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pantsreads's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't connect with this one. The characters were frustrating and the writing left something to be desired.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
emmacraig's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
drea_design's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I was disappointed by the length of the book. The author seemed to have more to say but decided to cut herself off so she could write a second novel. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys YA.
lovegirl30's review against another edition
3.0
This review and more published on The Young Girl Who Loved Books.
What would you do if death literally fell into your lap?
That is exactly what happened to sixteen-year-old Emmy Danvers. She must figure things out now.
Let's talk about the characters. Our main character Emmy loves romance novels and writing, which is why in our story she is half way through writing her novel. She is your average teenager except she seems quite quirky and wise beyond her years. At the beginning of the book, she is at Starbucks trying to add some depth to her story. When a strange older man mumbled a cryptic message to her. Then tackled her to the ground, dying right on top of her.
The character in this book that I didn't like was Ben. He often was a jerk, treated Emmy pretty badly at times. I also hated all the mansplaining he did. ( I hate using that word by the way). In the end, though he always had her back, which is perfect best friend behavior.
Then there is Sebastian St. James, the rich boy that Emmy hates. He is sort of the bad boy character in this novel. She hates him, his actions, his character, and pretty much all that he stands for. Of course, she does develop slight feelings because teenage girls in YA novels seem to be unable to resist bad boy charms.
A cutesy YA Novel. This book has a pretty good plot line, in fact, I didn't find that the plot line was lacking in any way. The protagonist is incredibly fun and sassy. The characters are likable. The mystery does exist even if the romance sometimes gets in the way. I found that some of the things YA novels get stuck on, instant-love, love triangles, bad boy gets turned into good boy instantly, didn't happen in this book. It was all just really fun and cute.
What I didn't like about this book, was the open ending. In my opinion, this novel was sort of un-ended. It left the reader with more questions, little answers, and slightly confused. I really don't enjoy investing so much time and getting such little results. I am not saying the book was bad because of this it just made it a little annoying.
In summary, I found Dial Em for Murder to be quite a fun read. This is what I want out of every YA novel. Even if the characters are slightly clichéd. The mystery in the book is not bad, although the romance of the novel sometimes puts the mystery aspect on the back burner. I enjoy reading this book, and it engaged me enough to never bore. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fun mysteries, young adult books, or romance novels. Check it out for yourself.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Merit Press in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All thought and opinion are my own.
What would you do if death literally fell into your lap?
That is exactly what happened to sixteen-year-old Emmy Danvers. She must figure things out now.
Let's talk about the characters. Our main character Emmy loves romance novels and writing, which is why in our story she is half way through writing her novel. She is your average teenager except she seems quite quirky and wise beyond her years. At the beginning of the book, she is at Starbucks trying to add some depth to her story. When a strange older man mumbled a cryptic message to her. Then tackled her to the ground, dying right on top of her.
The character in this book that I didn't like was Ben. He often was a jerk, treated Emmy pretty badly at times. I also hated all the mansplaining he did. ( I hate using that word by the way). In the end, though he always had her back, which is perfect best friend behavior.
Then there is Sebastian St. James, the rich boy that Emmy hates. He is sort of the bad boy character in this novel. She hates him, his actions, his character, and pretty much all that he stands for. Of course, she does develop slight feelings because teenage girls in YA novels seem to be unable to resist bad boy charms.
A cutesy YA Novel. This book has a pretty good plot line, in fact, I didn't find that the plot line was lacking in any way. The protagonist is incredibly fun and sassy. The characters are likable. The mystery does exist even if the romance sometimes gets in the way. I found that some of the things YA novels get stuck on, instant-love, love triangles, bad boy gets turned into good boy instantly, didn't happen in this book. It was all just really fun and cute.
What I didn't like about this book, was the open ending. In my opinion, this novel was sort of un-ended. It left the reader with more questions, little answers, and slightly confused. I really don't enjoy investing so much time and getting such little results. I am not saying the book was bad because of this it just made it a little annoying.
In summary, I found Dial Em for Murder to be quite a fun read. This is what I want out of every YA novel. Even if the characters are slightly clichéd. The mystery in the book is not bad, although the romance of the novel sometimes puts the mystery aspect on the back burner. I enjoy reading this book, and it engaged me enough to never bore. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fun mysteries, young adult books, or romance novels. Check it out for yourself.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Merit Press in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All thought and opinion are my own.
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
3.0
Emmy just wants to write the great American romance novel, not have to deal with her mothers poor taste in men, find her father, and figure out what to do about her first major crush. She certainly did not want to have an old man die on her in a Starbucks, find herself the target of a hit man, or be invited to an exclusive boarding school for protection. Throw in a rich boy whose grandfather was training him to be a spy and a lot of snarky dialogue and you have this quirky story.
I really liked Emmy and Sebastian and Audrey and Ben. There are some typical YA elements but overall I enjoyed this one. I will definitely be reading the next book.
I really liked Emmy and Sebastian and Audrey and Ben. There are some typical YA elements but overall I enjoyed this one. I will definitely be reading the next book.
missprint_'s review against another edition
2.0
Sixteen-year-old Emmy Danvers dreams of becoming a published author. Her latest attempt at a romance novel is proving troublesome when an old man latches onto her at Starbucks. The man seems to know Emmy and refuses to leave her alone. He also slips a tablet device into her pocket as he tackles her.
Then he dies. Still sprawled on top of Emmy.
Turns out the whole thing is more than an extremely unlucky moment in an otherwise ordinary day. The tablet, locked with a password Emmy can't figure out, contains dangerous secrets. Information someone might even kill to get.
Emmy will have to find the father she's never met, deal with a bad boy who may or may not be an ally, negotiate complicated feelings for her long-time best friend, and avoid the killers who are still hunting her down. At least Emmy will have lots of material for her next novel in Dial Em for Murder (2016) by Marni Bates.
While Emmy comes across as a bit brassier than her sixteen years would suggest, she is a fun heroine who is easily swept along in the myriad conspiracies and spy games that seem to surround her as she tries to make sense of recent events and unlock the mysterious tablet.
Dial Em for Murder is a fast-paced mystery filled with action and adventure. Although it is currently a standalone, the ending (and its lack of closure on several fronts) suggests that readers can expect further installments.
Possible Pairings: All Fall Down by Ally Carter, Charlie, Presumed Dead by Anne Heltzel, Pretending to Be Erica by Michelle Painchaud, Lock & Mori by Heather W. Petty, I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest, Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan
*A copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
Then he dies. Still sprawled on top of Emmy.
Turns out the whole thing is more than an extremely unlucky moment in an otherwise ordinary day. The tablet, locked with a password Emmy can't figure out, contains dangerous secrets. Information someone might even kill to get.
Emmy will have to find the father she's never met, deal with a bad boy who may or may not be an ally, negotiate complicated feelings for her long-time best friend, and avoid the killers who are still hunting her down. At least Emmy will have lots of material for her next novel in Dial Em for Murder (2016) by Marni Bates.
While Emmy comes across as a bit brassier than her sixteen years would suggest, she is a fun heroine who is easily swept along in the myriad conspiracies and spy games that seem to surround her as she tries to make sense of recent events and unlock the mysterious tablet.
Dial Em for Murder is a fast-paced mystery filled with action and adventure. Although it is currently a standalone, the ending (and its lack of closure on several fronts) suggests that readers can expect further installments.
Possible Pairings: All Fall Down by Ally Carter, Charlie, Presumed Dead by Anne Heltzel, Pretending to Be Erica by Michelle Painchaud, Lock & Mori by Heather W. Petty, I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest, Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan
*A copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
saschadarlington's review against another edition
2.0
While I enjoy Marni Bates' other YA novels, I found this one hard to get into and when I lost focus, found it confusing.
A DNF
A DNF
quinn_0611's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 stars. I really liked this. The mystery/suspense aspect wasn't perfect, but the characters were great. Bates is great with dialogue and characters. That ending though! I need the next book. Full review soon.
emmareese's review against another edition
1.0
( 2 stars )
This book was... underwhelming. I didn't really find it as gripping as it's made out to be, but I'll admit it still had me questioning a lot of things. I was so excited for it because the build up in the first few chapters seemed great, but the rest of the story was a bit of a let down. The concept is interesting, but I didn't love it as much as I had hoped I would.
I thought the ending was rather horrible. It barely cleared up anything, and only left me with more questions. I suppose that's what mysteries are supposed to do, but nothing was resolved whatsoever. Maybe it's a set up for a sequel, and as much as I'd like one so I can find out what happens, I'm not sure if this book is successful enough for Bates to pull off a sequel.
I kind of resented Emmy. She was whiny, narrow-minded, and not at all a strong character in my opinion. The only thing I liked about her was her witty comebacks during altercations with Sebastian...I would have liked to see more development between those two as well, but alas, we can't all get what we wish for. I think Sebastian was what made me actually enjoy this book, otherwise this rating would be lower.
It was a decent book. I don't know if I'd recommend it to just anyone, but I don't completely hate it either. If there's a sequel, hopefully it will be better.
This book was... underwhelming. I didn't really find it as gripping as it's made out to be, but I'll admit it still had me questioning a lot of things. I was so excited for it because the build up in the first few chapters seemed great, but the rest of the story was a bit of a let down. The concept is interesting, but I didn't love it as much as I had hoped I would.
I thought the ending was rather horrible. It barely cleared up anything, and only left me with more questions. I suppose that's what mysteries are supposed to do, but nothing was resolved whatsoever. Maybe it's a set up for a sequel, and as much as I'd like one so I can find out what happens, I'm not sure if this book is successful enough for Bates to pull off a sequel.
I kind of resented Emmy. She was whiny, narrow-minded, and not at all a strong character in my opinion. The only thing I liked about her was her witty comebacks during altercations with Sebastian...I would have liked to see more development between those two as well, but alas, we can't all get what we wish for. I think Sebastian was what made me actually enjoy this book, otherwise this rating would be lower.
It was a decent book. I don't know if I'd recommend it to just anyone, but I don't completely hate it either. If there's a sequel, hopefully it will be better.