Title: The Half Life of Molly Pierce
Author: Katrina Leno (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: July 8, 2014
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 256
Source: Publisher

You take it for granted. Waking up. Going to school, talking to your friends. Watching a show on television or reading a book or going out to lunch. You take for granted going to sleep at night, getting up the next day, and remembering everything that happened to you before you closed your eyes. You live and you remember. Me, I live and I forget. But now—now I am remembering.

For all of her seventeen years, Molly feels like she’s missed bits and pieces of her life. Now, she’s figuring out why. Now, she’s remembering her own secrets. And in doing so, Molly uncovers the separate life she seems to have led…and the love that she can’t let go.

There's something about a good psychological mystery that keeps you thinking about the book long after you've closed the last page. And, in all honesty, coming by such novels in the young adult realm is quite the chance occurrence, so when I heard about The Half Life of Molly Pierce, I was decidedly intrigued. Author, Katrina Leno, gives us a character and a scenario that we've seen on the big screen before, but I've never seen accomplished well in novels. Giving us a fragmented past, a broken present and an uncertain future, we're asked to get onboard and follow the thrill ride that is Molly's life. I can honestly say it's hard not to comply.

Molly was possibly one of the most refreshing protagonists I've had the pleasure of following in a long time. The Half Life of Molly Pierce offers us a sort of stream of consciousness type of storyline, and it gives a delicious, if confusing, look into her life, her mind and her thoughts. Everything about Molly is so asymmetrical. Nothing seems to fit into the mold that is her life, and yet she has a strong will and a temperament about her that makes us want to solve the mystery with her. Perhaps the strongest element of her character, however, is her sense of self. Even though everything seemed to be consistently unraveling around her, or working against her, she knew that she had a mission, and she never lost sight of that, which was refreshing.

Perhaps the biggest strength of the novel, however, is Ms. Leno's ability to truly capture the heart of this mystery and what makes it so very psychological. From the start, I'd known that The Half Life of Molly Pierce was being loosely touted as the younger literary version of Memento, and that intrigued me. Being able to unravel a mystery about a layered character that may or may not be all there at all times is infuriatingly intriguing and puzzling. And, to be honest, I as worried that Ms. Leno would dumb it down for the younger viewers. I was pleased to be able to read between the lines and really understand how complex Molly was as a character. It's really quite remarkable to read a psychological mystery that is layered enough to keep me interested until the end.

If I could point out one flaw in the novel it was simply that I guessed the mystery in the end - possibly because I knew the concept of Memento. All that said though, I was really impressed by the depth that Ms. Leno managed to convey through The Half Life of Molly Pierce, as well as the characters she created, because they all shone in their own way. I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy psychological mysteries and thrillers. 

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.

You may remember that way back when, I revealed what I think is possibly the coolest and creepiest trailer of the year to you all for a novel called Dollhouse by Anya Allen from Paper Lantern Lit. Well, my friends, the wait is over! The book has arrived, and you'd better believe it's as awesome as we thought it could be…and more!

Dollhouse was every bit as eerie as I'd hoped it could be. With a setting that was absolutely to die for in Australia (New South Wales, to be exact), and a host of unforeseen circumstances, the ball starts rolling on a novel that seems innocent until things begin to unravel. It must be said that author, Anya Allen, sets the stage slowly but surely, establishing her characters first before things begin to fall apart and go awry. It's a tricky feat, but once the novel hits its stride, the adventure, mystery and heart-palpitating drama is non-stop.

I thought that Dollhouse would offer us childhood references to dolls and wishes as a sort of respite from the eerie events, but it seemed to use them to further the macabre. Psychological and, at times, uncomfortable, it's the type of novel that makes you cringe as you read, but at the same time, you're simply unable to look away. The sincerity of the horror aspects of the novel are well done, and it must be said this novel doesn't err on the side of over-the-top supernatural experiences. Rather, the grim takes center stage and pushes the story forward.

Trust me, my friends, if you're a fan of real psychological thrillers and stories that will keep you thinking, Dollhouse is the perfect novel for you!

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Title: Dollhouse
Author: Anya Allyn (Twitter. Facebook)
Publisher: Paper Lantern Lit
Publish Date: May 20, 2014
Genre: YA, Thriller
Pages: 205

It isn’t nice to play games. Cassie knows coveting her best friend’s boyfriend is practically a cardinal sin. So when Aisha disappears, Cassie fears it’s her fault for even thinking of Ethan that way.

As the chemistry between them escalates, Cassie and Ethan discover a secret they never would have imagined: a hidden mansion in the mist-enshrouded mountains, where Aisha and several other girls are being held as dolls by a handsome young man who they call The Provider.

Torn between her forbidden feelings for Ethan, and her intense, unexpected attraction to The Provider, Cassie must overcome temptation. Because it turns out that even good girls can be drawn to dark things… and the game between Cassie and The Provider has only just begun, in this tantalizing start to an incredible series.

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Author: Anya Allyn

Anya Allyn grew up in Sydney, Australia, and now lives by the beach on The Central Coast. She spends her days with five incredibly cool males - four of whom are her kids. As a child, she could be found reading, sketching comic strips or fainting during choir practice in her school convent. She has worked in entertainment, web content, and most recently as a Features' Editor for Fairfax Media in Australia. Dollhouse is her first novel.

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Find Dollhouse on iTunes. Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Goodreads. 

Title: The Killing Woods
Author: Lucy Christopher (Twitter)
Publisher: Chicken House
Publish Date: October 3, 2013
Genre: YA, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 369
Source: Publisher

Emily’s dad is accused of murdering a teenage girl. Emily is sure he is innocent, but what happened that night in the woods behind their house where she used to play as a child? Determined to find out, she seeks out Damon Hillary, the enigmatic boyfriend of the murdered girl. He also knows these woods. Maybe they could help each other. But he’s got secrets of his own about games that are played in the dark.

A new psychological thriller from the award-winning and bestselling author of STOLEN and FLYAWAY.

There will never be enough mysteries and thrillers written to completely satiate my appetite. I know this, yet when a book like The Killing Woods comes along, I hesitate for a moment and wonder if all others should simply take note of the way the mystery is set up and plays out within the pages of the novel. This book is atmospheric, tangible and inescapable in the best possible way, and I'm thrilled that this is my first introduction to Lucy Christopher's writing. She's crafted a story that's mesmerizing and haunting, but also so incredibly captivating that you simple don't want to put it down for fear of missing a piece of the puzzle that is so expertly crafted. 

Usually, I shy away from novels with two narrators, but I enjoy how Ms. Christopher did it within the pages of The Killing Woods. Both narrators, Emily and Damon Hillary, had such vastly different viewpoints that it made easy to both distinguish the two and side with one of them. And yet, while making Damon's viewpoint angry, confused, lost and vengeful, we find a sort of catharsis in him. He's so broken, and his heartless ways, at times, simply exude the depth of loss that he feels, which makes us almost relate to him more. Emily, too, felt a sort of confusion and anger over the circumstances, as well as an intense desire to discover what really happened that night and whether she'll ever be able to return to normalcy again. I must say that, of the two narrators, I much preferred Emily - perhaps because I could understand her emotions more, while Damon's felt a bit jaded and angry.

It must also be said that The Killing Woods is written so eloquently that some of the settings, including Darkwood, the location of Ashlee's murder, come alive. The words leap from the page with a biting sort of reality, dark and brooding. Rather than simply telling us about this world of darkness, we're invited in to explore it, sense it and understand it better ourselves, and there is such an innate power in Ms. Christopher's descriptions that we can't help desire to unravel this expertly crafted mystery ourselves - if it means we can stay in the world a little longer. 

If I had one qualm with the novel, it was that I felt there was a bit too much convenience thrown about the novel here and there. For the most part, the mystery and its devices were set up well, and immersed carefully throughout the story. However, at times, I felt that this beautifully-crafted mystery story was overshadowed by the convenience of a clue or two, which made me feel a bit slighted, and would remove me a bit from the story. 

Overall though, I quite enjoyed The Killing Woods, and I must say that Ms. Christopher's writing style is enough to keep me invested in her writing for years to come. I give this one a 4 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy a good mystery and suspense story with strong characterization and plot devices. 

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.

Title: The Cutting Room Floor
Author: Dawn Klehr (Twitter)
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: October 8, 2013
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 312
Source: Publisher

Behind-the-scenes secrets could turn deadly for Desmond and Riley. Life in the Heights has never been easy for seventeen-year-old Riley Frost, but when she's publicly dumped and outed at the same time, she becomes an immediate social outcast at her high school. So Riley swears off romance and throws herself into solving the shocking murder of her favorite teacher, Ms. Dunn.

Riley turns to her best friend, budding filmmaker Desmond Brandt, for help. What she doesn't know is that Dez has been secretly directing her life, blackmailing her friends, and hoping his manipulations will make her love him. When his schemes go too far, Dez's web of lies threatens to destroy both of their lives.

A true mystery is carefully and tightly wound so that, as a novel plays out, the story, the drama and the truth can slowly unravel and unwind, reeling you into a web of lies and destruction. The Cutting Room Floor is the type of novel that embodies that in a nutshell and, at times, felt even more claustrophobic than your everyday mystery. I've found in the past that many mystery stories focus too heavily on the plot to ever get to know the characters with whom we are supposed to empathize. This novel, however, errs on the opposite end of the spectrum and is extremely character-driven, forcing us to find a character with whom we can relate, root for and hope to come out on top with once the mystery has been solved. I found Dawn Klehr's take on mystery to be refreshing and, if I'm entirely honest, slightly schizophrenic.

The Cutting Room Floor is a bit all over the place though, for the most part, in a really well-done way. With they mystery well under way, we're offered two distinct points of view - one from Dez and one from Riley. Through Dez's eyes, we get to see that he's a little bit crazy, and he plays life very much like a game, manipulating people who might be power players or paws. He's also incredibly possessive of Riley, which should have made me hate him, but he was also kind of frank and honest, which I found appealing and, dare I say, endearing? Riley was the exact opposite of him. Closed off and vulnerable, coming out as gay made her a pariah in school, and her confusion lent a distinct air of sincerity to her voice and her point of view, which was a breath of fresh air from Dez's voice.

In terms of the mystery, I think it was quite well-plotted. It wasn't exceptionally mind-blowing, but the twists and turns throughout the novel definitely kept me guessing until the end, and I was surprised by the ultimate reveal. I think the sole thing that detracted from my enjoyment of The Cutting Room Floor was that I couldn't quite grasp exactly what this novel was, if that makes sense. I'm entirely for cross-genre fiction, but it seemed like this novel struggled to classify itself, as well. It wasn't just a mystery. Rather, it offered us a thriller, a murder mystery, a romance and a touch of gay fiction - all of which are great - but they definitely colluded what the actual feel of the book was supposed to be.

In the end, I really did enjoy The Cutting Room Floor, though I found myself a little all over the place after reading it. It's one of those books that will lead you in one direction, then switch the other way, all at a breakneck speed. I give it a high 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to all fans of YA, especially fans of complex mysteries, thrillers and LGBT themes.

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.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Mirk and Midnight Hour

Author: Jane Nickerson (Twitter)

Publisher: Knopf BYR

Publish Date: March 11, 2014

Genre: YA, Paranormal Thriller

Pages: 384

Seventeen-year-old Violet Dancey has been left at home in Mississippi with a laudanum-addicted stepmother and love-crazed stepsister while her father fights in the war—a war that has already claimed her twin brother.

When she comes across a severely injured Union soldier lying in an abandoned lodge deep in the woods, things begin to change. Thomas is the enemy—one of the men who might have killed her own brother—and yet she's drawn to him. But Violet isn't Thomas's only visitor; someone has been tending to his wounds—keeping him alive—and it becomes chillingly clear that this care hasn't been out of compassion. Against the dangers of war and ominous powers of voodoo, Violet must fight to protect her home and the people she loves.

There is something about this time period that completely and utterly fascinates me. Add in one hell of a  creepy locale for a story, and you've pretty much got me hook, line and sinker. The Mirk and Midnight Hour sounds as though it's the perfect blend of what I love to read. It's got the creepy, sinister mystery that I love so much, magic, voodoo and a whole mess of dark and otherworldly things to contend with. Oh yeah, and that cover is eerie...and awesome. Yes, please! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: The Shattering
Author: Karen Healey
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: September 5, 2011
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 305
Source: Publisher

Seventeen-year-old Keri likes to plan for every possibility. She knows what to do if you break an arm, or get caught in an earthquake or fire. But she wasn't prepared for her brother's suicide, and his death has left her shattered with grief. When her childhood friend Janna tells her it was murder, not suicide, Keri wants to believe her. After all, Janna's brother died under similar circumstances years ago, and Janna insists a visiting tourist, Sione, who also lost a brother to apparent suicide that year, has helped her find some answers.

As the three dig deeper, disturbing facts begin to pile up: one boy killed every year; all older brothers; all had spent New Year's Eve in the idyllic town of Summerton. But when their search for the serial killer takes an unexpected turn, suspicion is cast on those they trust the most.

As secrets shatter around them, can they save the next victim? Or will they become victims themselves?

Keri is used to being in control. She knows how to prepare, and she's ready for every twist and turn, but when her brother suddenly dies, she's thrown for a loop. Jake wasn't the type to commit suicide. He would never have simply left her, and she's so convinced of the fact that when a childhood friend suggests the possibility of murder, Keri is on board. So, she's got a goal again. Keri will find out who killed her brother, and while she's at it, she, Janna and Sione might uncover more than they were searching for.

The Shattering is an eerie book, to say the least. There's a darkness in the prose that resonates throughout, growing and expanding with each turning page and twist of the mystery. Karen Healey, author of Guardian of the Dead, has nailed down the suspense-factor, spinning riveting tales that are equal parts harrowing and mind-bending. By developing a fully-fleshed plot, relatable characters and a storyline that doesn't quit, The Shattering grips the reader in a world they can easily become lost and terrified in.

There are parts about The Shattering that I loved, while there were aspects of the book that were a bit puzzling for me, I'll admit. First of all, the author has placed The Shattering in a small New Zealand town, letting the richness of the landscape and environment sing through the pages and make the story that much more tangible. Then, she's placed a cast of characters within her dynamic backdrop and given them personalities, backgrounds and motives that make them accessible to the reader. Keri, for example, was brilliant. She had a quiet, steady strength that, while wavering at times, was powerful and a true presence. Plus, the way The Shattering combined folklore, grief, suicide and coming out was delicate and creative, ensuring that each element and theme played an equal part. That said, I will say that I felt the mystery element often overshadowed some of the others - namely the grief. It seemed as though it was meant to be a driving force, and it got lost sometimes. Furthermore, I felt that there were a few plot hiccups as the pacing slowed, then sped too fast. Like I said though, the strengths and weeknesses did balance.

Overall, The Shattering was another solid and entertaining novel from an established author. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy YA, especially those who like mysteries and dark stories.

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.

Title: Shelter
Author: Harlan Coben
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Published: September 6, 2011
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

Mickey Bolitar's year can't get much worse. After witnessing his father's death and sending his mom to rehab, he's forced to live with his estranged uncle Myron and switch high schools.

A new school comes with new friends and new enemies, and lucky for Mickey, it also comes with a great new girlfriend, Ashley. For a while, it seems like Mickey's train-wreck of a life is finally improving - until Ashley vanishes without a trace. Unwilling to let another person walk out of his life, Mickey follows Ashley's trail into a seedy underworld that reveals that this seemingly sweet, shy girl isn't who she claimed to be. And neither was Mickey's father. Soon, Mickey learns about a conspiracy so shocking that it makes high school drama seem like a luxury - and leaves him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew.

Mickey should have known nothing was as it seemed. He thought his year couldn't get worse than his father dying and his mother's breakdown, but switching schools is the icing on the cake. Mickey is surprised, however, to find that he makes unusual friends and he even has his eye on a pretty girl in school. But when Ashley vanishes, Mickey finds that his uncle's deep-seeded determination to help those he cares about him is rooted within him, as well. Mickey's quest to save Ashley unfolds a bizarre and mysterious conspiracy though, and he's about to learn that nothing is as it seems, and those he trusts most might not be the best to trust in after all.

I'll be honest. I've never read anything by Harlan Coben, but I will say that I've heard amazing things about his Myron Bolitar series for adults. Yes, I know I'm an adult. That's neither here nor there. Harlan Coben is a masterful plotter, merging an intricate story into a pulse-pounding adventure that's sure to delight younger readers. Shelter's prose is simple without feeling dumbed-down, the characters are relatable without feeling false and the story is cohesive from start to finish. It's the perfect way to set up an intriguing mystery series.

Shelter is a prime example of when a good book features secondary characters that truly take the cake. I liked Mickey, don't get me wrong. He was sincere, genuine and felt real, but his friends, Ema and Spoon surpass him in intrigue. Ema was a tough girl, though perhaps a bit stereotyped as a goth, but she had this strength that just resounded throughout the story and made her the ultimate bad-ass sidekick. Spoon provided picture-perfect comic relief with his nerdiness that added an element of humour to a pretty intense story. They fed well into the overall plot of Shelter, fueling it along. I will admit that I had a few issues with Shelter - the most prominent being that some scenes seemed a bit too convenient. If a character or object was needed to further the story, it would seemingly appear out of thin air without any backstory. Don't get me wrong - I know that not everything needs backstory, but if it's crucial to the plot, I want to know it was there all along. My only other real issue with Shelter was the use of certain terms and references that I simply don't think apply to the teenage populace today. Perhaps that's an issue of an author transitioning from adult to YA, though, and it's a personal preference, as it didn't really hinder the story.

Overall, Shelter was an action-packed and intriguing story that's sure to set up another great series. Plus, it's one of the few YA thrillers without a paranormal element, so that's a bonus. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. Fans of Harlan Coben will likely enjoy this new series.

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.

A while back I was asked by the amazing Yara of Once Upon a Twilight if I'd like to be a part of a blog tour for a book called 12.21.12. Two words: Yes. Please. To see the rest of the amazing blog tour, click HERE to learn more.

I reviewed 12.21.12 today, and I loved how the author, Killian McRae, perfectly balanced a blend of genres, and I'm super lucky to say she sat down to answer a few of my questions, so check it out!

1. Please describe 12.21.12 in five words or less.

Acient murder informs modern apacolypse.

2. If you weren't an author, what would you be?

Unemployed. :)

A librarian. The love of books, it's hard to shake.

3. What traits separate Shep from other male main characters within the genre of 12.21.12?

Shep takes all the new revelations with little fanfare. He's already learned fact usually outscales fiction  (the fact in this fiction is, in fact, fictional).

4. Your book is an interesting mix of reality and fiction - how did you balance the two?

I try to keep the fantasy within two steps of realty. It takes to the edge. That third step takes you over the edge.

5. Why ancient Egypt and why the Mayan prophecy of 12.21.12?

There's just enough in common between these two great, ancient cultures to suggest there's a connection that it was just too irresistable not to explore.

6. Are there any authors or works that inspired you to write 12.21.12?

Not the topic, but as far as treatment of exploiting fact for fiction's sake, Dan Brown is the king.

7. Is there anything specific you'd like to tell your readers?

Even if conspiracy isn't your thing, or gods, or aliens, give 12.21.12 a try. It really doesn't stay in the bounds of one particular genre. You might be drawn in by the love story, or the history, or the intrigue, or any number of elements.

Thank you so much for stopping by, Killian! To all of you...12.21.12 is out now, and to see what I thought of it, click HERE!
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Today is day 10 of The Long Weekend Blog Tour! Be sure to check out today's tour stop at Kate's blog, Literary Explorations, for another amazing review of this one-of-a-kind book!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Name of the Star
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: Hyperion Children's
Published: September 20, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemps/Paranormal
Pages: Unknown

A modern-day thriller about Rory, an American high-school student who enrolls at a London boarding school for her junior year. Soon after her arrival, a series of murders begins to take place across the city—on the exact dates and in the exact style of Jack the Ripper.

Rory’s ties to the killer bring her in contact with a secret paranormal branch of the British police, as they attempt to stop the mysterious killer.

Before I say anything else, if you haven't read anything by Maureen Johnson, you have been living under a rock. Now that that's out of the way...I am in absolute LUST with the cover of The Name of the Star. It's eerie, and pretty, and creepy all at the same time. And, considering the fact that I love me some dark and twisty/creepy tales, I'm loving that this premise involves Jack the Ripper. It sounds edgier than a lot of what I read, and that makes me very, very happy! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?