Fiction

Book of The Week: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Series

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Book: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder series by Holly Jackson

Rating: 4/5

Before I get into talking about the series, I just wanted to preface this and say I finished these books quicker than I expected. This series is fantastic. From the plot, characters, writing, dynamics between the characters, pacing, and atmosphere, it was done really well. I had heard from a few people that the series was fun, easy to read, entertaining, and a true mystery but I didn’t expect it to be so good.

The series main protaganist, Pippa Fitz a high school student who isn’t so sure that Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Sighn even though everyone says he did it. Pippa is determined to solve the case herself and use it as a class project for her senior year but the more she tries to uncover, the more danger waits in the darkness. Pippa begins to find that there are more questions than answers and someone is desperate to keep those secrets kept hidden. The more Pippa digs, the more dangerous it becomes and those close to Pippa are worried that she could be next.

The first book did a great job at setting things up for the next two books but the way the pacing was done really helped. It was right in the middle, not too slow and not too fast. The second and third book were just as good as the first one and I’m sad that it’s over but I couldn’t put the books down. It was a such a nail biter to the end as I felt like the twists, jumps, and turns were done so well that you didn’t even seen them coming. I loved Pippa as I found her a very fleshed out well written character who had a good head on her shoulders and wanted to make those around feel safe. She can be a bit brash and acts before she thinks but throughout the series, there is growth to her character that I found believable. I found her interactions with other characters well done and the dynamics were great. The other characters were great, they were all unique and had their own struggles and conflicts especially with Pippa.

The second and third book were filled with just as much excitement, terror, suspense, action, heart-warming moments as the first book which made me happy. As sad as I am that the series is over, I wouldn’t want a fourth book as everything is tied up nicely in the third book and I feel doing a fourth book would slightly ruin the series. It’s good to know when to stop and not drag things out and annoying readers in the process as that can happen. A truly great mystery/thriller series that will keep you wanting more so check it out!!

Favorite Quotes:

“The people you love weren’t algebra: to be calculated, subtracted, or held at arm’s length across a decimal point.”

“But sometimes remembering isn’t for yourself, sometimes you do it just to make someone else smile. Those lies were allowed.”

“I think we all get to decide what good and bad and right and wrong mean to us, not what we’re told to accept.”

“A quietness settled over the room, a quietness that wasn’t the absence of sound, it was its own living thing, stifling in the spaces between them.”

“But sometimes remembering isn’t for yourself, sometimes you do it just to make someone else smile. Those lies were allowed.” 

We Regret to Inform You By Ariel Kaplan

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Rating: 2.5/5
y
“Just your friend?”
“There’s no just about being friends.” 

The Plot:

When Mischa Abramavicius, an overachieving star student doesn’t get into any of the universities she applied for, she knows that something isn’t right because how could she not get accepted into these schools. While pondering her future, she decides to take matters into her own hands and find out what happened but the m0re she digs, the more questions she has. Mischa is determined to find out what happened even if it means her own safety.

This plot was interesting at first glance but throughout the book, it starts to become very silly and I for one don’t buy what actually happened. it just felt far fetched to me.

The characters & writing:

The characters needed better development because I couldn’t really connect with any of them. I didn’t see any growth with any of the characters. The writing was a bad in my opinion as there was way too much detail in some parts and not enough detail in other parts. It is fun and cute during some parts but I just couldn’t get into it which sucked but maybe other people will find this more enjoyable than I did.

It happens but onto the next book!

The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

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Rating: 4/5

“All the money, all the power—none of it compares to a good book. A book gives you everything. It gives you a window into other souls, other worlds.” 

The Plot:

While Stevie Bell may have solved the murder of her classmate, she now finds herself into a new brew of trouble as strange things keep occurring and before she can investigate, her parents pull her out of the academy for her own safety. They want her to move on from this obsession and focus on other things but Stevie feels isolated, disconnected, and alone. To add insult to injury, she finds herself thinking of David, the boy she kissed but also the boy who lied to her. Stevie doesn’t want to ever seen him again but when David’s father, Edward King makes a visit and wants Stevie to come back to the school to make nice with David. He tells her that he’s in the middle of a campaign and can’t afford for David to cause any trouble. If Stevie is there, he will make nice.

The prospect of returning to Ellington Academy is to exciting to turn down as Stevie knows she’s close to solving the murder. But, the path to truth is much more dangerous than before and Stevie must be careful or she could be next.

This novel takes a very unexpected turn that I didn’t see coming, I nearly gasped and threw my book but I loved it at the same time. The plot is what I love the most as it’s unique, entertaining and keeps you guessing what will happen next.

The characters:

So much growth for Stevie, I really enjoy her as a protagonist. She’s very real and relatable and I loved seeing her grown as a character. I felt for her when she was back home and feeling disconnected from everything as that can be really difficult and in addition to that, she felt hurt by David. I can’t say that I blame her for being hurt that he lied to her as I would feel the same. I already had a feeling that she would seen David soon and while David does improve and grow, I still can’t like him as much I liked Stevie. I did enjoy their banter and the dynamics that they have in this telling but I don’t buy the romance, it’s awkward and feels forced.

The writing:

Johnson’s writing is what I love the most. She knows how to write unexpected twists and turns in a way that you don’t even seen coming until it happens. I really enjoy how she’s able to create an atmosphere that’s so real and she does a great job with the dynamics between the characters. Overall, a very entertaining, edge of your seat thriller that keeps you wanting more!

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing

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Rating: 4/5

“Being loved is one thing, being hated is another, but there is nothing worse than being ignored.” 

The Plot:

For Your Own Good is a wild, campy, vindictive, and murderous tale that follows the lives of students, teachers, and other professionals at the prestigious, famed, wealthiest Belmont Academy. Teddy Crutcher is a dedicated, hard working, by the books and willing to do anything to help out his students even if they don’t ask him to do it. Soon, the school is thrown into a tailspin when a parent is found murdered. While this would cause concern for any rational person, Teddy isn’t too bothered by nosy students. He’s more concerned with helping his students tap into their potential and wishing that his fellow staff, administrators, and other school personnel started treating him like the gift that he is and stayed out of his way.

The Characters:

Teddy is an unbelievably entertaining main character with flaws and all that make you love and hate him at the same time. His teaching methods are less than conventional but he is willing to do whatever it takes to get the best out of his students even if that means going a little too far. While Teddy is the main focus on the book, there are other characters who you hate and love at the same time. The way the characters are written adds to the devious and dark plot and also makes you question them but Teddy is the person you question the most. He’s so bad but you can’t help but love him.

The Writing:

This the first book by Downing that I’ve read so I didn’t know what to expect but she’s very good at describing the atmosphere and setting the tone. While I did like the different POV’s, I wanted to know more about Teddy and why he was the way that he was and also felt like there way too many chapters. Some of the chapters could be condensed because I felt like I was never going to finish it. So, it took away from my excitement by the end of the book and I didn’t feel as gratified as I wanted to feel. Downing also excels with keeping you on your toes with the twists and turns that you read throughout the book and that’s always a plus in particular for me. I get bored with predictable twists and turns and lose interest but the way they are written is very well done.

Final Thoughts:

Even with the unnecessary chapters, this is a fun, wild, and entertaining ride that will you leaving you wanting more. It’s dark, devious, hysterical, and will to make you second guess the twists and turns. It will also make you wonder who will win at the air as the way Downing writes it leaves it up in the air.

Book Of The Week: Truly Devious

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I have decided to do more than book reviews on this blog and I’m excited to start a book of the week meme. Every Sunday, I will pick a book that I’ve recently read and stood out to me and I will share what’s it’s about, what I liked and didn’t like, the characters, quotes, and who I think would enjoy it.

The Plot:

So I’m delighted to share the pick for this. Truly Devious is a young adult mystery series by Maureen Johnson. The series is made up of four books with the last book being released this year. It follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast starting her first year at famed and exclusive Ellington Academy where she is determined to solve the mysterious disappearances of the wife and child of founder, Albert Ellington. The only clue that was left was a dubious mocking riddle signed by Truly Devious, the case would go down as one of the greatest unsolved crime in history. But solving the case isn’t the only thing Stevie struggles with, she’s also dealing with the rigorous new school life and find common ground with her roommates.

As she gets adjusted to that new life, strange things begin happening and Truly Devious has made them their return as a classmate of Stevie is found murdered. Although cautioned to stay safe, Stevie throws herself into the investigation and must rely on her survival skills or she could be the next victim.

The characters:

One of the pros of the book are the characters as they were well written, unique, and the dynamics between them felt very real. Stevie is a fun and quirky protagonist and I found myself relating to her throughout the book especially with her true crime obsession. But, she was also self-aware, competent, and had a great attitude and head on her shoulders. Her best friends, Janelle and Nate were pretty great as well and I loved the dynamics between the three. I wasn’t too crazy about David, he was kinda annoying and while I guess you could call him the love interest, this isn’t a heavy romance story. I couldn’t really feel out his character and if he truly liked Stevie or he was using her.

The writing:

While I did enjoy the pace of the writing, there were parts where it was slow. But, for the most part I felt like the writing fit the scene. Sometimes I struggle with dual timeline books but the way the scenes from 1938 were written didn’t take away from the present day scenes and I think added depth to the story. What I truly loved about the writing is how Johnson cracks up the heat and you don’t notice it until it’s too late. I felt like the twists and turns were done really well and kept me on the edge of my seat. You also can’t tell if the the killer from the 1930’s has returned or if it’s someone else and that was also suspenseful and kept me wanting more.

Overall, Truly Devious is a fantastic murder mystery with well written and complex characters, an interesting plot that will keep you wanting more, and set you up to anticipate book two with delight. I’m glad that I finally got the chance to read this book and I have already finished book 2 so hopefully before the end of the month, I will have read them all. Check it out!

Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan

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Rating: 3/5

“I’m not spending my life pretending I’m something I’m not, or making myself smaller and quieter, just because someone else thinks I should.

After finding out being queer is against her catholic school’s code of conduct, Morgan is forced to transfer schools where she ends up meeting Ruby who has two hobbies: competing in beauty pageants and tinkering with her baby blue 1970 Ford Torino. When the two meet, a connection is formed and soon come to realize that the connection is more than platonic and can’t deny their feelings for one another. But while Morgan is ready to announce it to the world, Ruby isn’t ready to take that step? Can the two find a resolution or will the relationship go up in flames?

Some Girls Do is your typical YA novel about coming into your own and being proud of who you are and owning it. I have a big gripe about this book as Morgan doesn’t deserve Ruby because she’s annoying, entitled, and passive aggressive. Both girls do things to hurt each other but I found Morgan’s actions more disrespectful especially the attitude of “I’m out and so should you” and it made me feel bad for Ruby. There’s a part in the book where Ruby confronts about it and Morgan deserved to get told off because that’s just wrong. It’s not up to anyone else but the individual themselves when they want to come out. Morgan just straight up annoyed me throughout the entire book and I for can’t buy the romance especially how Morgan treated Ruby. She felt that she was entitled and didn’t have much growth throughout the book and I can see how coming from a wealthy catholic school would make her that way but you would think being away from that environment, she would make an effort to change and be more understanding. So, while it’s a fun book the romance is something that I can’t buy mostly because Morgan is insufferable and doesn’t Ruby imo.

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

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Rating: 4/5

“Love is an enchantress—devious and wild. It sneaks up behind you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.”

The Wicked Deep tells the story of three sisters, all witches being sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were thrown into the river to drown. But the sisters would have the last laugh as every summer, the witches invade the small town where they steal the bodies of the three weak hearted little girls who will lure unsuspecting boys into the harbor and pulling them under. For seventeen year old Penny Talbot, she has accepted her fate and is prepared to have her body stolen but when a young boy by the name of Bo Carter comes into town unaware of what lies ahead of them. Soon, the townspeople start to turn on one another due to mistrust and lies as death comes calling to those who cannot resist the sisters. Penny must make a harrowing choice, to save herself or Bo.

Well this was a pretty fast and enjoyable read. The pacing for it is medium and I didn’t feel like it was too rushed or going to slowly at any part of the book. The characters especially Penny and Bo are likeable and relatable and well written so that’s good because when you can’t invest in characters because of the lack of development, it makes it harder to get through the book. I absolutely loved the premise of the book and how the plot was executed and the writing was good, not too poetic or flowery but good enough that things flowed together really well and helped further the plot. An enjoyable and quick read so check it out if you want!

August TBR

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OMG! How is it almost fall? This is so crazy but I am so ready fit!! I’m even more excited about my tbr for this month cause it’s going to b great! Reading more books this month or I’m gonna try for a fun readathon for the Goodreads discord server I’m in! So here are my picks!!

A Court of Honey & Ash by Shannon Meyer and Kelly St. Clare
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA

A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, YA

Amelia Unbridged by Ashley Schumacher
Genre: Contemporary, YA, Fiction

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, YA

Catch & Cradle by Katia Rose
Genre: Romance, LGBT, New Adult

The Dead And The Dark by Courtney Gould
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, YA

Deep Blue Eternity by Natasha Boyd
Genre: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

Girls At The Edge Of The World by Laura Brooke Robson
Genre: LGBT, Fantasy, YA

How Hard Can Love Be? By Holly Bourne
Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary

Foretold by Violet Lumani
Genre: LGBT, Fantasy, Romance

Forget This Ever Happened by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Poetry

Into The Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, YA

Lyrics & Curses by Candace Robinson
Genre: Fantasy, YA

One Year Of Maybe by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Genre: Contemporary, YA, Romance

Outrun The Wind by Elizabeth Tammi
Genre: Fantasy, LGBT, Romance

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Young Adult

Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan
Genre: LGBT, Contemporary, Romance

Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
Genre: LGBT, YA, Romance

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Genre: Mystery, YA, Contemporary

What I Carry by Jennifer Longo
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Fiction

We Regret To Inform You by Ariel Kaplan
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Mystery

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
Genre: Fantasy, YA

What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson
Genre: YA, Thriller, Mystery

Who I Was With Her by Nita Tyndall
Genre: LGBT, YA, Romance


July Wrap Up

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I can’t believe July is over!! It flew by so quick and I enjoyed all the books for this month, they were well worth the read and I can’t wait to share them all with you! So let’s get started!

Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimde
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Am I Normal Yet? By Holly Bourne
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 5/5

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
Genre: LGBT, YA, Fantasy
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
Genre: LGBT, Sci-Fi, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Don’t Call The Wolf by Aleksandra Ross
Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Fiction
Review: Here

Rating: 3.5/5

Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 3/5

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Review: Here

Rating: 3/5

Miss Meteor by Tehlor Kay Mejia and Anna-Marie McLemore
Genre: Fiction, Romance, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Neon Gods by Katee Robert
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Night Spinner by Addie Thorley
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales
Genre: Romance, LGBT, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Promised Neverland by Kaiu Shirai
Genre: Graphic Novels, Magna
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 3.5/5

Sisters Of The Snake by Sasha & Sarena Nauna
Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Romance
Review: Here

Rating: 3.5/5

The Sea Is Salt And So Am I by Cassandra Hartt
Genre: Contemporary, LGBT, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 3/5

The Southern Book Club’s Guide To Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Genre: Horror, Fiction, Fantasy
Review: Here

Rating: 3.5/5

This Poison Heart by Kaylnn Bayron
Genre: Fantasy, LGBT, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating:3/5

Witchshadow by Susan Dennard
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5