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Sorority Sisters Mystery #1
Mean Sisters
Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Mean Girls.
A sassy, hilariously funny murder mystery where the closest bonds of friendship might just kill you…!
Margot Blythe is a twenty-something year old who can’t seem to let her college glory days go. After all, everyone deserves a family of ‘sisters’ like she had. When she’s invited to speak at her alma mater, her homecoming reception isn’t exactly what she expected. Tragedy strikes and Margot has to step up, especially when foul play is suspected.
She’s going to save her fifty frazzled ‘sisters’, keep the suspicious (but dangerously cute) police officer at bay and find out the truth – could a sister have committed such an unimaginable sin as murder?
Margot is going to learn the real bond of sisterhood and maybe, just maybe, discover where she truly belongs.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2015
8 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 21, 2016
I expected more from this title. From the description opening "Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Mean Girls." I expected a brilliant book filled with humor and some hilarious bitchiness...I ended up very disappointed.
The humor is lukewarm, if not AWOL... The bitchiness is not fun at all. This was one of those books you have to remind yourself to go back to and not one you can't put down. Also there were way too many paragraphs without a single line of dialog wasted in "I did that, I went there, I ate that." I finished the book only because I wanted to know for certain who the murderer was, even if it wasn't that big of a shocker.
Some extra points for the cute police officer, Ty. He was the best part of the book.
One word of advice, it's probably better to read the "sorority glossary" before you start the book, otherwise many terms will not make sense...
I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
The humor is lukewarm, if not AWOL... The bitchiness is not fun at all. This was one of those books you have to remind yourself to go back to and not one you can't put down. Also there were way too many paragraphs without a single line of dialog wasted in "I did that, I went there, I ate that." I finished the book only because I wanted to know for certain who the murderer was, even if it wasn't that big of a shocker.
Some extra points for the cute police officer, Ty. He was the best part of the book.
One word of advice, it's probably better to read the "sorority glossary" before you start the book, otherwise many terms will not make sense...
I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2022
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.
Overall rating : 3*
Writing skill : 3*
Plot: 4*
Characters: 3*
Utter-Sass: 5*
I know the average of my stars above basically mean its a 4* but it wasn't quite and I'm feeling mean (sister). This really was a fun, light-hearted, seriously girly, easy read. I don't particularly know anything about sororities (or even how the US college/university system works) but I got the gist enough to follow along. The characters were seriously stereotypical but in this it seemed to work just fine. The dialogue was especially sassy and witty and brought it all together. I probably wont remember this one in a few years but it did what it set out to do. Lovers of Mean Girls get reading this.
Overall rating : 3*
Writing skill : 3*
Plot: 4*
Characters: 3*
Utter-Sass: 5*
I know the average of my stars above basically mean its a 4* but it wasn't quite and I'm feeling mean (sister). This really was a fun, light-hearted, seriously girly, easy read. I don't particularly know anything about sororities (or even how the US college/university system works) but I got the gist enough to follow along. The characters were seriously stereotypical but in this it seemed to work just fine. The dialogue was especially sassy and witty and brought it all together. I probably wont remember this one in a few years but it did what it set out to do. Lovers of Mean Girls get reading this.
March 18, 2016
This was a murder mystery with a chick lit slant on it- set in the American sorority scene.
Margot works for the sorority circle and attends a meeting when one of the girls dies. Initially expecting this to be from natural causes the book starts to follow an investigation into suspicious circumstances and Margot finds herself needing to ensure her name is in the clear.
This was a fairly light, quick read- almost what I would class as a cosy mystery.
With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Margot works for the sorority circle and attends a meeting when one of the girls dies. Initially expecting this to be from natural causes the book starts to follow an investigation into suspicious circumstances and Margot finds herself needing to ensure her name is in the clear.
This was a fairly light, quick read- almost what I would class as a cosy mystery.
With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2015
*3.5 Rating
Review Posted on Reading Lark 7/4/15: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
Every now and then I crave a read that is pure fun. As a kid, I would often reach for a mystery or an R.L. Stine book. As an adult, I find that fun reads take many forms, but I still am always up for a mystery. I liked that this one was silly and fluffy as well as a strong mystery. It was the perfect read after a string of some darker, serious novels.
Margot Blythe is one of those twenty somethings that can't seem to let her college glory days go. Her sorority, Delta Beta, has been her family since her freshman year at Sutton. Margot would do anything to keep the name Delta Beta above reproach. She has been working for the national office since college graduation; her job is to travel to various Delta Beta chapters around the country helping them fix minor issues and improve their efficiency. Margot loves her job, but everything changes while on a routine visit to Sutton, her alma mater, when the chapter advisor drops dead. Things spiral out of control when the police label the death as suspicious. Before Margot can do the secret sorority sign, she finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation.
Margot is hilarious and endearing; she is the sorority version of Nancy Drew. The only thing she truly takes seriously is her duties as a Delta Beta. There were moments when this one felt like a sorority parody, but then it would veer back into serious mystery territory. I found that the combination worked well and kept me reading.
The whodunnit was intriguing; I began to make a strong case for the killers' identity around the 60% mark and was rewarded with being correct. I wouldn't say it was obvious, but there are enough bread crumbs to lead you down the right path.
Sisterhood is Deadly is the perfect read when you're looking for something fun and fluffy. I hope this is the beginning of a new series.
One Last Gripe: Margot was a bit immature for her age. I liked her, but this annoyed me.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The humor
First Sentence: Sisterhood is powerful.
Favorite Character: Ty
Least Favorite Character: Dean Xavier
Review Posted on Reading Lark 7/4/15: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
Every now and then I crave a read that is pure fun. As a kid, I would often reach for a mystery or an R.L. Stine book. As an adult, I find that fun reads take many forms, but I still am always up for a mystery. I liked that this one was silly and fluffy as well as a strong mystery. It was the perfect read after a string of some darker, serious novels.
Margot Blythe is one of those twenty somethings that can't seem to let her college glory days go. Her sorority, Delta Beta, has been her family since her freshman year at Sutton. Margot would do anything to keep the name Delta Beta above reproach. She has been working for the national office since college graduation; her job is to travel to various Delta Beta chapters around the country helping them fix minor issues and improve their efficiency. Margot loves her job, but everything changes while on a routine visit to Sutton, her alma mater, when the chapter advisor drops dead. Things spiral out of control when the police label the death as suspicious. Before Margot can do the secret sorority sign, she finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation.
Margot is hilarious and endearing; she is the sorority version of Nancy Drew. The only thing she truly takes seriously is her duties as a Delta Beta. There were moments when this one felt like a sorority parody, but then it would veer back into serious mystery territory. I found that the combination worked well and kept me reading.
The whodunnit was intriguing; I began to make a strong case for the killers' identity around the 60% mark and was rewarded with being correct. I wouldn't say it was obvious, but there are enough bread crumbs to lead you down the right path.
Sisterhood is Deadly is the perfect read when you're looking for something fun and fluffy. I hope this is the beginning of a new series.
One Last Gripe: Margot was a bit immature for her age. I liked her, but this annoyed me.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The humor
First Sentence: Sisterhood is powerful.
Favorite Character: Ty
Least Favorite Character: Dean Xavier
February 27, 2016
Mean Sisters is a murder mystery, but without the gore and grit of many books in this genre, and is quite light hearted, with a great sense of humor to it. It is set right in the heart of the American sorority system, and it was refreshing as someone who has been reading a large amount of British based books recently, to read something clearly all-American.
There is a note at the start of the book, to let the reader know there is a glossary as the back of the book. Although its easy to navigate an ebook, I would have preferred the glossary at the front to have read it up front, to give me a better idea of exactly what some of the terminology was.
Margot Blythe was in the greek system, and didn't leave it after graduating, taking a job for six years with the chapter at a more national level. Her job means she travels all over The States, advising and mentoring at the local chapters of her sorority, and then she is asked back to her alma mater, the college where she graduated.
During that evenings chapter meeting, a sister drops dead, and sparks a police investigation, and internal investigations. Just why is the death suspicious, and who did it, are two of the things Margot is determined to find out, while upholding the principles of the sisterhood, even if it gets her in trouble with the police.
There are many revelations that keep on coming, some shocking, others not so much, but all quite entertaining. As someone who;s entire knowledge of fraternities and sororities comes from other novels, and movies, I found Margot's refusal to see anything bad about her sisters, or about the traditions a bit frustrating, as it was blindingly obvious things weren't quite as they seemed.
Mean Sisters is a reasonably fast and easy story, that will certainly hold your interest as you read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, which I believe is the start of a series, and with a mix of potentially exaggerated stereotypes, a cute cop, some hilarious pranks courtesy of the frats (which I would love to know how they carried out), and a mystery to solve, Mean Sisters is a fabulous story that I didn't really want to put down.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
July 5, 2016
The cover got me here, and when I heard the claim ‘Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Mean Girls,’ I was fairly sure I’d enjoy. I have to admit I’ve never read chick lit enshrouded in something akin to murder mystery/ thriller clothing before, and I was intrigued.
We meet Margot Blythe, ‘professional sorority girl,’ who is on her sixth year in the Delta Beta sororities. Now obviously over here we don’t have sororities and so I really enjoyed hearing about the background, nuances and values of the sororities, and I liked the way there was a glossary at the back of all of the terminology associated with it. The murder was nicely done, as was the investigation, both tinged with humour. At times I found ‘Mean Sisters’ very funny, at times it didn’t quite hit the spot, but I did always enjoy.
Margot was extremely tunnel visioned in terms of her duties and how she believed everyone should be in relation to their sorority duties and this added to the ‘Elle Woods’ aspect. There were rivalries, twists and turns and suspects and dead ends. There were a lot of characters, but you weren’t just introduced to them and then dropped, you were gently reminded who they were and I liked the way this was done. The backdrop of the college was great to showcase some greatly atmospheric, dark descriptions that kept you at the scene of the crime. All in all, a very enjoyable read. By the way, as you might note from above this book seems to be titled ‘Sisterhood is Deadly’ on Amazon US, and it also seems to be the start of a series. Thanks to Netgalley for this book in return for an honest review.
Rating: 4/5
We meet Margot Blythe, ‘professional sorority girl,’ who is on her sixth year in the Delta Beta sororities. Now obviously over here we don’t have sororities and so I really enjoyed hearing about the background, nuances and values of the sororities, and I liked the way there was a glossary at the back of all of the terminology associated with it. The murder was nicely done, as was the investigation, both tinged with humour. At times I found ‘Mean Sisters’ very funny, at times it didn’t quite hit the spot, but I did always enjoy.
Margot was extremely tunnel visioned in terms of her duties and how she believed everyone should be in relation to their sorority duties and this added to the ‘Elle Woods’ aspect. There were rivalries, twists and turns and suspects and dead ends. There were a lot of characters, but you weren’t just introduced to them and then dropped, you were gently reminded who they were and I liked the way this was done. The backdrop of the college was great to showcase some greatly atmospheric, dark descriptions that kept you at the scene of the crime. All in all, a very enjoyable read. By the way, as you might note from above this book seems to be titled ‘Sisterhood is Deadly’ on Amazon US, and it also seems to be the start of a series. Thanks to Netgalley for this book in return for an honest review.
Rating: 4/5
March 23, 2016
This book was certainly amusing. Setting a murder mystery within a sorority setting is always a good idea because it allows for an extra element of secret keeping from those not pledged. Margot was a fun narrator, somehow both whip smart and dumb as a post as she looks after her sisters and decides to solve the murders on her own.
Margot is a character who toes the party line with regards to what to expected of a Delta Beta sister and she expects everyone else to hold these values, because why else have they pledged? It was nice to see a character so steadfast in their beliefs and not doing it in an overtly cult-like manner. For me, I've always found sororities to be a bit weird - yes to sisterhood, maybe a no to secret chants etc. I was a huge Greek fan so I have a good understanding of the Greek system but thankfully even if I didn't not only does this book explain the institution very well, the UK version comes with a handy glossary in the back for those of us without institutions as complex as the Greek system.
Other characters introduced were fun and you can definitely see them being familiar drop-ins in further books. The mystery element was pretty good, I think it was obtuse enough to move the story along, but also relatively easily solvable for a reader that likes to guess ahead, which I guess is the best of both worlds.
One last thing; how cute is the cover!
Recommend to: fans of the Heather Wells Mysteries, fans of mysteries
Rating: 3.5 stars
June 15, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Margot Blythe is a twenty-something year old who can’t seem to let her college glory days go. After all, everyone deserves a family of ‘sisters’ like she had. When she’s invited to speak at her alma mater, her homecoming reception isn’t exactly what she expected. Tragedy strikes and Margot has to step up, especially when foul play is suspected.
She’s going to save her fifty frazzled ‘sisters’, keep the suspicious (but dangerously cute) police officer at bay and find out the truth – could a sister have committed such an unimaginable sin as murder?
Margot is going to learn the real bond of sisterhood and maybe, just maybe, discover where she truly belongs.
THIS book was publicized to fans of Sophie Kinsella, so immediately I was interested! The downer is, it DID NOT remind of her work at all. It was a cute, light read. Took me a while to get through it. It was overly detailed and I didn't care for the lack of character development in some of the lesser characters. One of the main characters, Ty, turned this into a 3-star for me! I liked his personality throughout which made up for Margot's!
If you're into sorority reads, pick this up! If you like chick-lit, it is a light read, but make sure to look in the index first or you may got lost in the SISTER terms!
Margot Blythe is a twenty-something year old who can’t seem to let her college glory days go. After all, everyone deserves a family of ‘sisters’ like she had. When she’s invited to speak at her alma mater, her homecoming reception isn’t exactly what she expected. Tragedy strikes and Margot has to step up, especially when foul play is suspected.
She’s going to save her fifty frazzled ‘sisters’, keep the suspicious (but dangerously cute) police officer at bay and find out the truth – could a sister have committed such an unimaginable sin as murder?
Margot is going to learn the real bond of sisterhood and maybe, just maybe, discover where she truly belongs.
THIS book was publicized to fans of Sophie Kinsella, so immediately I was interested! The downer is, it DID NOT remind of her work at all. It was a cute, light read. Took me a while to get through it. It was overly detailed and I didn't care for the lack of character development in some of the lesser characters. One of the main characters, Ty, turned this into a 3-star for me! I liked his personality throughout which made up for Margot's!
If you're into sorority reads, pick this up! If you like chick-lit, it is a light read, but make sure to look in the index first or you may got lost in the SISTER terms!
July 14, 2015
Man, this was such a fantastic book! I enjoyed it so much, so hilarious, I loved the mystery, and I can't wait to read more of this series and this author!
December 25, 2017
While I didn't expect 'endearing' with the bitchiness you'd expect from a sorority house, I also didn't think it would be this level of catty! I was like, why should I care? because these women, my goodness! It felt like I wanted to run away from this pack more than anything ... which didn't end up being a read I wanted to dive back into. Also, not being American, much of the sorority aspects fell flat for me because I was clueless and there was really no explanations/help in the read to even give the clueless reader a hint at what is being implied.
September 2, 2024
Very easy but a fun read. Had similar campy vibes of "Legally Blonde" or "The House Bunny". Whilst the camp of it all, was what made the book enjoyable, the parts where the police lieutenant backed of or listened to Margot just because of "sorority secrecy" were stretching it kind of far.
Also way to much fatphobia for a book written in 2015.
Also way to much fatphobia for a book written in 2015.
March 21, 2018
A hilarious page turner, Sisterhood is Deadly is one of my favorite books. I can't remember another book making me laugh out loud so often. The characters are larger than life, yet somehow completely relatable. A book I will definitely read again and again!
December 12, 2018
This book was light and fun to read although at times you want to shake Margot for being so trusting and air headed.
March 18, 2016
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Actual rating 3.5/5
Published as 'Sisterhood is Deadly' in US, 'Mean Sisters' (title from UK publisher) is the first installment in a series called Sorority Sisters Mystery. Lindsay Emory is a name I've heard just recently, when I spotted this title among the new ones published by Maze (imprint of Avon UK) and one I believe we'll all be hearing about a lot more in the future. Like A LOT more. As someone who's read many Avon's commercial women's fiction and thrillers titles, I must say Lindsey definitely brings something new and fresh both for the publisher and the great army of Avon's fans and readers.
What first caught my eye when I was browsing NetGalley were the vibrant colours on this cover, very chic and modern, and very very girly (something I really like). But what really made me want to read it was the great blurb and the comparison to Kelk and Kinsella. Kelk and Kinsella, c'mooonnn! Ok, bring it on! It promised a fun mix of mystery and chick lit, and that's definitely what you get. 'Mean Sisters' is definitely an entertaining read you'll fly through in just few hours.
Margot Blythe is not your usual crime/murder investigator, unfortunately she finds herself in a situation when she's thrown directly on the crime scene when one of her sorority sisters is found dead. Margot's in her 20s, approaching 30s actually, and is working as a sorority adviser. Deceased Liza MCCarthy was the previous adviser at the sorority house, but now Margot is replacing her, back in Liza's office and discovering some very mysterious and suspicious things about Liza. Was Liza really who they thought she was or? Why would someone break into Liza's (now Margot's office)? Technically they didn't even break in, they had a key! All of a sudden, Margot starts suspecting some of her sisters might be very very mean. And damn it, she hates suspecting her sisters!
What I really liked about this book is that easy to follow writing, despite not being very familiar with the whole Greek system in sororities. Oh sure, I've seen enough of them in American films, but haven't read many books on them. However, I think Lindsey portrayed the girls brilliantly, especially Margot. Margot is so proud of her sisters and feels this great bond with them, I really hated seeing her with this big illusion she had for her Delta Beta Sisters (or Debs, as they called themselves). Margot is fun, but she's so gullible, at least that's how I felt her. She tries to see only good in everyone, idealizing everything and everyone at her sorority, being all loyal and faithful. This I found cute, but to a certain extent. I just couldn't (or didn't want to) buy it completely, that everything she had and believed in were her sorority sisters. It's like she never left college while I did expect her to be more mature. This really bothered me, mildly put.
However, she and dishy Ty Hatfield, the local police hottie working on Liza's case, make a cute duo. Their dialogues were really fun and enjoyable to read. And to be honest, I'd love to see more of them and will definitely read the sequel to see what they'll come up with next.
Chick lit with mystery elements, definitely an interesting combination. Light, easy and very entertaining, just what I needed after a long day at the office. And you know what, I hardly ever make any predictions about a new series (especially if I haven't read anything else by that author), but have a good feeling about Sorority Sisters. Really wonder where next installments will take us and I'm very intrigued.
July 26, 2015
This review was originally posted on Paperback Princess.
Sisterhood is Deadly is a funny, light and fluffy chic-lit read with a dash of mystery. It's very sorority-filled so if you've been in a sorority you will find it even funnier as you'd be able to relate to what's going on. Unfortunately I did not go to College in the US so I was never able to be part of a sorority but I would have loved to have been so I love reading sorority books just to see what it's like.
Margot Blythe loves being part of a sorority, Delta Beta, so she continued to work for the Delta Beta head office when she graduated. Her job has her traveling the country helping other Chapter Advisors to solve minor problems, so when she was invited to her Alma-mater (home-Chapter) she was so excited to be back in her College dorm, but her homecoming reception wasn't exactly what she expected when the Chapter Advisor dropped dead whilst their doing their first Chapter meeting. She soon finds herself amidst a murder investigation and a sex phone scandal, can Margot Blythe save her precious Delta-Beta from this major PR drama?
Margot Blythe is incredibly hilarious, her immaturity and her all-consuming thoughts about the perfectness of Delta Beta is quite a laugh, I found myself laughing out loud so many times because of her naivety and ditziness. She reminded me somewhat of Reece Witherspoon's character in Legally Blonde.
Casey is one of my favourite characters and I don't think that the book would have been the same without him and Margot's relationship. Casey is the PR representative sent from the Delta Beta head office, his main job is to ensure that the PR for the Sutton Chapter isn't damaged beyond repair, so when he arrives Margot and Casey goes all out to personally solve the mystery so that the Delta Beta name isn't tarnished.
Sisterhood is Deadly is truly an entertaining and funny read. I know that sounds bizarre considering they're investigating a murder and phone sex scandal, and whilst the mystery comes together nicely at the end I think the main focus was more Margot and her saving the day more so than the mystery itself. I will definitely read more of Margot's story if Lindsay Emory releases more Sisterhood books and I don't think it'd be a bad idea, Margot can be like a sorority Nancy Drew.
Sisterhood is Deadly is a funny, light and fluffy chic-lit read with a dash of mystery. It's very sorority-filled so if you've been in a sorority you will find it even funnier as you'd be able to relate to what's going on. Unfortunately I did not go to College in the US so I was never able to be part of a sorority but I would have loved to have been so I love reading sorority books just to see what it's like.
Margot Blythe loves being part of a sorority, Delta Beta, so she continued to work for the Delta Beta head office when she graduated. Her job has her traveling the country helping other Chapter Advisors to solve minor problems, so when she was invited to her Alma-mater (home-Chapter) she was so excited to be back in her College dorm, but her homecoming reception wasn't exactly what she expected when the Chapter Advisor dropped dead whilst their doing their first Chapter meeting. She soon finds herself amidst a murder investigation and a sex phone scandal, can Margot Blythe save her precious Delta-Beta from this major PR drama?
Margot Blythe is incredibly hilarious, her immaturity and her all-consuming thoughts about the perfectness of Delta Beta is quite a laugh, I found myself laughing out loud so many times because of her naivety and ditziness. She reminded me somewhat of Reece Witherspoon's character in Legally Blonde.
"What were y'all reciting?"
"Objection!" I glared at him.
Hatfield looked stunned. "What in the world are you objecting to?"
"You're asking about privileged information!"
"Was a lawyer there? A doctor? A priest?"
Now he was talking crazy. "Of course not," I said. "You are asking about secret sorority rituals. We can't share those with anyone who has not been initiated, and that includes the police."
Casey is one of my favourite characters and I don't think that the book would have been the same without him and Margot's relationship. Casey is the PR representative sent from the Delta Beta head office, his main job is to ensure that the PR for the Sutton Chapter isn't damaged beyond repair, so when he arrives Margot and Casey goes all out to personally solve the mystery so that the Delta Beta name isn't tarnished.
Sisterhood is Deadly is truly an entertaining and funny read. I know that sounds bizarre considering they're investigating a murder and phone sex scandal, and whilst the mystery comes together nicely at the end I think the main focus was more Margot and her saving the day more so than the mystery itself. I will definitely read more of Margot's story if Lindsay Emory releases more Sisterhood books and I don't think it'd be a bad idea, Margot can be like a sorority Nancy Drew.
March 23, 2016
Take a bit of Mean Girls, a dash of Scream Queens, and a sprinkling of Legally Blonde, and you're pretty close to Mean Sisters! Step into a murder mystery in a college sorority house.
I am going to hold my hands up and admit I read absolutely none of the synopsis on this book. I was pulled in by the title and the cover, so when I started to read I was slightly thrown by the sorority side of it, especially as I have absolutely no clue about sororities or frat houses or so on except for what I have seen on the T.V. There was an awful lot of wording that went along with that side of the book, phrases or titles that threw me as I had no idea what they meant - I either learned along the way or had to guess and hope I got close! ( That said as I reached the end of my Kindle version I discovered a glossary that explained all these words and terms to me, if I had only realised it was there!)
Margot is sent to Sutton, back to her old sorority, to try and sort it out after some rumours have been spread, but very quickly after she arrives things go downhill when one of the sisters dies, and Margot has to step in to take over. Cue the murder mystery. Along the way she unravels lots of dark secrets about her fellow sisters and other sororities that threaten the perfect reputation of her beloved sorority, and it is down to Margot to save the day!
As a murder mystery, this was pretty weak. I would describe it more as chick lit with a side helping of murder mystery. Its light and fluffy with some humour, maybe not as much as I would have liked, the bitchyness you would expect from a book aimed at fans of Mean Girls would certainly have more.
There were a heck of a lot of characters to try and keep up with and it took some getting used to. There were a few that attributed to the ending of the book that were literally barely mentioned at the start so that threw me too as I had to scratch my brain to remember who they were. The main character, Margot, annoyed the heck out of me for about 3 quarters of the book too, which almost led to the book only getting a 2.5 star rating. It only improved as I warmed to her by the end of the book to the point I actually felt for her, and that the ending was slightly better than I had predicted it was going to be.
This is book 1 in the Sorority Sisters Mystery books, and I may be persuaded to read the next one!
I am going to hold my hands up and admit I read absolutely none of the synopsis on this book. I was pulled in by the title and the cover, so when I started to read I was slightly thrown by the sorority side of it, especially as I have absolutely no clue about sororities or frat houses or so on except for what I have seen on the T.V. There was an awful lot of wording that went along with that side of the book, phrases or titles that threw me as I had no idea what they meant - I either learned along the way or had to guess and hope I got close! ( That said as I reached the end of my Kindle version I discovered a glossary that explained all these words and terms to me, if I had only realised it was there!)
Margot is sent to Sutton, back to her old sorority, to try and sort it out after some rumours have been spread, but very quickly after she arrives things go downhill when one of the sisters dies, and Margot has to step in to take over. Cue the murder mystery. Along the way she unravels lots of dark secrets about her fellow sisters and other sororities that threaten the perfect reputation of her beloved sorority, and it is down to Margot to save the day!
As a murder mystery, this was pretty weak. I would describe it more as chick lit with a side helping of murder mystery. Its light and fluffy with some humour, maybe not as much as I would have liked, the bitchyness you would expect from a book aimed at fans of Mean Girls would certainly have more.
There were a heck of a lot of characters to try and keep up with and it took some getting used to. There were a few that attributed to the ending of the book that were literally barely mentioned at the start so that threw me too as I had to scratch my brain to remember who they were. The main character, Margot, annoyed the heck out of me for about 3 quarters of the book too, which almost led to the book only getting a 2.5 star rating. It only improved as I warmed to her by the end of the book to the point I actually felt for her, and that the ending was slightly better than I had predicted it was going to be.
This is book 1 in the Sorority Sisters Mystery books, and I may be persuaded to read the next one!
September 4, 2016
Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed! - Elle Woods, LEGALLY BLONDE
SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY pokes fun at sorority life while still celebrating its time honored rituals. It is during one such ritual – standing in a circle to close the weekly meeting – when the chapter advisor drops dead at the Delta Beta House (DB, Deb for short). Margot Blythe, the visiting mentor sent by HQ to her own alma mater, extends her stay to guide the coeds through their grief while combating their rival sorority, Mu Mu Mu. By the way, Tri Mu wears Orange.
The story unfolds from Margot’s first person perspective. She is singularly focused on the sorority’s reputation, placing great value in the “friends for life” mantra. While Margot appears to be shallow at times, she is a complex character. As the murder mystery progresses, the author slowly peels back part of Margot’s perfected shell to reveal cracks in her emotional make up. She holds onto the values of Delta Bata (and the sorority system) as a means to create a tidy world that can fix all evil that creeps into each of our lives.
SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY follows the cozy mystery path with a few red herrings, an irresistible police officer, and a heroine who is determines to reveal the murderer herself. Margot is Elle Woods, Stephanie Plum, and Martha Stewart rolled into one. Emory sprinkles in humor with Margot’s dedication to Standards and Morals, referred to S&M throughout the story. Likewise, Emory delivers an accurate portrait of sorority life - she spotlights the camaraderie of living with fifty of your closest friends in one house. Finally, Emory updates the “Animal House” perception of Pan-Hellenic life by subtly challenging the “good ole boy” network which ignores dangerous pranks and date rape. I believe that Margot can singlehandedly take the Greek System through a modern renaissance to recommit to the the ideals on which it was founded.
I recommend SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY to any reader who rushed, pledged, or interacted with Greeks on campus. Likewise, this book will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and optimistic heroines.
I received a copy of SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY from the publisher at a book conference. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, RUSHING TO DIE.
SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY pokes fun at sorority life while still celebrating its time honored rituals. It is during one such ritual – standing in a circle to close the weekly meeting – when the chapter advisor drops dead at the Delta Beta House (DB, Deb for short). Margot Blythe, the visiting mentor sent by HQ to her own alma mater, extends her stay to guide the coeds through their grief while combating their rival sorority, Mu Mu Mu. By the way, Tri Mu wears Orange.
The story unfolds from Margot’s first person perspective. She is singularly focused on the sorority’s reputation, placing great value in the “friends for life” mantra. While Margot appears to be shallow at times, she is a complex character. As the murder mystery progresses, the author slowly peels back part of Margot’s perfected shell to reveal cracks in her emotional make up. She holds onto the values of Delta Bata (and the sorority system) as a means to create a tidy world that can fix all evil that creeps into each of our lives.
SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY follows the cozy mystery path with a few red herrings, an irresistible police officer, and a heroine who is determines to reveal the murderer herself. Margot is Elle Woods, Stephanie Plum, and Martha Stewart rolled into one. Emory sprinkles in humor with Margot’s dedication to Standards and Morals, referred to S&M throughout the story. Likewise, Emory delivers an accurate portrait of sorority life - she spotlights the camaraderie of living with fifty of your closest friends in one house. Finally, Emory updates the “Animal House” perception of Pan-Hellenic life by subtly challenging the “good ole boy” network which ignores dangerous pranks and date rape. I believe that Margot can singlehandedly take the Greek System through a modern renaissance to recommit to the the ideals on which it was founded.
I recommend SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY to any reader who rushed, pledged, or interacted with Greeks on campus. Likewise, this book will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and optimistic heroines.
I received a copy of SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY from the publisher at a book conference. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, RUSHING TO DIE.
March 11, 2016
Wow! The Mean Sisters is a novel women cannot pass up on...this read is everything readers want. Humor, friendships, mystery and a bit of hot sparks flying around...Lindsay Emory is a talented writer. Her novel reminds me of Legally Blonde in a way of the whole soroity house thing. Readers will get an insider's view to the going ons within a very top close knit soroity house. The girls seem like the super sweet women but not all of them are nice...espeically like the campus cop, Ty Hartfield who was teased badly for his weight. It takes until the end for Margot to remember who Ty was...but then again there was a lot going on within her soroity group. Things she didn't think would happen but did.
The Mean Sisters is an absolute must read for all. The laughter, tears, and dedication is amazing. Lindsay Emory shows readers a realistic side to sorioties. They can be both good and bad...like say blackmail, sex ring, and murder all wrapped up inside of one house. A house full of many suspects...and as the plot unfolds...Margot and Ty find themselves trying to find a murder...and it's hard for Margot to think one of her sisters can be anything but good. However, she starts to find things suspicious after several incidents inside the house happen. Readers will be hooked from the beginning. This read is addictive and well-written. The characters are super believable and intriguing...I hope Lindsay Emory writes another book featuring the soroity sister, Margot and her new friend Ty Hartfield and what lies in wait for them next. Overall, I highly recommend this delightful novel to readers everywhere. I loved reading and can promise you won't be disappointed.
The Mean Sisters is an absolute must read for all. The laughter, tears, and dedication is amazing. Lindsay Emory shows readers a realistic side to sorioties. They can be both good and bad...like say blackmail, sex ring, and murder all wrapped up inside of one house. A house full of many suspects...and as the plot unfolds...Margot and Ty find themselves trying to find a murder...and it's hard for Margot to think one of her sisters can be anything but good. However, she starts to find things suspicious after several incidents inside the house happen. Readers will be hooked from the beginning. This read is addictive and well-written. The characters are super believable and intriguing...I hope Lindsay Emory writes another book featuring the soroity sister, Margot and her new friend Ty Hartfield and what lies in wait for them next. Overall, I highly recommend this delightful novel to readers everywhere. I loved reading and can promise you won't be disappointed.
March 17, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.
Note: The American edition of this book is titled Sisterhood is Deadly. The UK edition, which I read in ARC format, is titled Mean Sisters.
This is a gloriously fun book. The protagonist, Margot, is so likable and relatable, one of the most enjoyable protagonists and narrators I've encountered in my reading recently. Sure, many of us (myself included) don't know what it's like to be in charge of a sorority, or attempt to solve multiple murders, but that's the magic of what Emory does here. Even in the midst of all the absolute craziness, you still want to grab a venti latte with Margot and chat for hours.
The plot itself surrounds a murder mystery with some great twists and surprises. Margot is so loyal to her sorority that as an alumna she travels around the country advising various branches. But now she is back at her alma mater, and a sorority sister has just dropped dead during a chapter meeting.
Murder, mystery, and mayhem commence, and even in some particularly emotional moments that really do make you think, Margot keeps her wits and her wittiness about her. There are some great supporting characters as well, especially her best friend Casey, and a hint of a romance with a handsome cop that is hopefully leading somewhere.
I really hope there are more Sorority Sister mysteries to come!
Note: The American edition of this book is titled Sisterhood is Deadly. The UK edition, which I read in ARC format, is titled Mean Sisters.
This is a gloriously fun book. The protagonist, Margot, is so likable and relatable, one of the most enjoyable protagonists and narrators I've encountered in my reading recently. Sure, many of us (myself included) don't know what it's like to be in charge of a sorority, or attempt to solve multiple murders, but that's the magic of what Emory does here. Even in the midst of all the absolute craziness, you still want to grab a venti latte with Margot and chat for hours.
The plot itself surrounds a murder mystery with some great twists and surprises. Margot is so loyal to her sorority that as an alumna she travels around the country advising various branches. But now she is back at her alma mater, and a sorority sister has just dropped dead during a chapter meeting.
Murder, mystery, and mayhem commence, and even in some particularly emotional moments that really do make you think, Margot keeps her wits and her wittiness about her. There are some great supporting characters as well, especially her best friend Casey, and a hint of a romance with a handsome cop that is hopefully leading somewhere.
I really hope there are more Sorority Sister mysteries to come!
March 24, 2016
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com
"This blog tour will be SO FETCH!" From the moment I read that teaser, saw the cover and read the blurb, I knew this was a book I did not want to miss. And rightly so.
I had so much fun reading this. Elle Woods on Greek Row, meets Regina George and ZBZ's Casey & Ashleigh.
Margot is a very unique main character. She seems at times very superficial and petty, but she's also loyal to a fault with a big heart and a very naive outlook on life. Or is she? When events at the "Debs" chapter challenge everything she stands for and believes in, we discover there's a lot more to Margot than meets the eye.
From murder and blackmail to sorority drama and sisterhood, Mean Sisters is a wonderfully original and hilarious twist on what we thought we knew about chick lit... and sororities.
With frat pranks, sex scandals, secret traditions and girly secrets, I suddenly found myself in an episode of Greek with Casey and Ashleigh versus Frannie Morgan - or was it Regina George? - where Elle Woods turns up as the defender of sorority standards and the sacred sisterhood.
Sit back and enjoy - and secretly wish you were a sorority girl yourself. I really enjoyed reading Mean Sisters and I may or may not have googled transferring to a US college with a Greek system, whilst watching a 'Greek' marathon.
"This blog tour will be SO FETCH!" From the moment I read that teaser, saw the cover and read the blurb, I knew this was a book I did not want to miss. And rightly so.
I had so much fun reading this. Elle Woods on Greek Row, meets Regina George and ZBZ's Casey & Ashleigh.
Margot is a very unique main character. She seems at times very superficial and petty, but she's also loyal to a fault with a big heart and a very naive outlook on life. Or is she? When events at the "Debs" chapter challenge everything she stands for and believes in, we discover there's a lot more to Margot than meets the eye.
From murder and blackmail to sorority drama and sisterhood, Mean Sisters is a wonderfully original and hilarious twist on what we thought we knew about chick lit... and sororities.
With frat pranks, sex scandals, secret traditions and girly secrets, I suddenly found myself in an episode of Greek with Casey and Ashleigh versus Frannie Morgan - or was it Regina George? - where Elle Woods turns up as the defender of sorority standards and the sacred sisterhood.
Sit back and enjoy - and secretly wish you were a sorority girl yourself. I really enjoyed reading Mean Sisters and I may or may not have googled transferring to a US college with a Greek system, whilst watching a 'Greek' marathon.
Read
March 19, 2016This was a fun book! I got right into the story because Margot, the main character, was so cute. The story is set in the Delta Beta sorority, Margot's employer and her sorority. She just loves the sistershood she had when she was in college and can't quite let it go. She loves her job working for the sorority even though she lives out of a suitcase as she travels from campus to campus. Margot is sent to visit her alma mater. When the house adviser drops dead during the chapter meeting, Margot feels it's her place to keep the girls calm and figure out whodunit.
What ensues is funny and quite unexpected. Not your typical murder mystery. This is a great book. The only thing I wondered is why it was called Mean Girls. Yes, there were a couple of mean girls but overall, because of Margot and her love for her sisters, I didn't find the girls mean.
What ensues is funny and quite unexpected. Not your typical murder mystery. This is a great book. The only thing I wondered is why it was called Mean Girls. Yes, there were a couple of mean girls but overall, because of Margot and her love for her sisters, I didn't find the girls mean.
March 15, 2016
Read this review and others on my blog: The Library Princess
**This review is based on an ARC from Netgalley, release date 3/17/16.
This is definitely what I would consider a light read, but a fun one. It reminded me of the show Scream Queens in some ways, with the sorority and murders happening. Though the main characters were hardcore sorority girls, I found them likable, though I know some readers would be annoyed. I did figure out pretty easily who the murderer was so I wasn't surprised by the ending, but that didn't ruin the book for me. I won't be buying this for my high school library, but sometimes I just like a fun, quick read and this was exactly that.
**This review is based on an ARC from Netgalley, release date 3/17/16.
This is definitely what I would consider a light read, but a fun one. It reminded me of the show Scream Queens in some ways, with the sorority and murders happening. Though the main characters were hardcore sorority girls, I found them likable, though I know some readers would be annoyed. I did figure out pretty easily who the murderer was so I wasn't surprised by the ending, but that didn't ruin the book for me. I won't be buying this for my high school library, but sometimes I just like a fun, quick read and this was exactly that.
February 21, 2018
full disclosure: I know Lindsay Emory. I was suuuuper nervous to read it because I know that we have entirely different tastes in books, so I put off reading it for ages. But since I was headed to a sorority event this weekend, it seemed like a good idea to jump into the world of a sorority murder mystery :)
It was like this book was custom written for me. It’s pretty niche. The target audience is definitely a sorority alumna who was in a leadership position in their sorority as a collegian AND who has worked with their old chapter since graduation.
Loved the Legally Blonde main character and really LOVED that the whole thing really felt like satire on sororities. Lindsay gets me :)
definitely recommend for any ex-sorority officer looking for a guilty pleasure read.
It was like this book was custom written for me. It’s pretty niche. The target audience is definitely a sorority alumna who was in a leadership position in their sorority as a collegian AND who has worked with their old chapter since graduation.
Loved the Legally Blonde main character and really LOVED that the whole thing really felt like satire on sororities. Lindsay gets me :)
definitely recommend for any ex-sorority officer looking for a guilty pleasure read.
March 28, 2016
Great Book!
This is a great book by Lindsay Emory. Margot Blythe is in her twenties and is incapable of letting go of her college glory days. When she returns to her old college as an advisor, she does not get the homecoming reception she was expected when tragedy strikes and foul play is suspected. It is time for her to step up to help her sorority. If you are looking for a fun book, then you need to read this one. I am looking forward to the next book by this author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great book by Lindsay Emory. Margot Blythe is in her twenties and is incapable of letting go of her college glory days. When she returns to her old college as an advisor, she does not get the homecoming reception she was expected when tragedy strikes and foul play is suspected. It is time for her to step up to help her sorority. If you are looking for a fun book, then you need to read this one. I am looking forward to the next book by this author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
July 10, 2015
I'm in a sorority and have advised much like the main character and I felt this was a fairly accurate portrayal of a sorority on a campus - at least from the alumnae/advisor role. At times I could somewhat picture myself and the roles I have played through the years..but thankfully no murders where I advised or visited!
I was totally shocked at who the killer was...I did not expect it to be this person at all. some clues sort of came together near the end but it was still unexpected.
I can't wait to read more in this series
I was totally shocked at who the killer was...I did not expect it to be this person at all. some clues sort of came together near the end but it was still unexpected.
I can't wait to read more in this series
February 4, 2017
This was billed as being for fans of Sophie Kinsella (which I am), but I was disappointed. The setting (a sorority) and premise (a murder!) are intriguing, and kept me interested to a certain extent. However I ultimately lost patience with this book because I just couldn't like or care about the main character enough. I do prefer quality writing with strong, and/or likeable characters, and this just didn't tick my boxes.
I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2015
This was a light read that has Margo trying to solve a murder when she is visiting her old sorority house as a representative from the national headquarters. A hunky police detective adds a romantic element to this cozy. I think readers who were Greek in college will appreciate the ceremonies and secrets. I thought that Margo still had some growing up to do traveling to various colleges for 6 years since graduating herself.
May 2, 2016
When I read the blurb, I found the premise of a murder mystery set in a sorority interesting. The book didn't live up to the hype for me. The main character is the worst sorority girl stereotypes incarnate. She makes Elle Woods from Legally Blonde look like a Mensa member. The combination of a lackluster whodunit and an the awful protagonist were just too much.
March 22, 2016
A light and enjoyable novel, I quite enjoyed it although the lead character was way too naive for my liking. I think the fact that the romance side of things was underplayed was actually what really worked for me, it was an added extra instead of the whole thing. The focus being on the sisterhood and their values, which are badly shaken by the murders.
July 7, 2015
interesting who dunit with it at a college. I loved the interaction between MC and Officer. I can see a romance happening in the next book. She had a lot of growing up to do . Also there was a lot of mention of brands through out the book. I would read another book in the series :)
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