What do you think?
Rate this book
Deadly Cool #2
Killer Looks
Twittercide [twit-er-sahyd]: the killing of one human being by another while the victim is in the act of tweeting.
Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the Herbert Hoover High Homepage would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper’s brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went... a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the Homecoming Queen-hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH’s resident body finder, I’m stuck trying to prove that Sydney’s death wasn’t suicide.
I’m starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos...
Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the Herbert Hoover High Homepage would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper’s brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went... a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the Homecoming Queen-hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH’s resident body finder, I’m stuck trying to prove that Sydney’s death wasn’t suicide.
I’m starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos...
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2012
63 people are currently reading
3599 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
95 books1,893 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
April 18, 2012
Think you've heard it all? Think again! Twittercide... Death by Twitter? Not the worst way to go I suppose... *Eyes her Twitter suspiciously*
Yep, she is at it again; finding dead bodies is basically a regular pastime for our dear old Hartley. I adored her in Deadly Cool; she's still a fantastic protagonist in this sequel and I continue to love her attitude. Regardless of her wit, though, we clearly see some more maturity in her character. She is clever in her cunning ways, and knows when to stand her ground without becoming whiny. Her friends Sam and Chase come along for the ride as well. Like Deadly Cool, the side characters show as much charisma as Hartley herself. Likewise, the mother/daughter relationship is one I am truly enjoying in this series. Trying out online dating, her mom putting herself out there in the dating world, but Hartley kinda finds it gross. Not only is this a realistic portrayal of teenage behavior, it gets downright amusing.
As usual, you can expect plenty of humorous quips and crazy antics in this sequel. This aspect still remains my favorite part of the series. I did find Deadly Cool a tad more laugh-out-loud funny than this one, but I may simply be getting more used to the narration so that I'm not as shocked by her remarks. Regardless, Hartley's attitude cracks me up, and even though I was able to predict a good chunk of this novel, its entertainment value does not falter. It's a story you can easily plow through and highly enjoy without effort.
Romance does make a small appearance in this one as well. Much as the first, it's mainly by dropped hints and awkward moments. To me this is even more fun than a lust-filled novel, or worse - the always cringe-worthy insta-love. Teenage romance is complicated and, in most cases, embarrassing. Halliday is spot on when it comes to this notion.
Another delightful mystery with refreshing priceless humor; Social Suicide is yet again a fun filled break from reality.
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
Yep, she is at it again; finding dead bodies is basically a regular pastime for our dear old Hartley. I adored her in Deadly Cool; she's still a fantastic protagonist in this sequel and I continue to love her attitude. Regardless of her wit, though, we clearly see some more maturity in her character. She is clever in her cunning ways, and knows when to stand her ground without becoming whiny. Her friends Sam and Chase come along for the ride as well. Like Deadly Cool, the side characters show as much charisma as Hartley herself. Likewise, the mother/daughter relationship is one I am truly enjoying in this series. Trying out online dating, her mom putting herself out there in the dating world, but Hartley kinda finds it gross. Not only is this a realistic portrayal of teenage behavior, it gets downright amusing.
As usual, you can expect plenty of humorous quips and crazy antics in this sequel. This aspect still remains my favorite part of the series. I did find Deadly Cool a tad more laugh-out-loud funny than this one, but I may simply be getting more used to the narration so that I'm not as shocked by her remarks. Regardless, Hartley's attitude cracks me up, and even though I was able to predict a good chunk of this novel, its entertainment value does not falter. It's a story you can easily plow through and highly enjoy without effort.
Romance does make a small appearance in this one as well. Much as the first, it's mainly by dropped hints and awkward moments. To me this is even more fun than a lust-filled novel, or worse - the always cringe-worthy insta-love. Teenage romance is complicated and, in most cases, embarrassing. Halliday is spot on when it comes to this notion.
Another delightful mystery with refreshing priceless humor; Social Suicide is yet again a fun filled break from reality.
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
March 28, 2012
So fluffy and fun, it's ridiculous. :) Review to come!
March 20, 2015
'Oh, fantastic amounts of fluffin' fudge.' ;))
This book is hilarious!
In fact there are no words to describe how much I enjoyed this book and how my face hurt from so much laughing. I don’t think there is one page in the whole book without a tiny little joke.
So, before starting to learn how to say 'hilarious' in at least 7 different languages, I will tell you what I liked about this book (and then, maybe you’ll tell the word for ‘hilarious’ in your language, and I’ll get to skip using google translate, LOL).
1. This story is as great and as funny as the first one!
Yes, you might realize that I gave both books 4 stars ratings, but the truth is that they are both amazingly funny. The only reason I didn’t give them 5 stars is because the story is as unrealistic as it can be – I said it before, you just don’t go asking people if they killed or not someone and then believe them when they say they didn’t, LOL!
Still, if you are looking for a book that could make you laugh until your stomach hurts.. well this series is perfect for you.
2. The main character
Hartley is the most incredibly funny character in the world.
"Say 'feathers'," she said snapping a photo.
She is witty, and cute, and charmingly sweet when she is in love, and a very best friend. I loved her relation with all the characters (her friend Sam, our cute boy Chase, her mother, the detective and probably everyone else). Her sarcasm made me laugh out loud too many times to count and her assumptions regarding Chase turned into so many cute moments that I enjoyed enormously.
3. The best friend
Did I tell you how I liked their friendship? Did I? Sam is the cutest friend ever, she is one of a kind. I loved how she gave Hartley hopes that Chase might like her, how they picked up clothes for different ‘dates’, how they got into trouble together and then out of them. She is cute, and funny, and a bit silly but in some sort of sweet way.
4. The cute guy
I liked Chase in the first book and I liked him in Social Suicide too, as mysterious as he might still be after all this time. Even though they’ve taken a step back from the first book, you can really tell that they like each other (not that he shows it that much; but the way Hartley thinks of him and the way she interprets the things he says or does, more with Sam’s help, it’s simply priceless). Also, I like it when a relationship doesn’t take over the action – so if you are looking for romance, this might not be the book for you; but if you are looking for the cuteness before actual romance then you might love this story.
5. The mother
Oh boy, the relationship between Hartley and her mother was the one that made me laugh probably the most. I loved all the scenes involving her mother and our pretty girl. You coud see that they cared for each other, but the sarcasm was always present making me adore every scene with the two of them.
6. The killer
I did know who that person was (well I was just one step ahead and a few pages, but still) and it was interesting to see our beloved characters trying to figure out what happened. I am not saying much about the ‘twittercide’ because I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but even though the revelation didn’t impress me much, the journey was the one that counted. And the journey was full of happy hurting-bellies-and-cheeks kind of moments.
Conclusion:
This is one of my favorite series. Everytime I want to laugh a bit I just pick up one of these books and read a few pages; it gets my mood up in no time and it puts a big smile on my face that lasts for hours.
This review can also be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com
____________________________________________
Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________
This book is hilarious!
In fact there are no words to describe how much I enjoyed this book and how my face hurt from so much laughing. I don’t think there is one page in the whole book without a tiny little joke.
So, before starting to learn how to say 'hilarious' in at least 7 different languages, I will tell you what I liked about this book (and then, maybe you’ll tell the word for ‘hilarious’ in your language, and I’ll get to skip using google translate, LOL).
1. This story is as great and as funny as the first one!
Yes, you might realize that I gave both books 4 stars ratings, but the truth is that they are both amazingly funny. The only reason I didn’t give them 5 stars is because the story is as unrealistic as it can be – I said it before, you just don’t go asking people if they killed or not someone and then believe them when they say they didn’t, LOL!
Still, if you are looking for a book that could make you laugh until your stomach hurts.. well this series is perfect for you.
“The first thing I did was run.
Okay, actually the first thing I did was scream, lose my balance, flail my arms in the air like some kind of uncoordinated bird, then slide down the side of the tree and land on my butt.
Then I ran.”
2. The main character
Hartley is the most incredibly funny character in the world.
"Say 'feathers'," she said snapping a photo.
She is witty, and cute, and charmingly sweet when she is in love, and a very best friend. I loved her relation with all the characters (her friend Sam, our cute boy Chase, her mother, the detective and probably everyone else). Her sarcasm made me laugh out loud too many times to count and her assumptions regarding Chase turned into so many cute moments that I enjoyed enormously.
3. The best friend
Did I tell you how I liked their friendship? Did I? Sam is the cutest friend ever, she is one of a kind. I loved how she gave Hartley hopes that Chase might like her, how they picked up clothes for different ‘dates’, how they got into trouble together and then out of them. She is cute, and funny, and a bit silly but in some sort of sweet way.
4. The cute guy
I liked Chase in the first book and I liked him in Social Suicide too, as mysterious as he might still be after all this time. Even though they’ve taken a step back from the first book, you can really tell that they like each other (not that he shows it that much; but the way Hartley thinks of him and the way she interprets the things he says or does, more with Sam’s help, it’s simply priceless). Also, I like it when a relationship doesn’t take over the action – so if you are looking for romance, this might not be the book for you; but if you are looking for the cuteness before actual romance then you might love this story.
5. The mother
Oh boy, the relationship between Hartley and her mother was the one that made me laugh probably the most. I loved all the scenes involving her mother and our pretty girl. You coud see that they cared for each other, but the sarcasm was always present making me adore every scene with the two of them.
6. The killer
I did know who that person was (well I was just one step ahead and a few pages, but still) and it was interesting to see our beloved characters trying to figure out what happened. I am not saying much about the ‘twittercide’ because I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but even though the revelation didn’t impress me much, the journey was the one that counted. And the journey was full of happy hurting-bellies-and-cheeks kind of moments.
Conclusion:
This is one of my favorite series. Everytime I want to laugh a bit I just pick up one of these books and read a few pages; it gets my mood up in no time and it puts a big smile on my face that lasts for hours.
This review can also be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com
____________________________________________
Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________
October 18, 2012
2.5 stars
Ehhhhhhhh.
The Good
Hartley and Chase have super-cute chemistry.
And some of Hartley's inner monologue is funny. Usually the stuff involving Chase...which brings us back to the super-cute chemistry thing.
The Not So Good
I get that for this to be a murder/mystery, someone has to die. I also get that our intrepid heroine needs to be involved in the resolution of said murder. What I don't get is why the author couldn't come up with some reason for Hartley to be 'on the case' that was within the realm of reality.
Nothing that Hartley did was remotely smart or clever. Starting with finding (yet another) dead body and then lying to the police about why she was there. For no good reason. I mean, if it would have made her look like a suspect to tell them that she was meeting the girl to get information about who was selling test answers, then I would understand. But purposely lying, and saying that she 'just happened to be walking by her house'? Why would she do that?
Of course, now she has to investigate this crime on her own, because the police think it was a suicide...right?
Hmmm. Maybe if you hadn't withheld information, they would be willing to investigate it!
Idiot.
And that was the running theme for the entire book. Hartley being a dumbass for the sake of being a dumbass.
She sneaks out of the house (again) in the middle of the night (again) to meet an anonymous informant (again) in a deserted place (again). Now remember, the last time she did this someone tried to burn her alive. Does she have short-term memory loss or something?
Overall Thoughts
It was still a cute read, but the plot is contrived and ridiculous.
Does that make sense?
No?
Huh.
Well, neither does the story.
Ehhhhhhhh.
The Good
Hartley and Chase have super-cute chemistry.
And some of Hartley's inner monologue is funny. Usually the stuff involving Chase...which brings us back to the super-cute chemistry thing.
The Not So Good
I get that for this to be a murder/mystery, someone has to die. I also get that our intrepid heroine needs to be involved in the resolution of said murder. What I don't get is why the author couldn't come up with some reason for Hartley to be 'on the case' that was within the realm of reality.
Nothing that Hartley did was remotely smart or clever. Starting with finding (yet another) dead body and then lying to the police about why she was there. For no good reason. I mean, if it would have made her look like a suspect to tell them that she was meeting the girl to get information about who was selling test answers, then I would understand. But purposely lying, and saying that she 'just happened to be walking by her house'? Why would she do that?
Of course, now she has to investigate this crime on her own, because the police think it was a suicide...right?
Hmmm. Maybe if you hadn't withheld information, they would be willing to investigate it!
Idiot.
And that was the running theme for the entire book. Hartley being a dumbass for the sake of being a dumbass.
She sneaks out of the house (again) in the middle of the night (again) to meet an anonymous informant (again) in a deserted place (again). Now remember, the last time she did this someone tried to burn her alive. Does she have short-term memory loss or something?
Overall Thoughts
It was still a cute read, but the plot is contrived and ridiculous.
Does that make sense?
No?
Huh.
Well, neither does the story.
April 30, 2012
The second book in the Deadly Cool series features all of the fun humor and mystery I enjoyed in the first installment. And by all, I mean freaking ALL of the same things I enjoyed before.
This story followed a very, VERY close formula to the first (LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD):
- Girl is found dead.
- Hartley takes it upon herself to prove girl was murdered.
- Hartley comes up with lots of bad ideas and lies to adults AND authorities.
- Inconsequential flirting with Chase.
- More people get hurt.
- Hartley continues to be a very bad detective.
- Hartley ends up in life-threatening danger.
There's nothing wrong with that formula. I actually think it's charming that Hartley's a crappy detective. She has spunk and determination instead of unrealistic super-spy(!) gifts, so it adds more tension to the plot. Alas, a lot of the tension from this plot was removed because it was so similar to the first book.
I don't regret reading Social Suicide. The understated, often horribly AWKWARD romance is a refreshing change in the YA genre, and Hartley's ability to stay alive despite her childlike incompetence keeps the narrative rolling at an easy-to-read pace. I just hope that the third book either grows on the existing formula or changes it. Times are tough, and I don't have the disposable income to read the same book three or four times. That's right. This review just got ECONOMIED!
This story followed a very, VERY close formula to the first (LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD):
- Girl is found dead.
- Hartley takes it upon herself to prove girl was murdered.
- Hartley comes up with lots of bad ideas and lies to adults AND authorities.
- Inconsequential flirting with Chase.
- More people get hurt.
- Hartley continues to be a very bad detective.
- Hartley ends up in life-threatening danger.
There's nothing wrong with that formula. I actually think it's charming that Hartley's a crappy detective. She has spunk and determination instead of unrealistic super-spy(!) gifts, so it adds more tension to the plot. Alas, a lot of the tension from this plot was removed because it was so similar to the first book.
I don't regret reading Social Suicide. The understated, often horribly AWKWARD romance is a refreshing change in the YA genre, and Hartley's ability to stay alive despite her childlike incompetence keeps the narrative rolling at an easy-to-read pace. I just hope that the third book either grows on the existing formula or changes it. Times are tough, and I don't have the disposable income to read the same book three or four times. That's right. This review just got ECONOMIED!
April 17, 2013
Social Suicide was as predictable as Deadly Cool , from the first page itself we had an idea who the killer was...so in the mystery department this book deserves maximum 3 stars. But I'll give it 4 for the narration, its just so hilarious.
I love love love the characters! Hartley, Sam and Chase have to be one of the coolest trio. All of them are so funny, sensible and stupid at the same time.
And holy fluffin' fluff Chase is H-O-T, I totally have a crush on that guy, plus Hartley and his developing love-story is off the charts cute. Although I'm a little disappointed that he didn't have much role in this installment as compared to the first one. :sad face:
There is nothing much to the story, like its predecessor. These books, in my opinion should not be judged too seriously..these are just for time-pass and upping your mood. Some random person dies and the three of them start investigating and in the end the killer is revealed in a very foreseen manner but really, I couldn't care less about the mystery if these books keep on to be so much fun.
Even though the killer is right before our eyes from the moment the murder is committed, I will continue to read this series just because I love Gemma Halliday's writing. :D
P.S. Hartley, there is NOTHING wrong with Classic Rock!
I love love love the characters! Hartley, Sam and Chase have to be one of the coolest trio. All of them are so funny, sensible and stupid at the same time.
And holy fluffin' fluff Chase is H-O-T, I totally have a crush on that guy, plus Hartley and his developing love-story is off the charts cute. Although I'm a little disappointed that he didn't have much role in this installment as compared to the first one. :sad face:
There is nothing much to the story, like its predecessor. These books, in my opinion should not be judged too seriously..these are just for time-pass and upping your mood. Some random person dies and the three of them start investigating and in the end the killer is revealed in a very foreseen manner but really, I couldn't care less about the mystery if these books keep on to be so much fun.
Even though the killer is right before our eyes from the moment the murder is committed, I will continue to read this series just because I love Gemma Halliday's writing. :D
P.S. Hartley, there is NOTHING wrong with Classic Rock!
April 26, 2012
Anything by Gemma Halliday's always ridiculous fun, I've read a couple of her High Heels books and the first installment in this series, Deadly Cool, but Social Suicide is just on another level. There are plenty of sassy girl detectives, I mean there's an entire genre around them, reporters, interior decorators, dogwalkers, plus-sized innkeepers, confectionary shop owners, White House chefs, well, you get the picture, but Hartley Featherstone has them all beat in terms of sassy fun.
Seriously, when she's pulling all her punches, puns, snide comments, random observations, even I'm snickering and I'm a guy. I can't think of any other time I've been as entertained by a character discovering someone strangled by a pair of iPod earbuds - ever, and although the murder in this book isn't nearly as over the top, Hartley's ramped up and even more hilarious one liners more than compensate. I don't know how Halliday does it, but Hartley's as sharp, irreverent, witty, and hits all the stereotypes as ever, delivering her remarks in that breezy way she does best. Smile dropping faster than a football player's GPA? A car so beat up she's 99% sure the muffler's just for decoration? Awesome. Just skip over the math teacher's bad puns - discreet as a set of real numbers? Nah, it's discrete (engineer, we're really picky about that one).
If you've read Deadly Cool like me, you'll be even more pleased that Sam and the green machine are also back for more, and as funny as ever. Unfortunately, you'll also recognize the plot - it's a rehash of the first book (the murder investigation, not the expose on social media or cheating). Girl dies, second victim gets brained by a rock in the dark, Hartley's put in mortal danger at the end and needs rescuing? If Hartley wasn't just so much fun and I wasn't so distracted by her mom's hilarious Match.com addiction B-plot, I would've been bored, so I really hope the next book mixes it up a bit. Put Chase or Sam (better yet both) in danger for a change. Make the killer a little less easy to spot maybe (). But don't change Hartley's sass or her pavement pounding gumshoe ways, those are keepers.
Like Hartley herself admits (about an article of hers), this series is light fluff, but excellent, very entertaining, wonderfully character driven light fluff. It's nice to see a good series embrace its cheesiness, because this one's extremely cheesy fun.
Seriously, when she's pulling all her punches, puns, snide comments, random observations, even I'm snickering and I'm a guy. I can't think of any other time I've been as entertained by a character discovering someone strangled by a pair of iPod earbuds - ever, and although the murder in this book isn't nearly as over the top, Hartley's ramped up and even more hilarious one liners more than compensate. I don't know how Halliday does it, but Hartley's as sharp, irreverent, witty, and hits all the stereotypes as ever, delivering her remarks in that breezy way she does best. Smile dropping faster than a football player's GPA? A car so beat up she's 99% sure the muffler's just for decoration? Awesome. Just skip over the math teacher's bad puns - discreet as a set of real numbers? Nah, it's discrete (engineer, we're really picky about that one).
If you've read Deadly Cool like me, you'll be even more pleased that Sam and the green machine are also back for more, and as funny as ever. Unfortunately, you'll also recognize the plot - it's a rehash of the first book (the murder investigation, not the expose on social media or cheating). Girl dies, second victim gets brained by a rock in the dark, Hartley's put in mortal danger at the end and needs rescuing? If Hartley wasn't just so much fun and I wasn't so distracted by her mom's hilarious Match.com addiction B-plot, I would've been bored, so I really hope the next book mixes it up a bit. Put Chase or Sam (better yet both) in danger for a change. Make the killer a little less easy to spot maybe (). But don't change Hartley's sass or her pavement pounding gumshoe ways, those are keepers.
Like Hartley herself admits (about an article of hers), this series is light fluff, but excellent, very entertaining, wonderfully character driven light fluff. It's nice to see a good series embrace its cheesiness, because this one's extremely cheesy fun.
March 9, 2013
This is a rant.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
I can't believe Chase didn't make a move till the end of the book, I mean he was constantly hinting that he liked Hartley, but he just kept on making her appear all awkward by hinting a date that actually wasn't. I mean that scene was like, really awkward. And he didn't even apologize for misleading her. I know I won't ever forgive him for that if I was Hartley. Plus, why did he think Hartley would blame him for the whole thing, and what the hell is "So we're cool?". Huh. The part during homecoming when Chris came finding him also kind of pissed me off, I mean Hartley's in danger, what's so important that you'd go off even if Hartley said you could? A promise is a promise, you can't just leave when you said you'll stay with her the entire time. Although there are some things that I really can't stand (especially the so-called date that's actually a staff meeting.), I still liked this book a lot, it was really fun and all, but could Chase be any more 'slow'? Gosh, sometimes I really wanted to shake him. Well, I guess I liked Deadly Cool better, with all the snarky comments that didn't show up that much in Social Suicide, and with the more exciting plot, I'll still be looking forward to a sequel to Hartley's Nancy Drew adventures.
August 9, 2015
The plot didn't feel as exciting for me but it took me a bit longer to figure out who did it. Really loved the plot and the character and the hints towards romance between some characters. I need more!
April 30, 2020
Sigh... this was such a fun read. I read Deadly Cool in 2019... I think and fell in love with Hartley Featherstone and her best friend Sam Kramer. This is a YA murder mystery with two wholesome teen girls that aren’t all guys and sass. Rating this one a squealing 5 stars!!
In Deadly Cool we meet Hartley...Hart for short and her best friend Samantha...Sam. They are all about GPA and busting bad guys like the Scooby Doo gang. In ‘Deadly Cool’, Hart sneaks into her boyfriends room window after rumors surfaced that the head of the Chastity club entered from the front door. She finds said girl dead in the boyfriend’s closet. At this stage there’s screaming and running and police calling. Across the street stands the house of the head of the newspaper Chase Erikson... who gets involved for a good story.
In this YA duology there is Hartley’s mom who is vegan.... loves her daughter so much she is nicknamed SMother and is always home during regular parent hours... meaning after work. Hartley is not like some teens that practically live alone. We also meet Sam’s brother who drives the Green Machine a car that has been converted to run on old cooking oil, hence the french fry smell when they are driving around. We have involved parents left, right and center. Kids doing kid stuff that is realistic and not too over the top and cliche. What more could you ask for in a light YA murder mystery??
Okay there’s more. There is no insta-love!! Major points for that one. In both books Hartley and gang are trying to solve a murder, but they aren’t stupid about it... well not really. Sam is always concerned with getting caught and not being excepted to Stanford... her dads pick. Hart is always worried about SMother killing her or grounding her for life and Chase... he just wants a good story.
I could literally go on and on. This duology is good for every age. Light, fun, engaging and the twist of the killer is all good stuff. I did figure out the murderer in this second book and the motive, but it was still really fun to read.
In Deadly Cool we meet Hartley...Hart for short and her best friend Samantha...Sam. They are all about GPA and busting bad guys like the Scooby Doo gang. In ‘Deadly Cool’, Hart sneaks into her boyfriends room window after rumors surfaced that the head of the Chastity club entered from the front door. She finds said girl dead in the boyfriend’s closet. At this stage there’s screaming and running and police calling. Across the street stands the house of the head of the newspaper Chase Erikson... who gets involved for a good story.
In this YA duology there is Hartley’s mom who is vegan.... loves her daughter so much she is nicknamed SMother and is always home during regular parent hours... meaning after work. Hartley is not like some teens that practically live alone. We also meet Sam’s brother who drives the Green Machine a car that has been converted to run on old cooking oil, hence the french fry smell when they are driving around. We have involved parents left, right and center. Kids doing kid stuff that is realistic and not too over the top and cliche. What more could you ask for in a light YA murder mystery??
Okay there’s more. There is no insta-love!! Major points for that one. In both books Hartley and gang are trying to solve a murder, but they aren’t stupid about it... well not really. Sam is always concerned with getting caught and not being excepted to Stanford... her dads pick. Hart is always worried about SMother killing her or grounding her for life and Chase... he just wants a good story.
I could literally go on and on. This duology is good for every age. Light, fun, engaging and the twist of the killer is all good stuff. I did figure out the murderer in this second book and the motive, but it was still really fun to read.
December 20, 2022
"Ohmigod. She was killed while tweeting. It was Twittercide!”This book was even better and more amusing than the first installment! I absolutely love Hart's driven and sarcastic personality and I loved how her friendship with Sam played an even larger role in this book. There were great scenes here, that actually made me laugh out loud and even though it wasn't that great a mystery, I wasn't able to deduce who the killer was before the end. And Hart & Chase's relationship is so great! I thought that Chase was a little hot n' cold in this one, kind of leading Hart on though it's clear he cares a lot for her, but the ending made up for that. I'm just sad the author seems to have given up on this series since it's been almost 5 years since the release of this book and there's no sign of the final one, though it has a title and a synopsis. Bummer, because I wanted a proper ending for our characters and a chance to see a little romance between the main leads, especially after what happened at the final scene in this book. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.
October 14, 2017
One of the best things about this series is the friendship between Hartley and Sam. It’s consistent and isn’t one of those annoying plot devices to add drama to the story. This is just, plain and simple, a murder mystery with a hilarious cast of characters with perfect comedic timing. It’s too bad there’s just these two books, since the story felt like there definitely should be a third book.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
June 15, 2021
June 2021:
With the release of the third instalment in the series, I’ve been rereading the first two books. As with Deadly Cool, this book just doesn’t hit the mark for me anymore. Likely big part of that is from naturally maturing in the past nine years, having higher writing standards. But a big chunk of it really does come down to the book itself.
Some of the literary choices I find to be questionable, and it really impacted my enjoyment of the book. It was my main complain for the first book too, but Social Suicide is jam packed with stereotyping, slut shaming, and a hugely unnecessary use of ‘text talk’. The book almost feels satirical in its portrayal of teenagers and how they interact. It’s cringe worthy to read, and makes what should be a light and fun novel at times or rating to read.
A portion of that could be argued away by saying that it’s a book of its time, and as such the vocab and pop culture references may naturally become less relevant. Ironically those elements that I find endearing— 2012 was a time when people did use ‘mental face palming’, ‘IMing’ etc. My previous review should be indication enough, and so I can’t appreciate these moments, in a kind of nostalgic way. (Although I could also argue that a good book is written in such a way that is ages better, but that a whole other topic)
I just cannot understand the choice of writing out texts (which play a decently important role in both the plot and characterisation) as if the book was set in 2002. (And if it is, then make that CLEAR)
If you think I’m exaggerating, see for yourself:
(Social Suicide, Chapter 17)
In 2012 I myself was a 15 year old girl, and I can’t tell you right now that I have never once written ‘Starbucks’ with an asterisk. It actually took me a moment to even decipher this?
I hate writing negatively about things like this, but honestly this kind of abbreviation in messaging pretty much stopped the moment predictive text and autocorrect became widespread. And that predates 2012!
More to come on this when I’ve put together my thoughts on the actual plot!
_
May 2012:
This'll eventually be posted on my blog:
![]()
So.. I'll admit it, I've waited a few days (okay: ten, happy now?) to write this review. 'Why?' I hear you ask.. Because it was sofreakingepicandididn'twanttosoundlikesomementalpersonwhoisobsessedwiththisbookeventhoughireallyreallyambyrantingaboutitforhoursonendwithoutbreathingandendingupfaintingorsomthingequallyweird! And breathe..
'And who is this amazing character?' I hear you ask. Well, only Hartley Grace Featherstone (I bet you forgot her middle name was Grace didn't you?) And I have to say, Hart is not only my all-time favorite Ya character, she also happens to be pretty darn amazing! And did I mention funny? If I remember correctly, I reviewed Deadly Cool --though if I didn't, please shoot me, though 'Goodreadacide'? Doesn't quite have the same ring to it now does it?-- and mentioned Hartley's *mental face palming*.
Let me tell you, there were some major *mental face palm*-moments in Social Suicide; for example: getting invited to a school-newspaper meeting by the school's resident Bad Boy Chase Erickson (umm.. yum, with extra yummyness) and mistake it for a date..
And hello? Even if I didn'tlike love Social Suicide as it is, the fact that Chase was around? Totally would have won me over!
Again I say: yummyness
Over & Out, T xx
With the release of the third instalment in the series, I’ve been rereading the first two books. As with Deadly Cool, this book just doesn’t hit the mark for me anymore. Likely big part of that is from naturally maturing in the past nine years, having higher writing standards. But a big chunk of it really does come down to the book itself.
Some of the literary choices I find to be questionable, and it really impacted my enjoyment of the book. It was my main complain for the first book too, but Social Suicide is jam packed with stereotyping, slut shaming, and a hugely unnecessary use of ‘text talk’. The book almost feels satirical in its portrayal of teenagers and how they interact. It’s cringe worthy to read, and makes what should be a light and fun novel at times or rating to read.
A portion of that could be argued away by saying that it’s a book of its time, and as such the vocab and pop culture references may naturally become less relevant. Ironically those elements that I find endearing— 2012 was a time when people did use ‘mental face palming’, ‘IMing’ etc. My previous review should be indication enough, and so I can’t appreciate these moments, in a kind of nostalgic way. (Although I could also argue that a good book is written in such a way that is ages better, but that a whole other topic)
I just cannot understand the choice of writing out texts (which play a decently important role in both the plot and characterisation) as if the book was set in 2002. (And if it is, then make that CLEAR)
If you think I’m exaggerating, see for yourself:
(Social Suicide, Chapter 17)
In 2012 I myself was a 15 year old girl, and I can’t tell you right now that I have never once written ‘Starbucks’ with an asterisk. It actually took me a moment to even decipher this?
I hate writing negatively about things like this, but honestly this kind of abbreviation in messaging pretty much stopped the moment predictive text and autocorrect became widespread. And that predates 2012!
More to come on this when I’ve put together my thoughts on the actual plot!
_
May 2012:
This'll eventually be posted on my blog:
So.. I'll admit it, I've waited a few days (okay: ten, happy now?) to write this review. 'Why?' I hear you ask.. Because it was sofreakingepicandididn'twanttosoundlikesomementalpersonwhoisobsessedwiththisbookeventhoughireallyreallyambyrantingaboutitforhoursonendwithoutbreathingandendingupfaintingorsomthingequallyweird! And breathe..
*clears throat awkwardly*Let me rephrase that: This book? In one word? Supercalifragilisicexpialidocious (yep, casually quoting Mary Poppins, so what? I never said I was normal)! Seriously though, Social Suicide was just as amazing as Deadly Cool, if not more! I mean, come on only my new favorite author, Gemma Halliday could write up a character who could pull off saying 'Twittercide' without sound like an imbecile.
'And who is this amazing character?' I hear you ask. Well, only Hartley Grace Featherstone (I bet you forgot her middle name was Grace didn't you?) And I have to say, Hart is not only my all-time favorite Ya character, she also happens to be pretty darn amazing! And did I mention funny? If I remember correctly, I reviewed Deadly Cool --though if I didn't, please shoot me, though 'Goodreadacide'? Doesn't quite have the same ring to it now does it?-- and mentioned Hartley's *mental face palming*.
Let me tell you, there were some major *mental face palm*-moments in Social Suicide; for example: getting invited to a school-newspaper meeting by the school's resident Bad Boy Chase Erickson (umm.. yum, with extra yummyness) and mistake it for a date..
*Mental. Face. Palm.*
And hello? Even if I didn't
Again I say: yummyness
Over & Out, T xx
September 24, 2012
See full review here!
3.5 stars
This is a hilarious murder mystery YA novel! The sequel to Deadly Cool, Social Suicide is funny, smart, and slightly irresistible. Hartley is crime-solving, super-reporting, downright hysterical main character filled to the brim with quips and curiosity. She's always in the middle of trouble, whether by accident or on purpose. Can she get to the bottom of a cheating scheme at her high school that leads to murder? Read on, readers!
Hartley has a lot to deal with in her life. Chase, her newspaper boss at school, is on her mind in a boyfriend kind of way. Her best friend Sam is so concerned with her boyfriend and good grades, but she's still an awesome buddy. And her mom has now taken on Match.com trying to find a new beau in her life. Hartley actually has time to try to solve a mystery? Oh yes.
It's all a bit ridiculous by not being realistic in the least, but it makes you laugh and keeps you guessing! It also left me with a smile on my face by the very last lines. This novel is creative and seriously fun. A quick read, Social Suicide will have you on your toes and waiting for the next book in line!
3.5 stars
This is a hilarious murder mystery YA novel! The sequel to Deadly Cool, Social Suicide is funny, smart, and slightly irresistible. Hartley is crime-solving, super-reporting, downright hysterical main character filled to the brim with quips and curiosity. She's always in the middle of trouble, whether by accident or on purpose. Can she get to the bottom of a cheating scheme at her high school that leads to murder? Read on, readers!
Hartley has a lot to deal with in her life. Chase, her newspaper boss at school, is on her mind in a boyfriend kind of way. Her best friend Sam is so concerned with her boyfriend and good grades, but she's still an awesome buddy. And her mom has now taken on Match.com trying to find a new beau in her life. Hartley actually has time to try to solve a mystery? Oh yes.
It's all a bit ridiculous by not being realistic in the least, but it makes you laugh and keeps you guessing! It also left me with a smile on my face by the very last lines. This novel is creative and seriously fun. A quick read, Social Suicide will have you on your toes and waiting for the next book in line!
May 30, 2013
I'll admit, I enjoyed the previous book more than I enjoyed this one but I still loved Social Suicide. It was witty, cleverly-written and kept me guessing until the last second.
So Hartley is on the school paper with her yummy crush Chase Erikson. She's assigned to write a story about Sydney Sander's cheating scandal. But just before they meet for the interview Hartley finds Sydney's eletrocuted body in the pool. It looked like an accident but Hartley knows there is always more to the story than meets the eye. Soon she's interviewing Sydney's friends and ex-boyfriend trying to uncover the killer. Unfortunately, she didn't do a good job and got nabbed by the killer. But it all ended well and Sydney's murderer was brought to justice.
I couldn't help but laugh at Sam and her date night fashions that were never on point. And yes, I was annoyed that Chase just didn't ask Hartley out ASAP. But it ended well for them. Oh! And I'm glad Mrs. Featherstone is dating Officer Raley. It's good that she has someone.
So I definitely loved this book and I recommend it to chick lit-mystery lovers :)
So Hartley is on the school paper with her yummy crush Chase Erikson. She's assigned to write a story about Sydney Sander's cheating scandal. But just before they meet for the interview Hartley finds Sydney's eletrocuted body in the pool. It looked like an accident but Hartley knows there is always more to the story than meets the eye. Soon she's interviewing Sydney's friends and ex-boyfriend trying to uncover the killer. Unfortunately, she didn't do a good job and got nabbed by the killer. But it all ended well and Sydney's murderer was brought to justice.
I couldn't help but laugh at Sam and her date night fashions that were never on point. And yes, I was annoyed that Chase just didn't ask Hartley out ASAP. But it ended well for them. Oh! And I'm glad Mrs. Featherstone is dating Officer Raley. It's good that she has someone.
So I definitely loved this book and I recommend it to chick lit-mystery lovers :)
May 10, 2012
I recommend Social Suicide.
*****
Well, i didn't laugh my pants off while reading Social Suicide. However, the fun was constant throughout the book. I chuckled time after time! I didn't even try to guess who the culprit was because i'd rather enjoy Hartley's wacky investigation on the murder. and I did. :)
Sam's a standout in this sequel. I lover her deadpans! and Chase... Ha! Even i will be as clumsy and assuming as Hartley was when it came to him. C'mon, Gemma Halliday, give me more Chase swoon moments! but i already love Hartley's hit-and-miss with him. =)
Both Deadly Cool and Social Suicide are equally good, but i enjoyed this sequel a little bit more. Just a little bit, because up until now, i could not remove from my memory the hilarious bedroom scene from book 1. LOL
*****
Well, i didn't laugh my pants off while reading Social Suicide. However, the fun was constant throughout the book. I chuckled time after time! I didn't even try to guess who the culprit was because i'd rather enjoy Hartley's wacky investigation on the murder. and I did. :)
Sam's a standout in this sequel. I lover her deadpans! and Chase... Ha! Even i will be as clumsy and assuming as Hartley was when it came to him. C'mon, Gemma Halliday, give me more Chase swoon moments! but i already love Hartley's hit-and-miss with him. =)
Both Deadly Cool and Social Suicide are equally good, but i enjoyed this sequel a little bit more. Just a little bit, because up until now, i could not remove from my memory the hilarious bedroom scene from book 1. LOL
May 2, 2015
Read my short review of both Deadly Cool and Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday on my blog
February 19, 2017
Lol I read two books in a day. Time for the third!
January 20, 2023
i like how i was actively trying NOT to figure out who the killer was and yet ~60% i was like "well he's a red herring but maybe actually be the killer" and what do u know
May 27, 2019
fun scooby doo mystery. Entertaining characters and fun situations.
July 8, 2012
When I want a fluffy, fun little read I know which author to turn to. Gemma Halliday's writing style can never fail to make me laugh even in the most inappropriate situations.
This book could have been better on so many levels. It was like any other chic-flick with no real twist. It couldn't have been more predictable. From the moment the book started with Sydney, I knew who was gonna die, or when Hartley was going to be attacked or how she was going to figure things out or who the real murderer was. It was so much like the first book too. The scenes weren't very original. I mean how Hartley found Sydney's body or how she saw being attacked or how she finally was left alone with the killer in the end. In fact the whole homecoming party and how she decided to lure the killer out of his hole was so movie like. It was redundant and if not for Halliday's writing that can make me laugh like a hyena I really would have rated this book a 2.
That said, it's not that I don't like it. It was so fluffy, like two rabbits cuddling fluffy, hey, I have a picture so don't deny it being the fluffiest thing you've ever seen.
Hartley was really dumb in this one. I wasn't expecting her to be such a bimbo. Good thing that she is hilarious, and her monologue is so damn funny. Hartley and Sam were busy putting the blame on almost everyone. The only productive thing they did was find out who the seller was. After that, they were pretty much off the track all throughout.
Sam and Kyle's gooey love made me nauseous too. I can't stand couples oozing so much cuteness. I like Sam but frankly I've never understood why girls like to share every damn thing about every frickin' thing that happens to them every waking minute. Anyhoo, I liked the romance between Chase and Hartley too. The two times that Hartley thought she was going on a date with Chase turned out to be disastrous.
"I was so stupid. I was the queen of Stupidville. The Duchess of Moronland. The Empress of Misunderstandingtown."
There was a lot of stereotyping in this book. All these YA books and movies have the same type of high school stereotyping and now it's plain boring. That's one of the main reasons why I usually read dystopian novels. I am more aware of American school curriculum than of my own country. It's ridiculous.
Moving on, I like how Hartley isn't one of those heroines who spend majority of their day dreaming about the charming hero and wasting time while there is so much more important stuff to do. She did have a point when she lashed out on Chase.
"“I mean, we can get along without you guys, you know? The sun does not rise and set on having a boyfriend. Those of us without boyfriends can get along just fine.”"
^True words.
I also liked how Chase wasn't the knight in shining armor for our damsel in distress. Although Hartley did put up a great fight. Speaking of which, I don't think any other author other than Halliday could have made a kidnapping and escaping, well, at least, trying to escape downright hilarious. My emotions while watching her hopping trying to escape:
I had a good laugh reading this book. Oh and David being the guy dating Hartley's mom was just:
Meanwhile, you enjoy the fluffiness too:
This book could have been better on so many levels. It was like any other chic-flick with no real twist. It couldn't have been more predictable. From the moment the book started with Sydney, I knew who was gonna die, or when Hartley was going to be attacked or how she was going to figure things out or who the real murderer was. It was so much like the first book too. The scenes weren't very original. I mean how Hartley found Sydney's body or how she saw being attacked or how she finally was left alone with the killer in the end. In fact the whole homecoming party and how she decided to lure the killer out of his hole was so movie like. It was redundant and if not for Halliday's writing that can make me laugh like a hyena I really would have rated this book a 2.
That said, it's not that I don't like it. It was so fluffy, like two rabbits cuddling fluffy, hey, I have a picture so don't deny it being the fluffiest thing you've ever seen.
Hartley was really dumb in this one. I wasn't expecting her to be such a bimbo. Good thing that she is hilarious, and her monologue is so damn funny. Hartley and Sam were busy putting the blame on almost everyone. The only productive thing they did was find out who the seller was. After that, they were pretty much off the track all throughout.
Sam and Kyle's gooey love made me nauseous too. I can't stand couples oozing so much cuteness. I like Sam but frankly I've never understood why girls like to share every damn thing about every frickin' thing that happens to them every waking minute. Anyhoo, I liked the romance between Chase and Hartley too. The two times that Hartley thought she was going on a date with Chase turned out to be disastrous.
"I was so stupid. I was the queen of Stupidville. The Duchess of Moronland. The Empress of Misunderstandingtown."
There was a lot of stereotyping in this book. All these YA books and movies have the same type of high school stereotyping and now it's plain boring. That's one of the main reasons why I usually read dystopian novels. I am more aware of American school curriculum than of my own country. It's ridiculous.
Moving on, I like how Hartley isn't one of those heroines who spend majority of their day dreaming about the charming hero and wasting time while there is so much more important stuff to do. She did have a point when she lashed out on Chase.
"“I mean, we can get along without you guys, you know? The sun does not rise and set on having a boyfriend. Those of us without boyfriends can get along just fine.”"
^True words.
I also liked how Chase wasn't the knight in shining armor for our damsel in distress. Although Hartley did put up a great fight. Speaking of which, I don't think any other author other than Halliday could have made a kidnapping and escaping, well, at least, trying to escape downright hilarious. My emotions while watching her hopping trying to escape:
I had a good laugh reading this book. Oh and David being the guy dating Hartley's mom was just:
Meanwhile, you enjoy the fluffiness too:
May 17, 2012
Is there a next book after this? Because I’m really, really afraid that it’ll become repetitive. And I’m scared that I might get tired of the same routine. And not even the humor will save it.
Tweeting while swimming? Deadly.
Thank goodness for the humor and the characters because if weren’t for these two I’ll find Social Suicide completely the same as Deadly Cool. So like the last time, there’s another dead student. Official news was that Sydney committed suicide. But Hartley knew better, she knew there’s something fishy with her death. And she will find out the truth.
I liked Deadly Cool better. It’s funnier and…well, it is funnier. This book was fun but wasn’t the same as the first. Didn’t have the same level of fun-ness (if that’s a word). I find the entire murder case tad predictable. I knew who killed Sydney, and I was just eager to finish it because I just wanted to know if I’m right. Guess what? I was right. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Did it make it less exciting for me? Yes, sadly yes. I was also a bit disappointed that it moved around stirring away from the real suspect (of course I know that it was necessary if she found who it was then that will immediately end the story). But what I didn’t like was it was obvious that Jenna, Connor, Quinn and Nicky were a diversion—and not even a good one. It’s so clear they weren’t the one. Plus, the murder was so convenient. There’s no one at her house when the murder happened. No one saw him came in/out of her house. It’s like the story gave him an alibi. But that aside, what bugs me the most is that they even considered suicide. Suicide by jumping in the pool with your laptop on? Really? If I were the officers I will cross out that angle and go with accidental death (it could’ve been, why isn’t impossible?) or homicide. And like the first book, the crime was unplanned. I saw lot of loopholes with this crime. *Sigh*
Then again the book is not the serious type. I’m just the one who made it complicated. It’s all about the fun, so it’s ok. I guess, that was ok. And I think I just watched a lot of Meitantei Conan.
Enough whining, so for the good parts: what I loved about this book is the characters’ knack to entertain its readers. I was so amused with Hart and Sam. Their tandem was just great. So funny. Chase and Kyle are now starting to warm up on me. I liked that Chase wasn’t those typically portrayed high school hottie (he is a hottie) he got spunk, he got character. Not another face to fawn. And what made it more interesting that Chase and Hartley’s relationship is moving in an acceptable pace. I’m a fan of slow development. This, I forgot to mention earlier was also the things that hold me to the story.
Overall, it was ok. Kinda lost the appeal…a bit. Yeah, that was it. :(
Tweeting while swimming? Deadly.
Thank goodness for the humor and the characters because if weren’t for these two I’ll find Social Suicide completely the same as Deadly Cool. So like the last time, there’s another dead student. Official news was that Sydney committed suicide. But Hartley knew better, she knew there’s something fishy with her death. And she will find out the truth.
I liked Deadly Cool better. It’s funnier and…well, it is funnier. This book was fun but wasn’t the same as the first. Didn’t have the same level of fun-ness (if that’s a word). I find the entire murder case tad predictable. I knew who killed Sydney, and I was just eager to finish it because I just wanted to know if I’m right. Guess what? I was right. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Did it make it less exciting for me? Yes, sadly yes. I was also a bit disappointed that it moved around stirring away from the real suspect (of course I know that it was necessary if she found who it was then that will immediately end the story). But what I didn’t like was it was obvious that Jenna, Connor, Quinn and Nicky were a diversion—and not even a good one. It’s so clear they weren’t the one. Plus, the murder was so convenient. There’s no one at her house when the murder happened. No one saw him came in/out of her house. It’s like the story gave him an alibi. But that aside, what bugs me the most is that they even considered suicide. Suicide by jumping in the pool with your laptop on? Really? If I were the officers I will cross out that angle and go with accidental death (it could’ve been, why isn’t impossible?) or homicide. And like the first book, the crime was unplanned. I saw lot of loopholes with this crime. *Sigh*
Then again the book is not the serious type. I’m just the one who made it complicated. It’s all about the fun, so it’s ok. I guess, that was ok. And I think I just watched a lot of Meitantei Conan.
Enough whining, so for the good parts: what I loved about this book is the characters’ knack to entertain its readers. I was so amused with Hart and Sam. Their tandem was just great. So funny. Chase and Kyle are now starting to warm up on me. I liked that Chase wasn’t those typically portrayed high school hottie (he is a hottie) he got spunk, he got character. Not another face to fawn. And what made it more interesting that Chase and Hartley’s relationship is moving in an acceptable pace. I’m a fan of slow development. This, I forgot to mention earlier was also the things that hold me to the story.
Overall, it was ok. Kinda lost the appeal…a bit. Yeah, that was it. :(
December 27, 2012
After reading Deadly Cool - the first book in the series - I was convinced I would never be able to read about anything but Hartley and her great, funny, dangerous (well...kind of) mystery stories. I was so into her world and her character and her voice - it was amazing! So amazing that I had to preorder Social Suicide immediately, couldn't wait to start it and didn't want it to end.
Honestly, Deadly Cool and Social Suicide are amazing novels that make me laugh and forget reality. The perfect mix of fluent sarcasm and everyday situations that everyone knows so well result in a book that teaches you to "just deal with it" and that everyone else goes through the same things you do (like meat(ish) loaf and a paranoid mom).
I feel like I'm repeating myself, but what I love most about Social Suicide is Hartley's attitude towards life. Being more of a pessimist myself, I'm always inspired how she can freak over minor things just as teenagers do but always stays positive in a way. It's hard to describe. Like, she has that ability of staying happy, laughing about things that get thrown in her way instead of being grumpy about it.
Apart from that, I couldn't figure out the mystery in this one which really is a good thing. They took so many different directions in an effort to find out how Sydney died that I was too confused to work on it with my own brain. Again, this is not a negative aspect! I hate when you can tell what happened to the victim after the first few pages or so. The ending itself came so unexpected! I would never have guessed that! Also, we do see some development with Hartley and Chase but it's not too over the top and although this is a sequel - there is no love triangle! Yay! Sam was as amazing as ever - the best friend you could wish for!
The only thing I missed was how Hartley did not - not one single time - get the secret can of ice cream out of the fridge. I was so disappointed by that!
Overall, I would say I had a little bit of sequel-trouble with this one, but I expected that to happen. My expectations towards most sequels are usually way over-the-top so that I always get a bit disappointed with seconds in series. Which should not mean that Social Suicide was a disappointment. I missed the snarky language from Book One a little bit (it wasn't as consistent-but-not-obvious) and sometimes I felt like the events were a bit rushed and fewer places to go and things to find out would've made it too, but most things I loved about Deadly Cool were still the same.
There's only one thing I really don't like about Social Suicide: the fact that it's already over.
Everyone: get it, read it, see new sense in life.
To the author: I want more! Please, please,please! And fast!
Honestly, Deadly Cool and Social Suicide are amazing novels that make me laugh and forget reality. The perfect mix of fluent sarcasm and everyday situations that everyone knows so well result in a book that teaches you to "just deal with it" and that everyone else goes through the same things you do (like meat(ish) loaf and a paranoid mom).
I feel like I'm repeating myself, but what I love most about Social Suicide is Hartley's attitude towards life. Being more of a pessimist myself, I'm always inspired how she can freak over minor things just as teenagers do but always stays positive in a way. It's hard to describe. Like, she has that ability of staying happy, laughing about things that get thrown in her way instead of being grumpy about it.
Apart from that, I couldn't figure out the mystery in this one which really is a good thing. They took so many different directions in an effort to find out how Sydney died that I was too confused to work on it with my own brain. Again, this is not a negative aspect! I hate when you can tell what happened to the victim after the first few pages or so. The ending itself came so unexpected! I would never have guessed that! Also, we do see some development with Hartley and Chase but it's not too over the top and although this is a sequel - there is no love triangle! Yay! Sam was as amazing as ever - the best friend you could wish for!
The only thing I missed was how Hartley did not - not one single time - get the secret can of ice cream out of the fridge. I was so disappointed by that!
Overall, I would say I had a little bit of sequel-trouble with this one, but I expected that to happen. My expectations towards most sequels are usually way over-the-top so that I always get a bit disappointed with seconds in series. Which should not mean that Social Suicide was a disappointment. I missed the snarky language from Book One a little bit (it wasn't as consistent-but-not-obvious) and sometimes I felt like the events were a bit rushed and fewer places to go and things to find out would've made it too, but most things I loved about Deadly Cool were still the same.
There's only one thing I really don't like about Social Suicide: the fact that it's already over.
Everyone: get it, read it, see new sense in life.
To the author: I want more! Please, please,please! And fast!
May 18, 2012
3.5/5
So here’s to sophomore installments that to meet the the standard the first one’s set. Social Suicide is just as funny as the first. It’s a very good mix of high school high jinks, crossed signals, as well as… murder and mayhem? One need not be surprised by how funny things could get with Hart on the case. Minus the distraction that Josh offered, Hart still made some funny calls, normally with BFF Sam at her side. But I still enjoyed the fluff this one offered. It was her over the top reactions, her funny way with words as well as her gung ho manner in taking to a task that had me laughing, cringing and reacting every which way. This girl just couldn’t let go, could she? It’s this last fact that had her winding up in so many an awkward situation.
Social Suicide actually manages to avoid that dreaded sophomore slump by keeping to a lot of what made the first one work, yet still working things so that Hart and the rest of the gang proved more than what I’d first pegged them to be. All of them revealed more to themselves. Focus on Chase for instance, if in book one we know that there’s a might be/could be/should be between them, here things just got tons more complicated. So much so that I didn’t know whether to laugh at each move one of them pulled or just to cringe on her behalf (then plonk him on the head for her.) He was funny with her. She was funny with him… sometimes in that intentional way; other times sometimes in that “I think I know what comes next” manner. Did I laugh? You, betcha.
Then the added bonus of the SMother moments, Hart and her mother just killed me! Hart especially with her not wanting to know. I could just picture Hart plugging her ears going la la la la… just to avoid seeing what actually was. She could be frustrating… but at least she was funny while at it.
Definitely looking forward to the next one.
3.5/5
So here’s to sophomore installments that to meet the the standard the first one’s set. Social Suicide is just as funny as the first. It’s a very good mix of high school high jinks, crossed signals, as well as… murder and mayhem? One need not be surprised by how funny things could get with Hart on the case. Minus the distraction that Josh offered, Hart still made some funny calls, normally with BFF Sam at her side. But I still enjoyed the fluff this one offered. It was her over the top reactions, her funny way with words as well as her gung ho manner in taking to a task that had me laughing, cringing and reacting every which way. This girl just couldn’t let go, could she? It’s this last fact that had her winding up in so many an awkward situation.
Social Suicide actually manages to avoid that dreaded sophomore slump by keeping to a lot of what made the first one work, yet still working things so that Hart and the rest of the gang proved more than what I’d first pegged them to be. All of them revealed more to themselves. Focus on Chase for instance, if in book one we know that there’s a might be/could be/should be between them, here things just got tons more complicated. So much so that I didn’t know whether to laugh at each move one of them pulled or just to cringe on her behalf (then plonk him on the head for her.) He was funny with her. She was funny with him… sometimes in that intentional way; other times sometimes in that “I think I know what comes next” manner. Did I laugh? You, betcha.
Then the added bonus of the SMother moments, Hart and her mother just killed me! Hart especially with her not wanting to know. I could just picture Hart plugging her ears going la la la la… just to avoid seeing what actually was. She could be frustrating… but at least she was funny while at it.
Definitely looking forward to the next one.
3.5/5
February 17, 2017
Me gusto, pero creo que le falto mas salseo entre los protagonistas. No vimos mucha relación entre ello y me hubiera gustado eso, pensé que como en el primero no pasó, se iban a enfocar un poco mas aquí, pero no paso. Pero, en fin, son historias muy entretenidas, y aunque me gustó mas el primero este también estuvo muy bien
May 13, 2012
If you've read Deadly Cool and liked it, then you might just like this too. If you've read Deadly Cool and wasn't exactly gobsmacked by it, I doubt this book will interest you. The thing is, Deadly Cool and Social Suicide are alike in so many ways.
In this book, Hartley continues her "Nancy Drew" escapades. She hears of the death of a popular cheerleader in school via electrocution. Everybody thinks it's suicide, but Hartley doesn't think so. Her detective instincts lead her to the belief that it was actually not suicide, but Twittercide- a homicide while the victim was tweeting. The story basically revolves around Hartley solving this mystery..finding out who the killer is, having so many suspects when in the end, the killer comes out as someone quite unexpected.
To be honest, I kind of predicted the killer's idenity, though. What I was trying to find out in the course of reading the book was what could the motives for the murder be. However, even after I read the book and even after the motives were explicitly discussed villain style (you know, the suspect says all his reasons before he kills the kilee), I still didn't get WHY. The murder, like in Deadly Cool, is brought about by really shallow and weak motivations.
Again, this is a light read. It sort of reminds me of Kim Possible. Younger people might be more interested in it than I was. I have to say, though, I liked Chase's character. If this book becomes a movie, he'd definitely be Tyler Blackburn. And I like Tyler!
Overall, Social Suicide was an okay, mediocre, not-so-good/not-so-bad read. :)
In this book, Hartley continues her "Nancy Drew" escapades. She hears of the death of a popular cheerleader in school via electrocution. Everybody thinks it's suicide, but Hartley doesn't think so. Her detective instincts lead her to the belief that it was actually not suicide, but Twittercide- a homicide while the victim was tweeting. The story basically revolves around Hartley solving this mystery..finding out who the killer is, having so many suspects when in the end, the killer comes out as someone quite unexpected.
To be honest, I kind of predicted the killer's idenity, though. What I was trying to find out in the course of reading the book was what could the motives for the murder be. However, even after I read the book and even after the motives were explicitly discussed villain style (you know, the suspect says all his reasons before he kills the kilee), I still didn't get WHY. The murder, like in Deadly Cool, is brought about by really shallow and weak motivations.
Again, this is a light read. It sort of reminds me of Kim Possible. Younger people might be more interested in it than I was. I have to say, though, I liked Chase's character. If this book becomes a movie, he'd definitely be Tyler Blackburn. And I like Tyler!
Overall, Social Suicide was an okay, mediocre, not-so-good/not-so-bad read. :)
September 6, 2012
Just as hilarious as the first one, Social Suicide doesn't fail to deliver an exciting, hilarious plot, wonderful characters, and a little, little bite of the romance we all know we're waiting to explode.
I'm not a big fan of delving into long-winded reviews for sequels, especially if I honestly don't have much to say besidesfangirling! it was pretty awesome.
So yeah. This book? I lurves it. I also lurve Chase. And Hart. God, Hart is wonderful. So perfectly normal and such a great teen. I wish this series was out when I was younger. I would've devoured it like you wouldn't believe.
AND THE ROMANCE! Gwad is it ever good. And wonderfully paced. Such great moments, such great freakin' chemistry. Why can't all YA novels be like this? So much more relatable, so much more honest, so much more real.
The mystery behind this all is pretty great as well, even if I did figure out a good portion of it before the end. Well executed, and well thought out. It's not, thankfully, unrealistic in my opinion. Though the Twittercide thing was kind of ridiculous. But funny.
I also love that Hart's nickname is Ned. HECK YES I LOVE THE NANCY DREWNESS OF THIS SERIES.
Right, gonna go chill now. And possibly make some matching t-shirts.
4-4.5/5
I'm not a big fan of delving into long-winded reviews for sequels, especially if I honestly don't have much to say besides
So yeah. This book? I lurves it. I also lurve Chase. And Hart. God, Hart is wonderful. So perfectly normal and such a great teen. I wish this series was out when I was younger. I would've devoured it like you wouldn't believe.
AND THE ROMANCE! Gwad is it ever good. And wonderfully paced. Such great moments, such great freakin' chemistry. Why can't all YA novels be like this? So much more relatable, so much more honest, so much more real.
The mystery behind this all is pretty great as well, even if I did figure out a good portion of it before the end. Well executed, and well thought out. It's not, thankfully, unrealistic in my opinion. Though the Twittercide thing was kind of ridiculous. But funny.
I also love that Hart's nickname is Ned. HECK YES I LOVE THE NANCY DREWNESS OF THIS SERIES.
Right, gonna go chill now. And possibly make some matching t-shirts.
4-4.5/5
December 6, 2014
After reading two emotional heavy books in a row, a nice light fluffy read was seriously in need; and who is better than Gemma Halliday and her Deadly Cool series to lighten the mood?
What I first noticed and mostly liked about the book was Sam’s attempt (which rubbed off on Hartley) to censor using alternate words like fluffing, and fudge, which reminded me a lot of:
Hartley Featherstone is still one of my most favorite female characters: she’s smart, funny, sarcastic, headstrong, and has that Veronica Mars/Nancy Drew vibe about her that makes her awesome and set her apart from the all the other Contemporary YA heroines out there.
The Twittercide was funny to investigate with Hartley, Sam, her boyfriend Kyle and the oh-so-brooding Chase. It might comes as incredulous to believe that a bunch of high school kids could lead a murder case, but with Gemma’s writing a good dose of non-cheesy humor, it was cute and I happily gobbled it all down. I wish the romance between Chase and Hart was more developed but I think they are headed the right way; hopefully things will heat up in book 3!
What I first noticed and mostly liked about the book was Sam’s attempt (which rubbed off on Hartley) to censor using alternate words like fluffing, and fudge, which reminded me a lot of:
Hartley Featherstone is still one of my most favorite female characters: she’s smart, funny, sarcastic, headstrong, and has that Veronica Mars/Nancy Drew vibe about her that makes her awesome and set her apart from the all the other Contemporary YA heroines out there.
The Twittercide was funny to investigate with Hartley, Sam, her boyfriend Kyle and the oh-so-brooding Chase. It might comes as incredulous to believe that a bunch of high school kids could lead a murder case, but with Gemma’s writing a good dose of non-cheesy humor, it was cute and I happily gobbled it all down. I wish the romance between Chase and Hart was more developed but I think they are headed the right way; hopefully things will heat up in book 3!
July 11, 2012
Another brilliant addition to this series.
Enjoyed it as much as the first- even though I will always prefer te first since it was the start-up and it's where we all got introduced to the charachters.
Unlike the first I was able to guess the killer correctly around half way through.
But it still was good enough to keep me guessing up until then.
The ending was also very satisfying! Chase finally manned up and asked Hartley out which just made me roll my eyes and and shout 'FINALLY' it was long overdue and it made me laugh how she got dressed up for 'dates' that were merely meetings and stakeouts LOL.
I already guessed in the first book about her mom and 'David' ;)
But it still made me giggle when I read Harts reaction to it all!
And the match.com? Brilliant!
I love this authors writing style- it really suits Harts charachter and the image I have of her in my mind.
She's so likeable and I love her- she's a great heroin. I also love Sam too! She's so cool.
This ones a little less serious than deadly cool as its not gaining all the attention since its marked as suicide and not homicide.
So the groups a little more independent. It's up to them alone to solve.
Enjoyed it as much as the first- even though I will always prefer te first since it was the start-up and it's where we all got introduced to the charachters.
Unlike the first I was able to guess the killer correctly around half way through.
But it still was good enough to keep me guessing up until then.
The ending was also very satisfying! Chase finally manned up and asked Hartley out which just made me roll my eyes and and shout 'FINALLY' it was long overdue and it made me laugh how she got dressed up for 'dates' that were merely meetings and stakeouts LOL.
I already guessed in the first book about her mom and 'David' ;)
But it still made me giggle when I read Harts reaction to it all!
And the match.com? Brilliant!
I love this authors writing style- it really suits Harts charachter and the image I have of her in my mind.
She's so likeable and I love her- she's a great heroin. I also love Sam too! She's so cool.
This ones a little less serious than deadly cool as its not gaining all the attention since its marked as suicide and not homicide.
So the groups a little more independent. It's up to them alone to solve.
September 9, 2013
Some spoilers to book 1 and maybe a little 2
Okay so I love this book but the stars are really about a 3.5 only because I just read book 1 and this felt like the same book to me just different crime and suspect but everything else was about the same. Examples below...
-A crime takes place and Hartley finds the body
-Cop on the seen is Riley
-She decided to find the killer with the help of Sam (Kyle Sam's boyfriend helped a little too) and Chase
-She looks and gets tips and that person ends up hurt
-She then looks more and gets herself bound (just like in book 1)
-She headbutts the attacker (just like book 1)
-All ends okay
So it really felt the same. I will totally be reading book 3 because I like the series but it was the same type of events and the same order. I didn't know who the killer was so that was good but like I said I was looking for a new angle and this didn't have it.
Also a few teams were over used. The book is hilarious but "smother" "meatish loaf" and "twittercide" felt a little over used.
All in all it was an average book but book 1 is awesome and this was an okay follow up.
Okay so I love this book but the stars are really about a 3.5 only because I just read book 1 and this felt like the same book to me just different crime and suspect but everything else was about the same. Examples below...
-A crime takes place and Hartley finds the body
-Cop on the seen is Riley
-She decided to find the killer with the help of Sam (Kyle Sam's boyfriend helped a little too) and Chase
-She looks and gets tips and that person ends up hurt
-She then looks more and gets herself bound (just like in book 1)
-She headbutts the attacker (just like book 1)
-All ends okay
So it really felt the same. I will totally be reading book 3 because I like the series but it was the same type of events and the same order. I didn't know who the killer was so that was good but like I said I was looking for a new angle and this didn't have it.
Also a few teams were over used. The book is hilarious but "smother" "meatish loaf" and "twittercide" felt a little over used.
All in all it was an average book but book 1 is awesome and this was an okay follow up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews