Monday, September 17, 2012

REVIEW ~ THE DEAD GIRLS DETECTIVE AGENCY by SUZY COX


The Dead Girls Detective AgencySeries: Stand alone (?)
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: Sept. 18, 2012
Format: ARC
Pages: 364
Source: Received from publisher for review.
Pop quiz: What would you do if you had to solve your own murder to get anywhere in death?

Maybe if I hadn't slept through my alarm, slammed into Kristin--my high school's reigning mean

girl--or stepped in a puddle, destroying my mom's new suede DVF boots (which I borrowed without asking), I wouldn't have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I wouldn't have been pushed in front of that arriving train. But I did, and I was.

When I came to, I was informed by a group of girls that I'm dead. And that because I died under mysterious circumstances, I can't pass straight over to the Other Side. But at least I'm not alone. Meet the Dead Girls Detective Agency: Nancy, Lorna, and Tess--not to mention Edison, the really cute if slightly hostile dead boy. Apparently, the only way out of this limbo is to figure out who killed me, or I'll have to spend eternity playing Nancy Drew. Considering I was fairly invisible in life, who could hate me enough to want me dead? And what if my murderer is someone I never would have suspected?
 

 I have to say, first and foremost, The Dead Girls Detective Agency was a fun, fun book. Kind of surprising since all of the lead characters are dead, that is, murdered, teens. Teens who are stuck in "holding" until they solve their murders.

The story begins with the death of Charlotte. Charlotte was pushed off a subway platform to her death. Poor thing. Charlotte is greeted, post death, by Nancy, Lorna and Tess. The three teen ghosts, who aren't ready, or can't, move on, have formed the Dead Girls Detective Agency. They help all the other victims find justice so they can move on through the Big Red Door. And now they're going to help Charlotte solve her own murder. But who could possibly want this sweet girl, who basically keeps to herself, dead?

Charlotte's investigation was sad and hilarious. You have her funeral. Major downer. Her messy, cute boyfriend, David, who misses her so much, but doesn't have the expected mourning period. The investigation forces Charlotte to examine her strained relationship with best friend Ali. And then there are the mean girls, head cheerleader and all-around witch Kristen and her gang. They didn't like Charlotte while she was alive and all seem to be enjoying the fact she's dead. The answer to the killer's identity will definitely surprise you.

The Dead Girls; Nancy, Lorna and Tess, were great characters. As the lead detective, Nancy was the typical uptight, rules-minding girl who is easily frustrated. But she was so sweet to Charlotte. Lorna was the bright, bubbly girl who seems like she doesn't have a lot going on upstairs, but was surprisingly perceptive. Tess was tricky. I felt sorry for her because, duh, she's dead. She wants to move on, but has never solved her murder. Tess was so mean to Charlotte, and as much as I wanted to sympathize for her, she made it soooo hard.

Now for my favorite dead person, besides Charlotte: Edison. Oh man, this boy hit all my book-boy-crush buttons. Edison is handsome, obviously, but also funny, sarcastic, caring, aloof, etc etc. Edison has the fantastic ability to make you shiver with a thrill, and a bit of fright.

" 'So here's the news flash, angel.' He leaned in and whispered in my ear; his lips in danger of grazing my skin, 'you've got nothing to lose by breaking them. And a whole lot more to gain - some of it seriously fun. ' Edison leaned back and raised an eyebrow. 'When you want to know what you're really capable of now, you come find me,' he said. 'Or maybe I'll come find you...' "

See what I mean? Sigh...

Like I said, I had an awesome time reading The Dead Girls Detective Agency. It was laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, sad, bittersweet. It's a book that I, as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed. It's also a book that you could safely let your young teen read. There are a couple of instances with cursing (nothing too major) and smoking. It's a book readers of all ages will definitely enjoy.


Favorite Quote:

"Now I had to deal with the fact that (a) I was dead, (b) OMG, I was dead, and (c) someone really didn't like me. As in, didn't like me so much that they decided to murder me." (ARC, pg 13)

"Bad boy, nice guy, flirt: Edison was one big sandwich of contradiction, with a side order of WTF?" (ARC, pg 177)

You can purchase The Dead Girls Detective Agency at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository



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19 comments:

  1. This sounds incredible! Great review :)

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  2. Ya know, I've seen this book around a bit but I never really gave it too much thought. I wasn't too sure how I'd like a novel where all the characters were dead. I think this whole time I was just needing the "right" review. Which was your's of course! I totally want to read this book now. I was worried that there wouldn't be any, nonetheless good romance because everyone was dead but now I've been set straight. Just by your Edison quote I can tell I'm going to love him too. Great review!

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  3. This sounds like such a fun book. I like the Edison quote that you used, I have a thing for cocky guys, bad Jenni, I know LOL I think this one will be good to break up all the uber serious books I have been reading lately. Great review Andrea!

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  4. Glad you enjoyed it! That quote was SWOONY. ;)

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  5. This sounds like a fun book. You had me sold with Edison. He sounds like my type of book boyfriend also. Great review!

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  6. This sounds like a perfect book for me. Thanks for the review :)

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  7. I'm so glad you wrote this review! I really like the premise of this book, but I read another review that wasn't very positive. You've convinced me this one is worth reading.:)

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  8. This sounds so good!! I went to my local B&N today and they didn't have it. This seems like a book I would really like though, I think I might get it for my nook since my B&N didn't have it there.

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  9. A story told by a dead girl? That is pretty awesome! I saw this cover around before and I thought it was supposed to be like a big mystery or paranormal book. Now that I have read you review and the quotes and see that it's also a funny book, I want it! Sometimes I just need a funny book :)

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  10. I just may have to pick this up! Love the quotes!!

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  11. I just started this, and I agree--it's tons of fun! Yay, I'm glad to see you enjoyed it, too. :)

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  12. This book sounds really cute and very Nancy Drew, and well I love Nancy Drew haha. Edison sounds like a very fun character. Great review!

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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  13. I love the cover for this one! So pretty. Edison sounds awesome and I love those quotes! Can't wait for my copy to arrive. :D

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  14. This one definitely does sound fun. I want to give this one a try. And those quotes are hysterical.

    Great review. :D

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  15. haha this does sound like a fun read.Even though the characters are dead I could see it being a light and easy book to read. I think I might like Edison ;) hehe thanks or he review :) going to go addit to my goodreads list

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  16. I love fun books! Edison sounds swoon-worthy, loved that quote. I'm going to pick this up sooner rather than later. I need to get it out of my review pile anyhow. Great review Andrea. :)

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