THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE by Holly Jackson

“18-year-old Bel has lived her whole life in the shadow of her mom’s mysterious disappearance. Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness. Rachel is gone, presumed dead. The case is dragged up from the past when the Price family agrees to a true crime documentary. Bel can’t wait for filming to end, for her life to go back to normal. But them Rachel Price reappears, and life will never be normal again… Lights. Camera. Lies.”

What is the book about?

16 years ago, when Bel Price was barely 2 years old, her mother, Rachel, disappeared. One minute the two of them were walking around the mall together and the next Bel was found alone in the car on the side of the road, the door closed and no sign of Rachel, other than a few of her belongings. The sudden disappearance has haunted the Price family for years, especially the first year when Bel’s father was the police’s prime suspect. Rachel is presumed dead; however they never found any clues as to where she went or what happened to her. For the past few years Bel has been able to pretend that nothing was wrong and that there was never a time when it wasn’t just her and her dad, but now that her dad has agreed to a true crime documentary on Rachel’s disappearance, everything is resurfacing. Bel doesn’t want anything to do with the documentary but she made a promise to her dad and is not about to go back on it. All she wants is for the documentary to be finished, the camera crew to go back to where they came from and her life to go back to normal, with Rachel no longer the topic of everyone’s conversations. However, when Rachel suddenly reappears in the middle of the street, back from the dead and looking just like she did 16 years ago, Bel realises her life will never go back to normal again. Especially as she doesn’t believe a word coming out of Rachel’s mouth and in order to find out the truth she will have to uncover all the deadly secrets her family have kept hidden since that fateful day her mother disappeared…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The second that I saw that Holly Jackson was writing another book I added The Reappearance of Rachel Price to my Amazon basket, before it even had a front cover. I have absolutely loved every book that Holly Jackson has written and have always been surprised by the plot twists and the secrets that come out so I knew, before I had even looked at the blurb or bought the book, that I was going to love this book just as much. I didn’t know exactly what to expect because the stories are always so shocking, keeping me on the edge of my seat and making me sacrifice all sleep just to be able to uncover the truth, however I knew that it was going to be amazing. When the book finally came out and I bought it I was so excited to start reading, however I wanted to wait for the perfect opportunity to read the book, when I could give it my full attention and do nothing but read the whole day (as I had done when I read Five Survive in one sitting). When I finally read the blurb it excited me even more and within seconds I was started the book anxious to find out what shocking things would happen. Initially I found it a bit hard to get into the book, possibly because I had been reading fantasy books all summer and a mystery was definitely a big jump. However it didn’t take long for me to fully get into it and soon I was flying through.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don’t really have a favourite character in this book and I really don’t want to have to decide so I just won’t. It isn’t because I liked so many characters that I can’t decide because there were only a few characters that I actually liked because in the end the majority of the main characters were keeping terrible secrets. If I really had to choose I would probably choose one of the side characters (like the ones part of the camera crew) who seemed to be quite sweet, especially Ash who was the only one who really believed Bel and who saw through the wall she built up and how she tried to push people away before they could leave her. I did like Bel but I found her to be a bit annoying at times, and the same thing happened with a few of the other characters. All the characters had their strengths but they also had some weaknesses that deterred me from picking a favourite character.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was probably near the end when all the secrets came flooding out and suddenly everything made sense. I love this part in most mystery books because I get to finally have the answers to the multitude of questions that have been plaguing me throughout the whole book and I usually get to see if parts of my theory are correct, which always makes me feel like such a wizard when I get something right. Although I wasn’t able to see any of the things in this book before we were told, I still really enjoyed this part of the book because of how it made me feel. The tension and the suspense had me clinging to the book at 1 am desperate to get answers before my eyes stopped working. I was on the edge of my seat for this whole part and the surprise that I got when I found out the truth is the thing that makes me love mystery novels. Since I was little, this has been one of my favourite genres and I am glad to see that I still love them just as much and can still be shocked. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and am just waiting for the next Holly Jackson book to come out so I can buy it and hopefully once again fall in love with one of her books. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was how the mystery of Rachel’s disappearance and reappearance was being sort of solved by a teenage girl. This was one of the things I also loved in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and I loved seeing it here. The reason I enjoyed it is because in this book in particular it was quite realistic because the further Bel dug the more confused she became and the more she realised she was getting nowhere. It was mainly because she had a theory that she didn’t want to give up and because if she admitted something it would mean losing someone who had never left like her mum. It was so realistic because what teen is going to be able to uncover the truth supper easily when the police couldn’t and it also made the book so much more interesting because there were so many clues but none really started to fit together until the end. Although I really enjoyed the book, I do feel like at the beginning it felt a bit slow and uneventful. I found it a little hard to love it in those first few chapters and at first I was disappointed. Later on it started to pick up and I realise now that I was just impatient, however I do think The Reappearance of Rachel Price is my least favourite of Holly Jackson’s books (though for a least favourite I still really enjoyed it).

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend reading this book and I think it is perfect for readers who love mystery, suspense and secrets. It is best for over 13 and fans of Holly Jackson will definitely love it, though I think her other books are definitely better (so read those too). 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An unputdownable, compelling mystery that will leave you shocked for days. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

ONE OF US IS BACK by Karen M. McManus

“‘After all, what’s one more lie?’ Life hasn’t been easy for the Bayview Crew. First they had to prove they weren’t killers. Then a new generation had to outwit a vengeful copycat/ Now, it’s beginning again. At first the mysterious billboard seems like a bad joke: ‘Time for a new game, Bayview.’ But when a member of the crew disappears, it’s clear this ‘game’ just got serious – and no one understands the rules. Everyone’s a target. And now that someone unexpected has returned to Bayview, things are starting to get deadly ‘Simon was right about secrets – they all come out in the end.’”

What is the book about?

The Bayview Crew are all back in Bayview, together for the summer. A summer they were hoping would be a nice time to all be together before everyone goes off on their own separate ways again – but it seems like whenever the crew are together bad things happen and Bayview is never the boring town they all hoped it would be. After Jake and Simon and Jared, it’s clear that things will always be interesting. At first everything seems fine, but then a random, mysterious phrase appears on a billboard, one that everyone fears is the start of something new – TIME FOR A NEW GAME, BAYVIEW. After some panic, everyone dismisses it as a strange ad or a mistake, but when a member of the crew disappears at a Fourth of July party, and is found mysteriously unharmed with a single word written across their arm, it’s evident that it’s not a coincidence. Then, when someone else disappears and is found dead, it is clear things are escalating and this person isn’t scared of a little blood. Everyone believes the person responsible is someone who created many problems when they were first in Bayview and has somehow managed to crawl their way back to this dreadful town. But everything leads back to revenge and there is someone new who wants to make someone pay for their sins. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I didn’t even hesitate when I saw that Karen M. McManus had written another book and I clicked pre-order before I had even registered what was going on. When it finally arrived I added it to my collection, where it gathered dust for several months before I finally managed to read it once I finished my exams. I was really excited to begin with, to read the final instalment of a series that I really enjoyed by an author whose books I have always enjoyed and I am glad I was not disappointed. I read the blurb and was immediately intrigued to find out what new secrets would come out (because really how many more secrets could there be after the past 2 books) and knew that I would be pleasantly surprised just like all of Karen M. McManus’s books (which I was). I didn’t quite know what would be in store for me because there are always twists that I can never see coming, which is one of the things that made me so excited to read this book because I always love a good surprise. Once I finally opened up the book and started reading, I was delighted to find that I fit into the world of the Bayview Crew as if I had never left and was so quickly sucked into a story that I had left more than 3 years ago. The book had me wrapped in its pages within only a few chapters and I am glad that my initial expectations were correct and that another McManus book didn’t disappoint.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I would have to say that, although I liked many of the characters in One of Us is Back (and there were certainly many to choose from), my favourite character was probably Addy. From all the other characters’ perspectives, Addy was a kind, caring and lovable person, always willing to lend a hand. She was someone they all wanted to protect and be there for, but they didn’t realise that she was one of the strongest of them all. It wasn’t these qualities that made me choose her as my favourite character but actually what I read through her POVs was what convinced me. Whenever something happened and everyone was worried at how she’d deal with it, the only thing on her mind was her friends and making sure they were safe. There was this one particular scene where Addy herself was in trouble and danger, but her only thoughts were that one of her friends was injured and needed help, so instead of sending a message to let people know where she was, she used her only opportunity to type as a way of helping her friend. She was completely selfless and in the situations where she was most likely to break down, she kept going in order to help her friends in whatever way she could. She was so brave and the perfect friend anyone could ask for, I just wish that I could have a friend as good and strong as her.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part (unsurprisingly) was the ending. It was absolutely perfect and I have no comments. I devoured all books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed the ending in all the books; however they felt somewhat incomplete until now. The ending of One of Us is Back felt like a true ending, one where there would be no more mystery in Bayview and finally the characters could be at peace. The best thing about it was the fact that all the characters were together, even if it was only for one brief moment before they all went in different directions. However, I liked that the characters were finally moving on, because after all the terror that they experienced, it was finally their chance at a happy ending. It was a comforting ending and one which I won’t soon forget.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and finished it far too quickly. There were so many things that made this book the perfect ending to this trilogy and one of them was simply the fact that it existed. I didn’t even know that there was going to be a book after One of Us is Next and was truly surprised when I saw it on Amazon. The previous 2 books had had endings that could have easily been the real ending and there was truly no need to continue the story, however, I am glad that McManus did finish the trilogy. One of Us is Back is a book I didn’t know I needed until I finished it, because at that point it was clear that there was no way the series could have been concluded without it. Another thing I really enjoyed was the flashbacks to when Simon and Jake were friends (before the events of One of Us is Lying and before Jake even met Addy or Cooper or anyone else). They really helped me to understand why Simon and Jake did everything they did and how this whole story started. Each of these flashbacks helped to tell the story that nearly no one would have known other than Simon and Jake (and one was unable to tell it and the other unwilling to). It was a gradual unveiling to the true reason why Jake chose to help Simon and risk everything and it helped clear up some questions that I had carried with me for quite a while. One other thing I loved was hearing from a wide range of people. There were several different points of view and that helped me see things through different eyes and get the full story, not just parts of it. Although I was sometimes confused as to whose eyes I was seeing through (even though it literally said it at the beginning of each chapter), I still really enjoyed it and know I will always love books with multiple POVs. This book was amazing and I just can’t believe I’ll never read more about these amazing characters that I learned so much about.

Which is your favourite book in the One of Us is Lying series? (1, 2, or 3)

All three books (One of Us is Lying, One of Us is Next and One of Us is Back) were absolutely amazing and so is everything else Karen M. McManus has written (she is a great author) and if I’m being completely honest, I have forgotten too much of the first 2 books in the trilogy to be able to honestly answer this question. All 3 books were very different and had very different mysteries that had to be solved, however the quality of the writing, and characters, and storyline was consistently amazing in all books. This is why it is so difficult for me to make a decision. However, one thing that makes One of Us is Back stand out to me is that it completed the series and it created a full circle. Everything came back to Simon and secrets in the end and it really emphasised the main message that I think the series was trying to portray: all secrets come out in the end. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, drama and thrillers. I enjoyed it so much and it is perfect for over 14s who love mysteries where the main characters take over the job of the police and choose to investigate themselves. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The thrilling last instalment to a mystery-filled series you will never forget.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THEN SHE WAS GONE by Lisa Jewell

“‘She was fifteen, her mother's golden girl. She had her whole life ahead of her. And then, in the blink of an eye, Ellie was gone.’ Ten years on, Laurel has never given up hope of finding Ellie. And then she meets a charming and charismatic stranger who sweeps her off her feet. But what really takes her breath away is when she meets his nine-year-old daughter. Because his daughter is the image of Ellie. Now all those unanswered questions that have haunted Laurel come flooding back. ‘What really happened to Ellie? And who still has secrets to hide?’”

What is the book about?

Ten years ago fifteen-year-old Ellie Mack left her house to go to the library and never came home. She had her whole life ahead of her, was about to do her GCSEs, was predicted the highest grades, and within moments she was gone and no one knows what happened to her. Since her disappearance, her mother Laurel has never given up on finding Ellie, however everyone else appears to have completely forgotten about it and have moved on with their lives. Since that moment, Laurel changed and lost the life she had and the things that made her happy no longer had any effect. However, one day, she unexpectedly meets a charming, charismatic man who appears to be perfect in every way and he slowly starts to bring happiness back into Laurel's life. However, when she meets his nine-year-old daughter, she starts to once again ask the questions that haunted her since Ellie left and never came home. Because his daughter is the spitting image of Ellie when she was that age. Something clearly happened that night when Ellie disappeared and all the unanswered questions come flooding back. What happened to Ellie? And what does this young girl who looks just like her have to do with her disappearance? Who still has secrets to hide and what do they have to do with that fateful day 10 years ago?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I had never heard of Then She Was Gone or even the author, Lisa Jewell, until my only reader friend (which is who I always get new book recommendations from) sent me a book list of suggestions of what I could get her for Christmas and Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs was on it. In order to decide which book to get her I did what I usually do, which is to search all the books up and pick the one that I like best for myself (as I know I will be able to borrow it from her rather than buy it again), so I read the blurb of this other book by the same author as Then She Was Gone and was immediately in love. As a result, I spent around an hour searching through Amazon and adding all the books I could find by Lisa Jewell and then I put them all on my own list for Christmas and the one I got was Then She Was Gone. The blurb left me completely shocked with more questions than I ever thought were possible and even a few theories that I had started puzzling out before even opening the book. Once I opened the book I completely forgot I was reading and within what felt like seconds I had finished the book in tears. I had known from the second I read the blurb that this book was going to be one of the best mysteries I had ever read and I have never found that my initial thoughts have been more right than they were for this book. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Ellie because of how she dealt with what happened to her and how much I feel for her and everything she lost. I can’t really explain much because I don’t want to ruin the whole mystery but what Ellie went through was something that no one should ever have to experience, let alone a fifteen-year-old girl. However, despite the fact that she had gone through all of that she never lost the qualities that had made her the golden girl, the perfect daughter, the one who brought light into her family’s lives. Through the flashbacks to her experience, I got to read Ellie’s thoughts and she barely thought about losing hope and never gave up and became depressed as one would in her situation. She stayed strong, brave and brilliant (which was made clear in the epilogue, which made me cry so much) and she thought of her family and how much she loved them every moment of the day. Ellie’s attitude was admirable and it was only made more impressive when I thought of everything she lost because of what happened. She had had her whole life ahead of her and I know that she would have had the most promising future ever, but she didn’t get any of that and that completely breaks my heart. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in that situation and though I hope that nothing like that ever happens to me but I would like to believe that I would be strong enough to be like Ellie and not lose myself in the process. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was 100% the ending because it was the most beautiful ending in the world. The story and everything that Ellie and Laurel and everyone else went through was completely devastating, however the ending helped make everything beautiful again. The main part of the book follows Laurel and how much her life was completely changed when her youngest daughter disappeared. Her family was pulled apart because of the tragedy that happened to them and as a result they lost any connection they used to have. The book follows Laurel as she tried to put her family back together and prevent them from losing complete contact with each other. In the end all she needed to do was uncover the mystery and stop punishing herself and her family for what happened to Ellie. The book ending shows a complete circle where Laurel finds herself in the same position she was before the tragic day when her daughter never came home and the beauty of it is that the family found themselves reunited because of Ellie once again. I love when books are circular and every piece makes sense once again. This book was absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to read another one by this author.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Then She Was Gone was the most heart-breaking and devastating yet completely amazing book I have ever read and there was absolutely nothing that I would change about it. One of the things that I really loved about the book were the flashbacks to Ellie’s life after the disappearance and also another person’s life at that time as well (if you read the book you will understand why I can’t tell you their name). While we were being told Laurel’s story and trying to help her solve the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance, we also heard from these characters’ points of view which helped tell the story of what happened to Ellie. These flashbacks really helped because in reality only person knew the truth about what had happened and that person wasn’t present in Laurel’s story so without having these flashbacks I would never have known the truth. I also really loved them because flashbacks are something that I always enjoy because of the little glimpses to the past that they give you and the deeper understanding they help you develop. Another thing that I enjoyed about the book was the story and the writing in general. This story was one of the most shocking, heart-breaking and disturbing stories I have ever read and there was a strong chance of everything going wrong with the book and it being too devastating and dark to be able to be read. However, Lisa Jewell used some incredible writing to turn this dark story into a masterpiece that left me in tears every few chapters and left me wanting to go back in time just so that I could read the story once again for the first time. I cried so much reading this book and felt so much for these characters and their tragic story. This book did its job – it made me feel something – and I will never forget reading it. One last thing I would like to mention that I really liked about the book was the way that I was slowly able to piece the mystery together. Before I had even started reading I had a general theory and overall I was sort of right, however as the book moved along I was able to adapt my theory. It was a slow-burn mystery that was uncovered piece by piece and each time a new piece of information came to light I adapted my theory and had a clear idea in my mind of what I knew to be true and the possibilities of what could have happened afterwards. In the end I knew the whole story and was shocked by it but the gradual understanding made the book even more interesting and impossible to put down. This is a story that will haunt me forever and I will never stop recommending because this experience is one which I believe everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Then She Was Gone was one of the most amazing books I have ever read and as soon as I finished reading it I went and bought every other book by Lisa Jewell that I could get my hands on and I can’t wait to have my heart crushed once again. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 10000000% recommend you go and read this book right this very second as it is a completely incredible novel filled with suspense and mystery. It is devastating, dark and amazingly well-written and I know that anyone who picks it up won't be able to put it down. However, I think it's best for those over 17 as there is some strong language, violence and it can be deeply disturbing.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A dark, devastating and disturbing thriller that will leave you in tears and completely shocked.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

KILL JOY by Holly Jackson

“Pippa Fitz-Amobi is not looking forward to her friend’s 1920s-themed murder mystery party. But when the game begins, Pip finds herself drawn into the make-believe world of intrigue, deception and murder. As Pip plays detective, teasing out the identity of the killer clue by clue, the murder of the fictional Reginald Remy isn’t the only case on her mind…”

What is the book about?

Pippa’s friend, Connor Reynolds is having a 1920s-themed murder mystery party, with costumes, role play and an inspector to lead the way. However, Pip is not really excited for it as she doesn’t like not having work to do and is still worried about not having chosen a topic for her EPQ. But, when she arrives at the party and the game finally begins, Pip realises that she is actually enjoying it and is finding herself really merging into her characters world of secrets and murder. As she works her way through the party and the investigation, looking at the clues and trying to put them together in a way that makes sense, this murder is not the only one on her mind and her friends constant reminders about the Andie Bell case have her thinking that maybe that case wasn’t as simple as the one she is pretending to be involved in. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first book this book with the rest of the series, I had initially thought I would read it before the first book in the main series as it was its prequel, but then I decided that it would be better to read it after so I could see where everything began and I wouldn’t be confused about the characters. Right before reading it, I was ecstatic and was so confident that it was going to be incredible, even though I knew that it was only a short story that probably wouldn’t be as good as the books from the main series. But, I knew I would still like it and I was prepared to love it all the same. Once I finally started reading, I loved how it jumped straight in with no explanations at the start or introductions, so it was a lot easier to fall back into the world of Pip and her investigations, even though this time it was a fictional one. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character in this book was also Pip. I think that the main reason for this was because I got to see how she thought about things and how she first came up with the idea for her EPQ project. I really loved seeing her work through the murder mystery game and how her mind worked in such an interesting and efficient way. It really shocked me when the truth came out, but her response to it made me like her even more. She didn’t get too angry and, although she was obviously annoyed for the rest of the story, she soon began to move on and used her frustration in a good way. I also loved the contrast between the innocent Pip in this book and the Pip that she grew into. She clearly isn’t the good girl she once was. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This was a very difficult choice for me to make because the book was actually really short, too short, in fact, to really make a decision on a favourite part. However, if I really had to make a choice, I would have to say that my favourite part of the book was when Pip got the chance to explain her theory on what happened in the fake murder mystery. I loved reading this part because she just sounded so confident and the way that everything fit together and that she left no stone unturned or clue unexplained was so satisfying. It was so impressive how her mind worked and it also made me remember all the investigations she later goes on to solve using the same methods and confidence. Pip is just such an incredible main character and I just loved going with her through everything.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Kill Joy, though it wasn’t as good as the other books in the series. This is obviously because it was just a quick short story for context; however it is also because it wasn’t a real investigation, and it was actually just a game. Despite this, I still really liked the book and found that it was just as well written and fun to read as the main novels in the series. One thing that I really liked about the book was how it really brought me back to how it all started. I think I made the perfect decision when I chose to read the book after the whole series was finished because I really got to fully soak in everything that I experienced in the trilogy. When certain characters were mentioned, I thought about everything that at that point was not known about them but that I knew from reading the story and I think that this really helped me solidify my love for the books. I literally loved reading all three books in the trilogy (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Good Girl, Bad Blood and As Good As Dead) and this stunning short prequel and I have just found out that they are planning on making a TV series on it, so I am beyond excited. This has become my favourite series of all time and I don’t think any other book will ever be able to top it. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend reading this short story, but I think it is best to read it after at least the first book, so you have some understanding over the characters. It is great for over 13s, who love some drama, mystery and murder. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling prequel that gives a glimpse into how Pip ended up uncovering the truth about a solved murder case. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

AS GOOD AS DEAD by Holly Jackson

“Dead girl walking. Pip Fitz-Amobi is haunted by her last investigation. But soon a new case finds her and this time it’s all about Pip. She has a stalker, one who keeps asking: Who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears? Pip soon discovers a connection between her stalker and a local serial killer, nut the police refuse to act. As the dangerous game plays out it’s clear that I Pip doesn’t find the answers, she’s as good as dead…”

What is the book about?

After her last investigation into Jamie Reynolds, Pip Fitz-Amobi hasn’t been the same and has been haunted by the blood that was on her hands. She can’t focus and can’t think about anything other than what happened that night, the trauma still circling through her veins, not letting her sleep. However, Pip knows how to save herself – she just needs one last case, one last case that has a clear good guy and a clear bad guy, a black and white case. She thought this would be a Jane Doe case in Cambridge (where she is planning to go to university in a few weeks), but soon a new case finds its way to her and this time it is all about her. Someone is stalking her, and has been doing so for a while, leaving disturbing online messages (always the same one: ‘Who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears?) and some physical appearances not on her phone screen. But soon it is clear that this isn’t a normal stalker case, this man has links to a serial killer, one who was supposedly convicted 6 years ago, but could this be the real killer, coming to claim his sixth victim? Now Pip must find a way to save herself, because if she doesn’t then she is certainly as good as dead…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Of course, my first thoughts about the book were that I had to read it and that I was going to love it just as much as the others. I had loved the first 2 books in the trilogy and I was so excited to read the last one. I not only wanted to start reading it as soon as possible, but I also needed to read it because I needed to know more about Pip and obviously her story wasn’t complete. However, initially, I was a little worried that the ending would ruin my whole experience of the books as so far I thought they were incredible and I really wanted that feeling to last. But, I still had high hopes for it and, although I was scared about whether or not the book would reach my expectations, I knew I had to read it. Once I started reading, I knew that I had been crazy to doubt Holly Jackson because she hadn’t disappointed me with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or Good Girl, Bad Blood, so clearly she wasn’t going to start now. From the very first page I knew I was going to love the book and I was completely immersed in the murder town that Holly Jackson created. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Just like in the previous books, my favourite character in As Good As Dead is definitely Pippa Fitz-Amobi. She was so brave and confident, and she was so intelligent, more intelligent than anything I could ever dream of. This intelligence was particularly showcased in this book because she had to use everything she had learnt in the complete opposite way that she was used to using her knowledge and she had to do something that not many people would be able to do and try to get away with something that appears practically impossible to most. However, my favourite quality about her was how extremely selfless she was. Initially she appeared a bit careless and selfish in the way that she tried to get her family and friends involved and looked to them for help, even though she was risking their futures for herself. But, then it was made clear to me that she was actually selfless and that she made sure that she was the only one at risk and if anyone was going to take the fall it would be her. When she thought there was still a risk involved, she decided to distance herself from everyone she cared about her because she couldn’t live with knowing that she had taken one of them down with her. Pip was one of the best female main characters I have ever encountered and she made me love the books even more. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This is usually the hardest question for me to answer; however, in this case, it was probably the easiest because there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that my favourite part was the ending of the book. I think that this was the best ending I have ever read in my life and I can't believe how much it affected me. I seriously can’t believe I ever worried about the ending ruining the book because in reality it made it better. This ending gave me more than enough information and, although it left a lot of gaps about the future, it gave a small glimpse into the possibilities and that meant that I could hope for the best and use my imagination in a way that meant I could picture the characters in a way that maybe the author wasn’t thinking of. I loved how this ending gave every reader the chance to use their own thoughts and pick an ending that made them happy. It was also a really emotional ending and I don't think any ending has ever affected me like this. It was super subtle about what was going to happen and yet so obvious, and, even though I know I shouldn’t say anything, but I just can’t hold it anymore: I just can't believe that he waited for her! For 2 years!! I wish I could tell you all exactly what happened, but I know that it would be very selfish of me because it is important that you guys read it and experience it for yourselves. I don't think I have ever been so satisfied at the end of reading a book. It was the perfect ending to an incredible trilogy. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, As Good As Dead was probably one of the best books I have read in a while, especially as it is the third book, which is usually a bit of a disappointment. One reason I loved the book was that it wasn't too difficult to solve who the stalker was. I was actually so surprised because I was able to find out who it was before Pip and she jumped to conclusions and didn’t really see what was right in front of her. I love when I am able to find something out before a main character because it always makes me feel amazing as I outsmarted the main characters, who aren’t real and are made to solve the investigations. Another thing that I adored about the book was the ending. This was my favourite part of the book and I loved how it was the perfect combination of subtle and yet obvious. It left plenty of room for interpretation, but was enough to help steer us in the right direction. But, the thing that shocked me the most was that an ending to a murder mystery series was able to leave me in tears and affect me emotionally in a way not many books have been able to. It was amazing and I loved it, but obviously I wish there were more investigations. One last thing I loved about the book, probably the most important thing, was the cyclical structure of the series. It was a whole circle and all the gaps in the previous cases were filled after reading this one. Not only that but all three books were linked and everything led back to the start. I liked how the tables were turned and it wasn't Pip trying to solve a murder or a missing persons case or a stalker case for the whole book and actually she had to do the inverse and had to put all her knowledge to the test and attempt to bring everything all the way back to the start. This was amazing and I think it really highlighted how amazing the author was. As Good As Dead was an amazing read and I can’t believe the story has ended here. 

Which is your favourite book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series? (1, 2, or 3)

Although all 3 books (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Good Girl, Bad Blood and As Good As Dead) were amazing and I enjoyed reading them all, I do have a favourite book, or rather a least favourite book. Good Girl, Bad Blood was amazing, however I think that the first book (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder) and the last book (As Good As Dead) are my joint favourites. The first book was the start of the series and everything was just so new and shocking that it made the whole experience more incredible. It was so amazing for a first book and I found the plot amazing – an A-Level student trying to solve a murder case that was already solved by the police (amazing!!). I also found that, although the mystery was definitely not easy to solve, if you really looked closely it was obvious from the start and the clues were everywhere so really anyone could put it together if they tried. The last book was amazing in a completely different way. It had the perfect ending that left me feeling lost for words, wanting to recommend the book to everyone I know but also wanting to keep it to myself because it felt like my special secret. However, it was also similar as the mystery was also relatively easy to solve if you looked at the clues. This book left me perfectly happy with how things ended and made me love the series even more. I just don't know which is better as they are both so different and I am just going to leave them as joint favourites. However I do want to mention one last thing: the thing I loved the most of all the books as a whole was that, although they were completely different cases and I had initially thought they weren't really like a series and more like individual stories with the same main characters, they were actually all linked and it felt like there had been a full circle from the first to the last book and back again. The cyclical structure shocked me and I thought it was incredible writing. Sometimes authors don't know that it's going to be a series and so the books don't always link as well, but this was the most well written series I have ever read and it was clear that there was meant to be 3 books from the very start. I can't wait to read more by Holly Jackson and I know if she ever releases another book I will be the first to buy it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would undoubtedly recommend reading this book; but you do need to read the first 2 books before (so that everything makes sense). I think it is a particularly perfect for those who are over 15 and enjoy some crime, drama and mystery.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A compelling, heart-breaking conclusion to the best murder mystery series in the universe. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

GOOD GIRL, BAD BLOOD by Holly Jackson

“Someone is missing. Nobody’s talking. But this time, EVERYONE is listening… Pip Fitz-Amobi is not a detective any more. Her true-crime podcast about the murder case she solved last year has gone viral. Yet Pip insists her investigating days are behind her. But she will have to go back on her word when someone close to her goes missing and the police can’t do anything about it. If they won’t investigate, then Pip will, uncovering more of her town’s dark secrets along the way. But will she find the answers before time runs out?”

What is the book about?

After many articles, podcasts and more were released about Andie and Sal’s killer, Pip noticed that most people were telling the story incorrectly and so she decided to make her own true crime podcast about her investigation, leaving nothing out and telling the whole truth – not the one that people wanted to hear. But after her podcast went viral and everyone was asking for a season 2, Pip decided to not be a detective anymore and that this would be the end. She didn’t want to risk everything like she did last time and she knew that any more trouble wasn’t necessary. However, when Jamie Reynolds, her friend Connor’s brother, Pip decides that she will break that promise and start her investigation. The police aren’t doing anything about it as it is a low-risk case, so she must take the reins and find the truth about what happened to Jamie and won’t stop until he is home safe – no matter how many dark secrets she discovers along the way. But will she get to him before his time runs out? Or will this all end with another murderer in Little Kilton?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Since I had just read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (the first book in the series) and absolutely loved it, I was obviously extremely excited to start reading Good Girl, Bad Blood. Initially, I was very convinced that I was going to love reading this book just as much as I did the first and I had no doubt that it was going to be a very enjoyable, easy read. When I read the blurb, I was even more intrigued about the book and was soon desperate to start discovering more about what was going to happen in the book. As soon as I started reading the book, I immediately knew that my initial assumptions were correct and that I was definitely going to find the book incredible in all aspects. From the very first page I felt completely at home and found it so easy to just forget about everything that was around me and just read and really live the story. The book immediately grabbed my attention and its clear to me that I loved the book from the very start. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Just like in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this decision was pretty easy and my favourite character is definitely Pippa Fitz-Amobi. The main reason I liked her was because Pip was so intelligent, studious, independent and not like most teens – meaning she was just like me! I loved that I saw little things in her that I know I also have and it just made the book so much more relatable and just easier to read. However, she was also extremely confident in herself and was always willing to take a leap of faith and risk everything. I know I am definitely not like this and I prefer to live inside my own little world, but it did make me think that maybe I should try to be more open minded and have confidence in myself. There was also something new about Pip in Good Girl, Bad Blood – a new, deep, fiery anger inside her which wasn’t really present in the first book. I should’ve hated this angry, mean side of her, but in reality I actually liked it because it made me feel less alone. For the past 18 years Pip has tried to be the perfect daughter, sister, student, which is evident from her grades and the way she behaves. She has probably spent her entire life bottling up her emotions, trying not to burden anyone else, and now she has reached her limit where the smallest thing (though in her case it might’ve been a relatively big thing) can make the biggest change to her attitude and emotions. I am sure a few people found this sudden change in her odd, but I understood it because I also try to be perfect and sometimes I just snap at the smallest things because I have too much on my plate. I loved that Pip was also like this and I was so happy to see that I am not the only one, even if she is just a fictional character.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This was very hard decision for me because I loved the whole book but I think my favourite part of Good Girl, Bad Blood would have to be when Pip realised the real gravity of the situation and that time was running out. She had always known that she was running on a timer and that if she didn’t work fast that time would end with Jamie dead, never to return home again. However, it wasn’t until this moment when she realised just how serious it was and that she was given a chance to save Jamie and help Connor and she had to really work hard to achieve what she had promised. This part of the book started of really tense and dark, because the characters and I were on edge, not knowing if time had run out and there would be no happy ending to the investigation. Then, everyone was happy because they realised that there was still a chance, however the ending was what really stuck with me. The determination Pip had to solve this mystery and save Jamie was clear and strong and I knew that soon this book would end with Pip discovering the truth, for better or for worse. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I loved Good Girl, Bad Blood and found that it was perfect in every way. One thing that I loved about the book was how easy I found reading it. I finished the whole book quicker than I have ever been able to in a school week and I knew that there was only one explanation: the incredible writing and plot. It was so easy to read that while I was reading I completely forgot that that wasn’t actually my own reality and was able to fully allow myself to experience the book as if I was one of the main characters, helping Pip find Jamie. I love this feeling because it makes me feel like anything is possible because someone words on paper have been able to transport me to another world, just like magic. Another thing that I really loved about the book was that it rekindled my love for murder mystery in a way I never thought it could. When I was little, murder mystery books were the first books that made me feel like I was part of the world that I was reading about. That incredible feeling where you aren’t quite on Earth is something that I will never forget and I still remember reading underneath the covers, later questioning my idea as I was trembling from fear because it was past midnight and I wasn’t sure whether or not there was going to be a murderer coming for me or not. This series has been able to really make me remember why I have always considered murder mysteries to be my favourite sort of novels and I just can’t wait to read on. One last thing that I really liked about the book that really stood out to me was the fact that there were clues in the first book that were used in the second book. I really enjoyed this because I think it was a very realistic representation of what it is like to working on something, like a case, in real life because not everything is going to be clear and organised and sometimes you have to look to places that you wouldn’t even consider and look back to something from months ago in order to make sense of a situation. It also made it clear to me that this was what Holly Jackson had been planning all along and it made me truly think about what I was going to encounter in the last book. Good Girl, Bad Blood was an incredible second and I just can’t wait to see what’s in store for me with the final book in the series. 

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Although I definitely loved both books and wouldn’t trade reading them for the first time for anything, I think personally I liked A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder a little more than Good Girl, Bad Blood. There wasn’t really anything that I found was better in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and mainly I think that the only reason I liked it better was that the whole experience was a lot newer and more shocking and interesting. However, there was one minor thing that I found I enjoyed more in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder than the second book: the plot. Both plots were incredible and I loved the whole Jamie’s disappearance thing and both books had the same amount of shocking plot twists, but I just liked the plot from the first book more because I could actually predicted the killer if I had just paid a lot more attention. All the clues were there and once everything was explained at the end I knew what I had missed. In contrast, in Good Girl, Bad Blood there were no clues at all that would’ve been able to point to the real bad guy in the end and I found that slightly disappointing. I also enjoyed the whole closed murder situation that was going on in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and the fact that there was not just one bad guy, but several, just like there is in real life because not everything can be clean and simple. However, I definitely enjoyed reading both books and I know I will love the third and final novel too. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend reading this book; however you do need to read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder before. I think it is a particularly great read for those who are over 14 and enjoy some crime, drama and mystery.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A shocking mystery novel with twists and turns that no one could’ve ever seen coming.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

A GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER by Holly Jackson

“The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it. But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for their final-year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?”

What is the book about?

Five years ago, teenager Andie Bell disappeared and was presumed dead and allegedly murdered by Sal Singh. Everyone in town, including the police, are confident that he did it and in their minds there is no ‘allegedly’ – Sal Singh was the murderer, which he clearly stated in his last message, where he confessed to the murder before killing himself. However, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure and her gut is telling her that Sal didn’t do it and the real killer is still running free in their small town. So, when she has to decide on a topic for her EPQ (the project completed alongside A-Levels), she realises that this is the perfect opportunity to discover the truth of what happened that night 5 years ago. As she starts to uncover more secrets than she could have ever thought Little Kilton could hold, it is made clear that there is someone in town who is desperate to keep these secrets hidden and that they may stop at nothing to stop Pip from uncovering the truth. The real killer may actually be out there, roaming the same streets as Pip and watching her every move and it may be possible that Pip has taken on more than she can handle. Will she get to the truth before the killer gets to her?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first heard of these books about a year ago I knew that I needed to have them and, after several months of sitting on my book wish-list, I finally decided it was time to purchase them and add them to the many unread books still on my shelf. This probably wasn’t not the best decision I could have made money and space wise, however, when I finally decided to pick up the book only a couple days ago, I knew that reading A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was going to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Once I finally started reading I found that the book was impossible to put down. After reading only a couple of chapters I was fully engrossed in the book and I actually finished in only a day. It was intriguing and full of mystery from the very beginning and, even though I had known from before even reading it, it was an incredible book and I loved it from the second I held in in my hands. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This decision wasn’t as difficult as it usually is for me and I was actually able to choose my favourite character in less than a minute. My favourite character in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is definitely Pippa Fitz-Amobi. I really liked her for many reasons. One reason was because Pip was so intelligent and actually reminded me a lot of myself. She was very studious, did her homework right away and was always working independently in her room. She wasn’t like other teens and didn’t really like going to parties, just like me. These weren’t the only similarities between Pip and me, her parents also acted similarly with her as mine act with me – they’d tell her to study less and go out to parties or spend time with friends, unlike how all other parents act with their normal kids. Another reason was because she was so fearless. She was so confident in herself and was able to pursue her investigation without worrying too much about the risks that came with uncovering new secrets. However, although she appeared fearless, she wasn’t without any fears and common sense. She knew that there was a huge risk of her or her family being hurt and when the time came she put her foot down and stopped the investigation because she didn’t want to let anyone get hurt. Pip was a great character and I loved that she was the main character because she made the book that much better. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

Making this decision was a lot harder than choosing my favourite character, however I was about to decide my favourite part of the book. My favourite part of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was when the pieces finally came together near the end of the book. I loved following Pip’s investigation and I found it so much fun trying to piece together the clues, as I always love to do. However, the best part of the book was when the clues that I had initially missed started to actually make sense and all the pieces fell into place, pointing to the real killer and the truth finally made sense. I loved being able to finally discover the truth and it was my favourite part because, as I felt like I was part of the story and the investigation, it felt great to finally solve the mystery of who was actually to blame for the deaths of Andie Bell and Sal Singh. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was an absolutely amazing read and I loved every second of it. One thing that I loved about the book was how easy I found reading it. I literally finished the whole thing in one sitting and got from front to back so quickly. It flowed so well and I found that I was completely immersed in the world that Holly Jackson created when she wrote the book. I completely forgot that I was reading and was able to fully allow myself to experience the book as if I was one of the main characters, helping Pip uncover the truth. I love this feeling because it makes me feel like anything is possible because someone words on paper have been able to transport me to another world, just like magic. Another thing that I really loved about the book was that it was one of the first books I have ever read that was actually set in England. This made the book and the characters so much more relatable. I usually find it so hard to understand the school system in America (where books tend to be set) and I always have to look up which out of Junior Year or Sophomore Year comes after Freshman Year (and I still don’t know). However, in this case Pip and her friends were in sixth form doing their A-Levels in their last year of school (AKA Year 13), which I found very easy to understand and relate to as I am only a year below. I loved this and it was so entertaining how often they drank tea, as all British people do. One last thing that I really loved about the book was that, although it was written in the third person, there were sections of Pip’s EPQ also included in the book, which were written in the first person as a bit of a diary showing Pip’s inner thoughts and her research. I loved this because it really helped me feel involved in the investigation and I love being able to feel as though I am part of the story. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was an incredible book and I think it is definitely making it into my favourite books list. I just can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 10000000% recommend reading A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, especially for over 14 year olds who are a fan of a well-written murder mystery novel. It is perfect for mystery, crime, drama and thriller lovers. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling, secret filled murder mystery novel that is impossible to put down.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: THE OFFICIAL ILLUSTRATED GUIDE by Stephenie Meyer

 “The only official guide to the bestselling Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer! This must-have edition is the definitive encyclopaedic reference to the Twilight Saga and provides readers with everything they need to further explore the unforgettable world Stephenie Meyer created in Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn and The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. This comprehensive handbook – essential for every Twilight Saga fan – is full-colour throughout, with nearly 100 gorgeous illustrations and photographs, and with exclusive new material, character profiles, genealogical charts, maps, extensive cross-references, an in-depth conversation with author Shannon Hale and much more.”

What is the book about?

This book is an official guide on the entire Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. It contains all the information on how the book came about and details on all the books of the series. It also includes detailed character profiles on every single character from the series, gorgeous illustrations (including fan art at the back made by actual fans of the series), maps and exclusive new material, such as scenes of the book that were taken out in the editing process. This book is a must have for all Twilight Saga fans and it includes everything you need to know to further explore the incredible, magical town of Forks. If you have any unanswered questions, this book will help answer them with all the information clearly set out and a section at the end of the book made specifically for frequently asked questions. It is the perfect book to help you get a full grasp of the world we lived in while reading Stephenie Meyer’s creations. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Well, I had previously borrowed the Twilight Saga almost 3 years ago from a family friend who was happy to lend some of her favourite books to a fellow book lover, however this book was not included in the bundle I had received from her, either because she didn't have it or because it had been trapped in one of the many corners of her house. A few days ago I went to her house to find her organising some of her books and when I spotted this book I immediately knew that I had to borrow it. She was happy to lend it to me and soon I was back home ready to curl up with the book and dive straight back into the world of vampires and werewolves. At first, I had been a bit worried because it had been a while since I had thought of the books and I wasn't sure if I would be able to get through the book without knowing some details of the plot. However that didn't stop me from starting to read and soon I realised that all the information I had forgotten was already written down for me. All my worries disappeared and soon I was nearing the end of the book, saddened that I would have to leave behind this world yet again. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

It was very difficult for me to decide on a favourite part because this book wasn’t like the usual books I read because it didn’t have usual chapters and was more of an information guide. However, after careful consideration, I decided that my favourite part of the book was the scenes of the book that were later taken out in the editing process. I really enjoyed these because I love getting to experience new scenes from a book, which I had previously missed out on because they were taken out from the final copy. It is always such a joy to see that there are extra, exclusive sections of a book that give me new information on what happened to the characters. I really loved these scenes in the book because they took me back to when I first read the books and the experience that came with it. They were an incredible addition to this official guide and I loved the information I got from them.

What was your overall impression of the book?

This official guide was incredible and I loved every part of it. One thing that I liked about the book was the character profiles. I really loved how detailed they were and the beautiful illustrations depicting each character, including the minor characters. I really enjoyed learning more about each of the characters and discovering the new details of some of their lives, which I had forgotten or never knew. Another thing that I liked about the book was the gorgeous fan art and illustrations. I miss the illustrations that would come in the books that I would read as a child and getting to see some more in a book that I enjoy now as a teenager. The illustrations really brought the characters and the book to life and helped me remember the events that happened a little easier. One last thing that I really loved was the scenes of the book that were later taken out in the editing process. I really loved these scenes in the book because they took me back to when I first read the books and the experience that came with it. They were an incredible addition to this official guide and I loved the information I got from them and that I got a sneak peek into more things that occurred to the characters during the series. This guide was incredible and I loved every part of it and the information I gained from it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend reading this book if you have read the Twilight Saga and would like to continue learning about the incredible vampires and werewolves you read about. I think it is best for those who are over 15 who would love to dive back into the Twilight Saga world.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An illustrated, detailed guidebook that will take you back to a supernatural world and answer all questions previously left unanswered. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

BLIND SPOT by Paula Hawkins

 “‘How can you say things like this? How can you be so blind?’ Since they were kids, Edie, Jake and Ryan have been the closest of friends. It’s been the three of them against the world. Edie thought the bonds between them were unbreakable. So when Jake is brutally murdered and Ryan accused of crime, her world is shattered. Edie is alone for the first time in years, living in the remote house that she and Jake shared. She is grief-stricken and afraid – with good reason. Because someone is watching. Someone has been waiting for this moment. Now that Edie is alone, the past she tried so hard to leave behind is about to catch up to her…”

What is the book about?

Edie, Jake and Ryan have been the best of friends since they were kids. Ever since that day when Edie ran into Jake and Ryan, the three of them have been inseparable. It’s been them against the world and they never thought their life would’ve ended up as it did. One night, in the remote home that Jake and Edie, Jake was alone and was brutally murdered in his own living room. Now, Jake is dead and Ryan in prison, blamed for the murder of his best friend. So, Edie is all alone, with no one to turn to for help or comfort. She is grieving the death of her husband and the imprisonment of one of her best friends, but she is also scared. She feels like there is more to this murder and she doesn’t fully believe it was Ryan. And she should be terrified – because someone is watching. Someone has been watching and waiting for years for the opportunity to finally make these three friends pay for what they did. And finally, their plan may succeed…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first looked at the book I didn’t really have any idea about whether or not I would like it. I knew that I had read a few books similar to it and that I used to love murder mysteries, so I was hoping that I would enjoy it. I hadn’t read any thrilling mystery books in a while so I was actually very excited to see what this one would have in store for me. Once I read the blurb, I knew immediately that I needed to read the book, because after reading that short paragraph I already had too many questions to leave unanswered so I decided it was time to dive into it and give it a go. Once I started reading it, I knew that I had made the right choice and within what felt like seconds I was already reaching the end, shocked and excited. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don’t think I have any favourite character because, in reality, all of the characters were extremely unlikable. They all had some little things about them that made them so annoying. Jake was so annoying (before he died) and in all the flashbacks he was extremely angry all the time. And, when I found out what had happened when they were younger, I hated him 100%. Ryan was maybe slightly more likable (until, of course, I found out the same thing and then I hated him twice as much), however, I found it extremely odd that he kept following Edie and Jake around. As if he wanted to be the third wheel in their relationship or he wanted to break them up (which he probably did). I found this disgusting because it was clear he was in love with Edie, and yet he let her get married to his best friend and then tried to do everything he could to be near her and ruin her relationship with her husband. Lastly, Edie was also very unlikable because of how gullible she was and how stupid she was. She was blind to everything that was happening and it took her ages to figure out the truth, even though it had been under her nose the whole time. All three main characters were so annoying and unlikable, which is what makes the ending so unsurprising. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was when everything fell into place and all the clues leading to the truth started to make sense. Before this part, I had so many questions and it was so frustrating that I didn’t have any answers for them. However, once things started to get more interesting, I started to really fully enjoy the book and I loved getting the chance to experience reading a mystery book again. I had forgotten how much I loved trying to uncover the truth before the characters and then the feeling of shock when there is finally a plot twist that you weren’t able to see coming. This was actually what I loved most about the book – when the clues started to make sense and I started to figure out the truth. However, no matter how good of a detective I was, I don’t think I would’ve ever found out the truth or ever foreseen the ending. I loved how shocking the truth was and how the author really did do a great job in surprising me. It really was a great read. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book and I thought that it was really good. One thing that I really liked was the ending. Although it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting and I was super surprised when I read it, I actually really liked it. I loved how it was a perfect example that sometimes things don’t work out and sometimes the ‘evil’ people win. Technically, in this case, both sides of the story were ‘evil’ and no matter how it ended someone ‘evil’ would’ve won, however this ending was not what I was expecting. In most of the books that I read, the good people defeat the bad people and win and, although this gives me the hope and happiness to continue with my life and helps me believe that maybe, if I just keep trying to be the best possible version of myself, I will get everything I have been wanting since I was little and I will win at life, I know this is completely unrealistic. This book helped bring me back down to Earth and made me realise that you don’t always get the picture perfect life or ending, and sometimes everything doesn’t work out. Another thing that I loved about the book was that I got to revisit my childhood and got to read a mystery book, which used to be my absolute favourite type of books. I had missed the feeling of being a detective and the happiness when you figure something out before the character. This book was great and I just loved how quickly I read it and how much fun it was to be on the edge of my seat while reading it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this book. I think it is best for readers over 16, who enjoy some murder, mystery and drama. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling, dramatic and quick read that will leave you in absolute shock.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

DRAMA by Raina Telgemeier

“Callie loves theatre. And while she would totally try out for her middle school’s production of Moon over Mississippi, she can’t really sing. Instead she’s the set designer for the drama department’s stage crew, and this year she’s determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn’t know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!”

What is the book about?

Callie has always loved the theatre and, when she was a little girl, she dreamed of being on the stage someday, singing, dancing and acting. But soon she discovered that her dreams of stardom were impossible because she really can’t sing – she has no talent whatsoever. But soon she found her place, still in the theatre but rather than on stage, in the wings as part of the stage crew. This year, her school is planning the production of Moon over Mississippi and, though she would love to perform, she is a better fit backstage. She is determined that this play will be a complete success and that the set will be absolute perfection. But how can she achieve such a stunning, Broadway-worthy set when she doesn’t know how to do it, and there is drama on stage and off stage? Things are going crazy and somehow Callie must find a way to achieve success, despite all the drama. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

As soon as Jimena (my sister), came into my room holding Drama I knew I immediately had to start reading the book and that I was going to absolutely love it. I had already read 3 other Raina Telgemeier graphic novels, so I knew that this one was going to be as much of a success as the other ones. After reading the blurb and looking at the cover, I began to have a few doubts about the book because it wasn’t like the other ones I had read. I wasn’t entirely sure it was going to be as good as the Smile series, but I was still confident I was going to enjoy it. Finally, I started to read the novel and soon I was nearing the end, finding the book just as faced-paced and interesting as the previous 3 I had read by Raina Telgemeier. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Callie because of her self-confidence. She didn't care about what anyone else thought of her and she did whatever she wanted without caring about whether or not people would judge her. She was herself all the time and found friends that she could count on and could be her true self around. I really loved all this confidence she had in herself because it made me believe a little more in myself and made me think that maybe it wouldn't be that difficult for me to be a little more confident in myself. I care too much about what others think and Callie showed me that I can be myself and, even if other people judge me, I shouldn't care because it doesn't matter what they think it only matters what I think. Callie really showed me that I matter and no one should take that away from me. I hope that I can now take what I learnt from her and put it to use.  

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This was a really hard decision to make because no part of the story really stood out to me very much, but I think that my favourite part is possibly when Callie manages to encourage people to buy more tickets and literally saves the day. I really enjoyed this part because Callie had spent so long working on  the cannon to make it work and she tried her absolute hardest to make sure that the production could be its very best and she was not about to give up when  she found out that ticket sales were down. A lot of people were discouraged and wanted to just give up, but not Callie, and when her hard work paid off she knew that giving up was never the answer.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Drama was a very incredible graphic novel, which I enjoyed immensely, though it wasn’t as good as the Smile series. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the flashback. Flashbacks are something that I find make a book 10 times better and, as soon as I read one, (as long as it’s well placed and relevant) I know I will really enjoy the book. I know that there was only a single flashback and it was extremely short, but it added some lovely backstory and it made the novel so much better. Another thing that I really liked about the book was how there wasn’t a single moment where I found myself bored. The plot was literally just a flow from one piece of drama into the next, with a few moments of resolution in between to keep the story going. I tend to find books so boring, but not Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels! One last thing I would like to mention is that there is one little thing that I would want to add to the book: some sort of more impactful and noticeable message to take from the book. I know that there is a subtle message to keep inspiring and get inspired, and also to never give up on your dreams, even if they have to change a little to achieve them. But I feel like I wasn’t really able to feel it and it would have been nice to maybe develop the story a bit more and possibly put a deeper message in. However, Drama was an amazing book and I really enjoyed the adventure I went on. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend the book as it was incredibly fast-paced and perfect for people who normally find books boring. It is a great read, especially for readers over 10 who enjoy a bit of comedy, drama and a sprinkling of romance.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A graphic novel full of drama, comedy and romance.

Reviewed by Aldara Gutierrez Reviriego

GUTS by Raina Telgemeier

“Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mum has one, too, so it’s probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she’s dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina’s tummy trouble isn’t going away…and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What’s going on?”

What is the book about?

Raina was just hoping to have a completely normal school year, but one night she wakes up with a horrible stomach ache. At first she and her parents just seem to believe that it is just stomach bug, especially as her mother isn’t feeling very well either, but it turns out to be so much more. She finally returns to school and back to the usual drama of close friends, enemies, presentations and gross classmates. Soon, it becomes apparent that Raina’s stomach ache is so much more than just a bug and might even be linked to the stress she feels from school and her home life. Her parents finally take her to a therapist who they think might finally help with the pain and stress as it becomes even more of a strain on her daily life and she is missing more and more school each day. Raina must learn to face her fears and learn that sometimes stress and pain is just a part of life and you just have to deal with it. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Obviously, as soon as I finished reading Sisters (the second book in the series), I knew that I immediately had to read Guts.  I was slightly upset because this was going to be the last book in the series, but I knew I had to read it because I was not going to lose the opportunity to read another absolutely amazing graphic novel. As soon as I got my hands on it, I started by admiring the matching cover to the first two books and then I read the blurb, which just added to my immense love for a book that I hadn't even started reading yet.  Before even opening the front cover, I already knew that this was going to be another book I was going to absolutely love and I was prepared to be amazed. Once I finally began to read, I knew that I had been more than right and I  got through the book wanting to reach its end, but also wanting to make it last because I knew it was going to be by the last one in the series.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Raina because of how courageous she was and how she managed to face her fears. My favourite thing about her was how she was like any other young girl with somewhat simple issues, like friends, enemies, schoolwork, etc. However, to her all of these problems seemed impossible to overcome. I know that she is completely based off a real person so obviously she is going to act like a real person, but I still found that the fact that she and I and all the other girls in the world are so alike made it so much easier for me to understand her and to really feel for her and everything she was going through. I also really liked how she never truly gave up, even when the world seemed to be ending, and she continued to try her best in everything, but still managed to be exactly like a normal girl.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was definitely when Raina was able to not just face her fears but learn to understand them. I liked how after this it wasn’t like all her fears just disappeared and she was all of a sudden completely ‘cured’, but instead she learnt to cope with the fact that she was always going to feel scared at times and nothing was going to go back to the way it used to be, but it could be near enough to normality if she could just live with the emotions she was feeling. This book was not a stranger to thoughts and feelings like some of the past books I have kind of read (meaning I read a few pages and gave up) but instead it deals with them as if they were real and not just parts of a person that can easily be dismissed. This part of the book made me feel like I could also overcome my fears and understand my body, as long as I was prepared to put in the effort. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed Guts and I thought I was a really incredible read.  One of the things that I really loved about it was how relatable it was and how it really made me think about my own life. This whole book is based off a true story and is centred on the idea of gaining the courage to face your own fears.  Riana has to learn how to face her troubles and, as a reader, I was able to go through everything with her. All of the things she went through made me realise that there were a few things that I am afraid of and maybe I should start trying to gain the courage to face them. Another thing that I really liked about the book was how incredibly fast paced it was and how there wasn't a single moment where I was bored or though the plot wasn't that good. Every single moment I was reading I enjoyed it and I felt like I completely flew through the book and reached the end before I even realised that I had got so far. It really is a great book to read if you're struggling with reading books and you tend to find them boring. One last thing that I really liked about the book was, once again, the absolutely amazing illustrations. I know that's essential for a book to be called a graphic novel, but it completely amazes me just how well drawn they were and how all the drawings added to the fast pace and the way that it really made me relate to the characters and be a participant in the story and not just a witness. It really was an incredibly well-written book, and I can’t believe that the series is actually over. 

Which is your favourite book in The Smile series? (1, 2, or 3)

Although all 3 of the books were incredible, there can only be one favourite and I think that the best one out of all three was Sisters. The main reason for this was because of how relatable it was to my own life. It just described my own life and my relationship with my sister perfectly and I found that nothing could have been more accurate than this book. There were so many moments where I completely understood what Raina and Amara were feeling because something almost identical had happened between me and my older sister, Jimena, so I found that Sisters just spoke to me on a whole other level as I related to it so much. Another reason why I enjoyed this book more was because it wasn't just all about Riana and her story; it was also about her little sister and her whole family, so it was easier for me to understand the book because I could relate more easily to at least one of the characters. One last reason why I definitely enjoyed Sisters more than Smile and Guts was the flashbacks that only this book had. It was so cute to go back to when Amara and Riana were younger and that made me look a back on my own life and to all the memories I have my own sister. These were definitely the parts that I most enjoyed and they made the book stand out from the other two. All three books have been absolutely incredible, but Sisters was by far the best. I still can’t believe that I finished a whole series of books, even if they are just graphic novels, and I think that this series will always be one of my top ten reads.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this graphic novel for anyone over 9 who are struggling to find a book that they aren’t bored to read. It is a great first read, though I do advise reading the first 2 books in the series before this one, but it doesn’t really matter that much. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An engaging and thought-provoking novel on facing your fears.

Reviewed by Aldara Gutierrez Reviriego

SISTERS by Raina Telgemeier

“Raina can’t wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren’t quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she’s also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn’t improve much over the years. But when a baby brother enters the picture, and later, when something doesn’t seem right between their parents, they realise they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters after all.”

What is the book about?

Before Amara was born, Riana had felt lonely and bored as she had no one to play with but herself. So one day she has a marvellous idea and asks her parents for a sister to play with. But when the day finally comes and her parents bring her newborn sister home, Riana isn't sure if the idea was as amazing as she had first thought. Ever since that first day, Amara and Raina's relationship hasn't been very good, as all Amara wanted to do was play alone and all Raina wanted was someone to be with. But when they get a new little brother and things with their parents aren't going very well, Amara and Raina have to fix their relationship and learn to get along. It couldn't possibly be that hard. They are sisters after all. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

As soon as I finished reading the first book (Smile), I asked my sister if she had any other graphic novels, specifically ones by the same author. When she finally came back to me with Sisters, I knew I was going to love it more than Smile because of how much I thought it would relate to my own life and my own relationship with my sister. Smile was interesting and a bit relatable itself, but I had a feeling Sisters would take my newfound enjoyment for reading to a whole new level. After reading the blurb and then the first page, I was so confident that my prediction was correct and soon I was reaching the end of the second book in the Smile series. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character (and I know that this may seem a bit strange for those who have read the book) was Amara. The main reason for which I really liked Amara was because of how much I could relate to her. I also find that I need to be alone sometimes and want to be alone, while my sisters don't seem to understand that and are constantly annoying me. I sometimes reach the maximum social interaction I can and then just can’t deal with anymore stupid, annoying people and need to be alone in my room. I especially liked how Amara didn't hide anything from her sister when she felt like she wanted to say something, even if it was something slightly rude. I'm always honest with my sisters when they're asking my opinion on something or when I'm in a bad mood, but they never seem to understand that I'm just trying to tell them the truth and not hold anything back. I know I can seem harsh sometimes and Amara was portrayed as a very rude and don't care kind of character, but I like that about her because she kind of reminds me of myself. However, I also liked how, when the time came for Amara to set aside her differences with her sister, she was able to do that and it really shows me that I can set aside my differences with my own sister and be kind and caring for once. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was definitely when Amara and Riana’s  relationship was restored and that they were finally able to communicate with each other in a more civilised way. This made me look back on the moments when me and my sister, Jimena, are able to bond and be kind to each other. To most people it seems like we are always at odds, but there are many occasions when we are the best of friends and I wish that would happen more often. This part of the book showed me that it doesn't matter what your personality is like or how much your sister’s personality clashes with your own, you are still sisters and you will always love each other, no matter what. I'm always fighting with my sister but I hope that she knows that deep down I will always love her and I hope that she feels the same. This part is definitely a moment to make you think of your own relationship with your siblings and to make you realise that deep down, no matter what they do and no matter how they act, you always care for them – even if you despise them in that moment. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Sisters was an absolutely outstanding graphic novel and I think this might be one of my favourite series so far (not that I've read very many). One reason why I absolutely loved it was how it was basically made for me and my sister. Our relationship is almost exactly identical to Amara and Riana's relationship portrayed in the novel. It was creepy how much I was able to relate to many things that happened. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the flashbacks to when the girls were much younger. I think these might have been the parts that I enjoyed the most and I was always looking forward to the slightly more yellowish pages showing that I would be able to read another one of Riana's memories. I particularly enjoyed them because they made me look back on my own life and the memories I have with my own family. This helped me realise that I do have quite a lot of good memories of my sister and that she isn't all bad. One last thing that I really enjoyed about the book was, once again, all the amazing illustrations that make this book a graphic novel. I've never been able to finish a book before and now I can show people that I have finished 2. I know that doesn’t count as a proper book in their minds, but for me they are, because they are the sort of books that were made for me. I suppose my sister was right when she said that I just had to read the right books to be able to enjoy reading.

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Although this may seem completely surprising, I think I loved Sisters more than I did Smile, mainly because of how relatable it was to my own life. Sisters  just fit so perfectly into my own life and my relationship with my sister was definitely reflected in the novel. I feel like Amara and Riana were literally reflections of me and Jimena and there were many moments where I felt like it couldn't be more accurate. One particular moment was when Riana got her own room and Amara was so annoyed, which happened in my own house when Jimena got her own room and I was left sharing with a younger sister. Another reason why I enjoyed this book more was because it wasn't just following Riana and her story, it was also following her sister story and her whole family story, so it felt a lot wider and easier to understand and enjoy. One last reason why I definitely enjoyed Sisters more was the incredible flashbacks that I absolutely loved. It was so funny and cute to go back to when Amara and Riana were younger and that made me look a back on my own life and to all the memories I have my own sister. Both books have been absolutely incredible, but Sisters was by far the best. I just can't wait to read the third and final book in the Smile series. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 100% recommend this graphic novel, particularly to anyone over 9 who is struggling to find the right book to read. I suggest reading Smile before Sisters, but it is not necessary because there is not much of a link between them. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A well-written, relatable graphic novel that I know anyone with siblings will adore. 

Reviewed by Aldara Gutierrez Reviriego