Foolproof

Darcy Walker Teenage Sleuth Thrillers #5

by A.J. Lape

Jon Bradshaw needs a girlfriend stat. When he convinces Darcy Walker to be his wingman at a speed-dating event, one debacle leads to another, and before you know it, they're the proud new owners of a dead body. Problem is, the body has a tie to Darcy...making her a person of interest in a murder. Things quickly jump from bad to worse when someone hijacks the name of Darcy's alter ego, framing "Jester" in a Hitchcock-like blend of crimes that leaves her head spinning. In FOOLPROOF, Darcy battles an adversary who tests her IQ while she navigates the daunting worries of a high school senior. Add on the emotional fallout of her latest caper, a cop breathing down her neck, and a hot but stubborn boyfriend, and she's at her wit's end. Can she find her zen and unmask the real murderer? Or get used to a life of prison orange?

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2016

About the author

Where crime and comedy collide…

A.J. Lape writes stories where danger lurks around every corner and laughter is never in short supply. From thrilling teen mysteries to heart-pounding crime thrillers, her wickedly clever pen crafts tales with unstoppable she-roes and anti-heroes flirting with the road to redemption.

She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two daughters who pop in for cash, and a spoiled Boston Terrier. A graduate of Morehead State University with an MA in Communications, she’s a freelance writer and PI wannabe with an addiction to cold brew.

You can spot her online engaging with fans, double-tapping animal reels, or binge-watching food videos that she sometimes successfully recreates in the kitchen.

Sign up for A.J.'s newsletter by visiting her homepage and filling out the pop-up form.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.ajlape.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajlapewrites/
X: http://twitter.com/ajlape
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorajlape
Fan Club & Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajlap...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ajlape/
Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Email: aj(at)ajlape(dot)com

Reviews

[Isabella]

I'm not sure how I feel about the cover, it's kinda cool, but it's kinda creepy, it's like it reminds me of the joker or something else unpleasant. When I saw it for the first time I was just mindlessly scrolling through Facebook and it actually scarred me a little bit, I am pretty sure I made a face something akin to this.

(Just kiding. Sort of)
But once I realized what it was I started freaking out it feels like forever since the last one came out so I'm super duper excited!!

[Up All Night Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Darcy, Darcy, Darcy... I thought I knew what to expect with this book. I mean, it's Darcy Walker. She is always stumbling into something. After Defcon Darcy I thought A.J. had given me all she had. Yet again, she has proven me wrong.

Let me tell you about this series in general before this book. Typically, unlike most readers, I am able to separate myself from the book and its characters. I often see people discussing books and their characters as they are real. I know people don't actually think they are real. They are just hyper-invested in the books... and there is nothing wrong with that. I am just not usually that person. With Darcy's stories, that doesn't hold true. I get lost in her mishaps and adventures. There are times I, in fact, do forget she isn't real or at least isn't a character in a show. A.J. wraps me in her cocoon of words in these stories. I can't help but to keep coming back for more.

So Darcy... Yep, she has stumbled upon more dead bodies... practically in her backyard and lap. Who would have thought? (enter sarcasm there) Now she has dead bodies, drug dealers wanting her, and reporters hounding her. There is never a shortage of ongoings with Darcy's books, that you can count on.

I always find myself on repeat in each of these books. This is one of my favorite series because it is entertaining across all boards. I wouldn't have a problem having my children picking them up nor my own mother. We can all appreciate the humor and entertainment they provide.

Mysteries don't tend to be my thing. The kicker with this series is I don't really look at them as mysteries. They are mysteries, but not the typical private eye or detective stories. They leave me laughing and swooning from start to finish. Between the Darcy's mishaps and all of the teenage hormones, I can't help but to encourage this series over and over again.

[Carmen Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I review FOOLPROOF without spoilers? There’s so much going on. Darcy and her sidekicks, Dylan included, begin senior year of high school, and the hijinks start on the very first day. Not only is there a fresh murder to solve, but nagging details about Buffalo Trails Country Club, a stalker, drug dealers, and a cafeteria pilferer come to light as well. Darcy is a dead-body magnet, let’s just say that.

FOOLPROOF is filled with humor throughout, Darcy irreverent as usual as she weaves through a twisted labyrinth of “who’s on first,” putting on her “Sherlock Holmes” and enlisting aid from her shady informant, Jaws. Aside from a speed-dating fiasco Darcy attends (just for moral support, as we know she’s with hottie, Dylan) she also faces life’s daunting choices about her post high-school world, working her in-your-face magic behind the scenes on Dylan’s behalf for the well-being of his future while pondering her own.

FOOLPROOF was entertaining, funny, and heartwarming. Pull out the hankies for the graduation scene at the end, and prepare yourself for the sizzle between Darcy and Dylan and their touching thoughtfulness of one another down to their cores. There’s not too many book boyfriends like Dylan, but once in a while one jumps from the pages. Swoon. Darcy fans will love the Dark Walker’s latest installment. Highly recommend.

[Kitlina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what an amazing journey has Darcy been through.
I don't understand how these books don't have more ratings, because I swear to anything you want I've never read anything similar. And I don't think I ever will.
I am absolutely in love with Darcy's world and her brain. And Dylan, let's not forget him. Never.
I am sad D's adventure in high school has ended but I am so excited to read her years after that. I am so glad she has friends in low places, they will for sure be useful in the future.

[Lavinia Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? Firstly, I loved it. I love this entire series. Each year I wait (im)patiently for the next one to arrive and each time I want the book to last forever.
The author is super talented. Before I had even read the first one I had never been into this genre but the whole quirkiness of the main character pulled me in. I love her.
Every book is always better than the last.
Now when I got my hands on this book I wasn't sure what to expect, but Oh em gee. I was taken on a complete, emotional, rollercoaster. Even at the happy times I was bawling like a baby.
Now if you remember in the last book Darcy was abducted for 80 days and Dylan went to great lengths to try and save her. Now this number is very poignant in this book and it made me cry. I won't give anything away because I want the reader to read this with fresh eyes.
But let me say this... through this entire series I was unsure of Dylan. I thought he was a little bit too controlling and at times I wanted to slap him. I didn't see what so many other readers did or everything Darcy saw in him. But this book... I cry now just thinking about it. the author worked her words beautifully and Dylan won my heart. It made me realise that not only is he the right guy for Darcy, but he is one of THE best male book characters I have read. I honestly want to wear I top that declares that I am a Dylan fan - anyone know where I can buy one?
So this book is the last year of high school and whilst everyone is deciding what they want to do and where they want to go there is Darcy who wants to be with her family. My heart breaks for her. Her mum was killed when she was a young girl and because of this she feels that she should stay at home and help raise her sister instead of going off to college. I have so much respect for her but at the same time I was shouting at the book and telling her to follow her dreams.
I have mentioned about there being lots of sad and bittersweet moments but there are also a lot of funny moments, like the speed dating and the man with the fetish for elbows.
Darcy is still her normal sassy self but she is insecure and scared of the dark.
Now I may not have given too much of the story away, I just wanted to hone in on what I loved.
This book, by far, is THE best book in this entire series and I am looking forward to seeing what the author can do next. Where will she take Darcy next? At the end of the book she was offered a few opportunities and I am hoping we get to discover which path she takes.
If you have not read this series yet then you are missing out. Like I said at the beginning, I was never a fan of this genre but Darcy Walker has made me a fan now.

[Virginia Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

TEN STARS!
Bam! Excitement explodes out of the gate when, day one of senior year, a dead body lands right on Darcy’s desk. Walker’s world has never been more chaotic, and Lape’s trademark hilarity is out in full force. In fact, some of Darcy’s comments are so funny I honestly choked on my own spit! Murphy and company only add to the humor. Dylan, changed by events in “DEFCON Darcy”, serves up some most satisfying payback, even as he struggles to embrace Darcy’s insane lifestyle. Just the right amount of steam fuels their swelling romance, and a few tender moments nearly brought me to tears. Tough life decisions tear at the heart as the many characters struggle with choosing their postgraduate paths. To say I loved this book is a gross understatement. READ IT!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series from the first pages of Grade A Stupid. I have read every shenanigan filled story and have chewed my nails to nubs and bitten my lip bloody with worry and anticipation. AJ Lape never fails to get my blood pressure up or my heart racing with Darcy and her crew's antics. This go 'round I shed a few tears too. I want more Darcy & Dylan. I want it as badly as Darcy wants her full grown habaneros.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleep is overrated in Darcyville. So is food. It seems like every time I pick up an A.J. Lape book, everything goes out the window. As usual, another fantastic installment of the Darcy Walker series. I love everything in Darcy's world and can't get enough. Even though this is the end of Darcy's High School world, it's the beginning of much, much more. And I for one, can't wait!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come soon! :) <3

[Betty Schroyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Term story

That kept me hooked from the beginning. That's saying something for being 67 y.o. I will go back and fin f the previous 4 books just to get her story!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boo Hoo...

Well, for my point of view I HATE that this is the end of phase one! But you, A.J., can make me a happy reader by getting the continuing saga of Darcy out. You're not done yet!?!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I'd been waiting so long for the fifth book in this series, and Foolproof didn't fail me! So many lingering questions were answered--both big and small in the Darcy Walker universe--and the wit, strangeness, and sass that I've known and loved were in full force in this installment! This book picks up on the first day of senior year, and it doesn't take long before a dead body lands in Darcy and her pal John's laps.

Darcy's still Darcy, but she's changed after the events of DEFCON Darcy...

While Darcy is still her usual no-filter, no-nonsense, loyal, and trustworthy self, being kidnapped and held captive for a few months changes you. She's afraid of the dark now and is afraid to leave her sister and father behind. Seeing a therapist is a good thing for her, and even though she's making progress, Darcy is still so unsure about her future after high school--especially when her gorgeous boyfriend Dylan is being actively recruited by so many colleges to play football, ones that Darcy doesn't have a prayer of every getting attending. With his trouble deciding where to go because he doesn't want to leave Darcy behind, times are tender, heated, and a little tough for the two lovebirds. After all, dating Darcy Walker is no easy task since she seems to be a magnet for dead bodies and dangerous people.

So much Murphy badassness and overprotectiveness, it brought a tear to my eye...

Darcy's big bear of a father, Murphy is front and center in this one. He knows that Darcy wilts under house arrest, but he can't help but try to protect her when she becomes the subject of a police investigation for the dead body that showed up at school. While Murphy's true power is shown when push comes to shove, I really loved just how much he was here in this book. I love Murphy!

But Principal Unger, Murphy's best friend and a loving thorn in Darcy's side is also very present in Foolproof. When he hires Darcy to find out who's stealing from the lunch money accounts, he finds himself dealing with more than just Darcy's cagey ways when Dylan goes primal on someone who invades Darcy and Dylan's privacy.

Darcy Walker seems to know everybody--and almost everybody has heard of her...

When someone starts selling drugs and using Darcy's pseudonym of Jester, she immediately starts to dig into the seedier parts of a nearby town to find out who dared to adopt her name. But even though she has a few contacts to get her an in with some crowds, she finds that her name and reputation precede her. These dangerous gang members threaten her life along with another friend and coworker, Bean, but her one underworld contact that she can always count on, Jaws comes to her rescue. With a mysterious stalker wanting to get the story of her time in captivity, a drug pusher using her name, a few dead bodies dropping at her feet, and not to mention her uncertain future after high school, Darcy Walker certain has a very full plate.

I give Foolproof a five out of five. Full of humor, danger, and some out-of-the-box investigative skills that put cops to shame, A.J. Lape delivered another solid, emotional, and entertaining book in this series. There was even a Buffy-esque scene at Darcy's graduation that had me tearing up (reminiscent of the Class Protector award Buffy received at the prom). All of her hard work has been noticed. I love this series so much, and the end of Darcy's high school career was certainly both bittersweet and dangerous as usual. Digging back in to these characters made me want to start back at book one and read them all over again!

(Also on Bewitched Bookworms, book received for free in exchange for honest review)

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy is back! Foolproof literally started with a boom, and this time it came a little too close to home. It would seem dead like to following Darcy wherever she goes, although this time someone is intentionally trying to bring Darcy's alter ego down. Will Darcy be able to find the culprit before it's too late?

As always, I really enjoyed reading Foolproof, the complex story-line and mystery of murders have always kept me on my toes. I enjoyed following Darcy's instinct on solving each mystery, her wits and personality is fun and entertaining to read.

Upon returning from her abduction, Darcy suffers from PTSD, she is now afraid of the dark. While Dylan becomes somewhat paranoia of losing Darcy, which considered what happened to both of them, I thought it was perfectly understandable.

However, not even Darcy traumatic experience could stop her on finding the truth. I really admired Darcy's character, she carried so much burden, she views the world a little different than those around her, she may be little misunderstood, but she is optimistic and I thought her character represented courage.

Since I love romance, I have to talk about the romance bits in this book. Darcy and Dylan were in their last year of high school, Darcy is unsure about their future, where Dylan is afraid to leave Darcy behind. I thought their relationship was beautiful, even though they are both still young, but they have experienced so much. Although, sometime I do think Dylan may be a little much, little too sweet at times. But I look forward to see how their relationship continues to grow.

Foolproof will be the last book of Darcy's childhood, even though I am going to miss reading all the high school drama, however I am even more looking forward to read Darcy's new adventures.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book in the series! It is a perfect wrap of Darcy's high school years. I laughed out loud reading every one of the books and this one made me cry! I look forward to reading the rest of A.J. Lape's books! I can't recommend this series enough!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Darcy Walker Series. I highly suggest you read them in order since they follow Darcy through high school. These are Young Adult books. This has quickly become my favorite YA series. Is it bad I hope my daughter has a “Darcy” personality when she’s that age?

Darcy will have you laughing out loud a lot. I may have even teared up at the end because of Principal Unger. A.J. Lape has a way with her writing that will suck you right into Darcyville.

This book is Darcy’s senior year. Of course it’s a “normal” year for her. But far from what others would consider normal.

True to Darcy fashion, it starts with a dead body, or two.

Darcy is a modern day Nancy Drew but with a twist and that twist is ADHD.

I loved reading this. I can’t wait for the next book to see which path she will take. She has so many opportunities! She will do great things.

Of course this review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Dylan. I feel like a perv crushing on him. He and Darcy are still going strong!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foolproof by A.J. Lape is a six star read in a five star world. Once again, Lape brings out the big guns as Darcy and her "family" enter, endure, and triumph in their senior year. In addition to all the mystery and hijinks that always accompany a trip to Darcyville are the decisions that must be made for the future. I am terrified of where Lape will take us next, but I will follow where she leads. Just amazingly well done.

[A. Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to think Darcy was a magnet for trouble. But even magnets have the ability to repel. Darcy doesn't. This latest installment of the Darcy Walker series is the most exciting yet. Stock up on all of your favorite snacks and get ready for one wild ride after another!

[Sue Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I love this whole series. I hope there will be more as I would love to see what Darcy gets up to next and I hope Dylan will always remain faithful. Highly recommend. Xxxx

[Piseog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was all ready to give this book 3 stars, and then that lovely speech by Principal Unger in the end brought it up to 4 stars. I didn't enjoy this book as well as the last one, DEFCON Darcy. It's hard to summarise a book with so many similar dangerous situations, and a confusing band of characters. Way too many characters now to get your head around. This author needs the adopt the "less is more" approach. It's hard to feel nervous or take anything seriously when Darcy is in trouble or threatened so often. When Darcy doesn't take it seriously the reader won't take it seriously. That's why I loved DEFCON Darcy. There was more of a linear plot and it really felt like Darcy was in danger. I was hoping for a bigger impact of Darcy's kidnapping in this book. Yes, it was mentioned a lot more than previous dangers (e.g. that huge car crash that felt like it never happened) and she was claustrophobic at times, but for the most part Darcy was her normal, stubborn and frustrating self. "Less is more" is also useful for love declarations. If you hear "I love you" 99 times, will you really care when you hear it the 100th time? Thankfully Dylan was considerably less creepy in this book.

I just want these books to be a little less chaotic, with a few less characters, feel more realistic and have genuine dangerous moments. I do love most of the characters, particularly Darcy's relationship with her family. Also, when things are calmed down there is a smart murder mystery. Small issue - overuse of the verb giggle. I hate that word. Despite these problems, I enjoy reading this series.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much more can Darcy get into in this amazing book series? In Foolproof, we find out from the first page and until the last page what Darcy is capable to get herself into. This series has been so much fun with the mysteries, the laugh out loud situations the Darcy finds herself into, and let's not forget the romance. Darcy and Dylan's romance gets more intense and they both grow up even more before our eyes. This book is a little bitter sweet because a chapter in Darcy's life has closed and it's a beginning of a new chapter. Hopefully our loved hero will keep growing and not make too many mistakes in her new chapter, but it's Darcy so it will happen. Where will Darcy go from here? So many directions this incredible author can take us, but we will have to wait and see what's next. I wished I could share so much more of this fabulous story, but I would give away too many spoilers. If you love a great story that has mystery, romance, and laugh out loud moments, than this series is for you. I highly recommend this series.

[Whitney Cannavina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review
Review by The Club

It's Darcy's senior year and so much has happened in her young life. Watching her mom murdered before her eyes, nearly getting killed herself on several occasions, being kidnapped. All those things brought her here. Now she needs to decide what to do with her future. On top of that she has to convince her boyfriend to attend a college that's far away no matter how much it hurts all while finding the criminal who left her a dead body.

I loved this series. Darcy is smart, funny, and has a great sense of humor even if it is innapropriate at times. She does things that could harm her all for the greater good and to get the answers she seeks. The author put a great spin on this series. (Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, Veronica Mars). It's a great who-done-it series with surprises throughout. I loved the little love story that was added and the camaraderie of these characters. I was sad thinking this was the last but I hope the author continues Darcy's unconventional detective work in future books.

5 stars

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one I will always be so glad I stumbled across. It is a delight to read. Anyone who has read my reviews know I need my characters to be awesome or at least imperfectly perfect. My other literary craving is romantic soul mates which in this series is balanced out nicely with a lovely twisted mystery. A.J. Lape gives this to me in spades. I feel like I won the book lottery reading this series. Darcy is the main character. She is deliciously complicated and an odd mixture of tortured (saw her mother killed) and insanely - sometimes criminally hilarious. She's incurably curious, cursed with extreme intelligence and uncontrollable energy, incredibly protective and loyal, beautifully unaware of her own loveliness and worthiness, brave and stupid all at the same time. There is so much more to this story that needs to be discovered for yourself. So this is all I'm going to write!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book yet

I love this series. This book took Darcy to a whole new level I am dying to read what happens next in her life.