Title: Truly, Madly, DeadlyAuthor: Shannon Jayne
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Sourcebooks (July 16, 2013)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Thriller/Mystery
Book Description:
Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."
About the Author:
Hannah is the author of the UNDERWORLD DETECTION AGENCY CHRONICLES from Kensington books and the upcoming young adult thrillers TRULY, MADLY, DEADLY and SEE JANE RUN available from Sourcebooks, Inc. When she's not battling the demons of the Underworld or tackling a murderer at Hawthorne High, Jayne kicks her feet up in her San Francisco bay area home and attempts to share couch space with two enormous cats.
My Thoughts and Review:
The slightly dark, depressing opening of this book and the creepy letters found in Sawyer's locker shortly after her boyfriend's funeral sets the tone for this whole story.
Constantly guessing who is leaving Sawyer the cryptic notes, what they mean and who is behind all the mysterious accidents of her loved ones, puts you right into the thick of it all leaving you on edge and ready to find out whodunnit.
I have to say, I was so very wrong on who I thought the culprit was. I went back and forth and still wasn't ever 100% sure I was right until the very end. The author did an amazing job with keeping the suspense throughout the story and keeping me guessing.
I really liked Sawyer, Connor, and Logan and was constantly wondering if Sawyer was crazy or if one of her friends were behind the notes and accidents happening around her. I never completely warmed up to Sawyer but I did like her and I felt for her and the situation with her boyfriend. I do wish we would have gotten a better glimpse into Kevin. When did he start with the abuse and how long was it going on for? It isn't exactly glossed over but it certainly isn't a huge part of the story either but it does flash back once in a while to scenes throughout their relationship enough times that I just wish the author would have given us just a little more on it.
Overall this was a light mystery with slight creepy factors that had me loving it and guessing what twist was around the next corner.
*All Opinions are my own and I was in no way compensated for my review*
Those letters do sound creepy! Like I know what you did last summer. lol But if he thinks he did her a favor shouldn't he just be like your welcome love, so and so?
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or did something go wrong with the interview questions?
ReplyDeleteWell, anyway, those letters sound SO creepy and I'm kind of glad the culprit caught you by surprise. That so rarely happens to me. This was already on my tbr, which is great because it totally sounds like my kind of book.
I can't see the interview answers either Maja, I thought maybe the page just hadn't loaded in full, but they don't seem to be there at all!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on wanting to get a better glimpse of Kevin Ali! I was a bit confused by the rather pleasant flashbacks (except for one I think) when we were told repeatedly just how awful he was to Sawyer. I know this book wasn't meant to be about the abuse but rather the murder mystery, but I still would have liked to dig a little deeper into Kevin! Oh, and I didn't guess the culprit either! :)
yikes! I's not sure what happened there guys, so sorry about that!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the author kept you guessing until the very end about the mystery. This really does sound incredibly creepy, something I should definitely not read when I'm home alone. Wonderful review! :-)
ReplyDeletelight mystery, slightly creepy :( well I am glad it was good and you liked the characters but I was hoping it be darker. Great review!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest Kim, I was hoping it would be as well.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound that the mystery was somewhat unpredictable and the characters sound great. The creepy elements definitely make me curious :)
ReplyDeleteAlise @ Readers in Wonderland
I have this one on my kindle for review (so far behind!) so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. Fingers crossed I can read it REALLY soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alise!
ReplyDelete@Candace, I hope you like it!!
I enjoyed this book. It was creepy, but it was also kind of different, which was a nice break. I did like the trying to guess who-done-it part to.
ReplyDelete