Rating: 3.5

I don't know what it was about this book, but it called to me from the first time I discovered it. Maybe it was the cover-girl's gorgeous eyes (SO BLUE!) or my desire to be just like Nancy Drew when I grow up, but I knew I wanted to read Deadly Cool.

And it was so much lighter and fun-filled than I would've ever expected from a mystery! Even with the threat of unexpected deaths and trying to find the murderer, I found myself grinning constantly at Hartley's sarcasm and wit. Gemma Halliday's quirky writing style made it so easy to get absorbed in this mystery.

Smart, hilarious, and every bit the horomonal teenage girl she was, Hartley was such a fun narrator! She was exactly the clever albeit a little reckless heroine needed in every mystery novel, and bad boy Chase (who was actually SO sweet) made the perfect sort-of sidekick. The only thing I wish is that it was a little longer so we could get more character depth, but other than that, it was great!

All in all, Deadly Cool was a quick and fun mystery novel that's sure to keep you entertained for a few hours. Definitely a one-sit read. Thank goodness this is a series, because you'll be craving for the next book as soon as the last page is turned!

BUY or BORROW?: Even if you're not into mysteries, you should definitely pick this one up! I promise it'll make you grin at least once! ;)

(Original review at Mimi Valentine's YA Review Blog)