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Sketchy Behavior

3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 · rating details · 362 ratings · 75 reviews

Drawing Conclusions or Drafting Disaster? Other than harboring a somewhat obsessive fondness for Crispix and completely swearing-off boys after a bad date (don't ask), sixteen-year-old Kate Carter is about as ordinary as they come, except for her two notable talents: art and sarcasm. After an introduction to forensic sketching in her elective art class, Kate discovers a th...more

Paperback, 220 pages

Published August 23rd 2011 by Zonderkidz (first published August 9th 2011)

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Oct 15, 2012 Gail Welborn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Erynn Mangum, author of the popular Miss Match and Cool Beans series, tackles a humorous young adult mystery in “Sketchy Behavior.” There sixteen-year-old Kate Carter, high school junior, discovers a unique talent for criminal profiling to add to her existing passions for art, humor and sarcasm.

The story begins when Miss Yeager, Kate’s art teacher announces the arrival of Detective Masterson who plans to speak on the “field of criminal sketches.” Kate suspects Miss Yeager’s ulterior motive has...more

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Jun 05, 2012 NCPL Teenzone rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, mystery, realistic, ya

Kate Carter doesn't like to be noticed. She'd rather spend her time at home sketching and trying to finish the Crispix before they get soggy. But a surprise assignment in art class turns Kate's quiet routine world upside down. When Miss Yeager brings in Detective Masterson, the idea was to give her high school students more information about art careers, and this time specifically about becoming a forensic sketch artist. Detective Masterson brings what is assumed to be a sample witness statement...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 20, 2011 Stacie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Erynn Mangum is my favorite author, (so I hate writing this) but I just felt like this book lacked. I think because Erynn is in her 20's she writes the books about the 20's girls much better. My absolute favorite books was her first series and I wish she would write something again along those lines, the very fast talking/coffee/chocolate/ liking boys, never gets boring. The second series was good I felt because she still went with the same theme, the coffee house and the boys. The Easter book w...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Jean rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Sixteen-year-old Kate Carter feels her life in the small town of South Woodhaven Falls is anything but exciting. She’s not involved in any groups at school or otherwise and she’s sworn off dating following an experience she labels “Do Not Speak of Ever Ever Ever.” When she’s not doing homework, she spends her free time drawing in her sketchbook and watching the E! channel with her best (and really only) friend, Maddy. But something is bound to happen to throw some excitement into her life, and i...more Sixteen-year-old Kate Carter feels her life in the small town of South Woodhaven Falls is anything but exciting. She’s not involved in any groups at school or otherwise and she’s sworn off dating following an experience she labels “Do Not Speak of Ever Ever Ever.” When she’s not doing homework, she spends her free time drawing in her sketchbook and watching the E! channel with her best (and really only) friend, Maddy. But something is bound to happen to throw some excitement into her life, and it comes from an unexpected assignment for her art class. A guest talks to the class about the career of Forensic Sketching, and he describes a criminal to the class. Kate uses the details the guest detective provides to compose a sketch of the criminal, only to find out later that she has drawn a very accurate portrait of a serial killer on the loose. When the killer is caught thanks to her sketch, Kate becomes a local celebrity, but she finds that attention can also bring danger. She’s soon under house arrest and followed constantly by police, who are trying to protect her from any accomplices of the now-locked-up killer. But will the police presence be enough to keep her safe? Kate begins to question what happens after death as she fears for her life, helping guide her to church for the first time in ages. In Erynn Mangum’s new book, Sketchy Behavior, the reader follows along with Kate as her life goes from boring to frightening in all too short a time.

This is the first YA Christian novel I have ever read, despite growing up Christian. I found Kate’s character to be funny and easy to relate to. She never did anything that seemed out of character for her, so I believed her as a person. I liked that the cultural references were modern and I think teens will easily relate to the language. I was expecting this book to be preachy, being unfamiliar with the genre, but was pleasantly surprised to find it was not so. The Christian elements were woven into the story and didn’t seem tacked-on. They caught me by surprise at first, however, because I’m not used to any mention of God in my fiction reading. I think this book could appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike since it’s a story of a girl searching for meaning and explanation in her life. The story moves along well and the drama should keep the reader interested. Non-Christians could relate to Kate’s search for answers while Christians may see the need to talk to others about Christ to help guide them. After all, it is through those around her being truthful about their beliefs and inviting towards Kate that she grows in closer relationship with God.
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Jul 11, 2011 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Middle grade readers, Young adult readers, mystery lovers, teens

Recommended to Meagan by: Z Street Team

Shelves: adventure, christian, friendship, murder, mystery, scary, school, art

Sketchy Behavior
By Erynn Mangum

Kate Carter is just an ordinary, unnoticed 16 year old girl until her art class assignment captures a serial killer. With notoriety thrust upon her, Kate is now in the spotlight - exactly where she doesn’t want to be.
With the police watching her every step and news crews camped out in her front yard Kate is a national celebrity.

But soon she’s the target of the now jailed serial killer’s friends. With nightmares keeping her awake, fear dogging her every step, will...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Michele rated it 4 of 5 stars

This story is en enjoyable read. The writing is engaging and the characters voices speak through very clearly. I became engrossed in the story and forgot about the real world, including bedtime.

The main character, Kate Carter, is an ordinary teen-ager. Her life is normal: dad, mom, big brother off in college, and a best friend. She loves Crispix, and has sworn off boys after a very bad date that shall never ever, ever be spoken of. She finds that her talents lie in her art and her sarcastic wit...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Gabrielle rated it 3 of 5 stars

First and foremost, I would like to thank the powers that be for sending a copy of "Sketchy Behavior" to me as a First Read Giveaway. The cover art was very well done and interesting and I enjoyed the creative spacer in the book.

I love the humor. It was spot on without being unrealistic. I would have loved to know what happened on the date-that-shall-not-be-named. Kate was like-able from her skill in art to her sarcasm. I especially enjoyed the jokes about her father as an engineer. Just the lit...more

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Sep 15, 2011 Amiee Marshall rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Middle grade readers, Young adult readers,

Recommended to Amiee by: Z Street Team

Shelves: adventure, christian-fiction, art, mystery

Kate Carter is a typical 16 year old girl who loves art and is great at being sarcastic. One day Kate's art teacher invites a law enforcement officer to come to her art class and talk about forensic sketching. After a sketch Kate drew of a serial killer leads to his arrest, her life begins to spin out of control. Suddenly, she needs police protection 24/7 and is being targeted by friends of the murderer. All this happens on the cusp of her getting to know one of her fellow classmates and possibi...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: teens, first-reads

I won this from "Goodreads First-Reads". This was a good story for any adult wanting a family type setting, but it is a story that is very good for teens. Even though it's story line is based on Kate drawing a facial recognition of a serial murderer, it's not a suspense story (no details of the murders) that is going to scare them or keep them up at night. I think it shows teens that they can be anything they want to be or help by doing something good even that young.
Kate Carter is your sixte...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Vivian Xia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Sketchy behavior is a mystery novel about a girl named Kate with an exceptional talent for forensic artistry. She ends up drawing a very accurate sketch on a murder, John X andshe becomes a heroine. Not too long after, Kate realizes she is being targeted by some of John X's assistants. She was shot at during a parade, but was not hurt after one of her bodyguards takes the bullet for her. To make matters worse, the police realized that they made a deadly mistake.

I liked this book a lot, especiall...more

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Sep 11, 2011 Zekkaina (LadyDragonKeeper) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction-contemporary, my-books

Author Erynn Mangum's first novel for teens centers on 16-year-old Kate Cater who discovers she has a talent for art and unknowingly uses it to sketch a wanted criminal after a forensic sketching introduction in her school's art class. When the police use her drawing to apprehend a man who matches the description, her life is turned upside down –suddenly she is as famous as Nancy Drew in her small hometown. Things take dangerous turn when it seems that the murderer is intent on getting revenge...more Author Erynn Mangum's first novel for teens centers on 16-year-old Kate Cater who discovers she has a talent for art and unknowingly uses it to sketch a wanted criminal after a forensic sketching introduction in her school's art class. When the police use her drawing to apprehend a man who matches the description, her life is turned upside down –suddenly she is as famous as Nancy Drew in her small hometown. Things take dangerous turn when it seems that the murderer is intent on getting revenge through his accomplices. With law enforcement establishing 24/7 security around her home and a police officer following Kate everywhere –even to school– will her life ever be the same?

That is what first (pardon the pun) “drew” me in –I've loved art and drawing ever since I could remember, so I wanted to see how it would be incorporated into this inspirational YA novel. Though drawing was not described in technical detail (as it was not needed), the emphasis for an artist's need to observe and pay attention to detail (especially for a profiler) was spot-on. Erynn Mangum really captured her protagonist's teenage point of view in an authentic, believable voice. Kate narrates her story with wry humor sprinkled with pop references and it's interesting to see how her relationships with other characters change over the course of the book. The climax of the story included a twist I definitely did not see coming and the conclusion was satisfying enough, though I do think (and hope) that a sequel is possible.

Though there were moments that some could say bordered on the line of “too preachy”, I think that the spiritual aspect of “Sketchy Behavior” was done well. Kate comes from what I'd imagine a fairly typical modern American family would be –spiritually speaking. Her father seems indifferent to religion and her mother only suggests they go to church to “get all the help they can” when it's clear that Kate's life could be in danger. If I remember correctly, Kate herself admits that she hasn't really thought about things like that. Christian characters like Detective Masterson provide a contrast for Kate and the reader to observe how they handle or look at situations compared to Kate's family. I was glad that the author didn't go for a more stereotypical ending for Kate's spiritual journey (though it seems unfinished) which is part of the reason why I think a sequel or maybe the start of a series could be realized.

My rating: 4 (according to goodreads: "liked/really liked it")

Disclaimer: I received this book through Zondervan's Z-Street Team program. No compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own.(less)

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Dec 25, 2011 Silverana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Who would have thought that a simple art assignment in high school could show up on the local news? That is what happens with Kate Carter who loves to draw. Her teacher invites a detective to speak to the class about the career of forensic sketch artists. The students make a sketch to turn in for grading but they aren’t aware that the subject of their drawings is the murderer disturbing their own city. Kate’s drawing is shown on TV along with her identity. This leads to Kate and her family havin...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Renee rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Sketchy Behavior is the first book I've read by Christian fiction author Erynn Mangum and while I didn't enjoy the story as much as I'd hoped maybe the teens in your life will. Kate Carter, our heroine, is definitely one of the better teen characters I've "met". A lot of times a book written by an adult author has characters who are supposed to be teens but who seem more like adults, that's not the case with Kate. I was actually very impressed that she acted like and said things that I'd catch m...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Vicki rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Vicki by: advance reading copy

Cute young adult book. (Listen, I'm working my way through my "free books" shelves, no grief!) A young woman who unknowingly sketches a photo-quality sketch of a wanted murderer becomes his target once he's captured. It was fun, the protagonist was smart and funny, and I liked how it ended up. The only uncomfortable trigger for me was the slight religion agenda--once the family is put in crisis, they end up going to church every Sunday, and it slightly broadens from there. I was okay with it, un...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Angel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cute story with a gripping plot. Even though the protagonist is 16, a younger child could read this easily. Very vanilla telling of a high school sketch artist who is being hunted by the guy she helped put behind bars. Very detailed and very believable.

There are some loose ends but that's OK because what teenager's life gets neatly sewn shut? I liked that about this book. The religion I balked at, but it did serve as a catalyst. I was afraid it was going to turn into one of those "troubled teen...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Kat Alexander rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, books-i-own, read-2011, reviewed, figment-review

Sixteen-year-old Kate Carter loves two things: Crispix cereal and art. Average by most counts, Kate is a fantastic sketch artist, which comes into play when she sketches up a murderer. In an art class activity. On accident. The simple sketch throws her into a dangerous situation when the local news can't get enough of the story... and neither can the criminal she's put behind bars. Did I mention he's a murderer? With friends?

I started Sketchy Behavior on a road trip and finished it two states...more Sixteen-year-old Kate Carter loves two things: Crispix cereal and art. Average by most counts, Kate is a fantastic sketch artist, which comes into play when she sketches up a murderer. In an art class activity. On accident. The simple sketch throws her into a dangerous situation when the local news can't get enough of the story... and neither can the criminal she's put behind bars. Did I mention he's a murderer? With friends?

I started Sketchy Behavior on a road trip and finished it two states later, having read almost continuously the whole time. Not only is it a page turner (not quite impossible to put down, but it's a fair sight quicker than The Odyssey), but I absolutely adore Kate. Sarcastic and witty, she's a good narrator to have around, dropping TV and movie references every couple pages (“I'd never been to prison, but I kind of imagined it would look more like Alcatraz than the set from The Office.”) and generally making light of the situation, which could be a bit of a downer.

There were some things that bothered me, loose ends that didn't really fit in. For instance, Kate every now and then refers to some dating instance that shall never be spoken of again—something involving a guy named Kyle that is barely referred to after the beginning of the book and is never explained. I mean, with the threat of death, it's pretty easy to forget about that little thing, but it still irked me. Kate obviously cared—why don't we ever get to hear the juicy details, since it's hung over our heads for an age? And then there's the way the book starts, with Kate’s friend Maddy contemplating jumping off a small cliff into a five-foot “river” (really an overlarge creek). It's a nice, dramatic way to start up the book—all in media res like my lovely English teacher taught us in eighth grade. But the incident is over-the-top and unique to the one situation—it feels like the author tried to think of the most dramatic way to start the book and then just went for it, even if the incident doesn't really jive with the other two hundred some-odd pages of the novel.

Still, it's a fun read. It’s really interesting to read about criminal sketch artists, even for someone with zero artistic ability, and the inherent suspense of Kate-could-be-killed kept me reading straight through. The characters are definitely the high point—Kate, obviously, but also minor characters like Silent Justin from her art class and DJ, the policeman assigned to keep her safe—and the low points, aren't terribly distracting. Sketchy Behavior is relatively straightforward until the twisty-turny ending, and I'd recommend reading it if you happen across it—but don't try and think too hard, 'kay?(less)

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Jan 04, 2012 Jessbop rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, read-2011

I read this book for a first-reads giveaway. I believe this book would be best suited for young adults or teenagers. This story is about a high school girl who haphazardly becomes a forensic sketch artist and helps the local police team capture a serial killer. The story is engaging, but the characters are not very developed, but the action of the story keeps you reading. The narrator, the young Kate Carter, finds herself the next target by the criminals and his gang of deviant friends. I think...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Dana rated it 2 of 5 stars

I would have to say it is pushing it for me to give it two stars. I started out enjoying this book but by the end I was very annoyed. The story was not at all plausible but I was willing to forgive this for the fun mystery and the fact that it was all set around the idea of trying to find a real career as an artist. By the end everything just became ridiculous. The religious aspect for me was a surprise and over the top. I am fine when characters go to church and are questioning the presence of...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Joy rated it 2 of 5 stars

I received this book from the GoodReads FirstReads GiveAway. This is a young adult novel. I am not a young adult, but I often enjoy a good young adult book. This book is about a high school student who discovers that she has a knack as a sketch artist, and helps the police with a tough case that has been terrorizing the area. I'll admit that as a reader at times I have trouble with inaccuracies or unrealistic storylines. I don't have a problem with a high school student becoming a sketch artist,...more

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Aug 16, 2011 Kassiah rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, high-school, have-arc, mg, pub-2011

I received this book at ALA and when I saw that it was a Zondervan publication, I was hesitant to read it. Not because I have anything against Zondervan; I just have never read a Christian YA book before. When my daughter picked it up and asked if she could read it, I decided to check it out.

Kate Carter is a cute girl, and she's funny. She has a great relationship with her parents, and I really thought that came through in this book.

What didn't come through were her real authentic feelings. I k...more I received this book at ALA and when I saw that it was a Zondervan publication, I was hesitant to read it. Not because I have anything against Zondervan; I just have never read a Christian YA book before. When my daughter picked it up and asked if she could read it, I decided to check it out.

Kate Carter is a cute girl, and she's funny. She has a great relationship with her parents, and I really thought that came through in this book.

What didn't come through were her real authentic feelings. I know, I'm always saying that. But it's true. She didn't seem anything at all like a typical sixteen year old girl to me.

Here's the thing. Christian teenagers aren't any different from "nonchristian" or secular teenagers. They have the same feelings, the same aspirations, and the same problems in life. They want a swoony boy to notice them. They want their parents to get off their backs. They want the same things in life. Of course, I'm generalizing here, but I think that's a safe thing to do with a book aimed at teenagers.

I just didn't feel her personality was real. She swore off boys because of a bad experience. (view spoiler) Her best friend had typical boy trouble, but there was no reaction from Kate.

Don't get me wrong, I realize that this was supposed to be a mystery. And to an extent, it was. I didn't like how the end played out at all. I was all for the big build up--but the explanation for the characters actions was nonexistent. Kate's reaction to what happened at the end was not given, and I think that would be a fairly difficult thing for her to come to grips with. The pacing of the book was kind of slow to me with a lot of extra details that were unnecessary and unanswered in the end.

Add to that that her questions where her faith (or lack of) were concerned were never answered, and I felt let down. It was cute, and I think it would be fine as an upper elementary school book or possibly middle grade. In the end, her behavior was a little too sketchy for me. (less)

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Apr 21, 2013 Valerie (Val's Vicinity) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sketchy Behavior covers more sober topics than Erynn Mangum's past novels have, but despite the serious situations the story is still infused with the traditional Erynn Mangum charm that I've come to love. Yes, the plot does revolve around various aspects of crime and the fear of criminals at large, but it's done in a rather lighthearted way so there's really no chance of being dragged down by the seriousness.... But there is a definite chance of being entertained!

Kate has a unique and humorous...more Sketchy Behavior covers more sober topics than Erynn Mangum's past novels have, but despite the serious situations the story is still infused with the traditional Erynn Mangum charm that I've come to love. Yes, the plot does revolve around various aspects of crime and the fear of criminals at large, but it's done in a rather lighthearted way so there's really no chance of being dragged down by the seriousness.... But there is a definite chance of being entertained!

Kate has a unique and humorous way of looking at things, and the first person writing puts you right inside her head, where you can see all of the amusing thoughts that run amuck in her mind. Unfortunately due to her circumstances she doesn't have many opportunities to actually say any of these thoughts out loud.... Still, some of her views are quite amusing, and several times I was helpless to keep the grin off my face!

There's one thing that struck me as rather odd, but I'm going to have to be fairly vague so as not to give spoilers. ;) Towards the end of the book there is a large twist involving one of the main characters, and the facts that are revealed struck me as quite out of character for this person. Yes, from a writing standpoint it was a great out-of-the-blue twist, but I was disappointed that there wasn't an explanation as to why this person did what they did, or what their motivation was. I wish one more chapter had been included to give a little more closure with this character's storyline, instead of leaving me hanging with a "what on earth!?" feeling.

While it's not my favorite of Erynn Mangum's works, I did enjoy the story overall. (Some of the scenes were so vivid that I began thinking this could make a really fun and amusing movie! Hint, hint, producers!!) Anyway, at this point I don't think there are plans for a sequel novel, but if there were, I would certainly pick it up so I could continue following Kate's adventures. She's got some extreme artistic talent that has the potential to put her in interesting situations, and I'd be quite curious to see what becomes of her as she graduates high school and starts off on her own.(less)

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Dec 25, 2012 Booknut rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christmas-pressies-of-2012, heartwarming, bodies-bones-and-psychopaths

Nothing's sketchy about Erynn Mangum's latest cute and easy-to-love novel Sketchy Behaviour!

Our protagonist, Kate, has an artistic knack for drawing - sketching, especially. But her life is turned upside down one art class, when they're asked to sketch a known criminal, simply by listening to a given description and drawing what they 'see' in their minds. Because not only does Kate's drawing look exactly like the criminal in question, but the authorities use it to catch him and bring him to jai...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Ellen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-read-freebies

This was generously given to me by the Goodreads First Reads giveaways and I really appreciate it. This program has sent me books that are out of my particular box and I have enjoyed the forays into the other boxes.

Well, this was a first for me, my first YA Christian-based read.
I liked it. If I had the option, there would be a 3.5 star. I have wondered why people say that, but now I know. I enjoyed the story, but it felt awkward in some places.

The book was enjoyable. The premise was interesting,...more This was generously given to me by the Goodreads First Reads giveaways and I really appreciate it. This program has sent me books that are out of my particular box and I have enjoyed the forays into the other boxes.

Well, this was a first for me, my first YA Christian-based read.
I liked it. If I had the option, there would be a 3.5 star. I have wondered why people say that, but now I know. I enjoyed the story, but it felt awkward in some places.

The book was enjoyable. The premise was interesting, different; but some of the situations are totally improbable.

Kate Carter is a funny, engaging young girl. Her self-deprecating humor is fun but it is not overdone. She doesn't tear herself down in an abusive way. The high school scene doesn't seem quite right, but it has been a long while since I have been in that setting and my kids go to a private school that doesn't seem a bit like this school. Another issue -- and this is totally a me issue -- I had with the school was its name. The book takes place in South Woodhaven Falls so the high school was SWF High School. Every time I read that, it took me out of the story because all I could think of was Single White Female. Given the apparent nondiversity of the school/town, as the book went further it just seemed more appropriately named.

The buildup was good, the ending was abrupt and strained credibility. A little more of the after story would have been welcomed.

I liked that the parents weren't idiots. They were not cariactures; they were not plot devices. Kate made gentle fun of her parents internally and within the family in a loving way, not maligning them to all around the lockers, much like any teenager does with parental practices and foibles and pecadillos. She did not complain to friends about her parents and their care for her. Family stories were shared and shown with love. I enjoyed those bits.

There was a side story with Kate's brother that just seemed to be there, not for a plot advance or in any way as a learning device. It just seemed to plant the seed of "kids, when you go to college, call home," more than anything else.

The Christianity part was not overplayed, but again it seemed to be stuck in to get the Christian tag and to show there would be nothing inappropriate in it. Kate seemed to have a less than rudimentary grasp of Christianity. But to be fair, my 12-y-o daughter probably would have the same questions in the same situations. It seems, though, as a 16-y-o would have had more of a theoretical if not practical exposure

I am not familiar with Ms. Mangum and her backlist. Reading the reviews after I read the book, I see that she has at least one series out there. I do think this would be a good start to the series. I think, though the premise strains credibility, it is still good and can be incorporated into a number of issues. If this is a start to a series, then it makes sense that Kate's knowledge/interest/curiosity in religion would grow. The young man that could be a possible BF for Kate is a very active Christian. While he played a minor role in this book, it would be simple/natural to have him help her explore organized religion.

I will be giving this to my 12-y-o. I do hope that she chooses to read it. I want to know her reactions to it.(less)

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Feb 03, 2012 Tim Lewis added it

Shelves: first-reads

Premise: Kate Carter is your average teenager with artistic talent. However, when her class assignment to sketch someone based on a description ends up capturing a serial killer, her whole life in her small town turns upside-down. When one of the killer’s friends shoots at Kate when she is riding in a parade, the police have to protect her wherever she goes, including living with her family.

Against her father’s wishes, Kate’s mom decides the family needs to go to church, where she finds the norm...more Premise: Kate Carter is your average teenager with artistic talent. However, when her class assignment to sketch someone based on a description ends up capturing a serial killer, her whole life in her small town turns upside-down. When one of the killer’s friends shoots at Kate when she is riding in a parade, the police have to protect her wherever she goes, including living with her family.

Against her father’s wishes, Kate’s mom decides the family needs to go to church, where she finds the normally mute Justin from her art class to be quite talkative. She has become a local celebrity, so wherever she goes people recognize her, which is strange because she has few friends and now people at school know who she is.

Kate and her family and friends are in different places in their beliefs, and her questions also lead her to wonder who she can really trust. They may have caught the murderer, John X, but his accomplice is still out there.

Themes: As the genre implies, this Christian young adult book has characters searching for faith. They are each in different places in their belief, from Kate and her family being new to this Christianity thing to DJ and Justin having a more developed faith in God.

Sketchy Behavior is primarily a thriller/mystery, with a few twists and turns to leave the reader guessing what will happen next. We don’t know who is trying to kill Kate, and the truth is held back until the very end.

This is also a book about family. The Carters are a strong family unit. Though they have their differences of opinion and their normal arguments, such as what Kate should do with her future, they still obviously love each other and want the best for each other.

Pros: Kate Carter is funny. She is a well-developed character and I immediately liked her. I wanted her talent to shine and take her places. Being someone who goes to church regularly, I felt like most of the faith elements were familiar, from the gray-haired old ladies to the hipster worship band in girl pants. It didn’t feel too forced into the story, though for Christian YA I might have infused the story with even more.

Cons: There were way too many popular culture references. It felt like there was at least one every other page, and some of them are already dated. I have a feeling they might make this book dated in just a few years. Although this was about Kate, most of the secondary characters were underdeveloped. Also, I had a gripe with a main plot point of the book. Since I have experience working with a law enforcement agency, I know that the police would have never released the name of the sketch artist for a known serial killer, let alone if it was done by a sixteen year old girl. It just wouldn’t happen. I had another gripe having to do with background checks for law enforcement agencies, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. Besides, it might be different for a small town police force.

Recommendations: A clean, funny, and suspenseful story, Sketchy Behavior is the kind of book I would let my young teen read. It has the kinds of questions someone very young might have about God, not attempting to give any complex answers to those questions. For adults, the story may be too simplistic in some areas, but it has an intelligent and strong teenage female protagonist with heart that young readers will enjoy.(less)

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Mar 09, 2012 StorySeekers rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, 2011

Surprisingly this was a very easy book to read. It was a light mystery, with a surprise ending that I didn’t even see coming. I love solving mysteries before the characters, I'm pretty much a regular Sherlock Holmes. So, I love it win an author throws a curve-ball that I didn't see coming. Especially in such a short book!

Kate had a pretty average life, but she wanted more. Every day for her seemed to be the same thing over and over again. She gets up, eat cereal, go to school, and come home, eat...more Surprisingly this was a very easy book to read. It was a light mystery, with a surprise ending that I didn’t even see coming. I love solving mysteries before the characters, I'm pretty much a regular Sherlock Holmes. So, I love it win an author throws a curve-ball that I didn't see coming. Especially in such a short book!

Kate had a pretty average life, but she wanted more. Every day for her seemed to be the same thing over and over again. She gets up, eat cereal, go to school, and come home, eat dinner at exactly 5:32. Even hanging out with her friend Maddy, Kate is able to predict what they going to end up doing. Everything changes for her when she turns in an assignment of sketch of a criminal.

Now, her life is unpredictable. She is protected by police 24/7 and media is crazy to find out things about her. She goes from invisible to a possible target. Things happen and she is rethinking everything about her life. She doesn't go to school in fear for everyone's protection! (Well, also because who would want to go to school when parents are taking there kids out because your a big target for a serial killer.)

One thing I enjoyed about this book was that the parents weren't in the background. They were actually present in the book. And like a regular teenager, Kate likes things about her parents, and dislikes some things.

Another thing like about the book, is Kate. She had a balance emotion towards things, like she's able to make jokes about some things, but knows when to be serious. However even in some serious situations, she was able to make conversation light.

A few things I am still curious about. One Kate had some passed relationship that ended badly but we never get to find out what happened. Also, Mike, her brother, didn't seem to care for his family so his character was just in the background as well. And finally, we never get to find out what happens to DJ. If you read the book, you know what I mean by that last statement.

A very decent read, and I suggest to anyone who wants a light mystery read.

Ivy(less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Adrienne rated it 2 of 5 stars

As part of her art class, Kate Carter does a sketch of a criminal, not knowing that it's John X, the man who is wanted for at least four recent murders. Her sketch is good enough that he's apprehended, but Kate is also all over the news and with John X's accomplices still out there, she's not safe. She gets her own policemen to take her to school and sleep at her house, but she can't shake the feeling that she isn't safe. And she isn't--because John X isn't happy about being arrested.

This book s...more

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Oct 27, 2011 Once Upon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kate is a typical teenage girl with all the normal baggage of being one. Not the most poplar or unique person, Kate does have one special talent, criminal profiling. One day in her art class a detective comes to talk about artistic careers in the police force. He asks the class to draw a picture of a man for him. Kate draws the exact likeness of him, but little does she know that he is the most wanted man in the state. The police, using her picture, capture the man making Kate a hero. Suddenly t...more

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Jun 22, 2011 Cindi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Make sure to grab this book as soon as it's available. It has a smart, normal, but well-behaved sizteen-year old as the protagonist and deals with Christianity and salvation in a realistic and non-heavyhanded way. Great work from this author!

Read more of my review of this book by clicking on the following link. I write about Christian fiction at Examiner.com.

http://www.examiner.com/christian-fic...

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Mar 06, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-books

What a good book! Erynn Mangum is one of my favorite authors and this book is totally different from what she usually writes. But I loved it! I read this whole book today. I just couldn't put it down. I'm not sure if this is the beginning of a new series or if it's just a stand alone novel. I hope it's part of a series though. I would love to hear what else happens to these characters. DJ's character in particular left me wanting to know more about what happens to him.

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About Erynn Mangum

(from Miss Match)
Erynn Mangum is a twentysomething single who still lives at home and has no immediate plans to leave. She has been published in 'Teenage Christian Magazine', has completed the two-year apprenticeship course given by the Christian Writers Guild, and recently completed the one-year Journeyman course. While Miss Match is not autobiographical, let's just say that Erynn can relate. Thi...more

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