Death and the Girl Next Door (Darklight, #1)

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Death and the Girl Next Door (Darklight #1)

by Darynda Jones (Goodreads Author)

3.64 of 5 stars 3.64 · rating details · 1,777 ratings · 457 reviews

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 i...more

Trade Paperback, 274 pages

Published October 2nd 2012 by St. Martin's Press

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Jul 31, 2012 Giselle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, ebook, paranormal

I became a big fan of Darynda Jones when I read her adult series that proceeded to make me giggle spontaneously for days. Hearing about her new YA novel, Death and the Girl Next Door, prompted a lot of squealing. Within the first 20 pages, I already had taken note of a handful of awesome quotable lines; I knew I was in for a good time!

Lorelei's parents have mysteriously disappeared, and now she seems to have a stalker - or two. Lorelei, as I already expected from Darynda's characters, is witty a...more

56 likes · like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Hayden Casey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hurry-up-and-get-published, 2012-favorites, arc, boring-action, cool-ya, crazy-good, ending-rocked, favorites, funny, history-with-author, i-heart-the-characters, i-need-a-sequel-immediately, i-need-you, lots-of-skimming, made-me-happy-sigh-at-the-end, mega-sucky-cover, original-ish, own-it, pnr, quality-writing, soooooooooo-funny, this-series-might-be-okay, ya, ya-pnr

Review

Darynda Jones, you rock my world.

At the beginning of her writing career, she brought us the stunning First Grave on the Right, which was filled to the brim with laughs and clever wit. After that were the next two books in the Charley Davidson series, which were filled with the laughter and wit, but in even greater amounts. Those books made my spleen hurt from laughter.
Then, on October 2, 2012, Jones did something extraordinary.
She ventured into YA.

The YA genre as a whole has grown a lot ov...more

34 likes · like · see review

Oct 24, 2012 The Holy Terror rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal-romance, arc, angels, demons, 2012, wish-i-never-read, awful-worldbuilding, you-disappointed-me

I apologize for my gushing status updates in the beginning. Please, don't pick this book up because of them. I'm not sure what happened here, but this book is nowhere near the caliber I expect from Jones. The plot made no sense, the humor dried up, and the male posturing was so over-the-top that it became absurd and incredibly annoying. I had to make a new shelf just for this book - "you disappointed me" - and it saddens me to put it there. If the beginning hadn't been so enjoyable I would've gi...more I apologize for my gushing status updates in the beginning. Please, don't pick this book up because of them. I'm not sure what happened here, but this book is nowhere near the caliber I expect from Jones. The plot made no sense, the humor dried up, and the male posturing was so over-the-top that it became absurd and incredibly annoying. I had to make a new shelf just for this book - "you disappointed me" - and it saddens me to put it there. If the beginning hadn't been so enjoyable I would've given this 1 star, and perhaps I should do just that because of the spoiled potential.

So, you have the main girl who thinks she's ugly and not special (though of course she's quite the opposite), two sassy best friends, the mean popular girl and her minions, and two preternaturally hot guys who are at each other's throats constantly. And I mean, constantly. If they aren't fist-fighting they're trading sarcastic quips or glowering at one another. Lots of puffed-up chests and ruffled feathers and it gets TIRESOME. And once you learn why the one boy hates the other boy it becomes stupid, especially when he learns the truth and still carries on. Seriously, dude, you're just embarrassing yourself now.

I can't believe this book was published the way it was; there are some parts of the story where the action is so haphazardly pieced together that you're forced to re-read just to be able to follow along. There are also way too many plot points crammed into one book, which adds to the confusion. Was this a paranormal romance? A book about angels? A book about demon hunters? Ghost hunters? Secret societies? Ancient prophecies? How about ... all of the above? And not a single one was fully developed.

This book was a total mess. It felt like a rough draft that nobody bothered to check for continuity or plausibility before sending it out to the printers. It's full of the same old, same old that's being churned out hand over fist and it's so disappointing to see a book like this with Jones's name on it. I honestly wish I hadn't read it and I think I'm going to pretend it doesn't exist because I love Jones's adult series and this foray into YA fiction was a complete letdown.

A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley.
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Sep 05, 2012 Maja rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-2012, annoying-love-triangle, are-you-kidding-me, highly-anticipating-2012, i-see-dead-people, ya, favorites, reviewed-in-2012, role-models

As a huge fan of Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series, I was incredibly excited when I heard she was writing YA. Death and the Girl Next Door is one of my most anticipated books this year, and even though it wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be, I’m overjoyed that Darynda decided to write it. The fact that it wasn’t quite what I expected is actually one of my favorite things about this book: if you decide to pick it up (and you should), you can throw your expectations right out the window...more As a huge fan of Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series, I was incredibly excited when I heard she was writing YA. Death and the Girl Next Door is one of my most anticipated books this year, and even though it wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be, I’m overjoyed that Darynda decided to write it. The fact that it wasn’t quite what I expected is actually one of my favorite things about this book: if you decide to pick it up (and you should), you can throw your expectations right out the window.

Here’s what you need to know about Darynda Jones’ YA debut: First, it is about Lorelei McAllister, a 16-year-old high-school sophomore who lives with her lovely grandparents and spends time making mischief with her two best friends, Brooklyn and Glitch. Second, (and I’m sure this will come as a shock), neither Brooke nor Glitch happen to be madly in love with her. Third, there are two hot boys, Jared and Cameron, but there is no love triangle, not even close. Fourth, there are guns – several real ones and one nasty-looking water gun. Fifth, although a secret society is involved, no one gets naked to perform weird rituals. This isn’t The Da Vinci Code. Sixth, just like Charley, Lorelei has a bit of Lorelei Gilmore in her, and I don’t just mean her name.

Death and the Girl Next Door is one of those books that made me laugh so hard I was constantly forced to stifle my laughter lest I wake my poor sleeping child. I stayed up half the night to finish it and even the toothpicks I used to prop my eyes open the next day didn’t make me regret it. Darynda’s trademark humor is present on every page, though she did tone it down a bit for the younger audience. Lorelei and her two best friends can lighten up just about any situation they find themselves in. Darynda Jones can claim all she wants that she’s not as funny in person, but I’ll have to meet her and drink a cocktail or ten with her before I can actually believe it.

I won’t lie to you and say that this book is without problems – it’s not. The first part felt a bit disjointed, I had some minor problems with the love interest, and there were a few things that made me slightly uncomfortable (revealing them, however, would reveal too much of the plot), but truth be told, I’m willing to overlook it all. I expect hilarity and steaming hot romance from Darynda, and that’s exactly what I got with Death and the Girl Next Door.

If you’re like me and you tend to run away screaming every time someone mentions an angel book (or any other book with religious undertones), get over your justified fear and give Death and the Girl Next Door a chance. Writers who don’t take themselves too seriously are few and far between, but when you find one, you’re in for a treat.

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Oct 30, 2012 Sam rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-or-galley, fantasy-or-paranormal, romance, paranormal

“You intoxicate me, Lorelei McAlister. You will be my downfall.”

When Jared Kovach turns up at Lorelei’s school, she is quickly absorbed by his sexy demeanour, drawing towards him like a moth to a flame. She is swift to realise he looks like the star of her latest vision, in which a beautiful boy fights a horrific battle with an otherworldly creature under a violet sky. The mystery surrounding his unexpected appearance and the connection to her vision startles Lorlei, but not as much as the some...more “You intoxicate me, Lorelei McAlister. You will be my downfall.”

When Jared Kovach turns up at Lorelei’s school, she is quickly absorbed by his sexy demeanour, drawing towards him like a moth to a flame. She is swift to realise he looks like the star of her latest vision, in which a beautiful boy fights a horrific battle with an otherworldly creature under a violet sky. The mystery surrounding his unexpected appearance and the connection to her vision startles Lorlei, but not as much as the somewhat stalker-ish tendencies of her old classmate, Cameron Lusk. He rarely speaks a word to her yet his sudden habits, including a permanent post outside Lorelei’s house, has her questioning his motives. To make matters worse, Cameron and Jared take an instant loathing to each other, the reasons for which Lorelei is desperate to find out. Little does she know that she is about to enter a world both unbelievable and thrilling...

With Darynda Jones’ first voyage into the young adult crowd, paranormal fans are given a story somewhat typical to the genre, romance and story line included. Despite the usual clichés and the familiarity with several of the plot devices, it is easy to be entertained by this humorous addition. Jones has an infectious sense of humour and witty lines are riddled throughout to keep the story light and enjoyable. Occasionally, however, the lightness comes across as childish, as do several of the characters, making it impossible to truly fall in love with this book. The plot isn’t particularly substantial and shows very little progression during the course of the novel, making this, much to my disappoint, feel like an overly long introduction to the series.

Lorelei, Jared and Cameron, are, unfortunately, three people who are difficult to distinguish from the many, many characters in young adult fiction. This is particularly true for Jared, the mysterious and compelling love interest. While the appeal is definitely noticeable, he is not significantly memorable or any different from the sea of fictional love interests I have met over the years. Perhaps this is why I struggled to warm to the romance, which composes a very large portion of the story. Lorelei’s rapid attraction to him triggers a sigh of exasperation rather than the interest I feel the author may have been striving for. Despite it, however, I did somewhat enjoy Jared’s character overall, specifically because of his fascinating role rather than the swoony feelings he was not making me feel.

For the benefit of those who are yet to read this, I should point out that there isn’t a love triangle in this book. The cover and synopsis are misleading in that regard, and I am most definitely not complaining (Thank you, Darynda, for that small feeling of relief). Cameron and Jared’s hostility towards each other provided some great entertainment and action, but did wear thin after a while. Cameron is the character I am most hoping to explore further in the next instalment of this series. While he hasn’t completely captured my interest in this book, the glimpses of his buried personality have left me curious. Two other characters that I am looking forward to meeting again are Glitch and Brooke, Lorelei’s best friends. These two made this book for me, appealing to me considerably more than any of the main characters.

Death and the Girl Next Door doesn’t deliver anything new or refreshing, but it is quite an engaging start to what has the promise to be a great series. The characters need some work and the author needs to leave behind the paranormal romance handbook, and then we are set to go. Bottom line, this was okay, quite good even, but I am hoping for better next time.

(This review also appears on my blog)(less)

18 likes · like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Mel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal-romance, favorite-author, arc, series

Full review to come...Darynda Jones is brillant. She has created a series full of riveting plot twists and young love to ensnare teens and adults alike. I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Rabbit rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: masochists, or twilight and/or house of night fans

Shelves: first-reads, goodreads-first-read, recieved-to-review, angels, dark, creatures, fantasy, fiction, reaper, relationships, religious, present-day, romance, young-adult, stalking-is-sexy-guise, attack-of-the-wild-snark, brb-bikini-kill-time, two-stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from the Goodread's First Read giveaways. It was sent from the publisher in exchange for a review. This will not affect my review, and I will give my honest opinion. This review also has reaction!gifs.

Back Cover: 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 year...more

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 11, 2013 equilibri rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-super-naturally, wtf-was-that, burn-in-book-hell

DNF award!
This book was bizarre, and not in a good way. The narrative was incoherent and disjointed. The main heroine was trying too hard to be funny, but actually came off as pretty lame. And the lame jokes went on and on.
The worst part? Several pages into the book, the silly twit lays her eyes on some tall muscled guy for a second, and from then on it's an unending ode to his 'hotness'. For pages and pages I got to slog through lines like these:

“So he’s hot.” “Can you say blazing inferno?”
“You...more DNF award!
This book was bizarre, and not in a good way. The narrative was incoherent and disjointed. The main heroine was trying too hard to be funny, but actually came off as pretty lame. And the lame jokes went on and on.
The worst part? Several pages into the book, the silly twit lays her eyes on some tall muscled guy for a second, and from then on it's an unending ode to his 'hotness'. For pages and pages I got to slog through lines like these:

“So he’s hot.” “Can you say blazing inferno?”
“You know, when you told me he was good-looking,” Brooklyn said without taking her eyes off Jared, “I had no idea you meant godlike good-looking.”
It was the new guy. And his eyes were amazing. Dark, steady, penetrating.
His dark gaze was startlingly intense. The contrast of molasses-colored eyes and hair made his flawless skin appear almost translucent. The effect was haunting.
I had never seen eyes so dark, nor a face so perfect.
A mental image of his flawless face materialized in my mind.
A strong jaw the next. Lashes, thick and impossibly long.
The boy was tall, strong and solid and … breathtaking. Every move he made was powerful, full of strength and dangerous grace.
I looked up just in time to see Jared walk in. My stomach clenched at the sight of him.
His deep voice, velvety and rich like hot chocolate, tugged at my insides, warmed them.
His voice was deep and smooth. It slid over me like warm water and caused a sharp tug in my belly.
A half smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes lifted one corner of his incredible mouth. I couldn’t seem to look away. His lashes lowered to fan across his cheeks as if overcome by a sudden jolt of shyness. They were long and thick, just like in my vision, and made his eyes sparkle. I felt that sharp tug at my insides again."

Somewhere between all the squirming insides, drooling and breathlessness, the storyline seemed to have fallen by the wayside. For me, it was slow torture. If you enjoy that kind of thing, by all means, have fun with Jared's blazing inferno of hotness and godlike gorgeousness.(less)

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Jul 23, 2012 Shreya (CCReviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked it :D a lot ;D LOL, It was a bit more Adult in that it seemed a bit 'gory' to me ;D I'm a very queasy person. But other than that, it was really good, i still like the Charley Davidson series more though ;D Review to come in August :D as well as the giveaway :P

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Jasprit rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: out-2012, arc-galley, readalong, read-in-2012

3.5 stars

Darynda Jones is an author whose books I’ve always been curious about. With my friends singing high praises of her Charley Davidson adult series, I was given the extra push when I heard she was dipping into the YA, something that was completely new to her. I like it when authors try something outside of their comfort zone. So I was willing to give it a try.

Lorelei has been living with her grandparents for the last 10 years after her parent’s disappearance; there’s never been any clear e...more 3.5 stars

Darynda Jones is an author whose books I’ve always been curious about. With my friends singing high praises of her Charley Davidson adult series, I was given the extra push when I heard she was dipping into the YA, something that was completely new to her. I like it when authors try something outside of their comfort zone. So I was willing to give it a try.

Lorelei has been living with her grandparents for the last 10 years after her parent’s disappearance; there’s never been any clear evidence as to what happened, so Lorelei lives in the hope that one day they will return. Lorelei is lucky to have two best friends Glitch and Brooke to help keep her sane through the stressful times. They know what she’s been through and what she’s capable of yet are still there for her constantly. When strange things start happening with Cameron Lusk the school loner suddenly stalking her and a gorgeous boy Jared starting their school, Lorelei is creeped out but excited at the same time. She’s happy as she likes Jared and he seems to want to spend time with her too, but Cameron constantly keeps butting in, she has no clue what’s up with these two and she doesn’t really want to find out. But despite this she is dragged into the middle of it, if Lorelei thinks her life was bad it takes a turn for the worse.

What I loved about this book was that I was immediately drawn into Lorelei’s world. Books which take such a long time building up to something big which isn’t even big at all I tend not to have the patience for. But Jones sure knows how to get things kick started; she’s not one to beat around the bush. Lorelei finds herself smack bang in the middle of a tug of war competition between Jared and Cameron. Usually I’m quite quick to pick sides between two male characters, but I found that neither Cameron nor Jared were fully able to win me over. As the book progressed I did like the character development of both characters but neither of them made a massive impact on me. I admit Jared occasionally made me swoon (one favourite scene which comes to mind is the shower scene ;). He was always the gentleman in my eyes despite Cameron’s accusations. Cameron on the other hand just bugged me; he had this huge big secret which I’m still constantly thinking about. He seemed to know everyone’s life story but didn’t seem to want to share it. Consequently most of the time Cameron had me utterly baffled! I think another reason Cameron and Jared didn’t work for me was because they were constantly in each other’s faces, not one time did they agree with each other, the constant manning up and puffing their muscles did eventually lead to a few eye roll moments.

This book was definitely made for me by Lorelei’s friend Glitch and Brooke, with these two around there was never a dull moment, the constant banter, winding each other and Jared and Cameron up lightened the mood loads, when you had two big giants squaring off all the time, a joke from these two would have me cracking up.

Despite the great start, this book did drop off quite a bit in the middle I found it hard to pay attention with the repetitiveness, but thankfully the book picked up its brilliant pace it originally started off with in the last 30% or so. It also threw a nice couple of surprises in the mix which I for one didn’t foresee. Death and the Girl Next Door was a very promising to start to this series, I’m quite eager to find out how things will pan out in the next book; Death, Doom and Detention.

Thank you Sam for reading this with me!

This review can be found on The Readers Den (less)

10 likes · like · see review

Aug 06, 2012 Desiree marked it as dnf

Shelves: first-reads, couldn-t-do-it

Sweet! I just won this on Firstreads! I have read some good things about First Grave on the Rightand since this is by the same author I have high hopes.

I am only 64 pages in and I have decided to put this one down. I have not been feeling the characters and the plot seems really predictable (obviously since I am not finishing I could be very wrong). The oncoming love triangle is something that gets done over and over again in YA and this one is not capturing my interest. I have thought about giv...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Juhina rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: raincoast, ebook, netgalley, review-books

Death and the Girl Next Door had a promising synopsis and I had high hopes for this novel, however I was mildly disappointed. From the first page I felt this novel was lacking in maturity, whether in characters or plot. The characters were a bit childish and two dimentional while the plot felt a bit slow and then very rushed and confusing in the middle and the end.

Characters: I personally could not connect or even much care for any of the characters in this novel. The main protagonist Lorelei w...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Kirstin Hudson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wish-list, angels-demons, urban-fantasy, young-adult, paranormal, paranormal-romance, fantasy

I love the fact that Darynda has decided to write a YA series. There are so many of us that LOVE the Charley Davidson series, but since it is a little graphic in places, it's not really appropriate for younger teens to read. Death and the Girl Next Door, the first book in the Darklight series is perfect for those who want a PG-13 version of Darynda's snarky writing. But with a new series there is the obvious drawback - having to wait months until the next book.

When I first heard about Darynda w...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 26, 2013 Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

Love...Love...Love Charlie Davidson Series! I'm a huge fan of Darynda Jones so when her YA novel became available, there was no hesitation of reading it. An Angel of Death, a Prophet and a Nephilim...three main characters and most of us would say NO not another LOVE TRIANGLE! You were led to believe it that way but I think not. Death and the Girl Next Door was a toned down version of Charlie Davidson. It's a story of young love, friendship and mischief (supernaturally). It was written with wit a...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Amber Hughes rated it 4 of 5 stars

**4.5 stars** Loved it!

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Oct 10, 2012 Jessi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: darynda-jones

Question: What happens when you have the Angel of Death, A Prophet, a Nephilim, 2 sidekicks, and a war looming on the horizon?

Answer: You get Death and the Girl Next Door that's what.

This was a fascinating book full of teenage drama, angst, first love, humor, good friends & the bitchy girls in high school you love to hate.

Darynda Jones has impressed & blew me away (as she will you once you read it) with this first novel from her new YA series Darklight.

Without giving to much away I will...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Viviana Izzo rated it 3 of 5 stars

While I have read some YAs I'm not usually a YA READER. However, its freaking Darynda Jones people! I LOVE (yes all capitals) her "Charley Davidson Series" so of course I had to see what "Death and the Girl Next Door" was going to be about!

The writing style is very "Darynda" and I enjoyed that aspect extremely! Its witty, smart and Lorelei is similar to Charley with her sarcastic undertones! Though a YA, there wasn't the typical teenage angst that many within the genre tend to have (sorry, been...more While I have read some YAs I'm not usually a YA READER. However, its freaking Darynda Jones people! I LOVE (yes all capitals) her "Charley Davidson Series" so of course I had to see what "Death and the Girl Next Door" was going to be about!

The writing style is very "Darynda" and I enjoyed that aspect extremely! Its witty, smart and Lorelei is similar to Charley with her sarcastic undertones! Though a YA, there wasn't the typical teenage angst that many within the genre tend to have (sorry, been there, done that and well, yeah, not something I miss).

There was a lot of world building and the first half of the book was a bit slow for my taste. A lot of the information and action happens during the second half of the book and the dramatic moment when things are truly revealed happens right at the end and well leads you to the next book. It took me longer than I would have liked to get into the book, however once I got to the second half, I couldn't put it down!! What kept me going through the first half? The story itself is written great. I was getting to know the characters and sometimes that takes time.

Lorelei and Brooklyn are strong young women who are best friends and they find strength in each other! The third BFF in this gang is Glitch, he's also the only boy! He provides a bit of the comic relief needed when the conversation is to heated or serious. The Musketeers as they refer to themselves at time.

Though its made to sound like there's a "love triangle" between Lorelei, Jared and Cameron, there isn't. Seems like that's a trend in YA books but thankfully, not one that Darynda followed. Both guys are hot (going with what Brooklyn and Lorelei told me since, you know there's an age difference here - LOL) and each has a different reason for being in Lorelei's life.

There's an interesting twist in the end that totally made me go "WOW" and then "Saweet" since I'm so looking forward to the next installment! You want to know what happens and how things are going to be handled.

Overall, a great and easy read!

This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books (less)

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Oct 04, 2012 Sunny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lendable, ya-recommends

4.5 stars

Death and The Girl Next Door is Darynda Jones’ first book in the Young Adult genre. It is book 1 in the Darklight Series.

Lorelei is a normal teenager living life in Riley’s Switch, NM. She, along with her best buds, Brooklyn and Glitch, hang out at the local coffee shop, relentlessly tease one another, and love and support each other. Cameron, a notorious loner and classmate since elementary school, takes a sudden interest in Lorelei. Everywhere she is, so is he. She thinks he is stalk...more 4.5 stars

Death and The Girl Next Door is Darynda Jones’ first book in the Young Adult genre. It is book 1 in the Darklight Series.

Lorelei is a normal teenager living life in Riley’s Switch, NM. She, along with her best buds, Brooklyn and Glitch, hang out at the local coffee shop, relentlessly tease one another, and love and support each other. Cameron, a notorious loner and classmate since elementary school, takes a sudden interest in Lorelei. Everywhere she is, so is he. She thinks he is stalking her but she has no idea why. One day in to this mix a new hot, hot, hunk enrolls in school - Jared Kovach. Lorelei and Jared are instantly drawn to one another and inexplicably, Cameron and Jared are immediately hostile to one another. Does Cameron know something that the others don’t? Who is this new guy and why is he drawn to Lorelei? What does this have to do with her parents’ disappearance?

If you have read Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series, you know that you will meet crazy characters both in the moral and supernatural realms. You will experience the kinds of friendships in her books that make you want to go out, hang with your friends, and do something crazy, you know, like expelling a poltergeist from a haunted house. The characters do NOT disappoint. Secondary characters contribute importantly to the overall story and they are all quirky. When Jared speaks I can’t help but think of Mr. Spock, just sayin’. With their antics, the gang reminds me of the Scooby Friends from my childhood Saturday morning cartoons. The only thing missing is the Scooby snacks.

Darynda Jones' successfully captures the right voice of the Young Adult audience. The voice is fun and mature, light and heavy. Her teenagers have real conversations that sound like teenagers, not like adults in teenage bodies.

It is a good thing that Death, Doom, and Detention will be published next year because I'm already hankering for a little more Jared and Lorelei. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 05, 2012 Crystal rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, arc

This book in my opinion is pure fluff. I can't think of any other way to describe it, it is just fluff. The plot took a major backseat to the insta lurve between Lorelei and Jared. I am all for romance in a book, but when you have demons, reapers, angels, and prophets I expect way more than a story filled with "oh he is hawt" and "I want to kiss him".

Lorelei, after surviving a near death experience gets caught up in a battle between Jared, the guy she thinks saved her, and Cameron, the guy beati...more This book in my opinion is pure fluff. I can't think of any other way to describe it, it is just fluff. The plot took a major backseat to the insta lurve between Lorelei and Jared. I am all for romance in a book, but when you have demons, reapers, angels, and prophets I expect way more than a story filled with "oh he is hawt" and "I want to kiss him".

Lorelei, after surviving a near death experience gets caught up in a battle between Jared, the guy she thinks saved her, and Cameron, the guy beating Jared up for being something that surely nobody can be. After finding out the who's who game Lorelei decides to side with Jared and figure out exactly what all this prophet stuff is about. Joined by her friends she discovers that things in her town are not what they seem and the guy she is falling for could very well bring death upon everybody. That is in a sense what this book is about. There are a few twists and turns along the way and something way more sinister working among them but if I reveal that then there won't be any point to reading the book so I am just going to leave it at that.

Honestly the plot of the story is kinda brilliant, but I don't know if I can read 200 pages of nothing just to enjoy 50 pages of brilliance. The story was so slow and fluffy until the middle of the book where we finally get a glimpse of the hidden plot. All to soon though we are thrown back into sarcasm, mind numbing jokes, and that all too familiar inst love. The last 10 pages finally FINALLY showed me what this book is really about and loved those last 10 pages. The plot jumped out and took hold for the ending and I am a little mad about that. I wanted the whole book to be this way. I didn't want to read Lorelei's internal monologue questioning if she was worthy enough for Jared, I wanted to read about the kick arse demons!

So if the next book has more demons and dark I will probably read it but if it continues on being fluff I am going to have to say bye bye to Lorelei and company and hope they all get their HEAs even though I have no idea how that will be possible.

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Nov 12, 2012 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, netgalley, urban-fantasy, young-adult, angels, demons

Death and the Girl Next Door was a great beginning to Darynda Jones's YA UF Darklight series. Lorelei and her friends Brooklyn and Glitch were snarky, fun, and had me hooked within a couple of pages. I also enjoyed Cameron, the school weirdo/loner and Jared, the new boy who has a huge secret. Both of the boys have a supernatural connection to a very clueless Lorelei and don't like one another at all. Watching the secrets unfold and all of the characters grow throughout the book was a treat. I lo...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Suspense Magazine added it

Darynda Jones has quickly risen to the top of my personal ‘favorite authors’ list
with her Charley Davidson series, so I had high expectations for an exciting new young
adult series and I wasn’t disappointed.

Lorelei McAlister lost her parents a decade ago, but she’s a well-adjusted, relatively
normal teen who has loving grandparents, amazing friends, and on occasion the odd
vision. All is well—or as well as it can be—as the anniversary of their disappearances
looms. Though all things considered, Lore...more

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May 20, 2013 Indo rated it 3 of 5 stars

well, now that i'm finished with the book (with the end still hanging, mind you), there's no satisfaction whatsoever :( I didn't even get curious enough to read the next book, although I might read it too just because I want to know what happened. But it can wait....

This book is about Lorelei, her 2 bestest friends in the world, and 2 handsome guys, Cameron and Jered, vying for her attention, although not for the reasons she thought, as Lorelei found out later. Apparently, Cameron was stalking...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Kathy Davie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, young-adult

First in the Darklight urban fantasy series young YA based in Riley's Switch, Texas???

My Take
Well, this is the YA version of Charlie Davidson, her other series about a grim reaper who falls in love with someone she shouldn't. Too bad it's not as well done. To be honest, my eyeballs got sore reading this with all the rollin' they were doin'.

Although, to be fair. This quite possibly may be how younger teens interact with each other. Thank you, god, that I am an adult. I suspect this is one of thos...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Paula Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you are like me , then you would have read and devoured Darynda Jones's series starring the awesome kick-butt female Charley Davidson and the Angel of Death - Reyes. Now author Darynda Jones has written a similiar tale aimed at the teenage audience.
Death and The Girl next Door introduces us to three main characters and a minor who plays a big part. We have our female star Lorelai who ten years ago was out with her parents and then they vanished into thin air never to be seen again , Cameron...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Alison (AlisonCanRead) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrenyalit

So many bloggers have raved about Darynda Jones's books that I've been dying to read them. I decided to pick up her YA series first. With the first book the Darklight series, I'm definitely a Darynda Jones fan and look forward to reading more of her YA and adult books.

Lorelai is your everyday small-town New Mexican teenager, except for the fact that she occasionally has visions when she touches people. She helps her grandma tend the family store, loves her iMac, stresses over tests, complains th...more So many bloggers have raved about Darynda Jones's books that I've been dying to read them. I decided to pick up her YA series first. With the first book the Darklight series, I'm definitely a Darynda Jones fan and look forward to reading more of her YA and adult books.

Lorelai is your everyday small-town New Mexican teenager, except for the fact that she occasionally has visions when she touches people. She helps her grandma tend the family store, loves her iMac, stresses over tests, complains that she's too short, and spends most of her time hanging out with her two best friends. But everything changes when she meets Jared "supernova hot" Kovach.

I went into Death and the Girl Next Door blind. I didn't read the synopsis and I couldn't remember any specifics from reviews I'd read. It was fun to be surprised as the paranormal twist revealed itself. And so it did, with a literal death-defying bang as Lorelai was thrown to her death - except for the fact that she didn't die. This was followed up immediately by a crazed fight between Jared and Cameron, the school loner who's been stalking Lorelai. Needless to say, the book was full of action.

The highlight of the book was Lorelai's friends, Brooklyn and Glitch. Especially Glitch. They're the type of friends who will stand next to you and face any danger, no questions asked. Even better, they'll chime in with a few snarky, geeky quips that will make you roll your eyes and laugh. Cameron too quickly grew on me. He has a hard exterior that covers a painful past and a great responsibility. He has a dark sense of humor that I love.

I was a fan of Jared, although he was not my favorite character. He's your typical alpha, emo, dangerous, dark hero. He's likable and his passion for Lorelai definitely set my heart pounding a few times, but I think I've read a few too many books with his personality type. Plus, Lorelai went on Bella-style about his hotness(although not quite so bad).

Death and the Girl Next Door is a very fast read. Like I said earlier, it is chock full of action and jumps from one scene to the other - perhaps too quickly sometimes but at least it doesn't drag. Ms. Jones does a good job in giving us enough information about the characters and the paranormal world to make this first installment feel complete while leaving plenty of holes for future books to fill. The book doesn't break any new ground in the paranormal realm, but it does put a new spin on a frequently told world and managed to surprised me with some extra twists at the end. I'm looking forward to seeing where the Darklight series goes.

Rating: 3.5 / 5(less)

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Mar 03, 2013 Paula HG rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-am-in-love, boys-i-love, series-i-love

DAMN GUYS, this book is awesome. Just look at this conversation:
“I don’t get it any more than you do. Cameron Lusk hasn’t said two words to me since he stopped Joss Duffy from pasting my eyelids shut in kindergarten.”
“Joss Duffy tried to paste your eyelids shut in kindergarten?”
“Only that one time. So why—?”
“With actual paste?”
“Yes.”
“Wouldn’t it take a really long time to dry?”
I’d lost her. “Brooke,” I said, placing a hand on her shoulder to steer her back to me, “please try to
focus.”
She blinked...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Dawn Vanniman rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lorelei's parents disappeared ten years ago and her grandparents raised her...and it seems she's picked up a couple of creepy stalkers recently.

Lorelei (which is a gorgeous name!) knows who both her stalkers are. One is a classmate she's grown up with and one is the new kid in school. Both are portrayed as hot and sexy...seriously, are there any geeky boys or average boys out there in YA land?

Public Announcement Here:
Ladies -...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen, 2013, fiction, supernatural

Lorelei's parents disappeared when she was only six. For the next ten years, Lorelei has relied on the support of her grandparents and best friends to get through each year. On the 10th anniversary of their disappearance, Lorelei thought it would pass like every year, except something changes this year. Loner Cameron begins following her just as a mysterious new student, Jared, takes notice of Lorelei. Then, the unthinkable happens and Lorelei is forced to re-evaluate what she knows about hersel...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Netha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: so-so, suspense-romance

Lorelei MacAlister kehilangan ke 2 orang tuanya 10 tahun yang lalu.
tidak ada yang tau kemana orang tuanya pergi....satu2nya yg bisa menjawab semua misteri itu adalah lorelei sendiri tapi bagaimana lorelei menjelaskan jika dia tidak bisa ingat apa2 ttg kejadian tersebut???
maka jadilah lorelai hidup bersama kakak neneknya dengan segala keanehan yang terjadi pada dirinya.

yup...lorelei bisa tiba2 mendapat vision, vision yang acak yang seringkali tidak dapat dimengerti lorelei. lorelei menyembunyikan...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Kat rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels, clumsy-heroine, feel-good, not-a-vampire-book, school-life

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was a mess. The voice was good, the writing great, but the plot? All over the place. The beginning was really interesting- a girl with two awesome best friends who has visions. . . But her visions are faulty? I loved that the heroine in this book was able to be honest about her supernatural-ness. Everything- EVERYTHING that happened to her, she told her best friends. And they were there for her- they were her support (something she did not take for granted as she repeatedly thanks them...more

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About Darynda Jones

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones won the 2009 Golden Heart® in the paranormal category for her manuscript FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. After the Golden Heart final, she pimped herself as best she could, landed an amaz...more

More about Darynda Jones...

Books by Darynda Jones

First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, #1)

Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, #2)

Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, #3)

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson, #4)

For I Have Sinned (Charley Davidson, #1.5)

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Quotes from Death and the Girl Nex...

“If Cameron kidnaps you, kills you, then buries your lifeless body in a shallow grave in the desert where your remains lay decomposing for several decades until they're accidentally discovered by some guy on a journey to awaken his spirit at the Salinas Pueblo Missions, can I have your iMac?"
I gaped at her. "You've really thought this out.
"I love your iMac."
"I love my iMac too, and you're not getting her."
"But you'll be decomposing.” — 34 people liked it

“What did one say to a stalker? Um, pardon me, Mr.Stalker, but could you, like, not?” — 30 people liked it

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Death and the Girl Next Door (Darklight #1)

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