REVIEW: Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

Description

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.

About the Author

In her previous life, Gemma worked in such diverse jobs as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic. Luckily, she sold her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005, ending her string of eclectic employment.
Since then, Gemma has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. She now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area, where she is hard at work on her next book.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (October 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062003313
• ISBN-13: 978-0062003317

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS

LOVED IT

Hartley finds her boyfriend cheating on her and with her best friend, Sam, breaks into his locker to get the proof, when she finds the truth, she heads over to his house to confront him and finds...a dead body!  With her cheating ex as the leading suspect and his partner is the victim, Hartley decides to help him clear his name, especially when she finds another body and realizes she is next on the list.  Josh pretty much goes into hiding, leaving her to do all the heavy lifting to clear his name.  Chase, a snarky bad boy, helps Hartley and Sam track down the killer and clear Josh's name.  

I loved Gemma Halliday's chick lit and she delivers again with this fun and snappy murder mystery geared towards young adults.  Hartley is dead on funny, with Chase giving out one liners that you will love to repeat and Sam is the goofy BFF that ties everything together.  For those of you looking for a bit of diversion to all the paranormal, fantasy and dystopian thrillers, this should be a nice change of pace.  There are enough clues to make you turn the page and everything is perfectly paced, but a little predictable for adults.  I loved Hartley voice and I am so glad that there will be another one in this series!