A review by gwendolyn_kensinger
Beach Party by R.L. Stine

2.0

Karen and Anne-Marie plan to spend a month reconnecting and hanging out. They’ll be staying at Karen’s father’s apartment in Venice, California while he is away on a vacation of his own. Karen hasn't seen Ann Marie in a few years so reconnecting with her at the beach is just what they need. While walking along the beach on the very first night of their vacation they are approached by a gang of guys that seem to have nefarious intentions. Luckily two other guys happen to be strolling on by and rescue them from the situation. Immediately Karen is thinking how cute Jerry is. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend and seems to looking for her next guy. Problem is Jerry has a girlfriend, and Renee (Jerry’s girlfriend) is not too fond of Karen. As the days go on threats are made and spray paint vandalism ensues, all warning Karen to stay away from Jerry. Stine did a good of leading you to believe one person is to blame but also giving others a motive as well. 

What started as a month-long vacation between friends Karen and Anne-Marie quickly became boy crazy summer, ditching your friend who flew across the US to hang out with you, threatening notes, and murder. The Venice, California vibes were spot on. For a very short book it was easily able to transport me. The atmosphere is everything in this book. I definitely recommend reading it while at the beach. However, don’t expect much quality because there are some major plot holes, and while the mystery isn’t easily figured out (at least I didn’t figure it out) it’s also not that well explained either.