Sep 5, 2011

Review: Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday


Title: Deadly Cool
Author: Gemma Halliday
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 10.11.2011
Pages: 272
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Series: No
Copy: ARC provided by HarperTeen for review

Rating: A

Summary (from Goodreads):
Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool. But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

Review:
Veronica Mars, watch out: there’s a new super sleuth in town and she’s doing it with just as much comedy and snark as you. Hartley Featherstone is one fabulous character, and I adore Gemma Halliday for creating her. This book is a fun, fast, and dazzling read.

As if finding out your boyfriend is cheating on you with the president of the chastity club isn’t bad enough, you find said president’s dead body in your boyfriend ex-boyfriend’s closet. Hartley has some serious issues she’s dealing with, and that’s before the end of chapter 2. While this story could quickly morph into the tragic, emotionally-wrought tale of a teenage girl whose boyfriend cheated, Hartley handles this whole situation with such grace and wit, I fell in love with her immediately.

While Hartley is the lead (and a wonderful one at that), she’s surrounded by a fabulous cast. Josh, the cheater and suspected murderer amused me to no end. He provided a lot of comic relief for me, mainly because his idiotic statements gave Hartley some awesome, one-line zingers. Sam was a great, supportive best friend. I loved her. And Chase? He rocked. I gleefully anticipated any of his scenes. He and Hartley were fabulous together. Their chemistry sizzled on every page.

This is a great read for teens and adults. The pace is quick, the dialogue is sharp, and the plot is tight. This book was a delight to read, and I’ll be recommending it to all of my friends.

Buy: Amazon (Pre-Order)

12 comments:

  1. This review was incredible! The cover was breathtaking! Holy heck the eyes are gorgeous! If that doesn't make you read the book the blurb will, and then your review! I'm a huge fan... and I'm new here! I look forward to coming back! I do hope you'll stop by my blog Unedited, I'd love to have you!! It's nice meeting fellow bloggers! Especially with such fabulous taste!

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  2. oh, I hadn't heard of this one, but am adding it to my TBR pile now. Thanks for the review!

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  3. Wow, this sounds like a lot of fun! I had it on my TBR list before, but now I'm really looking forward to picking it up.

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  4. Good review! You covered the characters are covered greatly!
    Laurie Carlson
    laurieisreading@gmail.com
    www.lauriehere.blogspot.com

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  5. Okay, first I thought this book was paranormal, then dystopian and it's contemporary. (big facepalm) Sounds good!




    - Mary [Anxirium]

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  6. This is the first time I've heard about this book but it's going straight to my wishlist.

    * I loved Veronica Mars. Every time I see a review that says the book has some touches of VM I have to add it to my wishlist.

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  7. I definitely thought this one was amusing! Which is funny since it centers around a murder mystery. I liked the main character, it was a very entertaining book :P

    Lea @ LC's Adventures in Libraryland

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  8. I really really want to read this book it sounds great. I too love Veronica Mars and if this book is anything like it I know I will love it.

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  9. I've been curious about this book, but haven't checked it out for the library because I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it. However, your review has sold me on it. I'm checking it out today! :)

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  10. I have read Deadly Cool and I loved it too! And I totally agree with you that Chase and Hartley are fabulous together, :)

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  11. Sounds great. I think I will add this to my tbr list. Thanks for reviewing.

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  12. this is my fave book from gemma halliday...
    i love the mystery and the heroine is relly cool...:)

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