Review: Missing, Presumed Dead

Missing, Presumed Dead
by Emma Berquist

Publisher: Greenwillow/HarperCollins
Publication Date: May 21, 2019

MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD is a thrilling murder mystery about high school dropout, Alexandra “Lexi” Ivanovich, who teams up with a recently killed ghost, Jane Morris. Jane was murdered at the bar Lexi works at, but doesn’t remember who killed her and why. What Lexi is surprised by, however, is that Jane is not the only stabbing victim who went missing in the last month: Urie, Lexi’s boss, worries that they have a serial killer on their hands, who’s using their bar club as a slaughtering ground.

However, Lexi’s abilities branch far beyond just seeing ghosts: she can also see how and when people die just at a touch. Overwhelmed with the guilt that she had seen Jane’s death before it actually happened and couldn’t stop it, Lexi tries to help Jane find her killer before he harms anyone else. What follows is an exciting mystery/ghost story with a hefty dose of honesty, humor, and romance.

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was extremely creative and the story flowed so well, I wasn’t even paying attention to how far along in the book I was. Berquist does an especially great job with the characters, as they were not only complex in their own ways, but very likable and fun to read about! I highly recommend this book to mystery, romance, and horror fans alike. (A slight gore warning, but nothing too severe.)

Review: Killing November

Killing November
by Adriana Mather

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 26, 2019

KILLING NOVEMBER is a thrilling murder mystery that revolves around our heroine, November, a happy-go-lucky small town girl who gets thrown into a world of murderers, assassins, and all-around tricksters when she wakes up at the elite Academy Absconditi boarding school. Completely out of her element in a school where violence and deception are key, November’s life gets thrown even more off balance when she discovers a murdered student on campus. With the help of her uptight roommate and said roommate’s smooth-mouthed brother, November sets off to figure out who the killer really is, while simultaneously uncovering her suspiciously secretive heritage. Unfortunately, November’s suspect list is unbearably high, every student seemingly having a bone to pick with our energetic heroine. With no contact to the outside world, including her beloved father, November hopes that she can solve this murder before she winds up next on the killer’s list.

Regarding the overall plot, KILLING NOVEMBER definitely has a lot going on. I mean, it’s not impossible to follow or anything, but it moves very fast, and my opinions of characters were constantly changing throughout the book. However, that’s what is so fun about it: the twists and turns keep the story fresh and alive up until the very end! I’m trying not to spoil anything here, so let’s just say that if you like murder mysteries, drama, assassins, or even just interesting characters, you should take a peek at KILLING NOVEMBER, stay for a couple pages, and then decide if it’s something you want to invest in! I really do recommend giving this one a read, I definitely enjoyed it.

Review: Sawkill Girls

Sawkill Girls
by Claire Legrand

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: October 18, 2018

SAWKILL GIRLS by Claire Legrand takes place on the quiet island of Sawkill Rock, where the cliffs are high and the tides are crisp. However, the island’s seemingly remote town is not as safe as it seems; girls have been going missing for years, their bodies never found. Newcomer Marion Althouse, having just moved to Sawkill Rock with her sister and mother due to the recent death of her father, is unaware of the ancient mysteries plaguing the island; at least, until she crosses paths with the town’s teenage sweetheart, Val Mortimer, and the Sawkill sheriff’s spunky daughter, Zoey Harlow. Three girls, all completely different. But they have one thing in common—something others would kill for.

SAWKILL GIRLS is by far one of the wildest books I’ve ever read. With a rich plot and complex characters, SAWKILL GIRLS kept me turning each page with anticipation. However, though this book is very well written, it may not be for everyone; be warned that it contains some graphic descriptions of gore and sex, just in case that isn’t your thing. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this book for anybody who would enjoy a chilling mystery with a tinge of horror, or just genuinely likes to get creeped out. With that, I leave you to decide if SAWKILL GIRLS is right for you, and if you do decide to give this book a try, you’re in for real treat. Enjoy!

Review: Take The Fall

Take The Fall 

by Emily Hainsworth

Publication Date: February 16th, 2016

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/ Harperteen

TAKE THE FALL, tells the story of Sonia Feldmen.  After the death of her best friend Gretchen, she watches as her town, her family, and she, herself, fall apart. To the distress of everyone around her, she teams up with Gretchen's Ex- boyfriend, Marcus, the primary suspect.  She and Marcus attempt to uncover exactly what happened that night, and figure out their feelings for each other.  All is not what it seems, and the identity of the murderer will shock you. There are mature themes, and the topics the book discusses may be upsetting for a younger audience.  However, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting, and interesting read.