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| August 2 - 3, 2013 |
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Number of Pages: 310
Genre/s: Young Adult, Mystery
Source: ARC provided by publisher
In this breathtaking debut that reads like Gossip Girl crossed with Twin Peaks, a Queen Bee at a blue-blooded New England prep school stumbles into a murder mystery.
Anne Dowling practically runs her exclusive academy on New York’s Upper East Side—that is, until she accidentally burns part of it down and gets sent to a prestigious boarding school outside of Boston. Determined to make it back to New York, Anne couldn't care less about making friends at the preppy Wheatley School. That is, until her roommate Isabella’s body is found in the woods behind the school.
When everyone else is oddly silent, Anne becomes determined to uncover the truth no matter how many rules she has to break to do it. With the help of Isabella’s twin brother Anthony, and a cute classmate named Brent, Anne discovers that Isabella wasn’t quite the innocent nerdy girl she pretended to be. But someone will do anything to stop Anne’s snooping in this fast-paced, unputdownable read—even if it means framing her for Isabella’s murder. - (source)
Anne Dowling practically runs her exclusive academy on New York’s Upper East Side—that is, until she accidentally burns part of it down and gets sent to a prestigious boarding school outside of Boston. Determined to make it back to New York, Anne couldn't care less about making friends at the preppy Wheatley School. That is, until her roommate Isabella’s body is found in the woods behind the school.
When everyone else is oddly silent, Anne becomes determined to uncover the truth no matter how many rules she has to break to do it. With the help of Isabella’s twin brother Anthony, and a cute classmate named Brent, Anne discovers that Isabella wasn’t quite the innocent nerdy girl she pretended to be. But someone will do anything to stop Anne’s snooping in this fast-paced, unputdownable read—even if it means framing her for Isabella’s murder. - (source)
I would've been ecstatic to learn that I'd be sent to a boarding school, as my only punishment for becoming an accidental arsonist, but Anne Dowling was less than thrilled.
I go into this type of book with little to no expectation. There's just so much that could go wrong about a boarding-school-mystery-thriller story, it's not fair to even expect to have the time of your life while reading one. Clichés are almost inevitable and will possibly happen, if the author suddenly run out of creative juices, and just decided to end the story with a cop-out move.
I am pleased to say that Prep School Confidential while not void of clichés, definitely came through and splendidly worked all of it and more in its favor.
Anne Dowling, our protagonist, is a likeable character. She's a rich Queen Bee who got expelled by accidentally setting her old school on fire. In a nutshell, I know I wouldn't like her character, but Anne proved to be smart, charming and caring. I liked her voice and I found myself wanting to know every move she will make, which made this read quite unputdownable.
The mystery aspect of the novel was as absorbing as its main protagonist, and I felt myself being transported to my Nancy Drew reading days. As the plot thickened, I really hoped Prep School Confidential would be a series of books and I'm glad that it is. It's been a long time since I read a mystery series that I can see myself investing in.
One minor problem I had with the book was the romance. I really do believe a book can survive without it, and I don't want to read about a half-baked one. I also hate love triangle with a passion. I would like to clarify that this didn't ruin the story, I just think the book would be better without it or if it was, at least, a slow-burning romance that would slowly progressed over the course of the series, then sign me up.
Despite my minor qualm, I definitely enjoyed Taylor's debut novel. Prep School Confidential is perfect for fans of Carolyn Keene and Ally Carter, and if Taylor continues this kind of quality in her future Anne Dowling's books, I might have just found my permanent replacement fix for my never been satisfied Nancy Drew cravings.
I go into this type of book with little to no expectation. There's just so much that could go wrong about a boarding-school-mystery-thriller story, it's not fair to even expect to have the time of your life while reading one. Clichés are almost inevitable and will possibly happen, if the author suddenly run out of creative juices, and just decided to end the story with a cop-out move.
I am pleased to say that Prep School Confidential while not void of clichés, definitely came through and splendidly worked all of it and more in its favor.
Anne Dowling, our protagonist, is a likeable character. She's a rich Queen Bee who got expelled by accidentally setting her old school on fire. In a nutshell, I know I wouldn't like her character, but Anne proved to be smart, charming and caring. I liked her voice and I found myself wanting to know every move she will make, which made this read quite unputdownable.
The mystery aspect of the novel was as absorbing as its main protagonist, and I felt myself being transported to my Nancy Drew reading days. As the plot thickened, I really hoped Prep School Confidential would be a series of books and I'm glad that it is. It's been a long time since I read a mystery series that I can see myself investing in.
One minor problem I had with the book was the romance. I really do believe a book can survive without it, and I don't want to read about a half-baked one. I also hate love triangle with a passion. I would like to clarify that this didn't ruin the story, I just think the book would be better without it or if it was, at least, a slow-burning romance that would slowly progressed over the course of the series, then sign me up.
Despite my minor qualm, I definitely enjoyed Taylor's debut novel. Prep School Confidential is perfect for fans of Carolyn Keene and Ally Carter, and if Taylor continues this kind of quality in her future Anne Dowling's books, I might have just found my permanent replacement fix for my never been satisfied Nancy Drew cravings.
Cupid's Verdict:
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| 4 Cupids |
A copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley
in exchange for an honest review.
in exchange for an honest review.
Oh it's so cool that the MC is that likable! I actually ordered this book two weeks ago and should arrive tomorrow so I was really eager to read your (great) review, Sarah! I LOVE books set at a boarding school; so exciting! Ouff, I'm glad the romance wasn't THAT bad. I don't mind love-triangles since I read The Vampire Diaries with exceptions of course. :P
ReplyDeleteLola @ Hit or Miss Books
Yay, Lola! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Haha. The Vampire Diaries is like the epitome of the love triangle trope, that's why I can't stand it.
DeleteI want to read this one! But I do agree...looots of room for awkward error there. >-< And cliches. Lots of room for them too. And I'm with you on the half-baked romance. NO DON'T HAVE IT IN THERE. I never read Nancy Drew in my smaller days, but I did love Trixie Belden. So many fond memories of all her awesome mysteries. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by @ Notebook Sisters!
I'm not familiar with Trixie Belden's works but I'm glad you have a mystery series you grew up with. I hope you get around to reading this, Cait. I can't wait to know what you'll think of it. :)
DeleteThis one does remind me of Ally Carter's books but i also have a hole Nancy Drew left in me years ago so if this series has the potential to fill yours i'll have to read this one!
ReplyDeleteAlso, how do you accidently set a school on fire?
You accidentally do it by having the worst luck in the world. ;) We all need a Nancy Drew filler/replacement, and I hope this could be yours too, Lily! :)
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed Prep School Confidential and the mystery held up for you. And, I agree that sometimes the book just does not have a place nor really need the romance. I'm not sure why they always try to squeeze one in-but this sounds wonderful anyways. I also grew up on Nacy Drew and Hardy Boys. So if a book can transport you back to those fond memories, I'd say that's a good of a good book. Wonderful review Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim. It did transport me back since it reminded me so much of Nancy Drew. Super plus points to this book's mystery aspect.
DeleteI'm with you Sarah! I love romance in my books, but I want it to feel like it's an integral part of the story (or one that's on the periphery but still done well), not something that's tossed in and isn't really developed at all. Aside from that though, this sounds like a fantastic read and I'm always up for a good boarding school mystery!
ReplyDeleteJenny, I feel like each and everyone of us is craving for a boarding school story. Yes, it could be pretty disappointing if the romance was not handled well in a book.
DeleteI remember back when Kara was writing this, and her work was just amazing. I haven't read this yet, but I love the sound of it, and I think Kara has this gift of creating a fun, meaningful and enticing story! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa! And yes, Kara Taylor did a fab job with Prep School Confidential. :)
DeleteBOARDING SCHOOOOOLS. It's so funny that most of the characters (and people) who attend them don't like boarding schools, but I'd have loved to have attended one. Clichés can work, depending on the book. And if it has original tropes as well, then all the better! Yay for a great MC and intriguing mystery ;) Heh! I love me my romances. Though lately I just want a slow-burn one that gives me all the feels. NOOOOO for a love triangle. NO. Just.. NO. Thanks, but no. LOL. I know just the person who'd enjoy this though ;) So happy you enjoyed, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteWHO IS THIS PERSON, SIIRI? I know, boarding school is like an exciting adventure to a world of unknown. Slow-burn romance for the win!
DeleteLike you, I always go into these types of novels expecting little since they're written for pure, mindless fun-esque purposes and I'm glad to see you were pleasantly surprised. Wonderful review--you've made me give this one a second look and I'll be keeping this in mind for when I'm in the mood for this type of read.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Glad to have made you want to read this book, Keertana. :)
DeleteI second what Siiri said. I usually find characters in boarding school hating it and I'd totally be happy to get into one. That would be an amazing experience. But it's really good that you enjoyed this one and I'd also get into with low expectations so I'd probably enjoy it. Great review, Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tanja! ;) Yes, just go with the story and manage your expectations and everything would be well. :)
DeleteI honestly can't understand why so many characters dread going to boarding school so much. Oh wait, I know -- it's 'cause they haven't read Harry Potter and seen how awesome boarding school can be. ;) And yeah, I get what you mean about having low expectations for books like these, and Keertana explained my reason well enough. Those four cupids are definitely a surprise!
ReplyDeleteI always find that characters who are supposed to be unlikable, but turn out to be the complete opposite are some of the most memorable characters. Hermione is one of them -- she was supposed to be the smarty-pants, Miss Goody-Two-Shoes, and ridiculous tattletale, but I ended up growing so fond of her. Of course, I'm biased, but whatever, my argument is still legit.
And yay for a good mystery plot, too! You probably know that I haven't had the best of luck with mystery novels lately, so it's nice to see a book with mystery that is like Nancy Drew's. That's pretty high praise. Too bad the romance kind of brought the book down, though. I don't know why all authors think it's necessary to have romance in books, because there are so many books that would work well without them.
I wasn't planning on reading this before, but now I have to admit that I'm curious. I'll be sure to check this out if I ever get the urge to read something fun and enjoyable. Fab review as always, Sarah!
I know! If I ever get into a boarding school, I'll bring a wand and pretend that I'm going to Hogwarts. It's all a matter of perspective. Glad you mentioned Hermione. She made a complete character turnaround, but what would you expect with JKR's characters? And yes, I'm glad the romance part wasn't that much of a big deal for me so I still ended up liking the book for what it brought to the table. Just so you know, Meg, you always makes me smile with your comments. Thank you for being awesome! :)
DeleteI'm sad the romance didn't work out for you. It's always so disappointing when it feels that a book has a romance "because they should" than because it should actually be there, addign to the story. I'm glad you still enjoyed the rest, though :) This is a series I plan on trying out soon-ish.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Sarah!
Thank you, Celine! And yes, the romance in this book is slightly disappointing but I do wish it'll get better as the series progresses. I hope you'll like this when you get around to reading it! :D
DeleteI really like it when books still have the ability to impress even with some of the cliches. I think it just makes the book stand out in its ability to stand apart. I'm glad you liked this one :)
ReplyDeleteYes. It's wonderful that this book worked well in that regard. Cliches or not, as long as the book can gripped its reader then we're all happy campers. :)
DeleteThis book has been on my TBR for the longest time now! I love books that are set in boarding schools and add to that a mystery? This was written for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't appreciate the romantic situation however. I'm like you in that I despise love triangles and want nothing to do with them. I do think that because the love triangle doesn't affect the plot, I won't be as frustrated with it as expected.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one enough to rate it 4 cupids! I'll have to pick it up soon. :)
Lovely review, Sarah!
The romance issue was just a minor thing really but I pointed it out because a lot of us don't appreciate love triangles. I hope that when you finally read this one, you'll end up liking it. Thank you so much, Nick! :)
DeleteThis book must have been really to good to sort of replace your favorites. :P I'm not really into the spy novels, but I've been wanting to read this for the longest time because I've been hearing so many good things about it. Great review by the way. I hope I can get my hands on a copy soon enough.
ReplyDeleteThanks Francine. It's not actually a spy novel. It's more of a detective story and it is really good. A solid read for a genre that's more likely to give lackluster novels. Hope you'd like it! :)
Delete