Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

Title: Deadly Cool
Author: Gemma Halliday
Release Date: October 11th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 303
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he’s pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren’t enough, now he’s depending on Hartley to clear his name.

But as much as Hartley wouldn’t mind seeing him squirm, she knows he’s innocent, and she’s the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school’s resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer’s next victim

First her boyfriend cheats on her and then he shows up at her doorstep asking for help after a dead body is found in his room, of the girl actually, who he was cheating on Hartley with.

I have to say, if it were me, I would tell my boyfriend to take a hike and maybe go asking someone else he's stuck his dick in for help. I mean, seriously, this guy has some nerve! And Hartley, good Lord she has more patience than I would ever have. But she agrees to help him, and the instant the story started I knew I would like her.

But first, I would like to direct your attention to the cover of this book. Isn't it amazing? I mean, look at this eyes! And it's so simple, yet on closer look it holds a million little details that reflect the story (okay, not a million, but a few). Whoever came up with this book cover is a genius!

Now is time to turn your direction to our regularly scheduled review.

This book actually reminded me of my Nancy Drew days, but much cooler. See, when I always read them I always thought of what Nancy would be like with a little style and sass, and who knew that Halliday would beat me to it with Hartley. Okay, so the style thing is just a reference to the whole 50's-60's look that Nancy always sported, but the sass is refreshing.

Hartley's voice came through loud and clear, and I could almost imagine what it would be like to be in her shoes. Not very pretty in some scenes but she handled it all very well, for the most part.

Hart's character shows a world of promise for the continuing series, and I am keeping a close eye on Chase. I feel for him right away and even before his name was known, people could tell he would become important.

This was a refreshing mystery and a little saner after my last read. And this book added a much needed break from the paranormal world (both young and adult).

I cannot wait to read the next book. While, I can't say this book was predictable, because honestly I was betting I would know who did it before Hartley, but that didn't seem to be the case, this book was entertaining. I think that's what I like most about this book: the author does not take us ten steps forward secretly, while fooling us into thinking we are with the protagonist in discovering the truth. Halliday literally leaves us with Hartley the entire time.

Deadly Cool, if not read already, should be people's summer reading list. Young girl detectives are back people! And I think this book could be enjoyable read, especially if done so in the backyard or park with a cool class of lemonade or something.  I can see it now.

I loved this book and I can tell that I am going to love the series.