Book three of THE RACHAEL O'BRIEN CHRONICLES launches Rachael's sophomore year as she returns to college in her old Ford. Before the engine has cooled a passionate lip-lock with the man of her fantasies seems to promise great things, but Rachael soon falls on the wrong side of the most feared professor on campus. She needs high marks for her scholarship, but that becomes tricky when it seems that she and the professor have become romantic rivals.
Coursework, navigating murky relationship waters, roommate drama, a psychics warning, and a terrifying encounter from the past are just some of Rachael's challenges. She will have to use cunning and wit to avoid being SHELLED AND SHUCKED.
The Rachael O'Brien Chronicles are not your typical fiction. A young woman's plan for an art history degree turns into an outrageous series of misadventures in this laugh-out-loud romp about a girl who enrolls in a southern college during the height of the crazy era that was the 1980's. This collection crosses genres of chick lit, mystery, romance, humor, and action with the possibility of a corpse or two.
Like the first two books in this series this book is entertaining and humorous. Love the characters the more I get to know them. Rachael (aka Raz)is a great lead that you can not help but relate to and root for.
As with the first 2 books in this series, I am surprised I enjoyed it so much. It's been a long time since my college days! But Rachel O'Brien is a brilliant, funny, loveable heroine, and I have loved reading about her "dysfunctional" family in Ohio and her college roommates and adventures in North and South Carolina. There are mysteries that tie this book with the first books, but I think this one could be enjoyed as a stand alone story. But the fun part for me has been getting to know Rachel from leaving home for the first time for her freshman year, her "froshmore" summer, and now her sophomore year. As usual she finds herself in perilous circumstances and her nemesis Billy Ray is just as eager to exact vengeance upon her for ruining his (illegal) business. Billy Ray's erstwhile partner, Bubba, may or may not redeem himself, FBI agent Cauldwell continues to pop up to protect Rachel at, mostly, appropriate times, and her roommates become closer friends in spite of all the drama over their various boyfriends. I can't wait to read the next book about her summer in Europe with her grandmother GG, whose existence was unknown to Rachel until this book. Will Rachel's off-the-wall mother and her crazy girlfriend pop up unexpectedly, will her father and his girlfriend ever tie the knot? What will Rachel discover about her grandmother and the history of the oystershell brooch she gave Rachel? On to the next installment!
I have to say this was one of my favorite Rachael books so far! Rachel really finds herself and what she wants in this book. She realizes that she doesn't need a man to define her and she's moving on up in the art world! This books has it all, mystery,intrigue, attractive boys, and best friends. This is a must read for sure!
I didn't expect to like this series of books as I'm way older than the characters....but I enjoyed the writing and completely got into the story. Ended up getting the entire series and hoping there will be more!
I love these college mysteries set in The 1980s. They are funny and nostalgic for me since I went to southern colleges and had interesting roommates and boyfriends.
I am really enjoying the Rachel O'Brien Chronicles, they have become quite my guilty pleasure and after reading this book I have already bought book number 4. I would advise other readers to read the previous books of the series before this one, although there is much back story written into this book, I do suspect if you haven't read the previous books you would struggle. I enjoyed the story, there was plenty of action with characters that I have grown to like over the series. A good read that I would happily recommend.
This book crossed into many genres: humerus, mystery, thriller, Anne coming-of-age (and more!) Set in the mid to later 1980s, it is constantly finding memories of my own when Rachel or her friends navigate life on campus. But Rachel has a unique. It isn't just paranoia that keeps her alert to the possibility that her arch nemesis, a violent criminal, may be lurking about.
Still enjoyable, but not as much action as the previous two books. The main character seemed a little more whiney and self-centered. Going to read the next one and hope it returns to the comedic side.
A 19 year old art student, with a beautiful amethyst shell brooch, lives an adventurous life. A few good men and her roommates add up to the excitement.
I am planning to read more of Rachel Chronicles in near future
I absolutely loved this book. The author has a gift for storytelling that keeps your interest, and just when you think you know what's going to happen next, she throws you a curve. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
I would prefer to could give 2.5 stars- between 'it was okay' and 'liked it'. The story moved along and the author did a fine job catching the reader up for those who haven't read the previous books in this series. I enjoyed the writing style and even tale being woven, but found the protagonist and most of her friends largely unlikeable. They're shallow, selfish and slutty and without logical or genuine reactions to life-changing events. Interesting story, irritating characters.
Shelled and Shucked, the third of the Rachael O’Brien Chronicles, is another entertaining little vacation for the mind. It wasn’t quite as good as the first two, but it had two surprises near the end that I never saw coming and definitely spiced things up. I recommend this book to adult women. It is not necessary to read the first two books first, but reading them will give you useful background information.
While I found the mystery interesting, I constantly felt like I missed something by not reading previous stories. I am not a prude, but why was she so carelessly sleeping with all these guys she barely knows? Would like to have understood those relationships better. And why wouldn't she tell anyone, especially the FBI, that the man who tried to kill her was dead? He was her first call when she saw the guy, so I can't understand that choice.
The Rachael O'Brien Chronicles get better with each book. Enjoyed the new characters and glad to get rid of some of the old. Good descriptives of the South Carolina Low Country, especially eating oysters. Paisley Ray is hitting her stride. Can't wait to read the next book.
Funnier than Raid on a cockroach! Is it possible that a book can both make you wish you were back in college at the same time making you happy you never have to relive those days again? I listened to the audible version and LOVE the narration. Laugh out loud funny!
Just downloaded the next book to continue reading the series. Rare that I read 4 in a row of a series without taking a break, but the story, as implausible as it is sometimes, is addicting. Ms. Ray writes good characters with growth.
I just love this series! It's light and fun and keeps me entertained. It's well-written and edited, which is a huge plus! Looking forward to string the next one!