out of 5

I have to admit I listened to this on my Ipod while working, so it never received my full attention. This is the first and last time I listen to a book at work. There are too many disruptions and you simply are unable to pause it every time needed, so you inadvertently miss bits and pieces. Hence, I may have appreciated the story more if I read it or listened to it in my car. I do believe this book may be a good choice for reluctant high school readers and definitely will interest male readers. The content will interest both the older and younger teens, but I felt the level of reading and writing style is appropriate for middle school. The audio was great, plus I feel the book would make a very good action film. There is at least one sequel to this book coming out in June 2014, The Lost Mission.

return to an old favorite...

The Lake of Dead Languages

By: Carol Goodman

Genre: Adult fiction

Pages: 432

Published: 2005

Read: February

4.5 out of 5

This is the second time reading this novel. I still love Goodman, but I lowered my rating by ½ a star. This is due to the fact that throughout the many years since originally reading it I have discovered many great novels – also many not-so-great ones.  I love the literary quality of her novels, however after the redundancy of the private school setting with prestigious and unique courses of study – it can become overkill.  She has recently written her first young adult novel and continues to maintain her superb writing style. Her novels are always full of twists, turns, and surprise revelations and then some not so surprising ones.  I have read every one of her novels, even those written under Juliet Dark, and hope to see her return to the  gothic/suspense genre and leave the fantasy style behind. 

Too long to bother - should have given up..

The Historian

By: Elizabeth Kostova

Genre: Adult fiction

Pages: 752

Published: 2003

Read: February

2 out of 5

One of these days I will learn that if a book has more than 400 pages I should NOT read it. For me, it always seems those books have about 100 pages of “filler” that don’t add any significance to the story. I also have never been one to skip pages of a novel – I either muddle through or give up. However, I was too invested and around page 600 (the manuscripts) I skipped over 26 pages. Honestly, I don’t feel I lost anything either.   Every event unraveled too neatly, every mystery solved too conveniently, unsolved problems – then just give the character amnesia! Then again, if Kostova didn’t write the book in that manner can you imagine how long it would be!! From reviews I have seen, this is definitely a “you love it” or “you hate it” book – I recommend only to fans of Dracula or history buffs.

A Winter Mystery

Winter’s Bone

By: Daniel Woodrell

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 208

Published: 2010

Read: December

2 out of 5

I was shockingly disappointed in this book. It may have been I built up my anticipation too much, but I think it was actually the author’s writing style I couldn’t get into. It definitely had a grabbing beginning and plot; I just lost interest in the middle. The last 20 pages or so caught my attention again and I felt satisfied with the ending. My favorite part of the novel was a sideline story about Ree’s best friend, Gail. Even though I didn’t care for the book, I can see why others would enjoy it. The plot is fascinating and Ree is a very strong female character which I love to see in novels.  I am going to watch the movie and compare to see if indeed it was the writing and not story itself I didn’t enjoy.