Author: Hannah Jayne
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Sourcebooks Fire (July 5, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Mystery
My Rating: 3 Stars
Book Description:
When her father is accused of being a serial killer, Bex becomes the ultimate bait in this game of cat and mouse
Bex is ready to start a new life in foster care. There, she won't be known as a serial killer's daughter. Though her father was never tried for the murders attributed to "The Wife Collector," he disappeared after questioning. And Bex struggles with the guilt that she provided the circumstantial evidence that convicted him in the public's perception—and drove him to abandon her.
But when a body turns up in her new hometown, all signs point to the Wife Collector. Bex's old life isn't ready to let her go. The police want to use Bex to lure in her father. But is she baiting a serial killer or endangering an innocent man?
I've really come to appreciate Hannah Jayne's mysteries. They are always action packed, well done and well plotted. They type of young adult mysteries that are both intriguing and entertaining. Ones that leave you guessing and ones that I usually don't have all figured out within the first few chapters.
I was very excited going into this because I was so ready for a good solid mystery and while this didn't quite live up to some of her other work, it was still a fun time and a good escape read that I'm glad I read.
What I did love about this book was the characters. Where the mystery lacked, the parental influence and friends more than made up for. It is so rare to see parents of any kind in YA make an appearance, let alone be a big part of the book and that was so very refreshing. And even though this wasn't everything I was hoping it would be, it was entertaining nonetheless.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
I don't usually like YA but this sounds pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI do love YA mysteries even though they can sometimes be easy to figure out.
DeleteSorry this didn't live up to her previous books for you, Ali. I don't think I've read anything by her before, but if I do, I'll be sure to pick up an older release.
ReplyDeleteLovely review! :)
Definitely try her Nick but yeah, maybe an older one first. ;)
DeleteSorry it wasn't everything you wanted but yay for good characters. They can really save a book. Great review!!
ReplyDeleteThat is very true Grace.
DeleteI love one of her Y mysteries, I forgot the title and it's the one where the bestfriend is the perp? Then I read another one of hers and it wasn't as stellar, it sounded a lot like this one, strong characters and great parents but so-so mystery. I'll think about getting this, I might like it less than you did
ReplyDeleteYeah that seems to be how it is. I think I've read all of her's so far and they are all good but some the mystery is better than the others.
DeleteI agree loved the parents, the rest was meh!
ReplyDeleteYeah the parents were awesome, loved seeing that.
DeleteHmm, the premise sounds really interesting, but your 3-star rating concerns me.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good premises just a little too easy to figure out. ;)
DeleteThanks for the great review, it does look interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Debbie!
DeleteThanks for the even review, Ali. I hope you're enjoying your summer! We just got back from a vacation in Lake Powell. I can't believe we're already through June!
ReplyDeleteOh Lake Powell! You were so close. It's beautiful there this time of year. I hope you had a great time and I know, the summer is flying!
DeleteI've heard so many amazing things about her books and I suppose I should try one as soon as possible, but perhaps I should choose a different one to start.
ReplyDeleteShe is a good writer and you never know, just because it wasn't my favorite doesn't mean you wouldn't love it.
DeleteI haven't tried the author before but I'll definitely check her out when I'm in the mood for some great mystery. :)
ReplyDeleteHer books are good for an escape read.
DeleteAgreed, parents in YA is a huge plus for me. I cannot stand it when teens just run around and do all kinds of things, and the parents are nowhere to be seen. So unrealistic. I'm glad you were still able to enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteI know, I always think, where are the parents?
DeleteGreat review! I've seen very mixed reviews of this -- the lack of mystery would drive me crazy but glad the characters were good
ReplyDeleteThe characters did make up for it. ;)
DeleteOh, that's too bad about the mystery aspect falling flat. It sucks because the book is marketed as such. Boo.
ReplyDeleteIt does but it seems to be the norm for YA for whatever reason sadly.
DeleteAw, sorry the mystery didn't totally work. That's never fun, but great to hear the characters were so great!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice that the characters made up for the mystery. ;)
DeleteI considered this because of the serial killer aspect, but I was super sour about YA so I passed. Maybe someday.
ReplyDeleteThat was why I picked it up as well. ;)
DeleteSorry this one didn't quite live up to expectations based off her other books for you. I'm glad it wasn't completely horrid though. Sounds like an interesting one.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice that I could still enjoy it for sure. ;)
DeleteThis sounded really good until you said the mystery didn't live up to her other books. 3 stars...maybe not for me, but I am glad you enjoyed the characters :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorna!
DeleteThe premise gave me chills and while this wasn't perfect I am glad you had fun with it :)
ReplyDeleteIt did have a great premises for sure. ;)
DeleteI've been loving mysteries in YA lately and this one sounds really good that's disappointing that it didn't wow you more. I may have some of her books, I'm not sure.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to happen in this genre though but it was still really good if that helps?
DeleteWell yay for the parents! That's something that fiction in general seems to be missing--good ones that is. So many romances they come from abusive families or their parents died when they were young or similar. Refreshing to see solid families.
ReplyDeleteI agree Anna, I like to see it in all genres for sure.
DeleteI agree with you. I don't read a ton of YA, but the parents are rarely involved. I have enjoyed the ones that I've read with parents. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, even if the mystery wasn't as good as you hoped.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
It was nice to have that aspect of it if nothing else. :D
DeleteI hadn’t heard of this one before, but now I want to add it to my TBR...sounds really interesting and thrilling. Great review! :D
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting and I hope you like it!
DeleteGlad the book still had some redeeming qualities!!! I'm always disappointed when mysteries don't live up to the hype.
ReplyDeleteTori @ In Tori Lex
Me too but it did have them so that was nice. ;)
Delete