When one reckless night leads Farris Barnett to the washed up body of a dead classmate, she's as willing as everyone else to write it off as a suicide. That is until cryptic messages start coming in from someone who knows the truth, and they want Farris on the case. Her love life in turmoil, Farris turns to the only person she can trust to help her get to the bottom of things, Cole, a notorious playboy and friend on the verge of becoming much more. Putting her emotions aside and her detective skills to work, she begins to unravel the life of a victim who might just have been the guiltiest of them all.
With her life—and her heart—on the line, Farris will confront a killer with a secret so shocking not even she could have decoded the truth.
The biggest bombs, the ones that do the most damage, are the ones you never see coming.
Sherry is the author of over a dozen novels for teens and young adults including the best selling Stolen Empire series. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she's on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs. Sherry also writes contemporary romance under the pen name SJ Noble. You can find her at her official website, www.sherryficklin.com, or stalk her on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/sherry.ficklin.
It didn't take me long to pick up book two after finishing book one, in fact I'm pretty sure it was one of those rare times that I downloaded it immediately after finishing the first.
This series truly took me by surprise with how much fun it was to read and I absolutely loved the main character and just plain and simple, wanted more.
I have to be honest and say the first few chapters, while outstanding, had me worried there for a bit with the change in main characters and let's call it the “romance” of it but it didn't take long ofr Sherry's writing to overcome my apprehension and for me to fall in love with the idea and path she had in mind and to just go with it. In fact, I ended up liking it more than the first even.
She truly knows how to spin a tale and make it work, even when you aren't ready for it or wanting it. Even the mystery is well done. Sometimes predictable but always filled with enough other surprises along the way to keep you guessing and turning the pages.
I have read almost everything that this author has published and she always has a way of amazing me with her style of writing and this book was no different.
After composing myself, I am able to now think clearly and add my thoughts about this book.
There aren't too many authors who will be able to leave a tragic ending and leaving me sitting there in complete shock, horror and snot crying, and Ms. Ficklin has done it all in this book. Though, you will have to purchase a copy and read it for yourself, because I refuse to give up any more details on the subject.
The characters in the story are remarkable. I love the main character, Farris the most. She is strong willed, cocky, and tech savvy all built into one teenage girl. I love how the author did her homework about computer hacking, because Farris made hacking look easy even when it has several layers of codes and passwords to get through and I am happy that the author added more of Farris and her hacking abilities in this story. It really showed how talented Farris is at what she does. I love how the author tears down this character, but Farris seems to find a way to get back into control. I loved the suspense and the twisted roller coaster ride throughout this book. My emotions of shock were really working while I read this book. I actually sat and read the whole thing in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. This is a remarkable read and I highly recommend this to all to read.
I am extremely anxious to see where this author will take us next in this series and I will be keeping my eyes open at all times to find out.
Clean Teen Publishing provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only as part of the Clean Teen Publishing Elite Reviewers Team. No remuneration was exchanged.
***4.5 Stars*** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This one picks up a bit after the end of the first, separating it enough to let it be its own story. There's more background in the first book, but this one could be read on its own. There's still some random nerd-stuff mentions, but not nearly as much as were featured in the first book. This one is more serious, as Farris is trying to solve what she believes to be a murder.
One part made me laugh out loud, and it was when a character mentions they're in a YA novel. I think that's the first time this author broke the "4th wall" in one of her books. At the same time, I sort of felt it was more of a joke between her and the editor/proofreaders and it shouldn't have been in the actual book.
I have to say, I enjoyed this one much more than I did the first. I really liked Cole. He was mentioned a bit in book 1, but he's got more of a leading role in this one.
Also, I reject the end entirely. It did not happen and so it shall not be mentioned in book 3...
*****4.5**** I liked and enjoyed this book much more than the first! As always I love Farris her being witty and sassy makes this book more enjoyable. And the mystery I was not able to guess who could be behind all the problems which was cool. There is going to be spoiler so don't read further if you haven't read the book. Just go check out both first and this book cuz they are cool and enjoyable. Fun and fast read. Read the book in four hours. Def check them out!!
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Okay I like Cole and Farris together than Oliver. When I was reading about them in first book he didn't felt it for Farris. They were cute together but not meant for each other. But I thought I'd come to like them together. So in the beginning of this book when Cole was introduced properly and was getting to know him, I liked him and Farris together.
And dang the end, When is the third book coming out???!!!!
In Too Deep is the second book that follows the story of Farris but with a new mystery to solve. It is no secret that I love work from this author but this time she has really out done herself. Without giving spoilers there are things in this book that I can honestly say I have never seen in YA fiction before. UGH it is SO hard not to spill the beans here but let me say when you get to that bit you will be GLAD that I didn't. It is one of those moments that you just HAVE to read, and then reread because you aren't sure you read it correctly ... and then if you are anything like me - spit your drink across your reading device!
All fun aside this is a fast paced YA novel with the sassy writing style that Sherry is well known for. Fans of her previous series Losing Logan will lap this up and I think new fan coming in will definitely find a new favorite.
My ONLY issue with the book ..... the next one isn't out yet! AHHHHHHHHH
Last month you guys got a glimpse of my thoughts on the first novel in this series, Playing with Fire. I openly admitted that it wasn't my favorite Ficklin novel and that while I still enjoyed it, it fell flatter than I generally would have liked from one of my favorite author. Now, that being said, I totally understand that the first novel in a series involves a whole lot of groundwork that sets up the series and generally does drag more for this reader. Several people told me that book two would blow me away, I was extremely skeptical, but I knew with Sherry at the helm I'd get a quality read regardless.
I have to say that I actually didn't enjoy this read as much as book one. I LOVED IT SO MUCH MORE. Can I curse in my review? Holy hell guys. Woah Nelly. This book absolutely blew book one out of the water. Like so hard that it's half a mile up shore waiting for someone to bring it back to the beach. Guys. So, Much. Better. I honestly don't know that I've seen a series change this quickly for me, but Sherry did it with In Too Deep.
From the very first page we pick up shortly after where Playing with Fire left off. Except we have an entirely new story, a new Farris, and a whole new mystery to solve. This one is extremely fast paced, but the story line is great. With new characters, new loves, new suspects, and a whole new twist on deck, Can Farris solve the case before the killers strike again? I read this entire novel in two sittings, I honestly could not put it down. You won't either once you get hooked by Ficklin and this gripping plot!
The character development in this novel was amazing. In book one, I found huge fault with Farris' character. I found her to be immature and a little annoying, much like most teenagers. In Too Deep features a far different Farris. A Farris changed by the events of book one and being forced to grow up quickly in one of the harshest of ways: alone. With her father sent away on deployment, Farris is left to her own devices. While this may be many teenager's dream, for Farris there is so much more at stake. With the help of her friends, Farris is able to overcome an incredible tough time in her life. This character development for Farris is one of the very best I have seen out of Ficklin to-date. Keep in mind that I'm something of a Ficklin-Fanatic so I know a thing or two about her characters and writing style. The other characters were also written to perfection and I couldn't have been more pleased with the end result. There's a major spoiler involved here, so I'm trying to stay away from it, but let me just say that there is a massive change in Farris' love life from book one and I am a huge supporter of this change. Trust me guys, you'll have to read it to believe it!
In true Ficklin form, this novel deals with so many hard-hitting themes. Depression, overcoming ones fears, maturity, friendship, love, and so many others come to mind. While this novel explores so many fun aspects of a sci-fi mystery, at its' heart is the story of a teenage girl just trying to make it through high school. It's the perfect combination of fun and feels.
The mystery aspect of this story was pretty great. While I had somewhat figured out the plot of book one long before the finale, this one kept me guessing from page one. I love the insight that the reader gets into the minds of Ficklin's characters as the reader solves the crime in realtime with them. It's one fun-filled adventure!
As far as content goes, in true Ficklin-fashion she's pushing the genre to its' limits. Readers take heed of the content warning for this one as there is language and adult content abound. Though, to be honest if you reading this there's a good chance you're familiar with Ficklin's special brand of writing! Don't let it deter you.
No spoilers here, but this novel ends on one crazy cliffhanger. One cliffhanger that I can honestly say I never say coming and boy-howdy did it bring the feels. I have huge theories about what we can expect in Digital Horizon (book three, due out in February 2016) pertaining to this cliffhanger, but I cannot wait to see what happens.
As you guys can see, I was absolutely blown away by this incredible installment to the #Hacker series. I am on pins and needles anticipating the release of book three! I know this reader will be devouring anything he can get his hands on. That being said, it should come as no surprise that I am granting In Too Deep by Sherry D. Ficklin a near-perfect 5-star review. A highly recommended read for all fans of Young Adult lit, sci-fi, mystery, and romance readers. You will not be disappointed, add this read to your TBR today!
In Too Deep #HACKER Book 2 One talented hacker. One dead body. One explosive secret.
Life for Ferris Barnett is, well, complicated. Her boyfriend has moved, her father has been assigned to an active duty station in Turkey, and one impulsive act leads her to a shocking discovery. A classmate’s body has washed ashore and his death has been listed as a suicide. Soon, Ferris receives an anonymous message indicating that the death may not have been a suicide after all, but that he was killed, and that someone in her school may likely be a murderer. Ferris once again has to utilize her amazing and seemingly innate hacking skills to solve the mystery. This time she delves into the secret—and surprising—life of a classmate who had never seemed more than a kind and quiet high-school student.
The second book in the #Hacker series is just as good—maybe even better—than the first. Ferris is still one of the wittiest characters I’ve read lately, a true snark-master. She’s smart, tough and not afraid to do what it takes to help others. Who doesn’t love that kind of female character? All of the computer and hacking details still blow my mind and prove how thoroughly Sherry Ficklin must have researched the subject. In Too Deep has a good flow, the action doesn’t seem to slow, each turn of the plot flows into another. I have to admit that this time, I only slightly guessed at “who did it” but the revelation was so much deeper than I’d imagined. But, don’t take a deep, relaxing breath when you’ve discovered what really happened to Ferris’s classmate because there’s one more bombshell waiting at the end and I am counting the days until I can get my hands on book three.
*I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. No remuneration was exchanged
I loved this installment all the way until the end. The end is FEELS. There better be another one. It can't just end that way. Well, I suppose it could, but it shouldn't. I need more.
In Too Deep is excellent. Now that we know most of the characters, there wasn't as much time dedicated to getting to know everyone, and more action time, which was what I was missing from the first book. This is the second series of read of Sherry's and I think it's safe to say I'm hooked on her writing.
No complaints and I can't really add more without being spoilerly. Let's just say I was a little iffy about someone "new" (quotations because they are introduced in the first book), but I ended up rooting for them early on.
The drama is real and actually enjoyable. Sometimes drama can be eye roll worthy, but not this stuff. Gahhh. I just really need more.
5/5 Platypires and anxiously hoping there will be a book 3.
I love how this book picks up right where the other one left off, it keeps along a good steady pace with a nice twist up at the end for the who done it but that ending wow Sherry just ripped our hearts out and stomped on them good i am hoping to have my hopes lifted in book three. Nicely done Sherry nicely done.
I enjoyed this follow up. In my personal opinion, I don't think there was enough emphasis on the crime that was taken place throughout the novel; however, I really enjoyed following Farris' love life and friendship with Kayla. Sometimes in YA crime stories like this, we forget about the fact that these kids go to school and actually have teenage lives--the good thing about this book was that we saw this--we saw Farris going to high school parties, trying to fit in, and experiencing real life teenager things. I just wish we focused more on the crime itself--I feel as if the crime was just thrown in there and not really give too much thought. The hacker-ish things weren't really hacker-ish. She just listed off some things she knew about phone tracking, as well as some computery stuff. I was disappointed with several changes the author made between the first book and this sequel--not sure why some characters left the series, not sure why the dad wasn't as involved in the book as much as he was in the first book, not sure why things had to end the way they did with this book--it just doesn't make sense to me and I feel as thought the story was very linear and not adequately thought out. Overall, I still enjoyed the book and I really do love this series!! Can't wait till the third book--Digital Horizons!
Farris's mother's anniversary is coming up and this year she would have been spending it alone if it hadn't been for her new friend Cole. Farris's boyfriend has moved away and Farris doesn't know where they sit and her dad is off in Turkey on another special Ops mission for the military. Farris and Cole decide to jump off the pier and help Farris face her fear of drowning. However, their evening will take a turn as they discover the body of their classmate Mac. It looks like a suicide but Farris and Cole are dubious and even more so when Farris receives a mysterious note telling her it was murder and to look closely at the evidence. Now a handful of Farris and Cole's classmates are murder suspects, but they have to be careful how they go about things as they don't want to be the next victims of foul play. The end of this book was an OMFG NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! cliffhanger and yes, my eyes did tear up and now readers are left thinking what this cliffhanger means for Farris's fate and where she ends up. The #Hacker series is perfect for fans of Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars as Farris Barnett, slides right into the middle of these spy girls. I am now looking forward to reading Book #3 Digital Horizon by Sherry D. Ficklin and any fans of YA Thrillers will also enjoy the #Hacker Series.
I love smart young adult novels that involve more than mere hormones and yearnings. That is exactly what I got with the Audible version of In Too Deep by Sherry Ficklin. This story centers around Farris who is a teenaged computer whiz and an emancipated minor (her father is in the military and currently assigned out of the country). Although this is the second book in The #Hackers Series, I don't feel like I missed out on anything by not having listened to the first book in the series.
In Too Deep begins with the premise that Farris's boyfriend (whose father is also in the military) moved several months ago and asked his best friend Cole to hang out with Farris to keep her company (Cole doesn't mind because he really hates spending time at home). One evening Farris and Cole decide to go swimming in the ocean. As they are getting out of the water, they discover a classmate’s body. After the death is ruled a suicide, Farris receives an anonymous message indicating that the kid's death was not a suicide. Using her great hacking skills, along with committing a few "breaking and entering" crimes, Farris and Cole investigate (1) the author of the note, (2) the dead classmate, and (3) those who had reason to kill him. The book ends with a thrilling conclusion when Farris confronts the supposed killer with the reason for the murder not being what I expected at all!
Andrea Emmes narrated this audiobook and she did a wonderful job. She provided distinct and consistent voices for all characters. Her narration really contributed to my satisfaction of the story. I was provided a copy of this audio by the author and freely leave this honest review. In short, I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys a good mystery!
This sequel to 'Playing With Fire' definitely had a lot more mystery to it compared to the first, I liked that the main character, Ferris, embraced her inner Sherlock Holmes. I'm not sure how I feel on the sudden change in love interest, it just feels a little too insta-lovey to me, however I do prefer the newer one! I loved the plot twists and suspense, the hacking was cool and I really like the ongoing friendships, I liked this one more than the first by a fraction, but sadly I found out today that the series is unfinished, so I'm hoping the next book ends in a suitable way for me to feel satisfied...
I love everything about Farris (except her name. Farris??) She's independent and intelligent. She isn't sitting around, waiting for a cute guy to run in and save her - she'll save her own ass, thank you very much. She isn't caught up in popularity or willing to change to fit whatever mold others think she should be in. She takes charge, figures things out, owns her emotions and is an all around cool geek. Nancy Drew for the new millennium, complete with updated George and Bess sidekicks, and a Ned that still knows he's just there to do what she wants.
When Farris and her friend Cole, find a dead body of one of their fellow classmates in the ocean something doesn't add up. When the death is first ruled as a suicide, Farris believes there is more than what meets the eye and that there is a killer in their mists. This was a fast paced suspense thriller, that was a perfect October read! I found this novel on my nook, and it was FREE!
All because of the ending....how could you? The entire story was terrific was totally into it then with a half of a page BOOM How in the world did you end it there? I would have given no stars if I could I want to know her how she moves on..how her relationship with Cole evolves
Ok wow. When I read the synopsis I didn’t think I’d like this cause I loved Ollie so much but then I read this and somehow the author made me fall in love with Cole too. This book was amazing and now I have to read the next one ASAP. Beautiful book and I was not expecting that ending. I almost cried and it’s not often I cry because of a book. 5/5
I read Nancy Drew when I was young and this doesn't come close to being as good. The characters are more like adults in teen bodies. I don't think teens of today think like the ones in this book. The truth is it was boring.
She's on a roll, book two here it's as good a read as book one is. Great characters with a great plot to go along with them. Mysteries, surprises with complete turn around to keep the readers attention. Great Read
I read this one cover to cover without being able to put it down. Sherry Ficklin is a great author and she always has me engaged by the first paragraph. I look forward to the next one.
If you've read my review for book 1 in this series, you know just how much I LOVED it. I love the concept behind the series and I love Sherry's writing and her characters and just - everything. Well, book 2 did NOT disappoint me in the least! I kind of wondered how she would continue the series because the mystery in the first book was resolved. I should not have even wondered, because this IS Sherry we're talking about! Silly me... I should have known she'd find a perfect way to continue! There is a whole new mystery in this book, AND a big change in Farris' life - which I'm not going to spoil here for you but which shocked the heck out of me! Not that I didn't like it.... but it did shock me!
The mystery was actually really interesting, even though it was completely different than what Farris investigated in the first book. We delve more into life at school and her classmates, which was kind of nice. There is also even more discussion of the technology she uses in her "hacking" (it's not hacking like breaking into company networks to steal money and such, more like following digital trails, copying someone's hard drive, etc.). I don't want to spoil the thing that was so different here, but I will say I LIKED IT. I LIKED IT A LOT. I also don't want to give any spoilers as to what else happens in the book, but I feel I must say that Sherry *might* have ripped out my heart with this one. Maybe. I'm still recovering, so I can't be sure if there's any heart left in me... and it's been at least two weeks since I finished reading it. (Thanks, Sherry.)
I'm still absolutely loving this series and can't wait until I can read book 3. I'm so looking forward to it! I love Sherry's writing, no matter what type of book of hers I've read, and I highly recommend this series for mystery lovers and anyone who enjoys a good thriller with a little romance thrown in!! Absolute 5-star read for me.
If you've read my review for book 1 in this series, you know just how much I LOVED it. I love the concept behind the series and I love Sherry's writing and her characters and just - everything. Well, book 2 did NOT disappoint me in the least! I kind of wondered how she would continue the series because the mystery in the first book was resolved. I should not have even wondered, because this IS Sherry we're talking about! Silly me... I should have known she'd find a perfect way to continue! There is a whole new mystery in this book, AND a big change in Farris' life - which I'm not going to spoil here for you but which shocked the heck out of me! Not that I didn't like it.... but it did shock me!
The mystery was actually really interesting, even though it was completely different than what Farris investigated in the first book. We delve more into life at school and her classmates, which was kind of nice. There is also even more discussion of the technology she uses in her "hacking" (it's not hacking like breaking into company networks to steal money and such, more like following digital trails, copying someone's hard drive, etc.). I don't want to spoil the thing that was so different here, but I will say I LIKED IT. I LIKED IT A LOT. I also don't want to give any spoilers as to what else happens in the book, but I feel I must say that Sherry *might* have ripped out my heart with this one. Maybe. I'm still recovering, so I can't be sure if there's any heart left in me... and it's been at least two weeks since I finished reading it. (Thanks, Sherry.)
I'm still absolutely loving this series and can't wait until I can read book 3. I'm so looking forward to it! I love Sherry's writing, no matter what type of book of hers I've read, and I highly recommend this series for mystery lovers and anyone who enjoys a good thriller with a little romance thrown in!! Absolute 5-star read for me.
In Too Deep (Hacker #2) by Sherry D Ficklin was my first introduction to the world of digital detective Farris. She finds herself with a reputation for solving puzzles and someone wants her to solve one involving a ‘suicidal’ classmate. While investigating her classmate, she finds some surprising details that could provide motive for murder. The deeper she gets into the mystery, the more it seems there may be a murderer in her high school. Solving murders also isn’t easy to do alone. She relies on her friends to help her navigate the clues since her boyfriend moved and her dad is stationed in Turkey.
I read this book without reading book 1 and I loved this book so much I went back and downloaded number one. But enough gushing. I felt that the snarky dialogue with just enough techy language to be legit but not over my head was the perfect balance for a teen trying to solve a murder. It was believable. I loved the angst and tension in the romance. No eye rolls here. The emotions all felt legitimate. The heroine is tough without being brash, tech-savvy without being unattractively nerdy, quick-witted without being unpleasantly sarcastic and still feels all that it means to be a teen girl trying to navigate life and love. What a delightfully complex character Farris is. Also, that cliffhanger-seriously. February 8th feels like it's lightyear away. I am itching to see what happens to the romantic developments as well as if Farris' skills can match what it seems she may be up against. You earned a fan, Sherry D Ficklin. Keep em’ coming.
I received an copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. In Too Deep jumps back into Farris’ story several months after the first book ended. We are very quickly confronted with the fact that her boyfriend, Ollie, who she was FINALLY in a happy, healthy relationship with at the end of the first book, has moved away. I was so sad we didn’t get to see their relationship develop. With a murder taking place at the beginning of the story, Farris and Cole (Ollie’s best friend) have to try to prove that their classmates suicide was actually a murder and when someone starts leaving notes for Farris, she’s put right back into dangerous situations. If you’re in it for the cute guys the main character gets to date, this is a great one! I still wish there was more hacking in the story though. I love Farris’ friends, Kayla and Derek. They are fantastic for comedic relief. Let’s be real-I want friends like them! And then there is Cole…so much to say about Cole…so very many spoilers. I will say that these teenagers have an insane amount of freedom and can come and go as they please which is very convenient. There was a line in which the characters address the fact that they are, in fact, part of a YA novel. I either really like that confession or really don’t like it and I’m not sure which! The books ends on a heart-wrenching cliffhanger and I’m excited to see where the third book goes.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left us, desperately seeking answers to questions that we had! The author doesn't give the reader a chance to catch their breath before throwing them straight into the action. This book continues on with our favorite #Hacker, Farris and her friends and of course a ton of trouble! Farris and Cole are trying to solve Farris's fears when they stumble upon a dead body....and then things get even more weird and out of control.
The author continues to take the reader on a story that has a breakneck pace! The readers fingers quickly get tired from frantically turning the pages in an effort to see what will happen next! There is no way to predict the roller coaster ride that author Sherry Ficklin takes you on while desperately trying to solve the mystery of who may have killed Mac. The author takes the reader through a gamut of emotions in this one - you will laugh, cry, yell, shake your head in disbelief and at times you may even threaten the author (Sorry, Sherry).
If you are looking for a quick paced, high energy read then look no farther - this is the book for you! You will find yourself wanting to reach the end to see what happens next, but at the same time dreading the end because that is just what it is - The End of book 2....make sure you are ready to immediately purchase and devour book 3, because you will need to have it on stand-by in order to survive the book hangover you will be experiencing from this one!
Continues to be a strong story. Another well-plotted mystery. Farris' scooby gang is still there, but the focus is more on her & Cole's friendship.
I like that a girl who is a junior actually follows through with having somewhat realistic expectations about being 16 & in love. Her romantic life is handled in a very YA fashion (behind closed doors with the lights off). There is even a funny moment when her friend Kayla wants details & Farris declines because "we are in a YA novel".
She falls into mystery-solving Ina legitimate way, and continues to be as smart as everyone calls her. It does look like maybe her exploits are being noticed outside her school. If she'll be graduating early, I imagine the next book might be about her getting recruited to use her skills in a professional capacity.