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Langdon Prep #3
Sweet 16 to Life
Thanks to skills learned from her undercover-cop mom, Chanti Evans has saved lives and exposed lies at her exclusive private school. But taking down Langdon Prepsters is one thing. Does she have what it takes to go up against hardcore criminals?After a semester with Langdon's most rich and snobby, Chanti knows all too well that trust is tough to find and keep. So when her old hood friend, MJ, turns to her for help, Chanti is determined to protect her from vengeful gang member Lux. But that means mending fences with her irresistible ex-boyfriend, Marco, and enlisting his very reluctant assistance. And when Lux suddenly vanishes, Chanti and MJ become prime suspects. Now to clear their names, she must uncover secrets that will strike much too close to home, putting her place at Langdon--and her future--on the line. . .
"Watch out Nancy Drew. . .Chanti Evans from the 'hood is the hot new sleuth in town!" --Simone Elkeles, "New York Times" bestselling author
"Chanti will show why you keep your friends close and your frenemies closer." --Ni-Ni Simone on "My Own Worst Frenemy"
"Chanti is smart and funny. . .a welcome addition to the world of teen mysteries." --"Kirkus"
"Watch out Nancy Drew. . .Chanti Evans from the 'hood is the hot new sleuth in town!" --Simone Elkeles, "New York Times" bestselling author
"Chanti will show why you keep your friends close and your frenemies closer." --Ni-Ni Simone on "My Own Worst Frenemy"
"Chanti is smart and funny. . .a welcome addition to the world of teen mysteries." --"Kirkus"
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First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 19, 2013
I LOVE Chanti! She is a fantastic character and I just burn up these books! Love this series! Loved this book! Bought it as soon as it came out!
January 8, 2013
Chanti Evans has saved lives as well as exposed lies and secrets at her private school and as well as in her neighborhood. She has been successful in taking down her Langdon Prepsters but does she have what it takes to go up against real hardcore criminals? Though she has proven to have all the skills needed to save the day, skills she learned from her mom who is an undercover-cop, will this 15 almost 16 year old be able to solve a serious case without getting herself in harms way?
This was my first time reading a novel by Kimberly Reid. I am grateful I was allowed to read an advance copy of Sweet 16 to Life. I wish I would have been able to catch up in the rest of the series in the book, but for the most part I was able to piece everything together. I would suggest if reading this maybe reading the two books ahead of this one, but in a way it could be read as a stand alone as well. Chanti is the modern day, urban Nancy Drew she proves that girls can do anything and nothing too big or too small will get in her way. Chanti has such an alliance to protect her friends so when her friend MJ comes to her for help she doesn’t think twice to give her a hand. She goes up against scary gang members and ex-cons in order to clear her friends name. Chanti is not only trying to uncover a case but she is also dealing with family issues, that effect a lot of teens growing up.
I enjoyed the story, again I wish I would have read the other parts, but Ms. Chanti she is a great little detective and she gets the job done never leaving any stone unturned. She makes she not only gets her clues and pieces them together but she also makes sure she gets the small details the average person may not have seen. The author did a great job with writing the story, you can tell she did her research on detective work and crimes. I think any young adult, and adult would enjoy the novel, it was fast paced, and full of action and secrets. I think there is going to be another part so I would probably get that to see what is going to happen next. But with Chanti on the tail I am sure whatever happens next will be an adventure.
This was my first time reading a novel by Kimberly Reid. I am grateful I was allowed to read an advance copy of Sweet 16 to Life. I wish I would have been able to catch up in the rest of the series in the book, but for the most part I was able to piece everything together. I would suggest if reading this maybe reading the two books ahead of this one, but in a way it could be read as a stand alone as well. Chanti is the modern day, urban Nancy Drew she proves that girls can do anything and nothing too big or too small will get in her way. Chanti has such an alliance to protect her friends so when her friend MJ comes to her for help she doesn’t think twice to give her a hand. She goes up against scary gang members and ex-cons in order to clear her friends name. Chanti is not only trying to uncover a case but she is also dealing with family issues, that effect a lot of teens growing up.
I enjoyed the story, again I wish I would have read the other parts, but Ms. Chanti she is a great little detective and she gets the job done never leaving any stone unturned. She makes she not only gets her clues and pieces them together but she also makes sure she gets the small details the average person may not have seen. The author did a great job with writing the story, you can tell she did her research on detective work and crimes. I think any young adult, and adult would enjoy the novel, it was fast paced, and full of action and secrets. I think there is going to be another part so I would probably get that to see what is going to happen next. But with Chanti on the tail I am sure whatever happens next will be an adventure.
January 8, 2013
Chanti Evans has saved lives as well as exposed lies and secrets at her private school and as well as in her neighborhood. She has been successful in taking down her Langdon Prepsters but does she have what it takes to go up against real hardcore criminals? Though she has proven to have all the skills needed to save the day, skills she learned from her mom who is an undercover-cop, will this 15 almost 16 year old be able to solve a serious case without getting herself in harms way?
This was my first time reading a novel by Kimberly Reid. I am grateful I was allowed to read an advance copy of Sweet 16 to Life. I wish I would have been able to catch up in the rest of the series in the book, but for the most part I was able to piece everything together. I would suggest if reading this maybe reading the two books ahead of this one, but in a way it could be read as a stand alone as well. Chanti is the modern day, urban Nancy Drew she proves that girls can do anything and nothing too big or too small will get in her way. Chanti has such an alliance to protect her friends so when her friend MJ comes to her for help she doesn’t think twice to give her a hand. She goes up against scary gang members and ex-cons in order to clear her friends name. Chanti is not only trying to uncover a case but she is also dealing with family issues, that effect a lot of teens growing up.
I enjoyed the story, again I wish I would have read the other parts, but Ms. Chanti she is a great little detective and she gets the job done never leaving any stone unturned. She makes she not only gets her clues and pieces them together but she also makes sure she gets the small details the average person may not have seen. The author did a great job with writing the story, you can tell she did her research on detective work and crimes. I think any young adult, and adult would enjoy the novel, it was fast paced, and full of action and secrets. I think there is going to be another part so I would probably get that to see what is going to happen next. But with Chanti on the tail I am sure whatever happens next will be an adventure.
Tiffany Williams
AAMBC Reviewer
This was my first time reading a novel by Kimberly Reid. I am grateful I was allowed to read an advance copy of Sweet 16 to Life. I wish I would have been able to catch up in the rest of the series in the book, but for the most part I was able to piece everything together. I would suggest if reading this maybe reading the two books ahead of this one, but in a way it could be read as a stand alone as well. Chanti is the modern day, urban Nancy Drew she proves that girls can do anything and nothing too big or too small will get in her way. Chanti has such an alliance to protect her friends so when her friend MJ comes to her for help she doesn’t think twice to give her a hand. She goes up against scary gang members and ex-cons in order to clear her friends name. Chanti is not only trying to uncover a case but she is also dealing with family issues, that effect a lot of teens growing up.
I enjoyed the story, again I wish I would have read the other parts, but Ms. Chanti she is a great little detective and she gets the job done never leaving any stone unturned. She makes she not only gets her clues and pieces them together but she also makes sure she gets the small details the average person may not have seen. The author did a great job with writing the story, you can tell she did her research on detective work and crimes. I think any young adult, and adult would enjoy the novel, it was fast paced, and full of action and secrets. I think there is going to be another part so I would probably get that to see what is going to happen next. But with Chanti on the tail I am sure whatever happens next will be an adventure.
Tiffany Williams
AAMBC Reviewer
January 23, 2013
This book received a Diverse Pages 4 star review, which equals a Goodreads 5 star review.
This is the first of this series that I've read. I loved that it gave enough information to get an idea of what the first two books were about, what Chanti's past and her relationships with her friends were about so I didn't need to read the first two in the series. Of course, I now want to though. ;)
Chanti is smart. That's my favorite thing about her. No dumbed down motivations just to advance the plot or put her in peril. I also like her loyalty to her friends, especially MJ. Even though she puts her nose where it doesn't belong, she does it to help. She's a strong girl, with great ethics, and sympathetic. She's also sassy and has a great voice. And I adore her relationship with her mom, Lana.
The story is fast moving, realistic, and has so much potential for future books. The plot is one I'm not used to. When it comes to mysteries, I usually read murder, but I enjoyed this. It shows how a young girl can investigate cases and have it be realistic. How many teens do you know who snuff out murderers after school? ;) The "crime" in this story organically grew out of Chanti's life, based on her neighborhood and the people she associates with.
Where does she stand with Marco, Reginald, MJ, her mom and, even, her dad? You're gonna have to read to find out. If you like mysteries, this is a definite read. Even if you don't like them, lol, Chanti will charm her way into your heart. :)
This review was submitted by Jennifer Fischetto at Diverse Pages
This is the first of this series that I've read. I loved that it gave enough information to get an idea of what the first two books were about, what Chanti's past and her relationships with her friends were about so I didn't need to read the first two in the series. Of course, I now want to though. ;)
Chanti is smart. That's my favorite thing about her. No dumbed down motivations just to advance the plot or put her in peril. I also like her loyalty to her friends, especially MJ. Even though she puts her nose where it doesn't belong, she does it to help. She's a strong girl, with great ethics, and sympathetic. She's also sassy and has a great voice. And I adore her relationship with her mom, Lana.
The story is fast moving, realistic, and has so much potential for future books. The plot is one I'm not used to. When it comes to mysteries, I usually read murder, but I enjoyed this. It shows how a young girl can investigate cases and have it be realistic. How many teens do you know who snuff out murderers after school? ;) The "crime" in this story organically grew out of Chanti's life, based on her neighborhood and the people she associates with.
Where does she stand with Marco, Reginald, MJ, her mom and, even, her dad? You're gonna have to read to find out. If you like mysteries, this is a definite read. Even if you don't like them, lol, Chanti will charm her way into your heart. :)
This review was submitted by Jennifer Fischetto at Diverse Pages
April 11, 2013
SWEET 16 TO LIFE - A LANGDON PREP NOVEL
By Kimberley Reid
2013/Kensington Publishing
A Young Reader Novel
Teenager Chanti Evans is known to her friends and peers as ‘playing detective’ in life. Again and again, her curiosity and quest to understand keeps leading her into troubling, often dangerous situations. However, since Chanti’s mom, Lana, is an undercover cop, not the paralegal they tell everyone, Chanti has her own secrets to hide.
16 year old Chanti’s friend MJ is an ex-gang member and already on probation, now living with her grandmother in Colorado, just a couple doors away from Chanti’s home. One morning, Chanti smells smoke, rushes outside and discovers the fire is at MJ’s! As Chanti rushes over to the burning house, to try to awaken MJ and her grandmother, she notices a young man, wearing shades and a hoodie standing across the street, smiling. Smiling??
With that, MJ calls 911, and bangs on the house door, hoping MJ and her grandmother are ok. This, however, is only the beginning of Chanti’s major investigation into the mysterious fire. Did the stranger set it? Why??
In the midst of the tumultuous teenage years, Chanti Evans is trying to discover who her father is, deal with the emotions of having just broken up with her first boyfriend, Marco, and now trying to uncover who set the fire - and why, Kimberley Reid’s “Sweet 16 to Life” is an action filled teenage novel that any young reader would be delighted to read and keep on reading til the end.
“Sweet 16 to Life” is a ‘clean’ novel - no sex, nor foul language. Kimberley Reid’s novel is a fabulous young reader book!
I received this book for free, to review. I am a member of Goodreads, Librarything, NetGalley and Wordpress and post my reviews on all of these sites.
By Kimberley Reid
2013/Kensington Publishing
A Young Reader Novel
Teenager Chanti Evans is known to her friends and peers as ‘playing detective’ in life. Again and again, her curiosity and quest to understand keeps leading her into troubling, often dangerous situations. However, since Chanti’s mom, Lana, is an undercover cop, not the paralegal they tell everyone, Chanti has her own secrets to hide.
16 year old Chanti’s friend MJ is an ex-gang member and already on probation, now living with her grandmother in Colorado, just a couple doors away from Chanti’s home. One morning, Chanti smells smoke, rushes outside and discovers the fire is at MJ’s! As Chanti rushes over to the burning house, to try to awaken MJ and her grandmother, she notices a young man, wearing shades and a hoodie standing across the street, smiling. Smiling??
With that, MJ calls 911, and bangs on the house door, hoping MJ and her grandmother are ok. This, however, is only the beginning of Chanti’s major investigation into the mysterious fire. Did the stranger set it? Why??
In the midst of the tumultuous teenage years, Chanti Evans is trying to discover who her father is, deal with the emotions of having just broken up with her first boyfriend, Marco, and now trying to uncover who set the fire - and why, Kimberley Reid’s “Sweet 16 to Life” is an action filled teenage novel that any young reader would be delighted to read and keep on reading til the end.
“Sweet 16 to Life” is a ‘clean’ novel - no sex, nor foul language. Kimberley Reid’s novel is a fabulous young reader book!
I received this book for free, to review. I am a member of Goodreads, Librarything, NetGalley and Wordpress and post my reviews on all of these sites.
July 29, 2014
This book was super cute and sassy! Chanti is a teenage girl who means business and that's not a type of character you see a lot now-a-days. To be fair I did jump into this book without reading any others in the series, but I was still able to keep up with the action and the plot left me interested enough to continue reading. Any 'need to know' background knowledge that I'm sure was covered in book 1 was glossed over but provided just enough insight for me to know what was happening and I appreciate when an author does that.
A thing to note is that this book is basically a modern day Nancy Drew novel. Personally, that made this book even MORE appealing to me because who doesn't love a good Nancy mystery?? But if you are that person, then maybe this one isn't for you.
But other than that, the book was exceptional. The characters were real enough to relate to and didn't fade into the background (which tends to happen to characters who are not 'the killer' or the main character) and Chanti's narration kept things fresh and moving along. The ending did leave you with a cliffhanger, but that's to be expected in a series.
Overall I will be reading the next Chanti adventure and I'm excited to see how everything plays out with 3 stars
*This book was provided to me by the author through a Goodreads Giveaway which in no way affects this review...if anything it got another reader hooked on the series!*
A thing to note is that this book is basically a modern day Nancy Drew novel. Personally, that made this book even MORE appealing to me because who doesn't love a good Nancy mystery?? But if you are that person, then maybe this one isn't for you.
But other than that, the book was exceptional. The characters were real enough to relate to and didn't fade into the background (which tends to happen to characters who are not 'the killer' or the main character) and Chanti's narration kept things fresh and moving along. The ending did leave you with a cliffhanger, but that's to be expected in a series.
Overall I will be reading the next Chanti adventure and I'm excited to see how everything plays out with 3 stars
*This book was provided to me by the author through a Goodreads Giveaway which in no way affects this review...if anything it got another reader hooked on the series!*
March 13, 2013
I did not read the first two books in this series however I felt as though you could read the series by which ever one you wanted. The book was alright, I wouldn't go out of my way to read the other two. Although I did not read the first two books I feel as though I didn't really skip a beat in what has previously happened in this series other than how Chanti put someone in jail.
The book overall was really just ok. Basically the book is about a girl who's mother is an undercover cop. She plays dectective throughout her life and her friends. In this particular book her friend MJ(who is an excon) house is on fire. when she see's a man smiling and running away from the fire she begins to think that he set her house on fire. She goes through the case looking for clues as to who could have done it. In the end some man tries to kill her, her ex bf Marco begins dating her again, and she saves a few ppl from jail time.
The book starts out slow, and the last chapter or two is really the only thing that draws you in and makes you want to figure out who did it, why and what happens in the end.
The book overall was really just ok. Basically the book is about a girl who's mother is an undercover cop. She plays dectective throughout her life and her friends. In this particular book her friend MJ(who is an excon) house is on fire. when she see's a man smiling and running away from the fire she begins to think that he set her house on fire. She goes through the case looking for clues as to who could have done it. In the end some man tries to kill her, her ex bf Marco begins dating her again, and she saves a few ppl from jail time.
The book starts out slow, and the last chapter or two is really the only thing that draws you in and makes you want to figure out who did it, why and what happens in the end.
July 20, 2015
I received this in a Goodreads giveaway for the first in the series, "My Own Worst Frenemy."
Langdon Prep is on Thanksgiving break, which is good for Chanti and her friend MJ because there is something serious going down. MJ is arrested not once but twice for two separate (but related) crimes that she was framed for. There are so many twists in this book that I couldn't figure things out before Chanti...and even she needed help. Fortunately Marco has decided that accepting her for who she is means a complete acceptance and lends a hand to the case.
I really enjoyed this one, probably because I had no clue what was going to happen next. I do worry for Lana's cover as more people become aware of the truth, and I keep forgetting Chanti's only fifteen.
As I said for the 2nd book, it's very useful knowing that Reid grew up in a similar enough situation; everything seems much more realistic. I hope to see more from her soon!
Langdon Prep is on Thanksgiving break, which is good for Chanti and her friend MJ because there is something serious going down. MJ is arrested not once but twice for two separate (but related) crimes that she was framed for. There are so many twists in this book that I couldn't figure things out before Chanti...and even she needed help. Fortunately Marco has decided that accepting her for who she is means a complete acceptance and lends a hand to the case.
I really enjoyed this one, probably because I had no clue what was going to happen next. I do worry for Lana's cover as more people become aware of the truth, and I keep forgetting Chanti's only fifteen.
As I said for the 2nd book, it's very useful knowing that Reid grew up in a similar enough situation; everything seems much more realistic. I hope to see more from her soon!
February 5, 2013
This book has wonderful grammar and a cute story. I would definitely recommend it to people who like mystery books, but the writing level is about the same as a Nancy Drew novel. People who normally read things like Ripper and Lord of the Rings might find it a little slow and predictable.
The book started out rather two dementional for my tastes, but slowly caught my attention. Around half way through the book there were a few twists I hadn't antisipated that brought more enjoyment to the novel. The characters also began to round out which helped a great deal.
All in all, I would say keep writing Kimberly Reid. You have a real talent and if you work at it I wouldn't be surprised if I saw you on some Best Sellers lists with a whole mess of fans. I look forward to seeing what else you come up with.
The book started out rather two dementional for my tastes, but slowly caught my attention. Around half way through the book there were a few twists I hadn't antisipated that brought more enjoyment to the novel. The characters also began to round out which helped a great deal.
All in all, I would say keep writing Kimberly Reid. You have a real talent and if you work at it I wouldn't be surprised if I saw you on some Best Sellers lists with a whole mess of fans. I look forward to seeing what else you come up with.
February 15, 2013
As a lover of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, the concept of this book really appealed to me. However, it fell a bit short in my opinion. Chanti was a little too hard and unafraid. I wanted to see a softer side to her. While the author may have tried to show that with her interactions with Marcus, it didn't come across as much more than a high school crush.
The mystery aspect was great. Lots of clues to help the reader put things together, and Chanti wasn't a know it all that could solve everything on her own. There were things she didn't catch on to until someone else pointed them out which gave the story a little more realism.
Not a bad story, perhaps the others in the series show a different side the the characters that I just didn't pick up on in this volume.
The mystery aspect was great. Lots of clues to help the reader put things together, and Chanti wasn't a know it all that could solve everything on her own. There were things she didn't catch on to until someone else pointed them out which gave the story a little more realism.
Not a bad story, perhaps the others in the series show a different side the the characters that I just didn't pick up on in this volume.
August 15, 2013
This book was great once I picked it up I couldn't put it down.
The blurb compares this book to Nancy Drew and I can totally see that only its better then Nancy Drew.
I just love MJ she is quite the character and her allergy to cops and anything cop related is quite humors especially sense she is friends with the main character who is an amateur detective and whose mother who is an undercover cop who poses as a paralegal I find this ironically humorous.I highly recommend this book.
I recommend that you read the first two books first since it does make references to the previous ones throughout the book.
I have read the second one and would like to get my hands on the first.
The blurb compares this book to Nancy Drew and I can totally see that only its better then Nancy Drew.
I just love MJ she is quite the character and her allergy to cops and anything cop related is quite humors especially sense she is friends with the main character who is an amateur detective and whose mother who is an undercover cop who poses as a paralegal I find this ironically humorous.I highly recommend this book.
I recommend that you read the first two books first since it does make references to the previous ones throughout the book.
I have read the second one and would like to get my hands on the first.
November 25, 2015
Chantal “Chanti” Evans lives in Denver, CO, and trouble always seems to find her. Chanti’s mom is a detective, and Chanti’s learned from the best. Chanti knows that detective work is dangerous, but she can’t help herself. It’s like she was born to solve mysteries.
One of the Langdon Prep novels, Chanti is a loveable and tenacious character who doggedly pursues criminals while trying to balance it with school and boys. This book is a cute mystery and teens will definitely enjoy Chanti and relate to her struggles with trying to have it all.
One of the Langdon Prep novels, Chanti is a loveable and tenacious character who doggedly pursues criminals while trying to balance it with school and boys. This book is a cute mystery and teens will definitely enjoy Chanti and relate to her struggles with trying to have it all.
May 19, 2013
I enjoyed reading about Chanti and her getting in everybody's business. She is just so curious that she can't help but solve crimes. There is also just enough mystery in her own life since she want to find out more about her father or as she refers to him SD (sperm donor). I received a copy of the book through Goodreads First Reads.
March 17, 2013
This is the first book of the series I have read and was quite surprised that I wasn't lost at all. The story kept my attention the whole way through and I never got lost. Thanks for a good read and can't wait to read more of Kimberly's books in this series.
March 8, 2013
This YA Mystery was enjoyable and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy this genre.
January 9, 2016
The best book in the series so far!
January 20, 2016
I really enjoy these books! Fun mysteries, great relatable characters. I read these last two back to back and I'm ticked I have to wait for # 4
April 28, 2017
I loved this book because of the huge amount of mystery involved in every single chapter because of that it drew me in immediately!
The plot is realistic, with that being said most of the actions portrayed by the characters in this book most likely happen today such as; the extreme amount of crime happening in one little suburb … the story sortof reminds me of a modern day Nancy Drew but even better!
By far, the strongest thing about this book is the way the author presents every problem with a strong/powerful explanation as to why the certain situation took place furthermore resulting in a better connection with the reader.
One of the weaknesses in this book was that you have to continue reading and never come to a stopping point until you reach the end of the chapter , if you don’t do that you will not be able to piece everything that happened together.
For me, one of the main reasons i liked this novel because it relates to so many different aspects of the daily teen life today… not only does it have a real-life concept but it has actions that are often used in this generation saying that , I believe this book is the most greatest one out of the whole series and I recommend anyone to read it… trust me you will be satisfied!
I enjoyed the story overall but there were some points that really disappointed me in this novel… some parts in this novel just become actions with no type of emotion or feeling which really made a certain part of this novel very dull BUTTTT!!!!!! I do highly encourage anyone to read this novel:)
April 28, 2017
I loved this book because of the huge amount of mystery involved in every single chapter because of that it drew me in immediately!
The plot is realistic, with that being said most of the actions portrayed by the characters in this book most likely happen today such as; the extreme amount of crime happening in one little suburb … the story sortof reminds me of a modern day Nancy Drew but even better!
By far, the strongest thing about this book is the way the author presents every problem with a strong/powerful explanation as to why the certain situation took place furthermore resulting in a better connection with the reader.
One of the weaknesses in this book was that you have to continue reading and never come to a stopping point until you reach the end of the chapter , if you don’t do that you will not be able to piece everything that happened together.
For me, one of the main reasons i liked this novel because it relates to so many different aspects of the daily teen life today… not only does it have a real-life concept but it has actions that are often used in this generation saying that , I believe this book is the most greatest one out of the whole series and I recommend anyone to read it… trust me you will be satisfied!
I enjoyed the story overall but there were some points that really disappointed me in this novel… some parts in this novel just become actions with no type of emotion or feeling which really made a certain part of this novel very dull BUTTTT!!!!!! I do highly encourage anyone to read this novel:)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews