Tuesday, August 14, 2012

"Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls" by Mary Downing Hahn

Release Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Clarion Books          
Pages: 330

From Goodreads: "Based on an actual crime in 1955, this YA novel is at once a mystery and a coming-of-age story. The brutal murder of two teenage girls on the last day of Nora Cunningham's junior year in high school throws Nora into turmoil. Her certainties, friendships, religion, her prudence, her resolve to find a boyfriend taller than she is - are shaken or cast off altogether.

Most people in Elmgrove, Maryland, share the comforting conviction that Buddy Novak, who had every reason to want his ex-girlfriend dead, is responsible for the killings. Nora agrees at first, then begins to doubt Buddy's guilt, and finally comes to believe him innocent - the lone dissenting voice in Elmgrove.

Told from several different perspectives, including that of the murderer, Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls is a suspenseful page-turner with a powerful human drama at its core."


When I first received this book to read and review I was extremely excited- this being a different sort of book that I read (a historical fiction rather than a contemporary paranormal). I had hoped that that this book would be the one- the one that could convince me to pick up more books of this nature. However, unfortunately that was not the case.

My largest complaint about this book was that I found the characters to be far too boy-obsessed, especially in the first quarter of the book. In the first quarter of the book there was very few, if any, pages where the girls didn't discuss boys in some manner- from their looks, to their personalities, to declaring their undying love for them. Furthermore, it was a fair bit difficult to keep trap of the characters during this part because couples were continuously changing- a girl growing bored with a boy, dropping him, and having a new one in no time at all. As a result I found the characters to be a bit more juvenile than I would have liked them to have been.

Additionally, I didn't find the emotions of this book to be quite as developed as I would have liked- I didn't have any real impact when Cheryl and Bobbi Jo were murdered. As such I found the plot to be quite monotone and overall fairly unmemorable.

That being said, while at first I was admittedly turned off with the ending, being displeased with the fact that it didn't provide all of the answers I wanted and that I didn't feel that justice was served, I do like it more and more as time passes as I believe it to be wholly unexpected, and, without a doubt, unlike any other ending I have encountered in a YA book before.

Furthermore, I did quite like Buddy, the supposed 'villain' of the book (according to the residents of Elmgrove)- I found him to be the most developed of all of the characters and I couldn't help but feel for him- he was truly an underdog and a character that I am sure that countless others will fall for.

All in all, while this book was not quite my cup of tea I do believe that fans of historical fiction thrillers/ mysteries will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Rating: 6.5/10

I received this book from the publisher to read and review. I was not compensated for said review in any way.

2 comments:

  1. Hmmmm yah I think this one might be one of those quieter reads that you have to kind of think about and reflect on... which can be a good thing, but it takes a certain mood to read about I think.

    Also, have you read the Mary Quinn/Agency books by Y.S. Lee?? They're historical mysteries from Victorian times and they are SO much fun. Plus an adorable romance. =)

    ReplyDelete





  2. From the modern age, after we can buy any time with just about every notebook computer, microwave, cellular telephone, dashboard along with automated system, most of us however need to have thisreplica watches. Of course, despite the presence of the many different strategies of revealing to time period, most of us however reflexively look at your wrists as soon as we live managing later, anticipating someone, or maybe advancing towards a meeting. Some sort of wristwatch is designed for in excess of simply just revealing to time period, far too. Based on the check out, you will be indicating many different things in relation to people. Carefully made, wonderful hublot replica uk usually are a warning of this preference in addition to complexity. There're one of the few products that your male incorporate the use of to help show particular model, especially when he / she would need to attire adequately intended for do the job. Women of all ages can certainly have on wrist watches including bracelets. A reputable wristwatch having innovative activities is an effective decision. rolex replica sale mainly because most of these wristwatches will probably last for many years. Many very good wristwatches usually are inherited, creation to help creation, in addition to there are many experiences to express to in relation to these individuals. There are lots of very good check out creators in existence. Even so, Patek Philippe stands out as the ideal advisors. Antoni Patek begun doing jean pocket wristwatches with Geneva with 1839. With 1845, he / she registered in place having Adrien Philippe, some sort of The french language watchmaker who'd devised this keyless turning process. Patek Philippe in addition to Corporation seemed to be set up with 1851. Even so, rolex replica uk weren't until finally 1868 which the corporation manufactured it is primary wristwatch. Right at that moment, wrist watches were being thought to be a ornament only reserved for women of all ages. Even so, because of the conclude on the primary Earth Struggle, we were looking at tolerable intended for adult males, far too. This company delivered wristwatches to help Double Victoria in addition to Emporer Albert with 1851. tag heuer replica salepieces easily multiply with attractiveness one of many the top fashion gurus connected with European union, and in addition they delight in a unrivaled higher level of status, to this day. Traditional Patek Philippe wrist watches are viewed as in particular precious by means of hobbyists, although the latest is however a clever investment decision in the future, together with currently being wonderful in addition to sensible.


    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it!

Though I appreciate awards I have decided to make my blog an "award-free zone". Unfortunately I do not have the time to hold up my end of award-giving. But again, I appreciate you thinking of me!




Copyright © 2010 - Avery's Book Nook - is proudly powered by Blogger.

Blog background and header is property of Avery's Book Nook- any violators will be eaten by a hobgoblin.