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Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
300 Pages
Synopsis: Beautiful. Perfect. Dead.
In the peaceful seaside town of Cape Bonita, wicked secrets and lies are hidden just beneath the surface. But all it takes is one tragedy for them to be exposed.
The most popular girls in school are turning up dead, and Penelope Malone is terrified she’s next. All the victims so far have been linked to Penelope—-and to a boy from her physics class. The one she’s never really noticed before, with the rumored dark past and a brooding stare that cuts right through her.
There’s something he’s not telling her. But there’s something she’s not telling him either.
Everyone has secrets, and theirs might get them killed.
I have to begin by saying that my rating and opinion of Pretty Dead Girls is definitely in the minority. The majority of readers on Goodreads are giving this 3-5 stars, so I’m left wondering what did I miss?
My main problem is with the characters. From the premise, I knew going in this was going to be similar to Mean Girls, only with a serial killer added in. But these girls weren’t just witchy. They were one dimensional and completely flat and I was rooting for the unknown killer for the entire book.
The main character, Penelope, is the “It” girl of the school. Not quite a mean girl herself, she nonetheless surrounds herself with them and doesn’t really do anything to try to curb their behavior. She’s too focused on eclipsing her older sister’s queen bee reputation. And when she’s not obsessing about that, she’s obsessing about this new, mysterious, and attractive fellow classmate. But wait. It turns out he’s not so new, she just hasn’t noticed him before. Just ugh. With such an inauspicious beginning I never bought into their romance.
The plot is okay, but I was disappointed in the big reveal because I had actually thought the villain would be someone else, who I would have found much more satisfying. As it was was, I was left with a “meh” feeling. I also felt the author did a lot more telling rather than showing, which was also irksome.
Pretty Dead Girls just wasn’t for me. I’m giving it two stars though because it was a quick read, although that might have been because by the time I was midway through the book, I was skimming. As I said though, there are a lot of positive reviews so if the premise interests you, I recommend you check this out for yourself.
foodinbooks said:
Thanks for the review. Normally I’m not into YA book, though in this case the initial premise wasn’t intriguing. But your review pretty much set it in stone. Meh. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve read many other YA books with a similar theme that I enjoyed more Vanessa.😕
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thebookwormdrinketh said:
Thank you for the honest review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I hate giving poor reviews, but I have to be honest.😕
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raistlin0903 said:
Hmm, the premise does sound good, but I always trust your reviews, so I’m going to give this one a pass. And besides…I already have enough to read lol. Great post as always 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Michel. I think you can safely give this a miss.
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ChrissiReads said:
It’s important to be honest! I always appreciate an honest review. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Chrissi. 🤗
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fragglerocking said:
Hahaha rooting for the killer! Love it 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😈😈😈😈
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
So you guys!!!!😉
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Diana said:
Great review. I am sorry to hear that this one wasn’t for you although I can understand why based on how the characters sound.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Diana. Many other readers loved it though, so maybe it’s just me.🤷🏻♀️
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Carrie said:
Sorry you didn’t really like this one at all. I think I gave it 3.5 but I can see where you’re coming from. I actually spotted the killer as soon as they entered the story so maybe I shouldn’t even have gone that high but it just seemed a typical teen thriller, a bit light on the thrill but not overly bad to me.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I guessed her as well, but it was so obvious and they were such a minor character I was hoping for someone more exciting.
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Carrie said:
I’ve seen the same twist before so I figured that was where it would go. I guess I’m a bit more lenient on YA not having the amazing twists thought. LOL
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beetleypete said:
Two stars from you means this one is dead in the water as far as I’m concerned, Kim. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This was definitely a disappointment for me Pete.😒
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Jen said:
Oh no haha, when you are rooting for the killer then you know that the book isn’t working out for you lol! Fabulous review, Kim! And here’s hoping you love the next book you pick up!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jen. Yeah. That’s never a good sign.😏
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
Great Honest Review, Kim! This book sounds interesting! I’m sorry it was a disappointment for you. I hope you enjoy your next read! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven. C’est la Vie.
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bostonbookreader said:
I’ve been seeing this one around.. I wasn’t sure if it but now I want to read it lol great review!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh great! Like I said, I’m definitely in the minority. I’d love to know what you think if you read it.😊
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lostartofreadingblog said:
More telling than showing is so annoying, sounds like the book had potential 😦
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s one of my biggest pet peeves.😡
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I’m sorry this was a disappointment Kim!😢 I know how dreadful it is to write negative reviews!😰 Grrr… Sounds like it didn’t live up to the premise for sure.😲
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Carrie enjoyed though so maybe it was me.😕
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Maybe! I guess I may have to chexk it out to see!
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Aislynn d'Merricksson said:
Great review! I’m up to read this soon for a tour.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I can’t wait to hear what you think Aislynn.😊
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mlbradford said:
Rooting for th killer, eh? Reviews don’t get more honest than this!
Thanks for another great post, Kim!
Bless u
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yeah. What else can I say.😒
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