Review: Death and the Girl Next Door

Author: Darynda Jones
Format: ebook
Print Length: 274
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Published: October 2, 2012

Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be. Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school. Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

"Unique, witty, and touching—I LOVED THIS BOOK!" —P.C. Cast, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Night Series

My Thoughts

For as long as Lorelei can remember she has known Cameron.  SO why is he now following her around?  What is his deal?  Bet yet why does the new guy seem interested in her?  He totally ignored her cheerleading perfect enemy Tabitha, who was coming on to him like a freight train.  Since when does Cameron decide who she can or cannot see?

Lorelei has no problem questioning that which she does not understand.  The book opens up on the 10^th anniversary of her parents’ disappearance.  Her best friends are supportive- usually with human and her life continues.  Now, why is Cameron was Cameron hanging out around her hose and is basically everywhere she is?

“Stalker boy was nothing if not dedicated.”

Then the boy of her dreams, literally, Jared shows up.  Jared, “built like an Adonis” has a shady background- think Kevin Spacey in the Usual Suspects.  Yet Cameron keeps trying to get Jared out of her life.  “You can’t have her” and let’s not forget the thing with the shot gun.

Jared is an interesting male lead.  His job occupation comes with certain rules and well he refuses to do his job because of his attraction to Lorelei.  I ended up likening Cameron more (the shot gun chapter totally sold me on him.

The awesome thing in this book is that the main character’s relationship takes a back seat to a pair of supportive members.  Yepper, funny gal sidekick- Brooke gets a boy in this one.  Who just so happens to be the opposite of Jared?  Can you guess who or what he is?  Well here is a hint- exorcism.

Regardless, Death and the Girl Next Door was an entertaining read.  It made me wonder what happens to the supportive characters than the main.  This sometimes happens- I felt extremely bad for Glitch for getting his heart secretly broken- she’ll never know.  Then I felt guilty because I was still glad that the pairing is happening. 

Will the demon wake up?  Will the angel be able to protect her?  Will his light shine bright enough for the both of them?  The sequel comes out in March so until then we are left wondering. 

My Rating 3 out of 4 stars

Other Characters

Brooke- fabulous bestie, with a great sense of humor

Glitch- guy bestie, who has a secret that he will not share

Tabitha- resident mean gal, every story has one