Review: Death and the Girl Next Door

Title: Death and the Girl Next Door

Author: Darynda Jones

Published:  October 2nd 2012 by St. Martin's Press
Book given by the publisher  

Book Description:
Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it,  standing outside her house in the dark, night after night.  Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?  Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

"Unique, witty, and touching—I LOVED THIS BOOK!" —P.C. Cast, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Night Series

MY THOUGHTS:

I saw the captivating cover on Goodreads. I know I have to read this book quick. Not only is the cover pretty but the summary left me salivating. Death and the Girl Next Door is witty, impressive, and downright sexy.

Let me give you glimpse of the story with no spoilers. Lorelei thinks she’s living a normal life. Until two hot guys started getting her attention. One who is dark and broody. The other is light and protective. Did I mention that they’re both hot? Things started to get puzzling for Lorelei when Cameron started stalking her. Who is that new mysterious guy? What do the two boys want from her? Who is she really? You have to read this book to find out.

The world building is good and believable. I like the school setting. It made it more realistic. I also find the plot thrilling, it truly grabbed my attention. While reading this book, I have several “laughing moments” Yes, the dialogues are witty and funny. Though there were some slow moments in the first part of the book; some scenes were quite detached from the story. But it was worth sticking till the end. The secrets and twists made this book engaging.  After finding out what Lorelei is……………….(No Spoilers) I swear! I didn’t see it coming. I love those kinds of book, where I get electrified or shocked! This book is infused with it. I truly enjoyed “Death and the Girl Next Door”.

The character building is awesome.  They are likable and connectable. Lorelei is the main character here. She’s the girl to envy. Two drool worthy guys are constantly battering each other for her to be safe. What makes Lorelei so special? Again you gave to read this book to find out.  Cameron is not your typical jock guy. Don’t let the looks fool you. His character is downright mysterious. He’s the type of guy who doesn’t like attention yet his looks say a different thing. He is so hot! His mysteriousness glued me to him. As for Jared, he’s the tough guy. Yep, girls who like bad guys will definitely drool over him. The characters are so colorful and vibrant. You would really wish that they were real people instead of just from a book. I also like how the author took her time describing the them. I didn’t have a hard time imagining what they look like.

As for the love angle, it was okay. I think it was a bit rushed. I wish there’s more pull to Jared and Lorelei’s blossoming relationship. Like a Jared’s POV on why he was drawn to Lorelei. This will let the readers feel that it was not “I love you already”. Though, the scenes between Jared and Lorelei turned my heart into marshmallows. It was sweet and sexy. Is there a love triangle? Well, you have to buy this book first.

Overall, this book is a wonderful read. I enjoyed the dialogues and shocking moments. The story is not predictable which gave this book an edge. I can’t wait for book two!! I need to know what happens next.

I give this book 4 whales.