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DFF: Dead Friends Forever
Skater Kaylee Hensler might not be Miss Popular, but there are some friends a girl can do without. When the decaying ghost of a murdered girl decides they need to be total BFF’s, Kaylee will sacrifice the trust of her family, her swim coach’s respect, and any hope of a date for the Harvest Dance.
And oh yeah… discover that super-evil entities are nothing at all like they are on TV or in the movies Aside from seriously bad attitudes, they not only like to kill…but replay the killing again and again for all eternity. To avoid that fate, she’ll have to rely on her wheelchair-bound friend Davey, the mysterious Madame Maggie, and the surprising depth of her own power.
Will Kaylee survive, or will she become someone else's Dead Friend Forever?
And oh yeah… discover that super-evil entities are nothing at all like they are on TV or in the movies Aside from seriously bad attitudes, they not only like to kill…but replay the killing again and again for all eternity. To avoid that fate, she’ll have to rely on her wheelchair-bound friend Davey, the mysterious Madame Maggie, and the surprising depth of her own power.
Will Kaylee survive, or will she become someone else's Dead Friend Forever?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
34 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Turner
15 books17 followersBorn blonde and Polish, Jennifer Turner writes action adventure thrillers and romances. She resides in Wisconsin with her husband Eddie, a red-headed Texan, and her three children, Dustin, Molly and Matthew. Raised by an eclectic assortment of artists and musicians, her upbringing helped shape and hone her imagination and dedication to the romantic arts. Between her commitments to family and writing, she actively pursues three things-white chocolate, dark chocolate, and more chocolate.
~*~
I grew up half a block from the Wisconsin River. My life has been defined by fresh-water summers and a North Woods flavor that can be found nowhere on Earth as it is in the north of Wisconsin. I love escaping electricity and the hustle and bustle of workaday life by camping under the stars. Many of my most favorite memories happened in the water or in the woods. There is only one thing that makes me feel remotely the same: chocolate!
~*~
I grew up half a block from the Wisconsin River. My life has been defined by fresh-water summers and a North Woods flavor that can be found nowhere on Earth as it is in the north of Wisconsin. I love escaping electricity and the hustle and bustle of workaday life by camping under the stars. Many of my most favorite memories happened in the water or in the woods. There is only one thing that makes me feel remotely the same: chocolate!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 13, 2011
Speed Review: Nerve-wracking and blood-pumping are tame words to describe The Reader's experience while delving into Dead Friends Forever. Saturated with creepy supernatural elements like earthbound ghosts and dark entities, grim mysteries and suspicious deaths, and chilling circumstances, this novel has a very spooky and thrilling air. Slowly discover the truth of long ago alongside Kaylee, the heroine, a seemingly average girl with a 'headshrinker' of a father and an overwhelming mother, as she comes into her own abilities and as she fights for the freedom of a young ghost girl imprisoned by evil.
In-Depth Review for the Curious Reader: *Note: The following review is not a strictly spoiler-free review. You've been warned.* My heart's still pounding; my pulse was drumming so loudly I could hear it so clearly. One word for this book would have to be intense. While I secretly say that I'm not very much into the horror/thriller/mystery type of books, I'm so lying. I love the little thrill, that dark edge you get when you finish a book that fits into those categories. My problem... well, I'm a scaredy cat. I'm easily frightened. So, I was a bit skeptical coming into this book. But, man, what a book DFF turned out to be!
Honestly, I never expected to thoroughly enjoy this book or become so absorbed in it. It was a pleasant shock. Reading as Kaylee dug for the truth, as she struggled to deal with all the trouble helping a ghost brought to her, I became more and more invested in the story. In the beginning, Kaylee is just your pretty average girl, one who's in love with skating, hates math homework, and enjoys swimming and the competitiveness of it. And all because of these sexist teenage male pigs who claim all rights to the skating park unjustly so, Kaylee is forced to enter a haunted house as a kind of 'initiation'. Then, pardon the cliche, but her world gets turned upside down: Kaylee encounters her first ghost!
And this ghost is not just your average pale-skinned, dark-eyed earthbound spirit. No, no. This ghost has the skin-crawling, spine-chilling effect down pat with her decaying skin and dark eyes brimming with black fluid that appears to be blood. I nearly jumped out of my skin the moment I read that! And from then on, Kaylee gets no peace of mind. I could do nothing but sympathize with the poor girl! All this girl wanted was to be able to skate when she wanted, attract boys, do well in school and in swimming, and find a date for the Harvest Dance. And that no longer becomes an option, when the aforementioned earthbound spirit starts popping up at random, spooking the hell out of her...and me!
But, I have to admit, Kaylee was a pretty strong heroine, especially being that she had never dealt with anything paranormal in her life. I've had my share of supernatural experiences in old houses and so forth, and let me say they are not pleasant. But reading as Kaylee saw this ghost with such vivid clarity was enough to have me shaking down to the marrow! Plus her getting tossed around and abused by a dark entity wasn't much fun either! That's where the intense word comes in. As for the other characters, I loved Davey! I also empathize with the poor guy but I loved how supportive he was of Kaylee, how loyal and sweet. A true best friend to the core. Watching him endure his temporary paralysis was heartbreaking, seeing as he wanted to help Kaylee so much when things got so huge throughout the plot.
Kaylee's parents really grated on my nerves! Considering how well they thought they knew their daughter, you'd think that they'd try harder to help Kaylee instead of constantly offering a psychoanalysis. And then I just got more ticked off when they didn't believe their daughter's story when she finally decides to tell them what the heck's going on. How anyone can make up such an elaborate story to explain all that's happened seems pretty impossible to me. So the fact that Kaylee's parents didn't even try to give the notion that maybe Kaylee was telling the truth a try angered me. Aren't you supposed to believe your child before anyone and everything else, even when it seems irrational? Especially when said child is clearly scared and earnestly seeking comfort?
A few characters I wish I would've gotten to know more were characters like T.J. and Will. More particularly T.J. being that he was friends with both Kaylee and Davey. I would've like to seen him a bit more fleshed out like the two main characters.
But the two aspects of the novel which captivated me the most was the plot and the ending! Both were thoroughly done, well-written, and flowed very well! I ached for the ghost-girl, Isabelle, who had been cruelly murdered so long ago, had dealt with so much pain, loss, and fear. As Kaylee slowly unraveled the big mystery behind Isabelle's death and killer, I couldn't help but get engrossed in her quest and findings. Then, toward the end when everything comes together, it was rewarding and exciting to see all the pieces slide into place, if not terrifying! And watching Kaylee come into her power was the best part of all!
Since it ended...well, sort of sadly, I'm eager to get to the next installment! I want to see how Kaylee is going to deal with her new abilities regarding the dead, how she'll get together with her best friend again. I miss Davey already, for crying out loud! Luckily for me, I have access to the second book. Watch out for my thoughts on School's Out 4-ever coming up!
First Line:
"The frigid concrete step froze Kaylee right through her jeans."
Thanks for reading!
In-Depth Review for the Curious Reader: *Note: The following review is not a strictly spoiler-free review. You've been warned.* My heart's still pounding; my pulse was drumming so loudly I could hear it so clearly. One word for this book would have to be intense. While I secretly say that I'm not very much into the horror/thriller/mystery type of books, I'm so lying. I love the little thrill, that dark edge you get when you finish a book that fits into those categories. My problem... well, I'm a scaredy cat. I'm easily frightened. So, I was a bit skeptical coming into this book. But, man, what a book DFF turned out to be!
Honestly, I never expected to thoroughly enjoy this book or become so absorbed in it. It was a pleasant shock. Reading as Kaylee dug for the truth, as she struggled to deal with all the trouble helping a ghost brought to her, I became more and more invested in the story. In the beginning, Kaylee is just your pretty average girl, one who's in love with skating, hates math homework, and enjoys swimming and the competitiveness of it. And all because of these sexist teenage male pigs who claim all rights to the skating park unjustly so, Kaylee is forced to enter a haunted house as a kind of 'initiation'. Then, pardon the cliche, but her world gets turned upside down: Kaylee encounters her first ghost!
And this ghost is not just your average pale-skinned, dark-eyed earthbound spirit. No, no. This ghost has the skin-crawling, spine-chilling effect down pat with her decaying skin and dark eyes brimming with black fluid that appears to be blood. I nearly jumped out of my skin the moment I read that! And from then on, Kaylee gets no peace of mind. I could do nothing but sympathize with the poor girl! All this girl wanted was to be able to skate when she wanted, attract boys, do well in school and in swimming, and find a date for the Harvest Dance. And that no longer becomes an option, when the aforementioned earthbound spirit starts popping up at random, spooking the hell out of her...and me!
But, I have to admit, Kaylee was a pretty strong heroine, especially being that she had never dealt with anything paranormal in her life. I've had my share of supernatural experiences in old houses and so forth, and let me say they are not pleasant. But reading as Kaylee saw this ghost with such vivid clarity was enough to have me shaking down to the marrow! Plus her getting tossed around and abused by a dark entity wasn't much fun either! That's where the intense word comes in. As for the other characters, I loved Davey! I also empathize with the poor guy but I loved how supportive he was of Kaylee, how loyal and sweet. A true best friend to the core. Watching him endure his temporary paralysis was heartbreaking, seeing as he wanted to help Kaylee so much when things got so huge throughout the plot.
Kaylee's parents really grated on my nerves! Considering how well they thought they knew their daughter, you'd think that they'd try harder to help Kaylee instead of constantly offering a psychoanalysis. And then I just got more ticked off when they didn't believe their daughter's story when she finally decides to tell them what the heck's going on. How anyone can make up such an elaborate story to explain all that's happened seems pretty impossible to me. So the fact that Kaylee's parents didn't even try to give the notion that maybe Kaylee was telling the truth a try angered me. Aren't you supposed to believe your child before anyone and everything else, even when it seems irrational? Especially when said child is clearly scared and earnestly seeking comfort?
A few characters I wish I would've gotten to know more were characters like T.J. and Will. More particularly T.J. being that he was friends with both Kaylee and Davey. I would've like to seen him a bit more fleshed out like the two main characters.
But the two aspects of the novel which captivated me the most was the plot and the ending! Both were thoroughly done, well-written, and flowed very well! I ached for the ghost-girl, Isabelle, who had been cruelly murdered so long ago, had dealt with so much pain, loss, and fear. As Kaylee slowly unraveled the big mystery behind Isabelle's death and killer, I couldn't help but get engrossed in her quest and findings. Then, toward the end when everything comes together, it was rewarding and exciting to see all the pieces slide into place, if not terrifying! And watching Kaylee come into her power was the best part of all!
Since it ended...well, sort of sadly, I'm eager to get to the next installment! I want to see how Kaylee is going to deal with her new abilities regarding the dead, how she'll get together with her best friend again. I miss Davey already, for crying out loud! Luckily for me, I have access to the second book. Watch out for my thoughts on School's Out 4-ever coming up!
First Line:
"The frigid concrete step froze Kaylee right through her jeans."
Thanks for reading!
March 2, 2011
Dead Friends Forever begins with Kaylee Hensler agreeing to go through an “initiation” in order to get a group of thugs off her back and let her skate where she wants without hassling her. Kaylee doesn’t believe in ghosts, so going into the supposedly haunted Larson house should be a piece of cake. Right? Apparently not. Stepping into that house changes Kaylee forever as she desperately tries to uncover the secrets surrounding a young girl’s murder. But Kaylee’s own life is being affected – how is she supposed to explain the mess she’s in without her parents carting her off to the psych ward?
I really enjoyed DFF; I love ghost stories (when they’re not too scary :P) and DFF was a great mixture of paranormal and mystery. Kaylee was a very strong heroine and I was impressed with the resolve she showed throughout the book – she went through a lot of things any other teenager would have failed to cope with, but despite her doubts, and despite questioning her own sanity at times, Kaylee made it through and held a fierce determination that I haven’t seen much in YA today. DFF, though obviously aimed at a teenage audience, had a very mature tone at times in which I felt allowed us to really get inside Kaylee’s head and understand her personality. I really liked the ending of DFF because it wasn’t something you’d usually expect from a book written for young teenagers, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
Davey was a great friend to Kaylee, and a great character too. He believed Kaylee even when what she was saying sounded like crazy talk, and he helped her out as much as possible, loyally staying by her side and defending her when people started to spread rumours. I loved reading about the interaction between them both, and I suspect that maybe something might happen between the two in the future...though it’ll probably end up turning into something complicated knowing Kaylee’s luck. One of my favourite scenes in the book was when Kaylee and Davey went to visit Madame Maggie’s and got a tarot card reading. We got to find out a bit more about Isabelle, the girl who was murdered, and the kind of things Kaylee would have to face in order to help her. Maggie was also a very interesting character who knew a lot about the ghostly happenings that had been going on, a turned out to be a very helpful.
One character I wish we got to know more about was Will. He seemed to be different from all of the other boys in Jimmy’s gang, but he was only really in the first half of the book, and remained a bit of a mystery. Another character that intrigued me was Raphael. He was literally there only for a page or two but I have a feeling he’ll be back, and will be vital to the plot. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Kaylee’s parents were probably the only characters in the book I really didn’t like (even Winfield was better!), due to the fact they were so obsessive and clueless as to what was going on with their own daughter. I loved the scenes that featured Kaylee and her parents, however, because apart from revealing that they didn’t understand Kaylee half as much as thought they did, we got to see a more emotional side to Kaylee, and we could see how the lies were really getting to her. She was upset that she had to hide the truth from her parents, but angry that they didn’t trust her, and I think this definitely made us more empathetic with her and made her seem more real and believable.
Overall, DFF was an exciting page-turner that I couldn’t put down. The end leaves you in suspense a little, so I’m eager to get my hands on the second book to find out what’s next in store for Kaylee. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a thrilling paranormal read.
I really enjoyed DFF; I love ghost stories (when they’re not too scary :P) and DFF was a great mixture of paranormal and mystery. Kaylee was a very strong heroine and I was impressed with the resolve she showed throughout the book – she went through a lot of things any other teenager would have failed to cope with, but despite her doubts, and despite questioning her own sanity at times, Kaylee made it through and held a fierce determination that I haven’t seen much in YA today. DFF, though obviously aimed at a teenage audience, had a very mature tone at times in which I felt allowed us to really get inside Kaylee’s head and understand her personality. I really liked the ending of DFF because it wasn’t something you’d usually expect from a book written for young teenagers, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
Davey was a great friend to Kaylee, and a great character too. He believed Kaylee even when what she was saying sounded like crazy talk, and he helped her out as much as possible, loyally staying by her side and defending her when people started to spread rumours. I loved reading about the interaction between them both, and I suspect that maybe something might happen between the two in the future...though it’ll probably end up turning into something complicated knowing Kaylee’s luck. One of my favourite scenes in the book was when Kaylee and Davey went to visit Madame Maggie’s and got a tarot card reading. We got to find out a bit more about Isabelle, the girl who was murdered, and the kind of things Kaylee would have to face in order to help her. Maggie was also a very interesting character who knew a lot about the ghostly happenings that had been going on, a turned out to be a very helpful.
One character I wish we got to know more about was Will. He seemed to be different from all of the other boys in Jimmy’s gang, but he was only really in the first half of the book, and remained a bit of a mystery. Another character that intrigued me was Raphael. He was literally there only for a page or two but I have a feeling he’ll be back, and will be vital to the plot. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Kaylee’s parents were probably the only characters in the book I really didn’t like (even Winfield was better!), due to the fact they were so obsessive and clueless as to what was going on with their own daughter. I loved the scenes that featured Kaylee and her parents, however, because apart from revealing that they didn’t understand Kaylee half as much as thought they did, we got to see a more emotional side to Kaylee, and we could see how the lies were really getting to her. She was upset that she had to hide the truth from her parents, but angry that they didn’t trust her, and I think this definitely made us more empathetic with her and made her seem more real and believable.
Overall, DFF was an exciting page-turner that I couldn’t put down. The end leaves you in suspense a little, so I’m eager to get my hands on the second book to find out what’s next in store for Kaylee. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a thrilling paranormal read.
April 25, 2011
This is a suspenseful and scary ghost story aimed at ages 12-15 years old. Fourteen-year-old Kaylee isn't really interested in boys yet, she likes sport and skating and hanging with her best friend Davey, so from this angle I feel it its aimed at the younger teen market but the murdering ghost scenes can really get quite scary so I wouldn't read it while you are alone in the house at night! As I understand, Kaylee gets older in the books that follow and she begins to mature and the consequences she faces get worse. Kaylee's powers also increase and she becomes entangled in a love triangle! This, I am rather intrigued about!
As well as having to deal with a ghost and her murderer, Kaylee still has normal teen issues to deal with, homework, school bullies, swim training and annoying parents. What I liked most about DFF is that Kaylee had to face the consequences, which is unlike a lot of other books. Kaylee's parents, the police and her teachers all take notice of the weird behaviour and situations she ends up in. How is she supposed to explain digging up a grave to the police? What about why she simultaneously opened every locker at school and ransacked everyone's belongings? Oh yeah, the ghost did it! This just doesn't fly and Kaylee's life takes some unfortunate turns other than just having a ghost follow her around. And how on earth do you explain to your psychologist father that you just saw a ghost when he is intent on psycho-analysing everything you do and say?
I would recommend this for those who like paranormal scary stories and for slightly older fans of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps.
As well as having to deal with a ghost and her murderer, Kaylee still has normal teen issues to deal with, homework, school bullies, swim training and annoying parents. What I liked most about DFF is that Kaylee had to face the consequences, which is unlike a lot of other books. Kaylee's parents, the police and her teachers all take notice of the weird behaviour and situations she ends up in. How is she supposed to explain digging up a grave to the police? What about why she simultaneously opened every locker at school and ransacked everyone's belongings? Oh yeah, the ghost did it! This just doesn't fly and Kaylee's life takes some unfortunate turns other than just having a ghost follow her around. And how on earth do you explain to your psychologist father that you just saw a ghost when he is intent on psycho-analysing everything you do and say?
I would recommend this for those who like paranormal scary stories and for slightly older fans of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps.
May 24, 2011
I loved Kaylee; she was such a regular girl caught in such extraordinary circumstances. I always think that makes for the best kind of thriller -- some random person called upon to do amazing things. Will she be up to the task? Will her parents believe her? Will her best friend continue to help her?
The great thing about author J. R. Turner is that, in DFF: Dead Friends Forever she really does keep you guessing. This haunted house story really keeps you on your toes wondering how Kaylee -- who seems woefully under-prepared for the task -- will survive, let alone free Isabelle from her ghostly torment. The resolution was thrilling and I particularly look forward to what happens when Kaylee gets to Barclay Hall.
This was a fast-paced supernatural tale that starts with a bang and never lets up. From the minute Kaylee is dared to go into that haunted house, her troubles start and never let up. How she resolves them, for better or worse, is what elevates DFF from the average "ghost story."
Why? Because there's nothing "average" about it!
The great thing about author J. R. Turner is that, in DFF: Dead Friends Forever she really does keep you guessing. This haunted house story really keeps you on your toes wondering how Kaylee -- who seems woefully under-prepared for the task -- will survive, let alone free Isabelle from her ghostly torment. The resolution was thrilling and I particularly look forward to what happens when Kaylee gets to Barclay Hall.
This was a fast-paced supernatural tale that starts with a bang and never lets up. From the minute Kaylee is dared to go into that haunted house, her troubles start and never let up. How she resolves them, for better or worse, is what elevates DFF from the average "ghost story."
Why? Because there's nothing "average" about it!
December 15, 2010
I quite enjoyed this young reader novel by J.R. Turner. “Dead Friends Forever” is well written, with a great storyline and just enough ghostly adventure to chill a timid soul! Descriptions of the environment and characters are well written and just long enough for you to grasp the images the author desired, in the young reader’s novel, “Dead Friends Forever“.
“Dead Friends Forever” by J.R. Turner is a wonderful tale, with glimpses of teen angst, problems with parents and ghostly appearances. The resultant chaos all make for a great young reader novel!
I received this ebook for free to review from Librarything. I am a member of Librarything, Goodreads, Book Divas and the Penguin Book Club.
D Bettenson
“Dead Friends Forever” by J.R. Turner is a wonderful tale, with glimpses of teen angst, problems with parents and ghostly appearances. The resultant chaos all make for a great young reader novel!
I received this ebook for free to review from Librarything. I am a member of Librarything, Goodreads, Book Divas and the Penguin Book Club.
D Bettenson
November 3, 2008
Extreme Hauntings #1 from Quake
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews