Review: Such Charming Liars

Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It has always been Kat and her mom, Jamie. There was a brief time when her mom was married, but that only lasted 48 hours. Jamie is a good jewel thief but wants to leave that life behind … after one last heist. Kat finagles onto the job, and they run into her mom’s ex-husband and his son. They have their own scam planned … then the billionaire dies. Who else is a target? Is there anyone Kat can trust?

Such Charming Liars was a fun if not exciting read. Although this book wasn’t very long, I didn’t find the mystery very attention-catching. The story moved along, and all questions got answered, but I finished the book wondering why I spent the time. It's not as good as McManus’ other books, but not the worst mystery written recently.


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Review: Break to You

Break to You by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adriana must endure seven months in juvie.  The only saving grace is she has been permitted to keep her journal.  When she misplaces it, she thinks everyone will know her secret thoughts.  She is relieved when she finds it, but unsure when she discovers that someone has written back … a boy.  Jon is in juvie for a different reason and this journal may be the connection to someone else that he has been craving.

Break to You is a stand-alone realistic fiction story that helps readers understand the juvenile justice system as well as some issues that lead teens to be in juvie.  Although this is written by multiple authors, I did not see any demarcations of when one was writing and when another took over.  The overall story was well thought out and I was fully invested in these two young people.  A great story for teens and adults alike.

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Review: 49 Miles Alone

49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Katie and Aster have planned to spend 4 days alone in the desert trekking 49 miles.  They have made trips like this before, but this one has been a cluster from the beginning.  One of them becomes injured and the other becomes ill.  Then a storm shatters their resolve and ruins some of their supplies.  Just when they are about to give up and call for help, they run into a young couple with extra supplies.  They are happy for the help, but something about the boyfriend seems off.  Will this pair make it out alive?  What other obstacles will this trail throw their way?

49 Miles Alone is an adventure story that was half plot set up and half high octane.  It was interesting to learn about this type of hiking and the hazards that could occur, but the adventure was lackluster, and I had to keep re-reading passages to remember what was going on.  The book’s saving grace is that it was a short read.  49 Miles Alone would be good for a road trip distraction.

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