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Mystery Book Reviews
Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones
★★★★
"Two junior girls that are lifelong friends, Cam and Blair attend Oreville high school in Washington state. This is a small town where everyone knows each other. Twenty years ago, in 1999, a beloved girl named Clarissa went missing at a large party in the woods and has never been found. Her presumed death made national headlines, but the talk about her has died down. Even so, everyone in Oreville knows about Clarissa. When Cam and Blair are assigned a vague Journalism project, they choose to make a podcast called Missing Clarissa. Through this project they uncover the sketchy history of Clarissa’s disappearance and get to invested that they try to actually solve the case where the police had failed. Cam and Blair grow as people as they navigate their love lives, growing up, and their new podcast.
To be honest, the beginning of the book had me regretting choosing it but as I kept reading I became invested into the story. Jones does such a good job of building character and scenery that a reader can feel like they are in the character’s shoes. This book should be made into a movie!"
"Two junior girls that are lifelong friends, Cam and Blair attend Oreville high school in Washington state. This is a small town where everyone knows each other. Twenty years ago, in 1999, a beloved girl named Clarissa went missing at a large party in the woods and has never been found. Her presumed death made national headlines, but the talk about her has died down. Even so, everyone in Oreville knows about Clarissa. When Cam and Blair are assigned a vague Journalism project, they choose to make a podcast called Missing Clarissa. Through this project they uncover the sketchy history of Clarissa’s disappearance and get to invested that they try to actually solve the case where the police had failed. Cam and Blair grow as people as they navigate their love lives, growing up, and their new podcast.
To be honest, the beginning of the book had me regretting choosing it but as I kept reading I became invested into the story. Jones does such a good job of building character and scenery that a reader can feel like they are in the character’s shoes. This book should be made into a movie!"
Sugaring Off by Gillian French
★★★
"Owl lives and works on her uncle’s maple sugar farm. Her uncle’s health is getting worse and it’s getting harder for him to work on his farm. So this season he gets help from his neighbor’s grandson, Cody. Owl doesn’t like Cody, she doesn’t think that she needs his help. Eventually, slowly but surly Owl’s feelings grow for Cody and they get closer. But she starts to figure out that he’s hiding things from her and her uncle. She wants to figure out what he’s hiding, but what she doesn’t know is that his secrets could quite possibly put her in danger.
I liked the book but I feel like the plot only really picked up at the end. I think that there were a few parts at the beginning that weren’t that important that made the book hard to get through. "
"Owl lives and works on her uncle’s maple sugar farm. Her uncle’s health is getting worse and it’s getting harder for him to work on his farm. So this season he gets help from his neighbor’s grandson, Cody. Owl doesn’t like Cody, she doesn’t think that she needs his help. Eventually, slowly but surly Owl’s feelings grow for Cody and they get closer. But she starts to figure out that he’s hiding things from her and her uncle. She wants to figure out what he’s hiding, but what she doesn’t know is that his secrets could quite possibly put her in danger.
I liked the book but I feel like the plot only really picked up at the end. I think that there were a few parts at the beginning that weren’t that important that made the book hard to get through. "
Deadly Curious by Cindy Anstey
★★★★
“Sophia Tompson wants to be one of the Bow Street Runners which are London’s most elite detectives. Never mind that a woman has never joined their ranks. She gets her chance to prove her capabilities when an urgent letter arrives from her cousin Daphne, begging Sophia to come look into the death of Daphne’s brother. As Sophia unravels the case, she soon discovers that the murderer may be even closer to her family than she ever suspected.
I liked this book because it was very intriguing. I also liked that it had a lot of women’s power.”
“Sophia Tompson wants to be one of the Bow Street Runners which are London’s most elite detectives. Never mind that a woman has never joined their ranks. She gets her chance to prove her capabilities when an urgent letter arrives from her cousin Daphne, begging Sophia to come look into the death of Daphne’s brother. As Sophia unravels the case, she soon discovers that the murderer may be even closer to her family than she ever suspected.
I liked this book because it was very intriguing. I also liked that it had a lot of women’s power.”
Girl, Unframed by Deb Caletti
★★★★
“Sydney Reilly has a bad feeling about going home to San Francisco. Her mother is Lila Shore, a famous film star who prizes her beauty above everything. Sydney’s worries multiply when she finds out her mother is involved with a shady art dealer. Sydney is starting to attract attention, good and bad, wherever she goes. But real danger is lurking around, the kind where someone gets killed.
I liked this book because it was an intriguing mystery. I was hanging on to every word.”
“Sydney Reilly has a bad feeling about going home to San Francisco. Her mother is Lila Shore, a famous film star who prizes her beauty above everything. Sydney’s worries multiply when she finds out her mother is involved with a shady art dealer. Sydney is starting to attract attention, good and bad, wherever she goes. But real danger is lurking around, the kind where someone gets killed.
I liked this book because it was an intriguing mystery. I was hanging on to every word.”
With Malice by Eileen Cook
★★★★
"Jill Charron wakes up in a hospital with no recollection of the past few weeks. She doesn't know why she's in the hospital or why her family acts weird around her. They tell her the truth: she was involved in a car accident in Italy, which ended up killing her best friend. Jill doesn't understand why her rich father flew her from a hospital in Italy to one by her home in the US. She also doesn't understand why she needs a lawyer to deal with it. Jill would never hurt her best friend, so why does everyone think she did it on purpose?
I was a little cautious at first but I did grow to like the book. It was very interesting, but slow at times. Even though this wasn't the most original idea, I think that it was written well."
"Jill Charron wakes up in a hospital with no recollection of the past few weeks. She doesn't know why she's in the hospital or why her family acts weird around her. They tell her the truth: she was involved in a car accident in Italy, which ended up killing her best friend. Jill doesn't understand why her rich father flew her from a hospital in Italy to one by her home in the US. She also doesn't understand why she needs a lawyer to deal with it. Jill would never hurt her best friend, so why does everyone think she did it on purpose?
I was a little cautious at first but I did grow to like the book. It was very interesting, but slow at times. Even though this wasn't the most original idea, I think that it was written well."
Casino Winds by John Grisham
★★★★★
“The book starts off on Camino Island, FL. Mercer is back in town with her new boyfriend and she also happens to change her dying career around. Anyway, a hurricane heads towards the island and tears through it. After the hurricane, Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce and a fellow author is found dead. The police say that he died in the hurricane but signs show otherwise. Was he murdered? And if so, who wanted him dead?
I love this book because it is so gripping. Nelson Kerr is found dead and Grisham makes it a point to entice the reader to keep reading by filling the book with plentiful plot twists and carefully describing characters who could be potential suspects.”
“The book starts off on Camino Island, FL. Mercer is back in town with her new boyfriend and she also happens to change her dying career around. Anyway, a hurricane heads towards the island and tears through it. After the hurricane, Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce and a fellow author is found dead. The police say that he died in the hurricane but signs show otherwise. Was he murdered? And if so, who wanted him dead?
I love this book because it is so gripping. Nelson Kerr is found dead and Grisham makes it a point to entice the reader to keep reading by filling the book with plentiful plot twists and carefully describing characters who could be potential suspects.”
Frozen Beauty by Lexa Hillyer
★★★★★
“The mystery centers around three sisters: Kit, Tessa, and Lilly. However, Kit is found dead one morning. Their neighbor is charged for the murder, though Tessa believes he is innocent. As a result, Tessa tries to find clues to prove her neighbor’s innocence. Lilly, the youngest, is fed up with everyone seemingly keeping secrets from her. Together, the two sisters try to figure out what really happened to their sister, since it turns out they knew her less than they thought.
I really like this book. Once I picked it up I felt like I couldn’t put it down! I thought it was really suspenseful and not predictable at all. I also liked that it switches between different perspectives and time frames.”
“The mystery centers around three sisters: Kit, Tessa, and Lilly. However, Kit is found dead one morning. Their neighbor is charged for the murder, though Tessa believes he is innocent. As a result, Tessa tries to find clues to prove her neighbor’s innocence. Lilly, the youngest, is fed up with everyone seemingly keeping secrets from her. Together, the two sisters try to figure out what really happened to their sister, since it turns out they knew her less than they thought.
I really like this book. Once I picked it up I felt like I couldn’t put it down! I thought it was really suspenseful and not predictable at all. I also liked that it switches between different perspectives and time frames.”
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
★★★★★
“Five years ago, Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then committed suicide. But Pip has never felt like the case was fully closed, so she decides to investigate the case for her senior project. She teams up with Sal’s brother who has the same lead as her. Along the way she discovers there’s more to Andie than she thought. She faces the devastating facts along the way that could reveal Sal’s innocence.
I loved everything about this book! The murder and crime was so well thought out. It gripped your attention from the beginning. It feels like you are the one solving the mystery because it includes everything from murder maps to interviews. I can’t say I find anything I didn’t like.”
“Five years ago, Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then committed suicide. But Pip has never felt like the case was fully closed, so she decides to investigate the case for her senior project. She teams up with Sal’s brother who has the same lead as her. Along the way she discovers there’s more to Andie than she thought. She faces the devastating facts along the way that could reveal Sal’s innocence.
I loved everything about this book! The murder and crime was so well thought out. It gripped your attention from the beginning. It feels like you are the one solving the mystery because it includes everything from murder maps to interviews. I can’t say I find anything I didn’t like.”
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
★★★★
"After Pip solved the Andie Bell-Sal Singh case she gave up her detective days. She can't put her family and herself into the same dangers as before. But then another case comes up. Her friend Conner's older brother Jamie goes missing. The police deem it low priority, but Pip and Conner both believe that Jaime is in trouble. Pip reluctantly agrees to help Conner and his family in finding Jamie.
I was a little hesitant about reading this because usually the second book in the series doesn't always follow the same popularity as the first, but I was proven wrong again. This book was so good, like the first. I couldn't put it down."
"After Pip solved the Andie Bell-Sal Singh case she gave up her detective days. She can't put her family and herself into the same dangers as before. But then another case comes up. Her friend Conner's older brother Jamie goes missing. The police deem it low priority, but Pip and Conner both believe that Jaime is in trouble. Pip reluctantly agrees to help Conner and his family in finding Jamie.
I was a little hesitant about reading this because usually the second book in the series doesn't always follow the same popularity as the first, but I was proven wrong again. This book was so good, like the first. I couldn't put it down."
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
★★★★★
"Pip solved two detective mysteries in her small town of Fairview, CT: the murders of Andie Bell and Sal Singh and the disappearance of Jamie Reynolds. Now she just wants to put that behind her as she gets ready to go to college. But she isn't out of the woods yet. She gets a couple threats that she can't explain. Pip believes she has a stalker, but she can't trust the police after they failed to help her twice. She has to solve it soon because if she doesn't, she might be the one who disappears.
Absolutely thrilling! This book was way better than the first two and blew me out of the water! It had the perfect ending and I couldn't stop reading."
"Pip solved two detective mysteries in her small town of Fairview, CT: the murders of Andie Bell and Sal Singh and the disappearance of Jamie Reynolds. Now she just wants to put that behind her as she gets ready to go to college. But she isn't out of the woods yet. She gets a couple threats that she can't explain. Pip believes she has a stalker, but she can't trust the police after they failed to help her twice. She has to solve it soon because if she doesn't, she might be the one who disappears.
Absolutely thrilling! This book was way better than the first two and blew me out of the water! It had the perfect ending and I couldn't stop reading."
The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson
★★★★
"In 1978 four teenagers were found dead in the woods nearby Camp Wonderfalls. The case was never solved. Until now, when Stevie Bell now enters the professional crime-solving world. The camp's owner contacts Stevie and asks her to take on the case. Stevie recently came close to solving the infamous Ellingham case (well actually she solved it, but no one outside her small circle of friends knows that) and the owner wants her to bring peace to a small town. Stevie knows there is something not adding up in the case, and she's the only one who can figure out what it is.
I loved this story, but I was disappointed that it wasn't focused on the Ellingham case. I feel like that case wasn't completely finished and this book doesn't even mentioned the ending. I do like, however, that the same main characters were included. I especially love how the characters are relatable and how introvertedness is portrayed and normalized throughout the series."
"In 1978 four teenagers were found dead in the woods nearby Camp Wonderfalls. The case was never solved. Until now, when Stevie Bell now enters the professional crime-solving world. The camp's owner contacts Stevie and asks her to take on the case. Stevie recently came close to solving the infamous Ellingham case (well actually she solved it, but no one outside her small circle of friends knows that) and the owner wants her to bring peace to a small town. Stevie knows there is something not adding up in the case, and she's the only one who can figure out what it is.
I loved this story, but I was disappointed that it wasn't focused on the Ellingham case. I feel like that case wasn't completely finished and this book doesn't even mentioned the ending. I do like, however, that the same main characters were included. I especially love how the characters are relatable and how introvertedness is portrayed and normalized throughout the series."
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
★★★★
"In 1936 Albert Ellingham, one of the most famous business tycoons and richest man, built a private school in deep Vermont. He personally invited students from around the country to enjoy their learning experience through games and riddles. But soon after his wife, Iris, and daughter, Alice, were kidnapped. No one has solved the crime and the only true evidence from the criminal was a letter in the form of a riddle signed "Truly Devious". Years later, Stevie Bell, a teen obsessed with crimes, is invited to the Ellingham Academy and she has one thing on her mind: solve the Ellingham cold-case. But the case gets more complicated than what she could have predicted too quickly.
This is an amazing book. I think that the idea of a murder case in a private school is a little tacky, but the riddles provide a nice twist."
"In 1936 Albert Ellingham, one of the most famous business tycoons and richest man, built a private school in deep Vermont. He personally invited students from around the country to enjoy their learning experience through games and riddles. But soon after his wife, Iris, and daughter, Alice, were kidnapped. No one has solved the crime and the only true evidence from the criminal was a letter in the form of a riddle signed "Truly Devious". Years later, Stevie Bell, a teen obsessed with crimes, is invited to the Ellingham Academy and she has one thing on her mind: solve the Ellingham cold-case. But the case gets more complicated than what she could have predicted too quickly.
This is an amazing book. I think that the idea of a murder case in a private school is a little tacky, but the riddles provide a nice twist."
The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson
★★★★
"After Hayes was murdered at Ellingham Academy, Stevie Bell was sent home because her parents thought the school was too dangerous. Then Edward King, the evil senator and David's apparent dad, convinces her parents to send her back. But when she returns finds that Ellie, the girl she is convinced had something to do with Hayes's disappearance and his lies, is still missing. Stevie knows that something weird is happening at the school. She not only wants to know what happened with the infamous Ellingham kidnapping decades ago but she also needs to unravel what mysteries are lurking at the academy now.
I think the first book in the series was a little bit better than this, but this book was great, too. I did like that there was more of a connection to the puzzle theme."
"After Hayes was murdered at Ellingham Academy, Stevie Bell was sent home because her parents thought the school was too dangerous. Then Edward King, the evil senator and David's apparent dad, convinces her parents to send her back. But when she returns finds that Ellie, the girl she is convinced had something to do with Hayes's disappearance and his lies, is still missing. Stevie knows that something weird is happening at the school. She not only wants to know what happened with the infamous Ellingham kidnapping decades ago but she also needs to unravel what mysteries are lurking at the academy now.
I think the first book in the series was a little bit better than this, but this book was great, too. I did like that there was more of a connection to the puzzle theme."
The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson
★★★★
"Stevie Bell attends Ellingham Academy, a prestigious private school where learning is a game. The academy is infamous for two kidnappings and a murder in the 1930s. Now three murders have struck again. Stevie, a crime-solving enthusiast, is very close to solving the crimes of the century and will do anything to find the missing pieces. She will not let anything--David, a storm, or the school's potential closing--ruin her investigation.
The book is formatted in a way where the books bleed together and the story runs along. I appreciate when books are formatted this way because there doesn't need to be some chapters recalling everything that happened before we resume the story. We jump right in and that's one reason I love this series."
"Stevie Bell attends Ellingham Academy, a prestigious private school where learning is a game. The academy is infamous for two kidnappings and a murder in the 1930s. Now three murders have struck again. Stevie, a crime-solving enthusiast, is very close to solving the crimes of the century and will do anything to find the missing pieces. She will not let anything--David, a storm, or the school's potential closing--ruin her investigation.
The book is formatted in a way where the books bleed together and the story runs along. I appreciate when books are formatted this way because there doesn't need to be some chapters recalling everything that happened before we resume the story. We jump right in and that's one reason I love this series."
City of Villains by Estelle Laure
★★★★
“This book, centered around teen Mary Elizabeth, tells the story of some teens living in a city separated by people who believe their ancestors were magical beings, and those who think magic never existed at all. As tension heats up between opposing kids at school, kids start going missing and magic seems to be causing all of the chaos. Mary Elizabeth is put on the case and has to learn secrets about her city and her friends and struggles between following her heart or her head in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. The downfall for me was the fact that it took so long to incorporate the Disney references and make them fit into the story, but once you read the ending it all comes together. I thought it was a very unique take on a villain origin story, although it loses points for lack of character depth.”
“This book, centered around teen Mary Elizabeth, tells the story of some teens living in a city separated by people who believe their ancestors were magical beings, and those who think magic never existed at all. As tension heats up between opposing kids at school, kids start going missing and magic seems to be causing all of the chaos. Mary Elizabeth is put on the case and has to learn secrets about her city and her friends and struggles between following her heart or her head in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. The downfall for me was the fact that it took so long to incorporate the Disney references and make them fit into the story, but once you read the ending it all comes together. I thought it was a very unique take on a villain origin story, although it loses points for lack of character depth.”
Ten by Gretchen McNeil
★★★
"When best friends Meg and Minnie get invited to a party on a remote island they carry mixed emotions. Their doubts become confirmed when a huge storm knocks out the electricity and communication with the outside world. The teens become worried, but they can still have a good time, right? Until they watch a mysterious video that warns them of what to come. One by one they get murdered, and with no one else but the ten teens, the murderer has to be one of them.
I was a little apprehensive about the plot of the book because it seemed cliche, but I liked it near the end. It was a horror and mystery mostly, but I thought the predictability was carried on for too long."
"When best friends Meg and Minnie get invited to a party on a remote island they carry mixed emotions. Their doubts become confirmed when a huge storm knocks out the electricity and communication with the outside world. The teens become worried, but they can still have a good time, right? Until they watch a mysterious video that warns them of what to come. One by one they get murdered, and with no one else but the ten teens, the murderer has to be one of them.
I was a little apprehensive about the plot of the book because it seemed cliche, but I liked it near the end. It was a horror and mystery mostly, but I thought the predictability was carried on for too long."
The Jewel Thief by Jeannie Mobley
★★★★
“Juliette Pitau is a thief. When Juliette Steals something very precious to the king she is sent to jail. When in jail, Juliette will have to tell the story of how and why she stole the Jewel. She also will have to try to repair her wounded love with Rene. Will she be set free or remain in jail forever?
I liked this book because of all the interesting characters. I also liked the storyline. “
“Juliette Pitau is a thief. When Juliette Steals something very precious to the king she is sent to jail. When in jail, Juliette will have to tell the story of how and why she stole the Jewel. She also will have to try to repair her wounded love with Rene. Will she be set free or remain in jail forever?
I liked this book because of all the interesting characters. I also liked the storyline. “
You Were Never Here by Kathleen Peacock
★★★★
“This book starts with Cat heading back home to the town her family founded, Montgomery Falls. Cat had lived there until she was twelve, she had friends there and even maybe a boyfriend, until she messed that up. After moving away, coming back four years later, Cat realized that things have changed and her best friend had gone missing. With the past and present mixing, Cat has to learn why things went wrong when she was twelve and fix the mistakes she made.
I liked this book because I like mystery books and this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I think Cat had a good character arc ark and learned a lot about her past which made her present even better.”
“This book starts with Cat heading back home to the town her family founded, Montgomery Falls. Cat had lived there until she was twelve, she had friends there and even maybe a boyfriend, until she messed that up. After moving away, coming back four years later, Cat realized that things have changed and her best friend had gone missing. With the past and present mixing, Cat has to learn why things went wrong when she was twelve and fix the mistakes she made.
I liked this book because I like mystery books and this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I think Cat had a good character arc ark and learned a lot about her past which made her present even better.”
In the Hall with the Knife by Diana Peterfreund
★★★★★
“A killer storm strikes at Blackbrook Academy. When the storm strikes a crew of students including Peacock, Orchid, Green, Mustard, Plum, and Scarlett get stranded in the huge mansion with their headmaster, Mr. Boddy. Hours later, his body is discovered in a pool of blood. With these students, nothing is as it seems. It seems everyone has a motive for murder.
I liked this book because it was so good. I was trying to figure out who the murderer was while I read the book and the clues. I also loved this book because it is based on the board game CLUE, and I love that game.”
“A killer storm strikes at Blackbrook Academy. When the storm strikes a crew of students including Peacock, Orchid, Green, Mustard, Plum, and Scarlett get stranded in the huge mansion with their headmaster, Mr. Boddy. Hours later, his body is discovered in a pool of blood. With these students, nothing is as it seems. It seems everyone has a motive for murder.
I liked this book because it was so good. I was trying to figure out who the murderer was while I read the book and the clues. I also loved this book because it is based on the board game CLUE, and I love that game.”
Keep This To Yourself by Tom Ryan
★★
"Last summer a serial killer struck Camera Cove and killed four people. The killer disappeared suddenly, but left the small town shaken. People finally are able to move on, including Mac Bell. Mac's best friend Conner was the final victim of the killer. When he's in his room he discovers a note Conner left him right before he died. The note inspires Mac to relook into the case to discover who the true killer was.
I was a little wary about this book because a serial killer in a small town is a pretty cliche topic. I thought the book was general and not too interesting."
"Last summer a serial killer struck Camera Cove and killed four people. The killer disappeared suddenly, but left the small town shaken. People finally are able to move on, including Mac Bell. Mac's best friend Conner was the final victim of the killer. When he's in his room he discovers a note Conner left him right before he died. The note inspires Mac to relook into the case to discover who the true killer was.
I was a little wary about this book because a serial killer in a small town is a pretty cliche topic. I thought the book was general and not too interesting."
The Con Code by Shana Silver
★★★★★
“At school, Fiona Spangler provides cons for her schoolmates like creating fake permission slips for them to skip school. At night, she joins her dad to steal back the fake artifacts her mother left behind. After deciphering the clues she left on each object, Fiona plans on discovering where her mom is hidden. But when Fiona’s dad gets arrested, she must assemble a new team to assist her. Together they must find and solve the clues while hiding from the FBI.
I did like the book because it highlights the adventure of four teenagers on the run from the FBI while committing cons. It’s perfect for people who like thrills, adventures, and romance.”
“At school, Fiona Spangler provides cons for her schoolmates like creating fake permission slips for them to skip school. At night, she joins her dad to steal back the fake artifacts her mother left behind. After deciphering the clues she left on each object, Fiona plans on discovering where her mom is hidden. But when Fiona’s dad gets arrested, she must assemble a new team to assist her. Together they must find and solve the clues while hiding from the FBI.
I did like the book because it highlights the adventure of four teenagers on the run from the FBI while committing cons. It’s perfect for people who like thrills, adventures, and romance.”
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