Dangerous girls by Abigail Haas

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Simon & Schuster Childrens Books, 2013. ISBN 9781471119149
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Anna, her boyfriend Tate, her best friend Elise and a group of close friends, are off holidaying in Aruba to celebrate before they all go to college. But the holiday is cut short when Elise is found brutally murdered, and no one knows who killed her.
Anna is swiftly arrested and stands trial for the murder of her best friend. As the trial continues, everyone starts to question her innocence, even those closest to her. To the rest of the world, she isn't just guilty, she's dangerous. But as the truth begins to come out, it will be even more shocking...
At a first glance this book seems to be a formulaic, young-adult whodunit murder mystery. First looks have never been so deceptive. What begins as a simple teenage novel quickly grows into a fascinating, intricate murder mystery, one that envelops the reader completely in its complex web of lies, deceit and murder. The book is fast-paced and exciting, making the reader want to turn the pages at a feverish pace. The characters, although seeming somewhat stereotypical at first, end up being developed very well. Subtle hints are shown throughout the novel as to who the killer is, but many won't become obvious until the end of novel, when the murderer is finally revealed. This is one of those books that will keep readers guessing right until the end.
Dangerous girls is a brilliantly suspenseful, intricate murder mystery that will be remembered long after it's been finished.
I highly recommend this book.
Rebecca Adams

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