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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved the murder mystery part! I had no idea whodunit so it kept me guessing the whole time. I also enjoyed the 90s setting plus all the London tourism. It reminded me of my semester abroad in England (at Oxford) as well as my whirlwind trip in 2016. The group anxiety about picking a college is very relatable, though none of them have a typical reaction to the situation! (Nate, what on earth?!!) Speaking of Nate, I'm happy to have another ace character to root for!
What kept this book from being truly enjoyable was the relationship drama between Stevie and David. Tbh, I was disappointed that Stevie seemed to be pouring all of herself into pining for David and then when she saw him she spent a lot of the time being jealous. David did NOT help matters at all. I felt like he was unfair to Stevie and how she was feeling, and then that ending?!!!!! HOW WHY So yeah I was not digging any of that and it made me really frustrated.
Another thing I didn't care for was how overbearing their head of school was. If you're going to let four teens go off to England unsupervised on a spur of the moment trip, just let them do their thing and enjoy themselves! Quit checking in all the time and making them do daily reports. Also her intentionally cockblocking Stevie and David was ummm weird af.
What kept this book from being truly enjoyable was the relationship drama between Stevie and David. Tbh, I was disappointed that Stevie seemed to be pouring all of herself into pining for David and then when she saw him she spent a lot of the time being jealous. David did NOT help matters at all. I felt like he was unfair to Stevie and how she was feeling, and then that ending?!!!!! HOW WHY So yeah I was not digging any of that and it made me really frustrated.
Another thing I didn't care for was how overbearing their head of school was. If you're going to let four teens go off to England unsupervised on a spur of the moment trip, just let them do their thing and enjoy themselves! Quit checking in all the time and making them do daily reports. Also her intentionally cockblocking Stevie and David was ummm weird af.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such an amazing book, but ended on a cliffhanger! There better be a follow up!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Maureen Johnson's Stevie Bell mysteries are truly some of my favorites! I am so excited that I had a chance to catch up with Stevie and the gang on their latest adventure in England. As the novel opens, Stevie is back at Ellingham after solving the mystery of the Box in the Woods. Her boyfriend David, who is studying in London, presents an opportunity for the group to travel abroad for a couple of weeks. And of course, an unsolved murder falls into Stevie's lap just as the trip begins. David's friend Izzy is concerned that her Aunt Angela has been hiding information about a murder for years. As Stevie and co. gather more information, Angela disappears. So, it's time to round up who is left of The Nine, a group of friends who formed a theater troupe in college, and discover who murdered two friends years ago and who may be threatening Angela now. Intricate details plus Johnson's signature wit make this novel a delightful page-turner. In addition, I enjoy the camaraderie between the friends. We all need a "Scooby Gang" like Stevie, Janelle, Vi, and Nate to turn to when times get tough. Hand this novel to anyone who has enjoyed any of Stevie's previous exploits . . . or use this novel to introduce mystery readers to the gang. Johnson gives readers enough background information to allow new readers to jump in here; they will then want to find out what they have missed! And the only thing I will say about that ending is, Maureen, when can I read the next book?
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Really good addition to a series I’ve enjoyed.