Published by Balzer + Bray, Harper Collins, HarperCollins on 2014-05-13
Genres: Contemporary, Dating & Sex, Emotions & Feelings, Friendship, Love & Romance, Mystery and Suspense, Social Issues, Suspense, Young Adult
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
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Gone Girl meets Six Feet Under in bestselling author Sarah Strohmeyer's romantic YA mystery about a girl who must unravel a web of lies in her small town before it's too late.
Descended from a long line of female morticians, Lily Graves knows all about buried secrets. So after senior-class president Erin Donohue—perfect saint to the community—turns up dead, Lily believes it's her job to find the culprit. But Lily has feelings for Erin's ex-boyfriend, Matt, which makes both of them suspects and makes Lily's investigation . . . complicated. As her world crumbles around her, Lily must figure out the difference between truth and deception, between genuine love and a web of lies. And she must do it quickly, before the killer claims another victim.
Fans of Sara Shepard who enjoy realistic contemporary fiction with a dash of mystery will love the secrets, lies, and romance swirling in this sexy, intriguing novel.
Among all these contemporary books filled with angst, I so often enjoy a good murder mystery – so I picked up The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer in hopes to find an engaging murder mystery that keeps me entertained!
Strange Edgy Setting & Interesting Characters Relations
Lily is actually a pretty memorable character, which is not only due to her gothic, edgy attitude and dress code but also the way her family earns their money. She grew up in a family full of female morticians, so she’s surrounded by death and strange female role models but who are all quirky and interesting characters. Needless to say, Lily is the target of the mean and popular girls at school, but Lily tries not to care too much and does her own thing.
Besides Lily’s family, I also highly enjoyed Matt, the former boyfriend of one of the Queen Bee’s who became a really good friend of Lily’s and who sees her personality rather than the outside. I liked their romance, it was cute but didn’t take centre stage!
A Thrilling murder with some twists and turns.
When Erin – Queen Bee and Matt’s former girlfriend is found death, everyone intents to blame Lily and Matt. This and other circumstances leads Lily to find out more about these murders! And Lily is definitely determined to find the murderer even though everyone tries to keep her out of the investigations. But this won’t ever stop Lily. There were some twists which were expected and some turns I thankfully didn’t see coming. Nothing is more boring than a clue figured out to early.
Yet, despite all the nice words I have for this story, there was something lacking. I didn’t feel completely engaged in the story and also not n the characters. I can’t exactly pinpoint my lack of excitement, yet I remember closing the book and immediately being ready to turn to the next story. It didn’t leave any memorable notion on me.
Bewitched Rating
Bottom Line
The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer was an engaging murder mystery with a cute romance and some very intriguing characters. Lily was a great unusual heroine and the mystery behind the murders thrilling enough.
Additional Info
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While I do appreciate a good murder mystery, it has to have that spark and interesting characters to keep me fully engaged. Still, sounds like a good story.
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I can’t help but say that this sounds totally forgettable. I don’t think, with all the other books you recommend that I’ll be picking this one up. But thanks for the review, my curiosity about it is appeased.
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I’ve definitely had this same problem before Danny – where a book is good, just not great and I can’t put exactly into words what kept it from being great. I’m a fan of Sarah’s books overall, so I think I’d enjoy this one when I just want to be entertained:)
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I love myself a good murder mystery! Too bad it seemed like to be lacking something because it seemed like it could have been a really good book. Great review!
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I found this story so predictable so I ended up hating on this book a hell lot. Lily wasn’t memorable for me because she was useless to me, I had to rely on myself to figure out what they call MYSTERY. Lily was giving useless clues and they made me miss a few paths and I just lost it. I didn’t enjoy this but I’m glad you liked it and btw your blog is gorgeous! I have never seen such a gorgeous blog! I’m not kidding.
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I agree. Lily is a unique character, and her relationship with Matt was really cute. However, the story was lacking. I wanted to see more mystery and plot development. I’ve enjoyed Strohmeyer’s YA contemporary books much more. They’re really cute, and I love her writing! Great review, Danny!
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