Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday

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From HarperTeen:

Twittercide: the killing of one human being by another while the victim is in the act of tweeting.

Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the Herbert Hoover High Homepage would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper's brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went . . . a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the homecoming queen–hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH's resident body finder, I'm stuck trying to prove that Sydney's death wasn't suicide.

I'm starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos. . . .

 

Social Suicide is the sequel to Halliday’s Deadly Cool.  In this installment, Hartley once again stumbles upon a body, except this time, everyone thinks Sydney committed suicide.  Except Hartley.  She sets out to prove Sydney was murdered.  Hartley is endearingly awkward in her interactions with Chase and reminiscent of bumbling detectives like Stephanie Plum, Hartley somehow not only survives, but always gets her man.  Social Suicide is a fun, light-hearted mystery with just enough suspense to keep you guessing.  If you like a mystery with your romantic comedy, I would definitely recommend any of Gemma Halliday’s books. 

 

In addition to her young adult mysteries, Gemma Halliday’s thoroughly enjoyable High Heels series has a new release, Danger in High Heels.  You should check it out!

~Shel

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

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From HarperTeen:

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.

I have to preface this review by saying that I have been a huge fan of Gemma’s since I discovered Spying in Heels back in 2006. Needless to say, I was giddy to find out that Gemma was making a foray into the wonderful world of Young Adult. Then I got an ARC and did a little happy dance (be thankful you didn't have to see that!)

Reading Deadly Cool reminded me how much I love a good mystery. I have been reading so many paranormals lately, that I had forgotten. The mystery was fun and I enjoyed getting to know the characters.  Hartley plays the typical teen caught up in something beyond her control. Her best-friend Sam is Hartley’s partner-in-crime (and crime solving) and comic relief, especially in her struggle not to swear. And, I admit that I am crushing a little on Chase, the resident smart-ass (there's a scene with a strip-tease!). The cast of characters could use a little more depth, but I suspect that will come in future installments.

Deadly Cool is light-hearted mystery and fast-paced fun expertly blended. Anyone who enjoys contemporary mysteries will enjoy it.  Deadly Cool releases on October 11, 2011 - Definitely check it out.

~Shel