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Funeral Crashing #2
Adventures of a Graveyard Girl
Kait Lenox is back! It's Homecoming Dance time and Kait is excited. It's her first dance with a date and that date is none other than one of the hottest, most popular guys in her school, Ethan Ripley! For once Kait doesn't feel like a funeral crashing weird girl and it's the most perfect romantic evening ever...at least until a girl gets murdered in the high school bathroom. Rumors fly, panic ensues, and Kait can't help herself, she assigns herself to the case!
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2012
91 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Milda Harris
26 books298 followersMILDA HARRIS has a dog named after a piece of candy (Licorice), was once hit by a tree (seriously), and wears hot pink sunglasses (why not?). She is the young adult author of Doppelganger, Adventures in Funeral Crashing, Adventures of a Graveyard Girl, The New Girl Who Found A Dead Body, and Connected: A Paranormal Romance. She also works in production on television shows like Austin & Ally, Hannah Montana, and That's So Raven.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 12, 2012
I received a free copy of the book through Making Connections from Milda Harris in exchange for an honest review.
This is an innocent, YA sleuth story. As with the first book, it had some almost Scooby Doo elements to it, although not quite as strong as Adventures in Funeral Crashing. I would be comfortable recommending this for Jr. high age and up. It's like a cross between Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew, but set in current day.
I found this second book of the series to be very consistent with what I would expect after reading the first. It was charming and youthful, in addition to being a very quick read. There were some elements, as with the first book, where Kait would get a little fixated on something and repeat herself throughout the book. In the first, it was the peanut butter banana milkshake. In this book, it was the 'are we boyfriend/girlfriend', 'does he like me' or 'like me, like me?'... you get the idea. But instead of getting frustrated with the fixation (well, maybe a teeny weeny bit at first) I found it to be an endearing quality of Kait. I found her to be absolutely true to her age and maturity level which was such a nice contrast to the increasingly more 'adult' YA books that are popular nowadays.
Overall, I found it to be a sweet, cute, quick little read that was just plain fun. I am eager to get my hands on more titles written by Milda Harris because I love her youthful voice that rings so true in the Funeral Crashing series. If you are a fan of more tame (no hanky panky)YA books then I would check out this series!
This is an innocent, YA sleuth story. As with the first book, it had some almost Scooby Doo elements to it, although not quite as strong as Adventures in Funeral Crashing. I would be comfortable recommending this for Jr. high age and up. It's like a cross between Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew, but set in current day.
I found this second book of the series to be very consistent with what I would expect after reading the first. It was charming and youthful, in addition to being a very quick read. There were some elements, as with the first book, where Kait would get a little fixated on something and repeat herself throughout the book. In the first, it was the peanut butter banana milkshake. In this book, it was the 'are we boyfriend/girlfriend', 'does he like me' or 'like me, like me?'... you get the idea. But instead of getting frustrated with the fixation (well, maybe a teeny weeny bit at first) I found it to be an endearing quality of Kait. I found her to be absolutely true to her age and maturity level which was such a nice contrast to the increasingly more 'adult' YA books that are popular nowadays.
Overall, I found it to be a sweet, cute, quick little read that was just plain fun. I am eager to get my hands on more titles written by Milda Harris because I love her youthful voice that rings so true in the Funeral Crashing series. If you are a fan of more tame (no hanky panky)YA books then I would check out this series!
September 24, 2012
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Funeral Crashing series and its every bit as good as the first. These books are both fun reads and great read together or each can be stand alone novels. This one picks up immediately where Adventures in Funeral Crashing left off but if you haven't read it that's ok because you get caught up along the way.
Kait is a strong female character who isn't a popular girl in school and she is fine with that. She knows that she is different but is happy with who she is. On her first official date with Ethan, which happens to be homecoming, the festivities are interrupted by murder. She can't resist the sluething bug to find out what happened.
This is a wonderful book full of great characters, sweet love interests, humor, and adventure. Its a mystery full of twists and turns and an ending that I didn't completely see coming. This is a great young adult mystery that I would recommend to anybody that likes a fun read with great characters and a mystery to solve.
This is the second book in the Funeral Crashing series and its every bit as good as the first. These books are both fun reads and great read together or each can be stand alone novels. This one picks up immediately where Adventures in Funeral Crashing left off but if you haven't read it that's ok because you get caught up along the way.
Kait is a strong female character who isn't a popular girl in school and she is fine with that. She knows that she is different but is happy with who she is. On her first official date with Ethan, which happens to be homecoming, the festivities are interrupted by murder. She can't resist the sluething bug to find out what happened.
This is a wonderful book full of great characters, sweet love interests, humor, and adventure. Its a mystery full of twists and turns and an ending that I didn't completely see coming. This is a great young adult mystery that I would recommend to anybody that likes a fun read with great characters and a mystery to solve.
April 8, 2025
Not as exciting as the first one.
I still admired the author’s witty nature.
I get that this is technically the 3rd book (there are little short reads throughout the series). Yes - I will most likely have to read all of them now that I started. Devoted to seeing what happens and if Kait becomes a detective after she graduates high school!
I still admired the author’s witty nature.
I get that this is technically the 3rd book (there are little short reads throughout the series). Yes - I will most likely have to read all of them now that I started. Devoted to seeing what happens and if Kait becomes a detective after she graduates high school!
May 9, 2012
I do apologize, because this post is a day late! This was meant to be posted yesterday. College...you know.
This is the second book from the series. I didn't read the first one, but fear not! This book can stand pretty well as a stand-alone.
First off let me say: I LOVE KAIT LENOX! Such a witty and funny girl. Yes, she was a little...odd, but I feel like it added to her charm and made her a very interesting character. I would have loved her if I went to High School with her. I also loved her friends and her popular "boyfriend" Ethan. I would have been in love with him too *swoons*. Reading this made me recall my own bad and good memories of High School. My experience was mixed, but I could relate with Kait in a lot of aspects. Just like her, I was weird and not popular by any standards. However, I did manage to find some connects into the higher clan of the popular kids. Once that was established, the last two years of High School was better. I wasn't picked on anymore and I was not harassed by the popular kids, because I was protected by my connections.
ANYWAYS *clears throat*, this was a fun little read. Only 100 pages or so, so it wasn't too challenging. I enjoyed the murder mystery and I was rather stunned at the end! It doesn't happen often, but Milda Harris bested me! She sure did throw in a rather surprising, but a fantastic ending. Brownie points for you good ma'am!
I also must give a bow to Milda Harris, because I was able to read this without reading the first book. I wasn't confused at all with what was going on. Events in the last book that did have relevance was explained to a degree, so readers like moi wouldn't be confused.
At the moment I can't really think of anything I wasn't a fan off...I've been trying but the only thing that pops into my mind is that it is in 1st person. 1st person narration isn't my favorite if it isn't done right. Well, I don't dislike it, but I'm just picky. I don't know how to explain what I mean; I feel like 1st is the hardest writing style to perfect. However, Milda Harris earned more brownie points, because I feel like she did a very good job with it. Brava!
All-in-all, this was a fun, little book. I would recommend this for those looking for a light read, with a wonderful leading lady and a pretty cute sidekick (Ethan). It was a fun adventure and I'm glad I was able to read this. I have no choice but to grant this 5 stars! Woot woot!
Favorite Character(s): Kait, Ethan (*cheesy smile*), and Troy.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Madison (she may have been the victim, but it doesn't mean I have to like her), Julia (bleh), and Ariel (grr, however she managed to sink her claws into Troy I will never know)
This is the second book from the series. I didn't read the first one, but fear not! This book can stand pretty well as a stand-alone.
First off let me say: I LOVE KAIT LENOX! Such a witty and funny girl. Yes, she was a little...odd, but I feel like it added to her charm and made her a very interesting character. I would have loved her if I went to High School with her. I also loved her friends and her popular "boyfriend" Ethan. I would have been in love with him too *swoons*. Reading this made me recall my own bad and good memories of High School. My experience was mixed, but I could relate with Kait in a lot of aspects. Just like her, I was weird and not popular by any standards. However, I did manage to find some connects into the higher clan of the popular kids. Once that was established, the last two years of High School was better. I wasn't picked on anymore and I was not harassed by the popular kids, because I was protected by my connections.
ANYWAYS *clears throat*, this was a fun little read. Only 100 pages or so, so it wasn't too challenging. I enjoyed the murder mystery and I was rather stunned at the end! It doesn't happen often, but Milda Harris bested me! She sure did throw in a rather surprising, but a fantastic ending. Brownie points for you good ma'am!
I also must give a bow to Milda Harris, because I was able to read this without reading the first book. I wasn't confused at all with what was going on. Events in the last book that did have relevance was explained to a degree, so readers like moi wouldn't be confused.
At the moment I can't really think of anything I wasn't a fan off...I've been trying but the only thing that pops into my mind is that it is in 1st person. 1st person narration isn't my favorite if it isn't done right. Well, I don't dislike it, but I'm just picky. I don't know how to explain what I mean; I feel like 1st is the hardest writing style to perfect. However, Milda Harris earned more brownie points, because I feel like she did a very good job with it. Brava!
All-in-all, this was a fun, little book. I would recommend this for those looking for a light read, with a wonderful leading lady and a pretty cute sidekick (Ethan). It was a fun adventure and I'm glad I was able to read this. I have no choice but to grant this 5 stars! Woot woot!
Favorite Character(s): Kait, Ethan (*cheesy smile*), and Troy.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Madison (she may have been the victim, but it doesn't mean I have to like her), Julia (bleh), and Ariel (grr, however she managed to sink her claws into Troy I will never know)
July 13, 2017
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
This was another fun mystery with Kait, the Funeral Crashing Graveyard Girl, in this series that is definitely starting to become one of my favorites! This time, girls at her school are being murdered and it’s up to Kait (and Ethan!) to figure out what’s going on before someone close to her is targeted too.
As before, I loved the quirky Kait and the oh-so swoon-worthy Ethan! I also loved watching the Kait-Ariel dynamic. It’s so sad seeing how that friendship ended. I wonder what happened there... Hmmm. Speaking of friends, she gets help from friends, yay! Kait has always been a loner, until now! And I loved seeing all these different relationships she is forming.
There was another rambly bit at the beginning which is great if you’re not binge reading these one right after the other... like I did. However, this had another crazy-good mystery! I cannot deny how amazing it was! I SO did not see that revelation coming!
Funeral Crashing is a very promising series! It’s just so much fun, has great mysteries, interesting characters, and a super cute romance! I cannot wait for more!
This was another fun mystery with Kait, the Funeral Crashing Graveyard Girl, in this series that is definitely starting to become one of my favorites! This time, girls at her school are being murdered and it’s up to Kait (and Ethan!) to figure out what’s going on before someone close to her is targeted too.
As before, I loved the quirky Kait and the oh-so swoon-worthy Ethan! I also loved watching the Kait-Ariel dynamic. It’s so sad seeing how that friendship ended. I wonder what happened there... Hmmm. Speaking of friends, she gets help from friends, yay! Kait has always been a loner, until now! And I loved seeing all these different relationships she is forming.
There was another rambly bit at the beginning which is great if you’re not binge reading these one right after the other... like I did. However, this had another crazy-good mystery! I cannot deny how amazing it was! I SO did not see that revelation coming!
Funeral Crashing is a very promising series! It’s just so much fun, has great mysteries, interesting characters, and a super cute romance! I cannot wait for more!
October 11, 2012
Quick review:
Cover: Super Cute
Rating: PG
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Delightful and Funny.
Characters: Well written
Plot: A super sweet sleuth in action to save the day.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Sure
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Ethan
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
At first I was annoyed. But once I came back to it, I realized I probably wasn’t in the mood at first. Because when I returned, I was reminded of everything that I loved about the first book. Sweet, innocent, funny with a mystery too, and I enjoyed it.
To see my full review and likeness of my book boyfriend, check out my blog post.
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Cover: Super Cute
Rating: PG
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Delightful and Funny.
Characters: Well written
Plot: A super sweet sleuth in action to save the day.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Sure
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Ethan
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
At first I was annoyed. But once I came back to it, I realized I probably wasn’t in the mood at first. Because when I returned, I was reminded of everything that I loved about the first book. Sweet, innocent, funny with a mystery too, and I enjoyed it.
To see my full review and likeness of my book boyfriend, check out my blog post.
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
September 29, 2020
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first book in the series. In this story, Kait and Ethan investigate the murder of a classmate who was president of the pep club. Throughout the story, Kait wonders whether or not she and Ethan are 'dating'. Ethan is a very popular cute boy and Kait cannot believe that he wants to date her.
Kait aptly describes the awkwardness of high school and the various cliques in school. But she often says things that are just really tacky.
Kait aptly describes the awkwardness of high school and the various cliques in school. But she often says things that are just really tacky.
July 11, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, but got a copy from the writer for possible review, then my computer messed up with all my arcs, review copies and so on. If I hadn't gotten copy of the 3 set, probably would not have even finished 1 much less 3 books, but this was one of my was asked to review, own free will, no other compensation blah blah blah blah reviews. Read this in the 3 {1-3} set.
See reveiw for just how made it was for #1, so not taking the time to detail just why and how #2 was. ADVENTURES OF A GRAVEYARD GIRL (#2)Kait Lenox is back! It's Homecoming Dance time and Kait is excited. It's her first dance with a date and that date is none other than one of the hottest, most popular guys in her school, Ethan Ripley! For once Kait doesn't feel like a funeral crashing weird girl and it's the most perfect romantic evening ever...at least until a girl gets murdered in the high school bathroom. Rumors fly, panic ensues, and Kait can't help herself, she assigns herself to the case!
The Funeral Crashing Mysteries Box Set includes Books 1-3: Adventures in Funeral Crashing, Adventures of a Graveyard Girl, and Adventures in Murder Chasing.
ADVENTURES IN FUNERAL CRASHING (#1)
Sixteen year old Kait Lenox has a reputation as the weird girl in her high school, mostly because of her ex-best friend turned mean popular girl, Ariel, but maybe it has a little to do with the fact that Kait has a hobby crashing funerals. At one of these, Kait is outted by the most popular guy in school, Ethan Ripley. Yet, instead of humiliating her for all the world to see, he asks for her help, and Kait finds herself entangled in a murder mystery. Not only is the thrill of the mystery exciting, but more importantly Ethan knows her name! A little sleuthing is well worth that!
ADVENTURES OF A GRAVEYARD GIRL (#2)
Kait Lenox is back! It's Homecoming Dance time and Kait is excited. It's her first dance with a date and that date is none other than one of the hottest, most popular guys in her school, Ethan Ripley! For once Kait doesn't feel like a funeral crashing weird girl and it's the most perfect romantic evening ever...at least until a girl gets murdered in the high school bathroom. Rumors fly, panic ensues, and Kait can't help herself, she assigns herself to the case!
ADVENTURES IN MURDER CHASING (#3)
Kait Lenox is officially Ethan Ripley's girlfriend and she might even be kinda sorta becoming non enemies with her ex-bff Ariel Walker. Everything is going great! That is until Kait stumbles across another suspicious death at her favorite coffee shop, Wired. Not able to help herself, Kait sets out to investigate! Suddenly Kait's problems go from whether or not she should say the L-word to fears that the murder she's investigating might not be murder at all. Should Kait follow her gut or is she just chasing murders?
The Funeral Crashing Series:
#1 - Adventures in Funeral Crashing
Adventures in Double Dating (Funeral Crashing, #1.1)/ Ethan Tells All Stories (Told From Ethan Ripley's POV):#1 - Adventures in Double Dating: Ethan Tells The Adventures in Funeral Crashing Double Date Scene
#2 - Adventures of a Graveyard Girl
#3 - Adventures in Murder Chasing
Adventures of a New Year's Kiss (Funeral Crashing #3.5)
Adventures of a New Year's Date (Funeral Crashing #3.6)
#4 - Adventures in Homicide and Heartbreak
#5 - Adventures in French Sleuthing
See reveiw for just how made it was for #1, so not taking the time to detail just why and how #2 was. ADVENTURES OF A GRAVEYARD GIRL (#2)Kait Lenox is back! It's Homecoming Dance time and Kait is excited. It's her first dance with a date and that date is none other than one of the hottest, most popular guys in her school, Ethan Ripley! For once Kait doesn't feel like a funeral crashing weird girl and it's the most perfect romantic evening ever...at least until a girl gets murdered in the high school bathroom. Rumors fly, panic ensues, and Kait can't help herself, she assigns herself to the case!
The Funeral Crashing Mysteries Box Set includes Books 1-3: Adventures in Funeral Crashing, Adventures of a Graveyard Girl, and Adventures in Murder Chasing.
ADVENTURES IN FUNERAL CRASHING (#1)
Sixteen year old Kait Lenox has a reputation as the weird girl in her high school, mostly because of her ex-best friend turned mean popular girl, Ariel, but maybe it has a little to do with the fact that Kait has a hobby crashing funerals. At one of these, Kait is outted by the most popular guy in school, Ethan Ripley. Yet, instead of humiliating her for all the world to see, he asks for her help, and Kait finds herself entangled in a murder mystery. Not only is the thrill of the mystery exciting, but more importantly Ethan knows her name! A little sleuthing is well worth that!
ADVENTURES OF A GRAVEYARD GIRL (#2)
Kait Lenox is back! It's Homecoming Dance time and Kait is excited. It's her first dance with a date and that date is none other than one of the hottest, most popular guys in her school, Ethan Ripley! For once Kait doesn't feel like a funeral crashing weird girl and it's the most perfect romantic evening ever...at least until a girl gets murdered in the high school bathroom. Rumors fly, panic ensues, and Kait can't help herself, she assigns herself to the case!
ADVENTURES IN MURDER CHASING (#3)
Kait Lenox is officially Ethan Ripley's girlfriend and she might even be kinda sorta becoming non enemies with her ex-bff Ariel Walker. Everything is going great! That is until Kait stumbles across another suspicious death at her favorite coffee shop, Wired. Not able to help herself, Kait sets out to investigate! Suddenly Kait's problems go from whether or not she should say the L-word to fears that the murder she's investigating might not be murder at all. Should Kait follow her gut or is she just chasing murders?
The Funeral Crashing Series:
#1 - Adventures in Funeral Crashing
Adventures in Double Dating (Funeral Crashing, #1.1)/ Ethan Tells All Stories (Told From Ethan Ripley's POV):#1 - Adventures in Double Dating: Ethan Tells The Adventures in Funeral Crashing Double Date Scene
#2 - Adventures of a Graveyard Girl
#3 - Adventures in Murder Chasing
Adventures of a New Year's Kiss (Funeral Crashing #3.5)
Adventures of a New Year's Date (Funeral Crashing #3.6)
#4 - Adventures in Homicide and Heartbreak
#5 - Adventures in French Sleuthing
August 31, 2023
2.5 stars Second in series, this one isn't as fun as the first. Possibly because the quirkiness of Kait isn't new anymore but this time it felt less natural & more forced and Kait's internal monologues were more annoying insecure teen than quirky individual with unique world view coping with grief. Also, this time she has no good reason for investigating - last time it was to help Ethan and because the police didn't believe there was a crime despite the kids taking the info to them. This time there was a clear murder that the police were investigating yet Kait took it upon herself to investigate anyway. And the book is crying out for a decent editor/proof reader. I am usually not one to fuss about that too much but there were some glaring errors with words being misused e.g beget instead of begrudge.
August 6, 2017
Adventures of a Graveyard Girl is entertaining and absorbing. Many of Kait's negative experiences at high school echo moments that have happened to a great part of the population. Those incidents make having Ethan by her side a daydream come true while at the same time she worries about what she really means to him.
Murders are apparently another element in her life. This time around, the teenage sleuth and her sidekick, Ethan involve some of their friends to help solve the deaths of two of their classmates.
While the writing is pretty good, there were quite a few mistakes in spelling and punctuation, including some omissions.
Murders are apparently another element in her life. This time around, the teenage sleuth and her sidekick, Ethan involve some of their friends to help solve the deaths of two of their classmates.
While the writing is pretty good, there were quite a few mistakes in spelling and punctuation, including some omissions.
January 7, 2024
I just finished the book. I remember enjoying the 1st book when I was 19. I was swayed by the writing style and how the main lead was so cool and likeable. But as I grew old I kept this book in the back of my mind and never continued to finishing it's collection. But as I finished the 2nd book I feel like a sight of relief and also a strong tingle of realisation. I don't wanna continue it. It felt so hypothetical to my mind to see someone going all this way just to solve murder. I am really very grateful for the 1st book being such a fun and enjoyable read but that's all I was hoping for. I guess I am not into high-school-romance-detective things.
February 1, 2023
cute quick read
These books are super cute and have a decent mystery. I knew who the murderer was the first time they spoke but it was still fun to see it all play out. Book 2 was as good as book 1. I will continue to read the series. Nice quick reads but decent character development and depth.
These books are super cute and have a decent mystery. I knew who the murderer was the first time they spoke but it was still fun to see it all play out. Book 2 was as good as book 1. I will continue to read the series. Nice quick reads but decent character development and depth.
October 3, 2023
Really enjoyed the second instalment of the series.
Kait returns with her almost boyfriend to solve more murder cases which again ends in Kait being hospitalised, leading to Ethan and Kait becoming official.
The murderer is an unlikely suspect who bares all when they think no one else is listening other than a third possible victim.
Looking forward to continuing the series.
Kait returns with her almost boyfriend to solve more murder cases which again ends in Kait being hospitalised, leading to Ethan and Kait becoming official.
The murderer is an unlikely suspect who bares all when they think no one else is listening other than a third possible victim.
Looking forward to continuing the series.
May 20, 2017
Teenage Life
Ok this series is great so far. The same characters as in the first book. Great pick-up and the storyline is flows as well as in the first shook as well. Once again great plot. This author has a GREAT knack for teenage mysteries. Great Read
Ok this series is great so far. The same characters as in the first book. Great pick-up and the storyline is flows as well as in the first shook as well. Once again great plot. This author has a GREAT knack for teenage mysteries. Great Read
August 23, 2019
Great reading.
I kid reading about a strong girl secure in her own skin. I am disappointed in the author's inability to distinguish between plural and possessive! As this is a book that will likely be read by teens, it is so important to use good basic grammar.
I kid reading about a strong girl secure in her own skin. I am disappointed in the author's inability to distinguish between plural and possessive! As this is a book that will likely be read by teens, it is so important to use good basic grammar.
February 26, 2023
Love this series!
This series is really well written. I'm an older reader, and find myself enjoying Kait's adventures! The world building is something new, and I love the characters. I definitely recommend this book and author. Thank you!
This series is really well written. I'm an older reader, and find myself enjoying Kait's adventures! The world building is something new, and I love the characters. I definitely recommend this book and author. Thank you!
May 16, 2017
Loved the story and the continued adventure and murder/mystery involved. Great writing that keeps you intrigued and wanting more.
July 15, 2018
Cute
This is a great book. I really like the main character’s perseverance. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
This is a great book. I really like the main character’s perseverance. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
June 11, 2020
The price of popularity
Some people will do anything to protect their carefully crafted images. Scary. And sad. It takes a lot of moxie to be yourself in high school.
Some people will do anything to protect their carefully crafted images. Scary. And sad. It takes a lot of moxie to be yourself in high school.
July 28, 2022
Fabulous
I thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous novel. Light hearted and fun the engaging characters work through the adventure with determined style.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous novel. Light hearted and fun the engaging characters work through the adventure with determined style.
January 2, 2024
actually shut the fuck up about you “ex bff” literally no one cares
June 12, 2025
Dnf around halfway.
did-not-finish
August 8, 2017Originally published on my blog.
Wow, a third DNF review in so many weeks. I know this makes me look bad, I do, but I swear things are not as bad as they seem. I only have thirteen books marked a DNF on Goodreads. I probably have a few more I didn't mark, but no more than twenty, twenty five - in three years of over 470 books. That's a pretty good percentile, don't you think? I don't DNF that often, or that willingly. At least, I didn't use to.
But I think I've also reached the point where I treasure the enjoyment I get from every book, and if I don't really enjoy it... well, there isn't much point in reading it, is there?
Still, I don't always review DNF books... Only if I can explain exactly why I didn't finish it, and I'd like to share that.
I picked up this book because a while back (like, two years ago), I read the first book and enjoyed it. It wasn't A-mazing, but it was cute and fun and I decided I wanted to continue with the series. But then I couldn't. At 48% of the book, I called it quits. My heart just wasn't in it. I kept looking at reading the book as a chore, which is never encouraging.
I had three big issues with Adventures of a Graveyard Girl.
1. It was way too... dare I say it?... childish to me. I don't need characters to be my age to enjoy them, but here they just read like immature 12 year olds, and not teenagers. And I've read and enjoyed books with twelve year old more than this. It was just... too exaggeratedly childish. Teenagers are allowed to have their immature moments, for sure, but not 100% of the time.
2. Then there was the poorly edited text. There were a lot of missing punctuation marks, or places where I felt a dot should've been but weren't. There were a lot of duplicated words in a way that made no sense. A lot of describing sentences that lacked finesse. It felt like... well, like an amateur job. Like no one actually read over the book and corrected all of these. It was like reading a draft, and not a finished product. And I don't know about you, but that bothers me.
3. And finally, the repetition . How many times can you say the same thing on one page? apparently, a lot. Enough that I totally lost count. It was like Harris didn't trust we got the information the first time, so she mentioned it 50 times more just to be sure. In very similar wording. That's one of my major writing pet-peeves.
So in the end, despite enjoying the first book, I decided this is as far as I and this series go. It's just not for me, really.
Originally published on my blog.
Wow, a third DNF review in so many weeks. I know this makes me look bad, I do, but I swear things are not as bad as they seem. I only have thirteen books marked a DNF on Goodreads. I probably have a few more I didn't mark, but no more than twenty, twenty five - in three years of over 470 books. That's a pretty good percentile, don't you think? I don't DNF that often, or that willingly. At least, I didn't use to.
But I think I've also reached the point where I treasure the enjoyment I get from every book, and if I don't really enjoy it... well, there isn't much point in reading it, is there?
Still, I don't always review DNF books... Only if I can explain exactly why I didn't finish it, and I'd like to share that.
I picked up this book because a while back (like, two years ago), I read the first book and enjoyed it. It wasn't A-mazing, but it was cute and fun and I decided I wanted to continue with the series. But then I couldn't. At 48% of the book, I called it quits. My heart just wasn't in it. I kept looking at reading the book as a chore, which is never encouraging.
I had three big issues with Adventures of a Graveyard Girl.
1. It was way too... dare I say it?... childish to me. I don't need characters to be my age to enjoy them, but here they just read like immature 12 year olds, and not teenagers. And I've read and enjoyed books with twelve year old more than this. It was just... too exaggeratedly childish. Teenagers are allowed to have their immature moments, for sure, but not 100% of the time.
2. Then there was the poorly edited text. There were a lot of missing punctuation marks, or places where I felt a dot should've been but weren't. There were a lot of duplicated words in a way that made no sense. A lot of describing sentences that lacked finesse. It felt like... well, like an amateur job. Like no one actually read over the book and corrected all of these. It was like reading a draft, and not a finished product. And I don't know about you, but that bothers me.
3. And finally, the repetition . How many times can you say the same thing on one page? apparently, a lot. Enough that I totally lost count. It was like Harris didn't trust we got the information the first time, so she mentioned it 50 times more just to be sure. In very similar wording. That's one of my major writing pet-peeves.
So in the end, despite enjoying the first book, I decided this is as far as I and this series go. It's just not for me, really.
Originally published on my blog.
April 30, 2012
Adventures of a Graveyard Girl
is an incredibly super cute and comical murder mystery. It's a lot of fun to read, the characters are engaging, the plot is cleverly written, and the romance is sweet and charming. The twists and turns, that Milda Harris throws out at readers are unexpected and interesting making the book that much more enjoyable. It's the perfect blend of mystery, suspsense, and romance. The situations and the writing is incredibly realistic and makes it easy to connect with the characters and find them likable at best.
Kate is a really amazing and fun herione to get to know. Who doesn't love a character that gate-crashes funerals? It's refreshing to see how much more confident she is in her own skin and how she doesn't really care what others think of her. She's encouraging, intelligent, and strong. It's interesting to see her navigate around the clues, piecing them together, and trying to solve the murder of a young girl killed in the bathroom. She has her own style and approach to things, which can be a lot of fun.
The romance between Kate and Ethan is sweet and charming. It was delightful to see how well they connected and realistic their relationship was presented. Readers will find themselves just as excited for their first date, as Kate was until things took a strange turn, and a little bit of murder and mayhem in the girl's bathroom takes place. They're just full of so much energy that it will definitely have readers rooting for them.
The murder mystery, rumors, and panic surrounding the death of a girl their age in the bathroom, was handled very well. It was definitely compelling, full of suspsense, and the right amount of panic. There's so much wonderful creativity and originality that this book has going for it, that it's a ball of awesome for anyone who is a fan of both chick-lit and murder mystery. If you put the two together, then you have the absolutely perfect light read for the summer.
Kate is a really amazing and fun herione to get to know. Who doesn't love a character that gate-crashes funerals? It's refreshing to see how much more confident she is in her own skin and how she doesn't really care what others think of her. She's encouraging, intelligent, and strong. It's interesting to see her navigate around the clues, piecing them together, and trying to solve the murder of a young girl killed in the bathroom. She has her own style and approach to things, which can be a lot of fun.
The romance between Kate and Ethan is sweet and charming. It was delightful to see how well they connected and realistic their relationship was presented. Readers will find themselves just as excited for their first date, as Kate was until things took a strange turn, and a little bit of murder and mayhem in the girl's bathroom takes place. They're just full of so much energy that it will definitely have readers rooting for them.
The murder mystery, rumors, and panic surrounding the death of a girl their age in the bathroom, was handled very well. It was definitely compelling, full of suspsense, and the right amount of panic. There's so much wonderful creativity and originality that this book has going for it, that it's a ball of awesome for anyone who is a fan of both chick-lit and murder mystery. If you put the two together, then you have the absolutely perfect light read for the summer.
May 8, 2012
FYI: Book #1 is free on smashwords and B&N, and amazon!:)
Be sure to go get it and watch to see if the 2nd one goes for free as well!
Being around 150 pages, this was a shorter read for me. I honestly read so many books in a month I have no idea how I keep the plots straight. For example, now I am reading Hunger Games#2, the new Sookie Stackhouse book, 77 Days, and another one about a vampire. I think this is because my mind is so used to doing 15 things at once that it needed something to make up for it and boy did I!
Adventures of a Graveyard Girl is a YA book, which I love. I'd love to see a study done that shows the actual ages of people who read YA books - I bet anything that more adults do than the YA themselves! One of the things I always look at to decide if I like a book is the cover - yes I know, Don't judge a book by it's cover, but I do! It looks like the character is going to be a goth girl because maybe she hangs out in the graveyard. I like making predictions because it gives me a reason to read as well as making me feel good when I was correct!
Kait is literally the girl who you went to school with that was quiet at times, but unbelievably funny. I like to think of myself as never quiet and always funny, so the main character and I did have a little in common. The way the author writes and gives emotion to the characters is like a breach of fresh air, with a tinge of dark humor. I would definitely recommend this book to readers of all ages, especially if you have teenage girls who just received a Ebook Reader! I loved how the book was a mystery, yet included a lot of elements that high school age kids can relate to - puppy love, dances, curiosity, and fitting in. Better yet, this is part of a series and I love them!
Be sure to go get it and watch to see if the 2nd one goes for free as well!
Being around 150 pages, this was a shorter read for me. I honestly read so many books in a month I have no idea how I keep the plots straight. For example, now I am reading Hunger Games#2, the new Sookie Stackhouse book, 77 Days, and another one about a vampire. I think this is because my mind is so used to doing 15 things at once that it needed something to make up for it and boy did I!
Adventures of a Graveyard Girl is a YA book, which I love. I'd love to see a study done that shows the actual ages of people who read YA books - I bet anything that more adults do than the YA themselves! One of the things I always look at to decide if I like a book is the cover - yes I know, Don't judge a book by it's cover, but I do! It looks like the character is going to be a goth girl because maybe she hangs out in the graveyard. I like making predictions because it gives me a reason to read as well as making me feel good when I was correct!
Kait is literally the girl who you went to school with that was quiet at times, but unbelievably funny. I like to think of myself as never quiet and always funny, so the main character and I did have a little in common. The way the author writes and gives emotion to the characters is like a breach of fresh air, with a tinge of dark humor. I would definitely recommend this book to readers of all ages, especially if you have teenage girls who just received a Ebook Reader! I loved how the book was a mystery, yet included a lot of elements that high school age kids can relate to - puppy love, dances, curiosity, and fitting in. Better yet, this is part of a series and I love them!
May 9, 2012
Its been a long time since I read a Young Adult book and Adventures of a Graveyard Girl did not disappoint. Starting on a great note, it weaves in the murder towards the beginning of the story making for a suspenseful read from start to finish.
The connection between the Graveyard Girl and her interest in solving murder mysteries is very well brought about. Even being unpopular in school for crashing funerals, she manages to get together with one of the most popular, good looking boys in school - Ethan.
While being part of a series, this book is easily read alone on its own. However, it did make me want to read the first book after I completed this one.
The mystery kept me guessing till the end and I did not want to put it down because I got so involved in it.
Targeting Young Adults and teens, the book did not make for heavy intense reading, yet kept the thrill alive. The backdrop of the school and teenage problems is something that will relate to this audience.
Well written with a superb plot, this book is highly recommended.
The connection between the Graveyard Girl and her interest in solving murder mysteries is very well brought about. Even being unpopular in school for crashing funerals, she manages to get together with one of the most popular, good looking boys in school - Ethan.
While being part of a series, this book is easily read alone on its own. However, it did make me want to read the first book after I completed this one.
The mystery kept me guessing till the end and I did not want to put it down because I got so involved in it.
Targeting Young Adults and teens, the book did not make for heavy intense reading, yet kept the thrill alive. The backdrop of the school and teenage problems is something that will relate to this audience.
Well written with a superb plot, this book is highly recommended.
November 3, 2012
Adventures of a Graveyard Girl was an entertaining, and enjoyable read that I was really glad to have taken the time to read. It had me laughing in places, tearing up in others and simply sympathising with the characters and all of the high school dramas that they were dealing with. It was fun and quirky and Kait is definitely someone who can be used to show that being who you are is much better than conforming to who they want you to be. It has a great message within the story and I feel that there are many other readers who will really enjoy this novel. I would recommend this book to teenagers between thirteen and seventeen but feel that some older readers may appreciate the book as well.
To read a longer, more detailed review, please click here to head over to my blog post.
To read a longer, more detailed review, please click here to head over to my blog post.
June 29, 2015
Loved this one almost as much as the first. Kait and Ethan continue to be adorable. Kait's narration and sleuthing antics continue to make for super fun reading (even with the whole murder mystery plot-line going on).
July 28, 2015
I could not put this book down! It was fast paced and entertaining. The way Milda took these book characters on another ride for their lives was very interesting. What I liked most about this book is the way no matter what happens Milda has wrote this with my two new favorite characters (Kait and Ethan) that they don't care what people think about them and keep pushing until they get the job done.
September 7, 2014
Kait and Ethan continue their teen sleuthing in the second book in this series. As the death toll grows Kait is worried that her ex BFF Ariel is next on the killers list and she must discover the killers identity before someone else dies. This book is as action packed and funny as the first and I highly recommend!
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