Riveting Thriller Pick: Killer Instinct

Killer Instinct
by S.E. Green
Simon Pulse
2014
272 pages
ISBN: 9781481402859

Available May 6, 2014

Disturbing, dark, and deadly, Killer Instinct will leave readers breathless. This is one YA novel that you will never forget.

"Everyone has a dark side," says the cover, and you better believe it! Part "Dexter," part crime study, part thriller, part YA/adult, Killer Instinct crosses the line between  teen and adult fiction.

 I was riveted From the first line, "I study serial killers."  Lane is a typical high school girl, quiet, kind of shy, preferring to keep to herself. She is fascinated by crime and criminals and makes it a habit of visiting the courtroom for trials that interest her--the worse the crime, the better.

When she watches a rapist walk free, Lane decides to put her plan in action. She knows he is guilty; she will make sure he receives justice--from her own hand. Lane studies the Weasel (that's her pet nickname for him), his comings and goings, and she follows him and gets to know him. When she realizes he's ready to strike again, she gets ready to take him down.

With FBI director mother and FBI agent step-dad, Lane is very careful not to get caught. She barely covers her tracks, but she gloats in her success. Lane is thrilled when a serial killer seems to be practicing his craft in her city. She studies everything she can. She sneaks in to her mother's study and  secretly looks at the case files; she installs a nanny cam in her mother's study to listen in on phone calls.

At first, Lane is fascinated, but when the killer contacts her, Lane is afraid--afraid and fascinated.  A long ago secret surfaces from Lane's past, and her mother begins to reveal details about her father that she never knew. Could her past have something to do with the killer?

Lane is forced into action when her friend Zach is in danger. She won't be able to cover her tracks, but she might be able to save Zach. What will happen when Lane comes face to face with the real killer? Will she make him pay? Or will her  fascination take over?

At first, I wasn't sure I would have empathy for Lane. She seemed cold and distant--either a sociopath or a killer-- but once  I got to know about her past, I empathized with her. She is broken and damaged, but can be whole again...some day.

Highly, highly recommended for readers who like a thrilling read and riveting plot. 

Grade 9-up. NOT for middle school. Violence. Mature subject matter.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Mystery Pick: Spies and Prejudice

Spies and Prejudice
by Talia Vance
Egmont
2013
296 pages

Charming, captivating, and cute, Spies and Prejudice will thrill teen and tween readers who like a  light romance mixed with a mystery for good measure.

Working as an undercover spy, Berry's job is to gather "dirt" on cheating husbands and insurance frauds. She stakes out her "marks," and shoots photos as evidence in divorce hearings or for insurance companies. While working on her latest case, Berry meets drop dead gorgeous Adonis-like Tanner Halston. Berry doesn't have time for a boyfriend, and even if she did, it wouldn't be Mr. Universe.


Berry spots her friend's father in the parking lot and notices he has a letter about her  mother. What would Mr. Moss be doing with a letter about Berry's mom? Her mother has been dead for eight years--her death ruled an accident. Now, Berry wants answers. And she's a girl trained in covert operations.

With the help of Drew, a quiet, brooding friend she met at the library, Berry sneaks into Mr. Moss's home office. The deeper Berry digs, the more confused she gets.

Tanner works to get Berry to give him a chance, and their funny banter is utterly charming. Every time Berry gets a dig in, Tanner makes points. Berry finds herself liking Tanner more and more even though she won't admit it...even to herself.

Berry will do anything to find out how her mother died. She will sacrifice friendships and make a deal with the devil. In over her head, it's hard for her to tell who is a friend and who is an enemy.

Readers will want more, and the ending certainly leaves the door open for a continued series. Talia Vance has written a winning novel that is sure to entertain.  Clever cover art is designed to draw in teen readers--who doesn't love a spy in a trench coat?

Highly, highly recommended grade 7-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Book Giveaway: Spies and Prejudice

Spies and Prejudice
by Talia Vance
Egmont
2013
296 pages

I have FIVE copies  up for grabs!

Thoroughly charming,  Spies and Prejudice is a must read for fans of romance and fun banter. Berry (Strawberry, I know...right?) Fields is a super-sleuth who works undercover for her father. When she's not tailing a cheating husband or trying to get photos of insurance cheats, she really has no life. She's not into hair, make-up, fashion or dating. In fact, she literally has no interest in flirting at all. That is, until new guy Tanner shows up. The harder Tanner tries to endear himself, the more of a fight Berry puts up. You're going to LOVE this book!

For your chance to win, simply post a comment to the blog. Include your first name, city, state and email contact. Deadline for posts is noon MST on December 2, 2013. Winners will be chosen randomly by Randomizer and notified just after 12:00 MST on Dec. 2. Please check your email at that time. Winners have 24 hours to respond to my email. Books will ship from New York courtesy of Egmont and Michelle.

Don't miss this one! Start posting and good luck! Pamela

Spy Pick: Spy Camp

Spy Camp
by Stuart Gibbs
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2013
336 pages

Cleverly comedic, Spy Camp is a laugh-out-loud boisterous romp!

Ben Ripley, aka Smokescreen,  is thrilled that his first year of spy school is almost over. He's looking forward to hanging with his buddy Mike, but SPYDER, an enemy espionage organization, has other plans for Ben. Someone leaves a cryptic message in Ben's dorm--that SPYDER is coming for Ben. He doesn't know where to turn, but he does know that Erica, the best spy in school, will have his back.

The principal calls Ben to the office to inform him that he will have to attend spy camp during the summer. Spy camp? What about Ben's plans to chill for a few months? This ruins his plans for the summer, but spy camp looks promising...at least at first. Maybe Ben will be safe from SPYDER at camp.

Ben's spy school classmates attend spy camp along with some exchange students from England. The camp looks normal with cabins and a mess hall, but instead of swimming and canoeing, training consists of physical training including tedious runs and weapons training includes bow and arrow and tomahawks. SPYDER has infiltrated the camp and threatens Ben--he must agree to work for them, or else! Ben shares this information with Erica and camp-mates Chip, Zoe, and Warren. Erica's famous spy father Alexander Hale "drops" in to save the day. Pun intended--Hale parachutes into the camp wearing a tuxedo and dripping with 007 worthy attitude. Erica and Ben both  know that her father is a blatant failure and a phony. Alexander Hale is a bumbling idiot who takes credit for saving every operation he's ever been involved in, even when the credit is due to someone else. Because of his unsoiled reputation as a world class spy, Hale receives hero status and the kids at camp regard him as a Bond-like legend.

When it's decided to move Ben from the camp, his friends go along for the bus ride. Alex Hale accompanies the kids. SPYDER targets their escape and if not for Erica's grandfather, Ben would be a prisoner. Cyrus Hale saves the day and comes out of retirement for his granddaughter. SPYDER has secret plans which involve Cyrus, and the no one else has any idea that SPYDER is merely using Ben as a pawn.

Ben is funny and self-deprecating. He makes fun of the CIA, spy school and the government. Ben says, "It might seem surprising that the principal of the CIA's academy for future intelligent agents wasn't intelligent himself--but then, the CIA and the academy are run by the government." Of his spy school experience, Ben says, "While my first few weeks at spy school had been difficult--I'd nearly been assassinated, kidnapped and blown up--things had got much better after people had stopped trying to kill me." At camp, Ben finds out that the armory is a bit different than the one at his school. Instead of modern day guns, campers train with tomahawks and bows and arrows. Ben asks, "So we can defend ourselves if we ever time travel back to the 1700s?"


Smart and fast-paced, Spy Camp does not disappoint. Readers do not have to read Spy School first, but do yourself a favor, pick up both books; you'll be glad you did! Author Stuart Gibbs has another winner on his hands. Ben makes spying look like great fun, and even in dire situations, Ben has the presence of mind to solve problems without overthinking them. When trying to stop the assasination of the world's leaders and the launching of a deadly missle, Ben simply pulls the power  plug!



Highly, highly recommended grade 4-up. Recommeded for anyone who likes spies and humor.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)