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Deadly Little Secret (Touch #1)

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 12,879 ratings · 1,216 reviews

Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

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Hardcover, 252 pages

Published December 23rd 2008 by Hyperion (first published December 16th 2008)

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Feb 20, 2012 Maja rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: alternating-povs, are-you-kidding-me, incredibly-stupid-choices, moments-of-great-frustration, netgalley, totally-saw-that-coming, wake-me-up-next-year, ya, reviewed-in-2012

Two stars might be just a little too generous, but that's me, all heart.

At the beginning of the summer, Camelia almost got hit by a car, but a mysterious boy pushed her out of the way and then disappeared without a trace. Camellia spent three months wondering about the boy, wanting to thank him for saving her life. When the new school year started, he was suddenly there, but so were the rumors that he killed his girlfriend and was exonerated due to lack of evidence. What’s worse, when Camelia t...more Two stars might be just a little too generous, but that's me, all heart.

At the beginning of the summer, Camelia almost got hit by a car, but a mysterious boy pushed her out of the way and then disappeared without a trace. Camellia spent three months wondering about the boy, wanting to thank him for saving her life. When the new school year started, he was suddenly there, but so were the rumors that he killed his girlfriend and was exonerated due to lack of evidence. What’s worse, when Camelia tried to thank him anyway, he pretended that he never saw her before.
Camelia feels weirdly attracted to this boy, Ben, despite rumors that are getting wilder by the minute and his obnoxious behavior towards her. At the same time, she starts getting weird phone calls and presents in the mail. It would appear that someone is stalking her, but is it Ben or someone else entirely?

I think you can tell, just by reading this short description, what kind of book Deadly Little Secret is. If you liked Twilight, The Mephisto Covenant, Hush Hush, Halo and similar books, chances are, you will enjoy this series too.*
Take Twilight, replace vampire with something else (wouldn’t you like to know?), replace biology with chemistry, remove the huge paranormal family, add a stalker or two and you’ll get Deadly Little Secret.
In addition to this being one of the most unoriginal books I’ve ever read, the romance was also vastly disappointing. If there’s one thing you can count on in these books, it’s an intense romantic connection between the protagonists, and yet here, I didn’t feel that there was anything really big and special between Camelia and Ben. She was attracted to him, but I never really understood why, nor did I understand why he reciprocated those feelings.
I was incredibly irritated by Camelia’s decision not to talk to her parents and/or the police, even when her stalker started entering her bedroom, leaving presents and making death threats. When he finally came for her, I kind of felt that she deserved it, and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to feel that way.

The one good thing I can say about Deadly Little Secret is that I finished it. I liked the second POV, that of Camelia’s stalker and felt that it was very convincing. I kept guessing his identity throughout the book, and even when I had a pretty good idea, I still wasn’t entirely sure. I added the second star just for that.

This is a book for teens and I believe it already has many fans (there are four installments so far), but I’m pretty sure my adult friends would be better off reading something else.

*In the interest of full disclosure: I’m actually a fan of Twilight, but I didn’t enjoy any of the other books I’ve mentioned.

For this review and more, please visit The Nocturnal Library

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Feb 19, 2012 Meg ♥ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, z-2011-reads, disappointing

2.5/5 stars.

When I read about this book I thought it genuinely sounded unique and interesting. I do still feel it was a unique story, but I still felt a bit disappointed by it. The story didn't have much going on at all. What was there flowed quickly and the whole book was read in a few hours so that was one good thing.

Camelia meets Ben when he saves her life. This part and the whole scene as partners at school felt a bit too Twilightish...There were quite a few similarities in the plot as well...more 2.5/5 stars.

When I read about this book I thought it genuinely sounded unique and interesting. I do still feel it was a unique story, but I still felt a bit disappointed by it. The story didn't have much going on at all. What was there flowed quickly and the whole book was read in a few hours so that was one good thing.

Camelia meets Ben when he saves her life. This part and the whole scene as partners at school felt a bit too Twilightish...There were quite a few similarities in the plot as well that I won't go into because several of my GR friends have already listed them, so I don't feel the need to do this again. Camelia is being stalked and she's also trying to find out more about the mysterious Ben. The rumor around school is that Ben was somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's death.

The stalker's narration did feel creepy at times, but not really scary. It just felt a little too silly and juvenile. Not to put down any fans of this series, but it feels like this book is more for younger teens like 11-13 than young adults, and certainly, in my opinion, not entertaining enough to hold the attention of adults. I only say this because the "mystery" was kinda easy to figure out for me...

The way I would talk you would get the idea that I hated this book, which is completely untrue. I just expected more. I might even continue this series, but I would like the writing to make me feel anything for these characters. Right now I don't because Camelia seems totally emotionless, her friends seem like a-holes, and Ben is the only character I kinda-sorta liked.

The 2.5 stars I gave were because there were a few suspenseful parts, and the writing itself wasn't terrible. Based off the idea this book started with it had potential to be a very intriguing story, but it just fell flat, and didn't isolate itself from the various other paranormal books out there.

Recommended for younger teens. I don't think it has any violence of sexual content. I can't really remember, which is another bad point for this book. It's not memorable at all. Definitely would not recommend this series to any adults or even young adults 14+, because I think most will be as bored as I was. If you are looking for a great YA/paranormal series to start trust me there are far better ones out there, and you won't regret passing on this one.(less)

34 likes · like · see review

Jan 25, 2010 Cara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Cara by: Haley

Shelves: 2010, series, paranormal, recommended-to-me

This is definitely a suspense novel and it totally delivers on that front. I actually don't gravitate toward this genre (but I am more and more as of late.) For the most part I'm pretty bad at reading them cause I just can't take it! I'll flip to the end and see the outcome like a naughty reader, but I forced myself not to do it this time. I'm glad I did because it would have ruined the story.

Camelia is a normal girl for the most part, but an event happens that changes everything. A guy named Be...more This is definitely a suspense novel and it totally delivers on that front. I actually don't gravitate toward this genre (but I am more and more as of late.) For the most part I'm pretty bad at reading them cause I just can't take it! I'll flip to the end and see the outcome like a naughty reader, but I forced myself not to do it this time. I'm glad I did because it would have ruined the story.

Camelia is a normal girl for the most part, but an event happens that changes everything. A guy named Ben saves her from a car crashing into her and since then she hasn't stopped thinking about him. She finally sees him again at school a couple of months later, but when she wants to thank him for saving her life he denies everything. Confusion ensues and Camelia starts to get nasty letters and that's not even the worst of it. So who does Camelia trust? Ben, or all the other people telling her not to?

I have never read Twilight, but from what I've heard about it, it does have that kind of quality to it. I can't say what exactly because that might give something away. I'm not sure how Twilight fans feel about this. I can tell you this: it might seem unoriginal, but lots of authors use this to create a scenario that oozes tension. What I did see as a complete rip-off is the whole pottery scene. I mean did anyone else think of the scene in the movie Ghost? I know it isn't exactly the same but boy it most certainly had that "emotion" to it. I got kind of annoyed that so many guys were crushing on her. I mean really? But I get why because if we didn't have that many choices of who the stalker could be it wouldn't have the suspense we are presented.

The concept is original though. I wish I could say what it is but again that might spoil it for future readers. I'm hooked enough to read the next book Deadly Little Lies. The book grabs your attention from the onset but I felt it lacked originality with certain scenes and felt I didn't get to know the characters well. That might be because it is a series and we will get to delve deeper into the characters with the books to come. One of those series to be on the lookout for.(less)

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Jan 25, 2011 Kristy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Spoiler-ish:

So the beginning half of this was way too reminescent of Twilight. How you say???? well...
1. It starts off with a near death accident... involving a car
2. guess who comes in to save our girl Camelia? You got it, our creepy guy Ben that she has never met until that moment
3. The have a science lab class together, where Ben acts as if Camelia is repulsvie.
4. Everyone at school thinks Ben is creepy and Camelia shouldn't be hanging around him
5. Ben has a secret.... but he tells Camelia af...more

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Aug 25, 2009 Summer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, young-adult, psychic-powers

So sixteen year old Camelia feels a little like an old lady. She likes things planned out and organized and she doesn't go out much except to work where she creates pottery. This all changes when she meets Ben. Ben is a new transfer student with a history. He was a suspect in his ex-girlfriend's murder and even though he wasn't convicted, in most people's eyes he's good as guilty. He gets harassed at school and no one makes friends with him except Camelia. They've met before when Ben saved Camel...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Doris rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Deadly Little Series is a string of novels following the life of sixteen-year old Camelia who falls in love with the mysterious Ben, despite rumors of him being responsible for his girlfriend's death. As the story advances, Camelia learns the reason for his strange behavior, and what really happened that fateful day at the cliff. Ben is gifted with a supernatural power, psychometry, the power to 'see' things through touch or interaction with a person or object. When Camelia is targeted by a...more

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Jan 13, 2009 Shannon (Giraffe Days) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, ya, mystery-suspense

Camelia Hammond is starting her last year of school, but instead of looking forward she can't help but look back, to three months ago at the end of the last school year when her life was saved by a beautiful boy who then disappeared. She still tingles from where he touched her.

Yet when, on the first day of school, she sees him, Ben Carter, the new boy with a bad reputation and an even darker history, he pretends he doesn't recognise her and insists he never saved her life. He avoids her until on...more Camelia Hammond is starting her last year of school, but instead of looking forward she can't help but look back, to three months ago at the end of the last school year when her life was saved by a beautiful boy who then disappeared. She still tingles from where he touched her.

Yet when, on the first day of school, she sees him, Ben Carter, the new boy with a bad reputation and an even darker history, he pretends he doesn't recognise her and insists he never saved her life. He avoids her until one day in Chemistry class when he accidentally touches her - and all hell breaks loose.

Her infatuation with Ben isn't the real problem, though: her unknown stalker has made himself known and is becoming scarier with each photo put in her mailbox, each gift left by her window. Ben insists she's in danger and that he can help her, but who can she trust? Who is fixating on her?

I think, if I'd known this book was going to be a stalker book, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I'm not a big fan of the genre. The suspense here was dealt with well, with good pacing and plenty of tense, even scary moments - especially as, while I knew the stalker wasn't Ben from the beginning, there was quite a large number of boys/men to choose from and that does make you rather edgy.

It's very dialogue-driven, which, when not taken advantage of, allows the characters to be under-developed: as they were here. You don't get to know Camelia all that well, even though she narrates - there's not much going on in her head aside from describing what she sees. Very disappointing. Ben's an intriguing character but you don't get close to him either. I'm wondering if he's the link that will pop up in the other books in the series (not yet written), especially considering they're called "Touch" novels. (Can't explain that without giving the only cool element of the book away.)

It's a stupidly quick read, tells a simple enough story and doesn't delve into the teenage psyche much. I quite liked Camelia's friend Kimmie. Part of my problem with these suspense books, is that so often supporting characters are set up: they're fodder for our mistrust, our suspicions, and turn out to be nothing more than plot devices. If the prose offers something more, if the main character/s offer more, then this could be overlooked, but when, as in Deadly Little Secret, the prose and main characters are superficial, the entire book becomes bland and disappointing.

That said, I did find it engrossing - perhaps against my better judgement - so I need to be fair in my rating.

Oh, and Ben reminded me of Edward from the Twilight books. Cashing in much?(less)

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Aug 29, 2008 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by May A. for TeensReadToo.com

Three months ago, Camelia's life was saved by a mysterious boy. She doesn't see him again, until the first day of her junior year. His name is Ben Carter and everybody in school claims that he killed his girlfriend. Camelia doesn't know who or what to believe, but she does know one thing -- she is irresistibly drawn to him and his touch.

But shortly after Ben's sudden appearance in her life, Camelia begins receiving chilling phone calls, various packages, a...more

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May 14, 2009 Lucy rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Twilight fans

Shelves: mystery, supernatural, teen, 2009

Camelia (sounds like Chameleon) almost died three months ago, when she bent down to pick up her earring in the parking lot and nearly got hit by a car. Before she knew what was happening, a mysterious hot guy had shoved her out of the way, saving her life, before running off when she tried to thank him.

She is, of course, determined to find out more about Ben, the mystery guy. But when she confronts him in the hall and tries to thank him, he pretends he doesn't know what she's talking about.

Camel...more Camelia (sounds like Chameleon) almost died three months ago, when she bent down to pick up her earring in the parking lot and nearly got hit by a car. Before she knew what was happening, a mysterious hot guy had shoved her out of the way, saving her life, before running off when she tried to thank him.

She is, of course, determined to find out more about Ben, the mystery guy. But when she confronts him in the hall and tries to thank him, he pretends he doesn't know what she's talking about.

Camelia's chemistry teacher has an annoying practise of decreeing that whoever you're sitting next to on your first day will be your lab partner for the rest of the year. As luck would have it, the last empty seat in the room is next to Camelia--and then Ben walks in. At first, he acts like he can barely sit next to her. But then he starts to warm to her--even though he warns her that she shouldn't be friends with him, it's too dangerous.

Sound familiar?

Yeah. The plot diverges after this little bit of prettied-up plagiarism, and turns into a Mysterious Stalker novel (Camelia has a stalker. Ben wants to help her) but still--did it seriously have to rip off the most famous crappy YA novel of our time?

Camelia and Ben's relationship is hot, I'll give you that much, but seems to be based on nothing more than his looks (she describes him looking yummy and delicious and hot hot hot as often as Bella described Edward as a marble statue of a Greek god) and her fascination with his bad boy reputation (he reportedly killed his girlfriend back at his old school.)

The writing is not amazing--I get the sense that we're supposed to care about and like Camelia's neglected best friends (she ignores them in her fascination with Ben) but they're really not that interesting--they're actually kind of annoying. And Camelia's family drama is contrived.

This book would be a mild "pass" for me if it didn't rip off Twilight in an unbelievably derivative way. That elevates it to a "can you believe this book?"(less)

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Dec 31, 2009 ~Tina~ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, read-2010, gave-or-give-away

This was an okay book!

There are a few books that have both, thought-process and a healthy amount of dialog mixed in the elements, that I like for a good read, but with Deadly Little Secret, it was a little to much dialog for my liking. It was hard to connect with the characters on a more personal level. I mean, Ben is mysterious-sexy I guess, but something is a bit off. Camilia played the victim well. Kimmie just annoyed me for some reason. And Matt delivered psycho to-a-tee. But I just can't se...more

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Aug 22, 2012 Aishwarya Rao rated it 3 of 5 stars

I feel kind of bad giving this book just 3 stars. It actually would have gotten more. It has all the essentials for being a perfect 5 stars ! A brooding hero. A mysterious eerie atmosphere. A masked man sending creepy letters. An overall amazing storyline.
The reason this book got only 3 stars is because it wasn't written well. the style of writing was ok . not outstanding. she did a good job instilling an eerie feeling . but I think she could have done slightly better. I didn't feel that 'omg I...more

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Feb 11, 2009 Megan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

To be fair, my 2-star review comes from the viewpoint of an adult reading a novel meant for kids in their early teens. My 12 year old self would have loved Deadly Little Secret and given it at least 4-stars.

What I didn't enjoy about this book was the lack of depth. I kept feeling that I was reading a book that *really* wants to be a made-for-tv movie. It has a lot of dialouge ~ while it is interesting and keeps the book moving, there is nothing behind it. Camila is not very reflective, and we d...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Jianne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ibooks

A short review on how I feel about this novel. It's good in terms of plot it's very refreshing and that's what I love about Stolarz she's very creative when it comes to thinking of a plot of the book. I love the whole concept of the plot.

And I love the twist in the narration at the end. I totally did not see that coming! It took me by surprise!

However, I feel that there is no connection between Ben and Camelia. I don't feel any chemistry between them, it's like what really just drives them into...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Allison rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

Chemistry! No, not between the main characters. I mean chemistry class! Or science class in general, if you're like me and haven't taken chemistry yet.

So Camelia and Ben met in chemistry class. Most of the Twilight wannabes, this being one of many, begin in biology class so this was an interesting twist with the possibility of chemical explosions. Why not math class? Picture it, the girl gets called up to the chalkboard to write down the answer to an equation, work included. She doesn't know the...more

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Dec 03, 2010 Kristie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

For me this book was about 2.5 stars. I wasn't extremely excited that the first half of the book was so much like twilight. I know authors are inspired by books but they should make it their own and the first half was very similar - to similar.

I also didn't like when Camelia's best friends, Kimmie and Wes, were in the dialog. They were very immature and annoying. Wes didn't have a male's point of view and Kimmie sounded like a ten year old.

I also didn't understand how every guy that Camelia tal...more

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Feb 09, 2010 Dahlia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, favorites

Deadly Little Secret surpassed my expectations. It was suspenful, thrilling, and intriguing all in one book. From the cover you get the impression of ghost, mystery, and a combination between paranormal and romantic. Which, is all this book is about. I am so happy I read it!

One gloomy day as Camelia walked, something unexpected happened, she almost got run over by a car, a mysterious guy reached out and saved her life. She felt his touch and it thrilled he she felt it all over her body, even tho...more Deadly Little Secret surpassed my expectations. It was suspenful, thrilling, and intriguing all in one book. From the cover you get the impression of ghost, mystery, and a combination between paranormal and romantic. Which, is all this book is about. I am so happy I read it!

One gloomy day as Camelia walked, something unexpected happened, she almost got run over by a car, a mysterious guy reached out and saved her life. She felt his touch and it thrilled he she felt it all over her body, even though he was only touching one part of her body. Before Camelia gets to thank him for saving her life the mysterious guy disappears. Three months later, the mystery guy, Ben, is enrolled in her school. Rumors say he pushed his girlfriend down a cliff after strangling her. Camelia shuts her self from believing any of the rumors and believes, he's a good guy, the guy that saved her life. Ben denies ever saving her life, and claims, he is being mistaken for someone else. Strange things happen to Camelia, she is being stalked. Phone calls, mysterious gifts, and letters, she is receiving. Who could it be? Ben says she's in danger? Where will Camelia end up and unravel the secret?

This paranormal romance thriller will have you trying to solve the mystery for hours. It had interesting ingredients of mystery, romance, and action, to complement the thrilling plot. Everytime I thought I'd solved the mystery, Stolarz would put something I didn't see coming. From the beginning the suspense goes on and on. The hook is immediately on the first page. It made me never get enough of it. At some point it did slow down, but it always thrilled me to see what was going to happen next. The light writing had me engaged into the book, although I would have liked it to be more descriptive. There wasn't much character development, it didn't really bother me. I found the plot very original, most importantly "the touch". Hot, mysterious, and sexy Ben was my favorite character. He gave the book and air of sensuality, and danger.

At the end of the book, it had me exhausted on trying to follow the story and the many twist and turns. But, I found it fascinating. Stolarz definitely has a gift for story telling. I look forward to reading the sequel in the near future for more- action, thrill, and romance.

Reposeted from by book blog: http://thebookshopaholic.blogspot.com/(less)

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Feb 12, 2009 Frezanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: youngadult

I can't give this book a high rating because how much it reminded me of Twilight. First, the car crash and the whole myterious-boy-save-me-from-being-totaled-by -car. Then, they became lab partner(chemistry though not biology). Then, he is kinda a loner and people don't feel comfprtable with him. Another, is the cold attitude at the beginning and a change of 180 degree suddenly. Lastly, the hero saved her froom a creepy psycho.
Anyway aside from those similarities, this books is about stalker and...more

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Aug 27, 2009 Haley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: couldn-t-put-down, favorites, fiction, read-in-2009, romance, young-adult

Until three months ago, Camelia’s life has been pretty ordinary: two best friends, an okay relationship with her parents, a cool job at the pottery store downtown. But when she’s saved by a mysterious boy who leaves without a name or explanation, all she wants is to see him again for some closure, to say “thanks”.

She actually does see him again- Ben Carter, who, rumor has it, murdered his ex-girlfriend. He becomes the scapegoat to everyone but Camelia, even when her friends tell her to be caref...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Rabbit rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: no one, but maybe masochists.

Shelves: someone-dare-bribed-me-to-finish, attack-of-the-wild-snark, ooh-pretty-cover, brb-bikini-kill-time, dark, fiction, pausing-my-feminist-brain, thriller, young-adult, present-day, two-stars

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

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Feb 10, 2012 Shaylee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-and-paranormal, romance, ya-books, surprisingly-good

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars

Surprisingly, I enjoyed this one. Sure, it includes a lot of cliché in YA books such as instant attraction with a hot guy, getting paired up with said boy in class, and researching about his past. However, Deadly Little Secret manages to keep me interested. I give most of the credit to the mystery aspect of this book. Even though there are snippets of the stalker’s thoughts, it’s hard to guess who he is. The characters are likable, too. The romance doesn’t make my eyes ro...more

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Mar 03, 2010 Kathryn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2010, books-i-own, first-in-a-serie, young-adult-fiction

Unfortunately for me, I have read the second book first, 'Deadly little lies'. I am not going to lie, I chose to read this book because the cover work was so pretty.

It only took about 10 hours to read this book. Even with consideration that I am a fast reader, you can clearly guess that this is not that long of a book.

I was disapointed by how the plot was so easily predicted. (probably should count the fact that I read the second book first) But other than that, it was a page turner in a way t...more

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Feb 18, 2009 Abigail rated it 4 of 5 stars

From what I'm reading, I was not the only one who though this was eerily similar to Twilight. Handsome stranger magically appears just in time to save your life? Drawn to his touch and his odd colored eyes? He insists that he's too much of a danger to you and needs to stay away? Yup, I think I've heard it before.
However, I really did enjoy Deadly Little Secrets. I've never been one for suspense novels, but I was very intrigued by this one. The passages written by Camelia's stalker had me shiveri...more

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Feb 06, 2011 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: disturbing, creepy

Never ever read this if you're alone or you're easily creeped out.

This book hold the record for scarying me out of my wits while reading it. I was reading it at my dorm alone and I can tell you that, that is very conducive for "hyper-brain" activity. The only time that I could relax was when my dormmates were there. It's not a ghost story. It's more like Pretty Little Liars but creepier.

For me it's new. It's not about vampires, fairies, or sorcerers. The only reason I gave it a 4-star is becau...more

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Apr 02, 2009 *Michelle* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1-of-the-best-books-in-the-world

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. i absoulutely luved this book and read it really fast. So it starts out with Camelia almost killed and some guy that saved her. Camelia makes it her mission to find out who he is and won't like anyone else. One day, there is a new guy, Ben, and he is the guy that saved Camelia. He is infamous for supposubley pushing his girlfriend off a cliff. When Camelia gets home from school, she finds a pic. of herself that has a red bubbly heart around her in the mailbox. In some of the chapters, there are...more i absoulutely luved this book and read it really fast. So it starts out with Camelia almost killed and some guy that saved her. Camelia makes it her mission to find out who he is and won't like anyone else. One day, there is a new guy, Ben, and he is the guy that saved Camelia. He is infamous for supposubley pushing his girlfriend off a cliff. When Camelia gets home from school, she finds a pic. of herself that has a red bubbly heart around her in the mailbox. In some of the chapters, there are diary entries of someone which is her stalker. The pages talk about someone wanting to date her and wanting to want to know everything about her. It also talks about how this person had her once but made a mistake. Ben start wanting to come closer to know more about her and keeps touching her (not perverted wise) because he can sence Camelia's dead body. At the same time, she gets a box that has a pair of pajamas that she wanted. Soon, the person writing the journal entries get mad and feels like Camelia is ungreatful because she acts like she doesn't care. The pics keep coming and everytime, Ben keeps touching them to try to see who is stalking her and trying to kill her. One night, Matt(ex-boyfriend) tells Camelia to come with him because Ben has supposeubly gone mad. Camelia goes to see whats wrong and ends up being captured by her stalker, Matt. The reason Camelia broke up with Matt was because he was to clingy but says its because she doesn't want a relationship. Matt got her because he saw that Camelia wanted a relationship with Ben. Cameila tries kicking Matt to get him to hate her and to let her go. Matt get Camelia to pass out and locks her in his parents trailer. He says that he will get her anything she wants. She says that she wants him to let her go but he says not untill she says that she loves Matt and means it. Camelia gets partley free except for the cuffs. She starts running and finds that Ben is right there about to kick Matt's a** for doing what he did. The po-po go over there and arrest Matt for harrassment. Kimmie and Wes are Camelia's bff's. They feel bad for giving her sh** about thier friendship. Ben ends up leaving town for some reason.(less)

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Feb 26, 2009 Rachael rated it 5 of 5 stars

Until three months ago, Camelia’s life had been normal, with good grades, good friends, and a good job. But three months ago, Camelia almost got run over by a car, only to be pushed out of the way at the last minute by a mysterious guy with an intoxicating touch. Her friends told her to put it out of her head, but Camelia couldn’t, and three months later, she finally gets to thank mystery boy Ben for saving her life when he moves to town. Although rumors of Ben’s involvement in her girlfriend’s...more Until three months ago, Camelia’s life had been normal, with good grades, good friends, and a good job. But three months ago, Camelia almost got run over by a car, only to be pushed out of the way at the last minute by a mysterious guy with an intoxicating touch. Her friends told her to put it out of her head, but Camelia couldn’t, and three months later, she finally gets to thank mystery boy Ben for saving her life when he moves to town. Although rumors of Ben’s involvement in her girlfriend’s death make others way of and rude to Ben, Camelia still thinks he’s the good guy. But when she starts receiving strange and creepy notes and gifts, she no longer knows who she can trust. Her friends think it’s some practical joke that will blow over, and her parents have their own issues to worry about, but Ben insists that she’s in danger. Everyone’s hiding something, but hopefully, Camelia can unravel these little secrets before she meets her end.

Deadly Little Secret is a fantastic paranormal thriller with a romantic twist. The story starts off with action, builds up a lot of suspense, and culminates with a band that I didn’t see coming. Stolarz definitely has the unpredictability factor down pat; my guesses as to the Stalker’s identity were completely off target. I enjoyed reading the dual perspectives, both Camelia’s and her stalker’s; the stalker’s scribbling increased the sense of danger, and Camelia’s point of view revealed her to be an intriguing character. There isn’t anything about Camelia that is too exciting except perhaps her total disregard of the opinions of others; I wouldn’t say she’s boring, but her rather uniform life doesn’t define the plot, the action due to the stalker does. Ben is an elusive character with some odd inconsistencies, but he is still my favorite character because of his uniqueness, and I hope to learn more about him in subsequent novels.

Fans of Stolarz’s Blue is for Nightmares series will not be disappointed in this fast-paced paranormal mystery, which will also be enjoyed by fans of Sleepless by Terri Clark, The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong, and The Missing Girl by Norma Fox Mazer. I eagerly await the sequel, Deadly Little Lies.

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Dec 07, 2008 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Christina by: ARC

Shelves: young-adult, 2008-reads

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. {Advance Review Copy}

First of all, I concur with Kimmie, Camelia’s best friend, on her statement about boys:

“If it were up to me all boys would come with a label: Failure to take in small doses may result in irrational behavior, poor judgment, and estrangement from friends.” {pg. 213}

But I digress…

When I first started Deadly Little Secret, I was convinced it was a blatant rip-off of Twilight. Girl almost gets hit by a car, Boy saves Girl, Girl tries to thank Boy, and Boy denies his role in savin...more

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May 20, 2013 Juliette Straub added it

Recommended to Juliette by: Angelica

Shelves: book-reports

Camelia is an average teenage girl with an average teenage life that is until she nearly got hit by a car. The only reason she is still alive is because a mysterious stranger tackled her out of the way just in time. Camelia spent the whole summer after the incident trying to figure out who it was and fails to find an answer or someone to thank. When she goes back to school in the fall for her junior year, she finally gets some answers, and finds her savior. She doesn’t get the answers she wants...more Camelia is an average teenage girl with an average teenage life that is until she nearly got hit by a car. The only reason she is still alive is because a mysterious stranger tackled her out of the way just in time. Camelia spent the whole summer after the incident trying to figure out who it was and fails to find an answer or someone to thank. When she goes back to school in the fall for her junior year, she finally gets some answers, and finds her savior. She doesn’t get the answers she wants from him though. When she goes to thank him, he brushes her off as if she doesn’t matter and convinces her it wasn’t him, but Camelia thinks otherwise. She does some investigating in to her savior, who she soon finds to be named Ben. She finds an article about him online from the year before, an article talking about how he was accused of killing his girlfriend. Ben isn’t her only problem though. Camelia is being stalked.

The main conflict of this story is that Camelia is being stalked, and whoever is stalking her knows how to break into her house, and makes a point of doing so. She has recived pictures in the mail as well as messages written across her bathroom window and gifts placed in her room. Ben also seems to know a lot more about the matter then he is letting on, while their relationship takes off. Everytime she gets close enough to discovering something he knows he speeds away on his motorcycle. Just to add on more to Camelia’s problems people are trying to blame Ben, who she has become quite intamet with, for stalking her, as well as another girl. Camelia is determined to find out who is stalking her and why, but when she does she doesn’t like the answer. When Camelia finds out and finally gets home she discovers that Ben is still being blamed for the other girls reported stalking, and for her getting hit by a car, putting her in a coma. Little do they know that it was actually her friends.

Camelia finally gets Ben to open up to her about how he saved her from the car accident and he reveals that he has the power of pyschometry. He is able to sense things through touch. He senses that Camelia is in trouble but it’s to late. Camelia’s stalker aka her ex boyfriend Matt kidnaps her and takes her into the woods to a small trailer where he thinks no one can find them. He knocks her unconscious and then ties her up.

When Camelia wakes up she tries desperately to escape but in the end fails. She realizes that Matt can keep her in the trailer forever. He can spin some story about how he saw Ben kill her and Ben will be arrested and no one will ever know about her being hidden in the woods. After what feels too her like days, Matt finally comes back to the trailer. He threatens her after seeing that she tried to untie herself, saying that he isn’t afraid to kill her and that this is all because he loves her and that he knows she loves him. Just at the right moment, Ben comes to her rescue, being able to sense where she was he quickly found her. Matt is taken away and Camelia and Ben finally exchange their feelings for each other. Right before Ben tells her that he is leaving for a while.

Camelia reminds me of a lot of characters who refuse to tell their parents about their problems and decide to take things into their own hands, not fully understanding the consequences. She tries to keep everything all bottled up so no one will worry about her, except that is the worst thing she could do in her situation. Even after her friends telling her to go to the police she refuses to get help and in the end that is why she gets kidnapped. Even though she isn’t completely at fault because her parents didn’tgive her a chance to talk and share what was going on with them, she still should’ve gone to someone.
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Apr 19, 2013 Cassidy D rated it 4 of 5 stars

Over all I really like this book along with the other books in the series. The author Laurie Stolarz does a really good job at tying everything together from all of the books. One of the things I enjoy most about this book is that she always keeps you guessing. The books almost remind me of an episode of Hawaii 5’O, you might think you know the person who is creating trouble but just before your certain there is another hint that changes your mind. This type of writing really makes the reader wa...more Over all I really like this book along with the other books in the series. The author Laurie Stolarz does a really good job at tying everything together from all of the books. One of the things I enjoy most about this book is that she always keeps you guessing. The books almost remind me of an episode of Hawaii 5’O, you might think you know the person who is creating trouble but just before your certain there is another hint that changes your mind. This type of writing really makes the reader want to keep reading to figure out what is really going on. Deadly Little Voices being the 3rd book in the series, readers already knew about the characters. The characters include Ben, a “bad boy” who is trying to get away from his past, Camelia, a shy girl who tents to always get into trouble and Adam, Ben's old friend who has a thing for Camelia. In the first two books Camelia found herself in deathly situation. Strange notes would be sent to her saying messages like, “Your next” or pictures of Camelia after school. Camelia would never really tell her parents about any of the strange things that were happening in her life because they were too concerned about her Aunt Alexia, who was in a mental hospital for attempting suicide and having schizophrenia. Camelia would mainly tell her two friends Wes and Kimmie about her problems and she would also tell Ben. Ben was her boyfriend who she became really close with because they both have “psychic abilities” and because of this they get into a lot of trouble which includes them ending up in critical condition at the hospital. Through the whole book there is always something going on and there is little “dry time”. If there isn’t an action scene there is some type of love scene whether that includes conflict or just Camelia and Ben on a date. I also really like that there is a love story behind the action of this book because it is easy to relate to and something I actually want to read about. My general opinion of the book I that it was very good and I would recommend it to anyone who likes love stories with an action twist. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. (less)

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Mar 04, 2013 Justine rated it 3 of 5 stars

I feel like the author wanted to write a novel with the same creepy romance that Twilight had, only better written. And without vampires.

The Cons:

So, our tale begins with a slightly-bland-almost-likable teenage girl who almost gets mauled down by a car in her school parking lot when suddenly - bam! A tall, dark and handsome mysterious stranger pushes her out of the way, saving her life (oh joy!) before running off. Later, he denies the experience and she is hopelessly attracted to him, even thou...more

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Feb 17, 2013 Pooh Bear rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was...okay. It wasn't anything spectacular, and it wasn't horrible. Camelia is an average teenage girl and was going to be hit by a car but was saved from a guy who pushed her out of the way and than...touched her stomach. O.O

I was kind of taken back by that, I mean, her stomach? Okay maybe he's into that kind of thing whatever. But when he drives away on his motorcycle it's obvious Laurie wanted it to be suspense like, and I seriously saw the next chapter coming.

A new kid is in Camel...more This book was...okay. It wasn't anything spectacular, and it wasn't horrible. Camelia is an average teenage girl and was going to be hit by a car but was saved from a guy who pushed her out of the way and than...touched her stomach. O.O

I was kind of taken back by that, I mean, her stomach? Okay maybe he's into that kind of thing whatever. But when he drives away on his motorcycle it's obvious Laurie wanted it to be suspense like, and I seriously saw the next chapter coming.

A new kid is in Camelia's Highschool, but the whole reason why everyone is talking about Ben, the guy who pushed her out of the way, is that there is a rumor he murdered his girlfriend. And than bright Camelia over here tries to talk to him and try to get him to remember her. Uh, if I so much as heard a rumor about someone being a murder, I wouldn't take it lightly, and I surely wouldn't want to associate myself with them. Let's pushed that aside for now.

The book is also given in someone else's point of view, but you don't know whose. It becomes very clear this person is a psychopath and has controlling issues and everything else you should stay away from. But because Camelia doesn't know who this person is, she can't really know who to stay away from.

There was at some point in the book someone trying to enter her house, from different entry points, i.e the window, the front door, the sliding door, and God knows where else. And every single time, there happens to be a friend of hers trying to get in the same time this is happening. Laurie, you fail at suspense. It made me want to smack the friend in the back of their head and yell at them for not seeing who was there. I don't possibly understand how someone can't see or hear someone try to get into their friend's house. Like really?

Overall this book was fine, and I'm not sure I'm going to go read the next book just because the preview made her seem like the obsessive control psychofreak. She drew the guy's scar as a pottery. Just, no.

3/5 Overall.(less)

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Never Too Old For...: Author Interview with Laurie Stolarz	4	87	Mar 28, 2013 06:31am
If you love to re...: Deadly Little Secret Series	1	3	Feb 21, 2013 06:54pm
SPOILER ALERT Question....	11	64	Jan 28, 2013 06:58am
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The stalker was creepy right??	12	65	Apr 15, 2012 09:50am

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About Laurie Faria Stolarz

Laurie Faria Stolarz grew up in Salem, MA, attended Merrimack College, and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston.

Laurie Faria Stolarz is an American author of young adult fiction novels, best known for her Blue is for Nightmares series. Her works, which feature teenage protagonists, blend elements found in mystery and romance novels.

Stolarz found sales success with he...more

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Books by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Blue is for Nightmares (Blue is for Nightmares, #1)

White Is for Magic (Blue is for Nightmares, #2)

Silver Is for Secrets (Blue is for Nightmares, #3)

Red is for Remembrance (Blue is for Nightmares, #4)

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“You need to screw up to learn. You need to experience to create greatness.” — 189 people liked it

“If it were up to me, all boys would come with a label: Failure to take in small doses may result in irrational behavior, poor judgment, and estrangement from one's friends.” — 56 people liked it

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