Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday Review

Title: Social Suicide
Author: Gemma Halliday
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

Twittercide [twit-er-sahyd]: the killing of one human being by another while the victim is in the act of tweeting.

Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the Herbert Hoover High Homepage would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper’s brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went... a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the Homecoming Queen-hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH’s resident body finder, I’m stuck trying to prove that Sydney’s death wasn’t suicide.

I’m starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos...

Hartley is back with a mystery more dastardly than ever, and she’s going to need to draw on all of her media-savvy, her wits and her crime-solving prowess to solve this one. Law enforcement is convinced that Sydney Sanders’ death was accidental, but Hartley’s not so sure. Lurking in the corners of her mind, Hartley has an idea what might have happened, and she’s determined to uncover it at all costs. But Hartley’s got more on her hands than ever before. She’s working for the paper, keeping up with school and then there’s Chase, who might be exactly what she wished for, in all his bad-boy glory.

Social Suicide is the much-anticipated sequel of author Gemma Halliday’s debut novel, Deadly Cool. Running in the same vein as its predecessor, we’re given a quirky heroine with all the flaws and faults of friends we might find in real life, giving us a realistic take on a crazy murder-mystery ride. Unlike most murder mysteries though, this series has a way of turning them into uproariously hilarious tales that are cringe-worthy, biting and just a touch snarky to whet your appetite for a fun and entertaining read. Heck, if I was murdered, I’d want Hartley on my case.

I remember how completely blown away I was when I read book one. It was witty, didn’t take itself too seriously and it had this protagonist that just had me laughing the entire time. With Social Suicide, we are treated to Hartley’s antics, yet again, and I have to say it’s no less of a treat than before. Her offbeat character voice and subtly ironic humour really complements the layered mystery that, while serious in nature, is still engrossing and entertaining to become involved in. Unlike the first installment, we have a new hint of romance this time around, and it’s every bit as fun and flirtatious as the mystery, itself. Hartley and Chase have an incredibly fun and offbeat romance that truly adds a layer of sweetness to Social Suicide. Hartley’s confusion regarding Chase’s inability to commit to one viewpoint on a relationship was honest and charming, and I’m sure plenty of teen girls can relate. The true strength of Social Suicide lies within the awkward humour that, at times, feels like a nail-biter, but at other times has you wheezing with laughter. Above all else, Hartley’s not the best mystery-buster, but her attempts make us laugh without fail. Just like before, Social Suicide is a teen read, quick and painless – offering you fun without any strings attached. It’s almost like a take it or leave it approach.

Overall, though I think book one was stronger and funnier than Social Suicide, this was still an entertaining and fast-paced sequel – one you can easily finish in a single evening. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries, touches of romance and humour.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.