Seeing Red

Brenna Rutherford Mysteries

by Ann K. Shepherd

"...the plot is smart, gripping and scarily realistic, with a true twist ending. A thrilling, unsettling novel..." - Kirkus Indie Review

It's senior year, and someone's declared open season on bullies. From advanced classes to college entrance essays to baking cakes, Brenna Rutherford's got a lot on her plate with the start of her senior year. The last thing she needs to worry about is the pipe-wielding maniac causing chaos on campus. But after getting a little too close for comfort to the violence, Brenna, along with her best friend, Van Vaughn, is determined to find out who's responsible. Is it pathetic, much-abused Benny McBride; arrogant Cameron Irby, Brenna’s intellectual foe; or someone much closer to her? One thing is for certain – Brenna and Van must uncover the truth and stop the angry villain before the unthinkable occurs. Seeing Red is the first in a seven-book series for young adults based on the seven deadly sins. In 2012, it won second place in the Gotham Writers' Workshop Young Adult Novel Discovery Contest.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

312 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2012

About the author

Ann K. Shepherd graduated from Biola University with a degree in Psychology. Currently, she lives next door to Mickey Mouse in Anaheim, California, where she can usually be found seated in front of her computer with a Diet Coke or curled up with a young adult novel. She prefers werewolves to vampires, is highly imaginative yet anal, hates heights but loves to fly, and firmly believes that there can never be too much cheese in any dish. Her novel, Seeing Red, won second place in the Gotham Writers' Workshop Young Adult Novel Discovery Contest.

Reviews

[Dee Rodden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not know this was YA fiction when I picked it up. I had read the blurb about the story line and thought it was interesting. I wasn't disappointed because it was interesting. Part of me was annoyed that the author spent a lot of time setting up potential story lines for future novels.

The characters were just fleshed out enough as to not be one dimensional. This was decent for a teen read but a more experienced reader may not be forgiving of the stereo types and/or plot line. Interesting that the author chose to have the main female character display so many typically male traits while her BFF was a male who displayed typically feminine characteristics (the female being clueless to the tentative flirting of a school mate while the male points out the emotional short comings).

Overall, I liked it. I don't think I'm super excited to read the rest of the series. If I couldn't find anything else decent on the library shelf, then I would pick up another novel in the series but I would not seek out follow up in store.

[ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! It totally blew me away!! This was a great mystery and a fabulous start to a series. It was extremely well written, no holes in the plot or TSTL (too stupid to live) lead characters. Brenna and Van have great chemistry together. The book starts out as a very nice but feisty story of a girl's last year in high school. Brenna is very put together and an old soul with all her plans made. Van is her fun side kick who seems a little out there. (LOVE his 80's obsession! LOL) Then all of a sudden things take a turn and the reader is given an amazingly deep mystery. Brenna has her head on straight and she is facing the challenges head on. I think the spin on the 7 seven deadly sins is amazing! I don't know any other book like that. I would totally recommend this book to any adult or older kid! Can't wait for the next one!

[James Fearn · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my FB friends wrote this book. It was a good read overall. The book is really geared toward a younger audience, hence the lower rating, and I would recommend this to anyone in high school as a late summer read.

This is the first book in a series where the main character, Brenna, the niece of an investigating police officer and her own guardian, gets involved investigating odd happenings at her high school. The perpetrator, known as the Dark Avenger, escalates his violence as the story unfolds until the very end.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible first novel in a series by Ann K. Shepherd. It completely held my attention as I tried to figure out the mystery along with Brenna. Not only was the plot well-developed, but the characters were strong and realistic. The writing was also excellent, which can be sadly rare in books aimed toward the YA audience. I look forward with great anticipation to reading the rest of the series.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like authors in the YA genre can either write the characters (and their dialogue well) or the plot well. Ann K Shepherd can do both and do it very well.
Brenna and Van's are both very enjoyable and easy to like.
The mystery is kept a mystery 'till the end.
And to top it off, Ann uses the English language with all it's punctuation well. She has a polished work.
I want MORE!
Lynn

[Whisper Pines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and the characters. The pace of the book was a bit slow in the beginning but it did pick up towards the second half which I really liked. The romance could have been more apparent in the book and throughout, it just seemed as if if didn't completely show it all, it just was there. I adored the mystery and the rush of who was running around and when they would or if they would catch him. I also liked the tenderness when bringing out the family info about her mom and stuff..

[Adam Shaeffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann! Freaking! Shepherd! What a book! Great mystery. Great story. Great characters with believable relationships and interactions. I would definitely be friends with Van.

I'm dying to see what's next!

[DENISA HOWE · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! One of the best young adult writings I have read in a long time. The characters are trully amazing and yet real.. The mystery and the tale was delightful. I could Not finish the book fast enough and yet I wanted to savor it all

[Jessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very surprised by just how good this story was. The characters are very likable (I could see this working as a movie or tv series). All around a good book and a strong start to a series. I can't wait to read what Ann comes up with next, I'm hooked.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first-rate young adult mystery. Love the characters, the plot, and the depth. Can't wait to see what's coming next!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definite favorite! Brenna reminds me A LOT of Veronica Mars, and I loved that show. Can't wait to read the next book!

[Alexander S........... · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good book, simple easy to understand style... as adult I did enjoy it... would recommend this book as a good 2013 read to young adults 15+
thank you

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's say 4 1/2 stars! Some great character development built into a mystery that keeps the reader guessing! A great first book...will be interesting to see the series progress.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome and I got it free from goodreads first reads

[RACHEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compeling characters, good plot. "Seeing Red" is a great start to a new series. I'm ready for to return for the next visit to Mount Vernon High.

I received my copy through Goodreads First Reads.

[Carmen S. Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

High school, as it is.

Well written mystery with lots of action. if I had high school age kids, I would recommend this book to them. I believe they would quickly be hooked.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was slow until i got towards the end of the book and oh my there was some twists that i didn't see coming. So overall the book was not that bad of a read.

[Ann Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's my book. Of course I love it!