Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls

Lulu Dark #1

by Bennett Madison

Lulu Dark is the anti-Nancy—a chic, tough-talking city girl who never meant to get involved in a mystery.

But when her favorite purse is stolen during a Many Handsomes concert, Lulu knows she has to get it back. After all, it was one of a kind—and the lead singer's phone number was stashed inside! Lulu dives deep into the fray along with her friends Daisy and Charlie, and discovers a twisted mystery involving a rock star, a rich socialite, a loony landlord, and a serious case of mistaken identity.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Teen, Humor, Chick Lit, Fiction, High School

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2005

About the author

Bennett Madison is the author of several books for young people, including SEPTEMBER GIRLS and THE BLONDE OF THE JOKE. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Sheather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lulu Dark is a reluctant detective. Normally, she wouldn’t have the patience for sleuthing, but her favorite purse, a horribly ugly pick and yellow flowered knock off, has been swiped and she’s going to get it back no matter what! While trying to dig up information on her purse, she finds out that there is another mystery brewing. When there are reports of her partying hard at nightclubs when she was safely tucked in bed makes Lulu wonder if her total identity been stolen along with her purse. So Lulu recruits her best friend Daisy and her guy pal Charlie to help her unravel the strange threads she unwillingly started to pull.

This is a fluffy, quick mystery that won’t leave readers scratching their heads at all. While the plot is pretty predictable, the joy of this book is in the details. The setting of this book is posh and the characters are stylish and cool. These are the kids that the high school students here in Amish county want to be! All the characters are pretty shallow and stereotypical: Lulu is the rich girl, Daisy is a scholarship student who is poor but still cool, Charlie is Lulu’s love interest, which is obvious to everyone except Lulu. There is not a lot of depth here, but there is a lot of fun.

I think both teen guys and girls would get a kick out of this, but the cover might turn guys away. This is a great book for kids who enjoy reading for fun, as they won’t get much else out of it. So pack it along with your towel and take it to the beach!

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lulu Dark may be able to see through walls, but I saw through this book in a chapter. And the more I thought about it, the more the book made absolutely no sense.

How could her rich, socialite NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT boyfriend (...yeah. I bought that.) have like a billion and a half ex-girlfriends and still be, in Lulu's own words, oblivious?

How could she and her aforementioned completely not totally definitely not boyfriend order wine at a restaurant when they're still in high school?

And how on earth did Bennett Madison manage to make a FMC (she's not a heroine) so very unlikeable and so very stupid?

From the nigh-omniscient Dorothy Parker (who yes, does have a quote for any occasion): “The plot is so tired that even this reviewer, who in infancy was let drop by a nurse with the result that she has ever since been mystified by amateur coin tricks, was able to guess the identity of the murderer from the middle of the book.”

Yup. What Dorothy said.

**Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls, rated 14+, rated 1/5 stars.

[Kaitie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book was another high school favorite of mine, so naturally, I wanted to reread it. However, it was a little tough for me to get through... the storyline was okay, and I enjoyed Lulu Dark's humor and sassy remarks that were sprinkled throughout the book. However, the ending seemed a little rush and left me feeling unsatisfied/confused, and it didn't seem all that realistic. Overall, a decent read.

[Orchid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review taken from my blog, The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

First Sentence:

My name is Lulu Dark.

I actually bought Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls on a whim. It sounded like a great summertime read, plus it was on sale and only cost me $1. Am I glad that I bought it, yes; yes I am because it was a delightful summer read.

Lulu Can See Through Walls pretty much pulled me in from page one because you just kind of jump right into the story, thankfully it never feels like you have picked up a book that is missing the first few pages. What really surprised me about this book was that there was more action and danger than I had originally thought there's be, but I'm glad that there was because it kept the story moving at a decent clip.
I also really enjoyed Mr. Madison’s writing style. I think he did an excellent job of writing a quick paced mystery that was both light and fun, while still maintaining a sense of seriousness and danger at the same time. I am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on the next installment in this series…and keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more to come.

One of the things that really made this book was the mystery aspect of it; I loved how it seemed like more than one person could have been the perpetrator of each of the calamities that befall Lulu in her quest to find her stolen purse. Yes, that made for interesting reading, but it could've gone so wrong with that many options if things hadn't been settled in what would turned out to be the most logical of solutions. Hmm, I might just have been talking in circles here...so sorry if I'm rambling on a bit but I really did enjoy this book.

From page one I loved Lulu's character and how she was adamant that she was no Nancy Drew, or any of those other mystery solver types.
While I really liked Lulu I absolutely loved her two best friends, Daisy and Charlie. I felt that all of their personalities balanced out one another’s perfectly and that without them Lulu and the book would have been missing part of made it such an enjoyable read.

Usually I have the hardest time pin pointing my favorite part of a book; thankfully that is not the case with Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls. So I bet your probably wondering what my favorite part was, well, that would have to be the big twist near the end (I'd love to go into detail, but then you wouldn't have a reason to read the book). I kind of saw were things were going, but never guessed that the mystery would play out the way it did and for that it’s my favorite.
As for what I didn't like about this book that would have to be how easily Lulu would jump to conclusions, but then again it wouldn't have been nearly as interesting if she didn't.

Final Verdict: Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls was a brilliantly fun read and just right for summer.

Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls earns 4 out of 5 pineapples.

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the mystery books I read to make me think. This one... well, sort of did the thinking for me. I predicted events before they happened and then waited as they explained out what I already knew. The book was still all right though.

It's very "poppy." Full of trendy hotspots, descriptions of vintage "crazy-cool" fashionistas, and "Look it's trendy!" the book got a little too fluffy at points. The book is definitely geared more towards tweens and teens. If Lulu Dark becomes a series, I think she will probably become the 21st centuries Nancy Drew, as much as Lulu would hate to admit it.

I really did enjoy the subtle jabs at Paris Hilton via Berlin Silver. When/if you read this tell me if you noticed it as well.

The ending seriously bugged me... it felt like the author needed to tie it up really fast and seemed like a hastily put together end. And it of course needed to be a happy ending. I mean... weren't any of these kids the least bit freaked out or traumatized? Ice skating did not seem like the appropriate thing to do only minutes after this freaky mystery was solved.

The mystery did have a twist to it, and I admit it was pretty unique. But... I guess the book didn't impress me all that much, and is perhaps past my interest now. But honestly, don't let the term "Young Adult" "Teen Fiction" or anything like that stop you from reading a book... if you think it's good, you'll think it's good. It doesn't really matter what supposed age group it's aimed at...

Just look at Harry Potter!

Yay! July 16!!! Almost a month away.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the thing to read when your brain needs a vacation. Which is not to say that it's total brain candy - there's actually a nicely puzzling mystery and some substance to the characters - but it's the kind of book that pulls you into another world for some fun.

Since Lulu doesn't want to play the girl detective, it's understandable when it takes her a while to piece together the clues (I guessed a few things before she did, but not enough to make it annoying), but along the way she actually kind of maybe starts to enjoy the whole sleuthing business. The story deals nicely with the whole "why not just go to the police/tell an adult" question (although her parents are very conveniently absent just when she needs to do something like spend the night in a dumpster).

The characters are a whole lot of fun, and I particularly liked Lulu's believably gradual transformation into someone who occasionally thinks before she speaks. There's some light romance but it never takes over the mystery storyline, or from Lulu herself as the star of the show. Throw in some dry humor, and I'm a happy reader.

I'd recommend it for middle school readers on up - there's a little underage drinking and maybe the occasional swear, but otherwise nothing objectionable for younger readers. And I'll be looking for the sequel next time I need something funny and absorbing.

[Neha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago, but I've read this book many times. I think I just have something for really overtly unlikeable female protagonists. I fall in love with them way too easily, it's like I have a type.

While I agree with most, this is a plot pulled right from that Pretty Lilly Little Game whatever show before that show was even a thing. I still really loved it. I'm also a sucker for a mystery plot (yeah, does not have to be good.)It was predictable as heck, but I loved it anyway.

I also love anything that's like super overtly against a trope but then also sort of reluctantly plays into it. This is fine since Nancy Drew isn't a particularly harmful trope so it was all good, it was all nice.

It's a fun read and I'm able to read it over and over because I have such fond memories of it. There are parts of this book that make me laugh out loud, parts that make me roll my eyes, and parts that make me feel very mildly sympathetic for some of the characters.

Lulu Dark is nothing that I am... if that makes sense. I've always really been in love with the whole girl detective thing. It's always sort of been my thing, and so when presented with Lulu who is so opposite me, and so opposite everything I used to want to be when I was little... I don't know, it struck a chord. I loved it.

I LOVED IT SO SUE ME.

[Steph RB · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lulu Dark may truly by the most obnoxious-yet-unaware-of-it heroine I've ever had the displeasure of reading about.

Glad that's finally over.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ordinary teenager, Lulu Dark, goes to the "Many Handsomes" concert with her two friends. When the concert was over, she noticed that her purse was gone. Lulu Dark was tenacious on finding out who took her purse; she was fractious while trying to find out who took it, then another mystery came up. Lulu Dark was a repertoire sleuth; although it seems silly to quibble over losing a purse, her purse made her feel assuage, and she needed it back. Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls was like an amateur mystery book, for the first half. When I got through half of the book, I guessed right. Then towards the end of the book, I thought the solution was asinine and came unexpectedly. I thought this book had stupendous plot, the kind where it keeps the reader interested. I had a fun time reading this book, I think that it is kind of a girl book but guys can read it too. I think that this is more of a teenager book because of what the author, Bennett Madison, wrote and talks about.

[Brianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a fan of confident, bold heroines. So, I thought I would love Lulu Dark. I did not. She was self-absorbed, spoiled, and paranoid. I think that Madison was trying to create a sexy, urban sophisticate vibe and instead ended up creating something that was completely not relatable to me as a reader. I liked that Lulu was an eccentric, quirky teen girl with fun parents and great friends, but that's about the extent of my enjoyment of this book. And the mystery wasn't even that exciting! Plus, when Lulu discovers that one of the characters is seriously mentally ill, she makes cracks about her being crazy and needing to go to the "loony bin." I realize this was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but that was offensive, especially giving the extent of mental illness that the character exhibited in previous chapters. I'm kind of surprised that I finished this book.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu Dark is the daughter of a famous B-list actress, has a quirky sense of fashion, a lifelong sworn enemy, and the two coolest best friends ever. When her favorite purse, a hideous pink and yellow Kate Spade knockoff, is stolen she has no choice but to find out who took it. She'll be the first to inform you, however, that she is not, not, a girl detective. (Even though she interrogates suspects, performs searches in rooms and apartments, and even holds a garbage bin stakeout.) She just wants her purse back.

Although I solved the mystery of the pilfered purse well before Lulu and company, the unique characters and sly sense of humor made this well worth reading. It has a sequel as well, which I plan on reading. (Someday.)

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This energetic, humorous, and offbeat mystery does a fine job of hooking readers from the start. Lulu is outspoken and tough-skinned with a daring sense of fashion. Her two sidekicks, Daisy and Charlie, are loyal through thick and thin, though Lulu can't quite see that Charlie has feelings beyond friendship for her. Everyone's mettle is tested when a new girl disappears, a body with a similar tattoo is found in the harbor, and someone begins impersonating Lulu all over town, creating a new and unfavorable reputation for her. What is going on? Entertaining and well written, even if some passages (Daisy's waking-up scene) are a little overwrought. Hard to believe the author is only 23 and male. High school.

[Lady Entropy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always had a thing for Detective Girls (except I never liked Nancy Drew) maybe because when I was 10, I started reading Agatha Christie and I never stopped. I wound up discovering these Girl Detectives genre much later in life, but I still got a kick out of it.

Lulu Dark is just perfect for me: she's snarky, stylish, and imperfect, and the mystery itself was well-crafted (even if she was a little slow on the uptake). I'm definitely picking up the next book and I'm sorry there just seem to be two books in this collection.

I was very surprised that this was written by a male writer, especially because it is first person narrative and it still feels like a real girl. Even if there are some moments of silliness thrown in, but that's part of the Mystery Girl genre charm.

[Obuchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu comes off as a sharp tongued, clever, strong, individual. The trouble didn't start because she was being particularly nosy, like in most girl detective books. Trouble came just because Lulu was being Lulu and criminals seem to be trying to insult her personally.

After having her favorite purse spirited away at a Many Handsomes concert, Lulu decides to take a stand against. She resolves to track down her beloved purse with her friends Daisy and Charlie and make the thief who took it pay- dearly. But when what was supposed to be a simple purse re-snatch turns out to be something far more complex, Lulu is unwilling sucked into a mystery that has a lot more at stake than she thought.

[Ratforce]

For a light-hearted, funny mystery that’s as much about the characters as it is about the mystery, try this Lulu Dark novel, which is the first of two.

Fans of funny and truly mysterious mysteries should find a lot to like in the Lulu Dark books. Lulu is sharp and funny, and even when the case of her stolen purse ends up being bigger than she bargained for, she’s determined to see the case through to the end.

If you’d like to try a mystery, Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls is a good bet. Lulu is sharp and funny, and even when the case of her stolen purse ends up being bigger than she bargained for, she’s determined to see the case through to the end.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu Dark is rich, beautiful and has it all, that is until her favorite purse gets stolen at a club in Halo City. Now Lulu is going to catch the witch who stole her knock-off and maybe solve a murder along the way.

I laughed, I cringed and I loved every minute of Lulu's adventure. This book does have a little older audience in mind, so if you're only looking for an updated Nancy Drew, you might want to try something else. But if you're a little old for Nancy or want something a little more hip, this is the mystery series for you.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a little trouble with a book about a girl who is upset because someone took her purse. I think most girls are a little insulted by the entire premise. [return][return]Having little interest in being one of the so-called popular crowd, Lulu Dark steps to the beat of her own drummer, but when her purse is stolen during a concert, Lulu's city-smart attitude transforms her into detective-extraordinaire as she hunts down clues to find out who took it in order to get back the important contents it contains.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this, as my favorite stories usually have characters that I like. However, Lulu Dark is intriguing and I couldn't help but be drawn into the mystery of her missing bag, cringing as her sarcastic comments pushed away people who could possibly help her. I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold and get more and more bizarre, as Lulu gets a phone call from--Lulu(!), accusing her of stealing her cell phone. This is a great book to read for fun, and I would especially recommend for anyone looking for some light vacation reading.

[Mel Raschke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls was an intriguing mystery of a girl who claims she is not the stereotypical girl detective. But she is forced to do some sleuthing when her favorite knock-off purse is stolen, and nothing seems to add up. Lulu knows this isn't just your normal theft, and therefore she investigates and gets tangled in with all the unexpected chaos. A schoolmate is found dead, her identity is stolen (or rather copied), and with the help of her two best friends, she solves her mystery and eventually finds the missing purse.

[Alyssa Noch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one of a kind mystery you are not likely to forget. Lulu Dark makes for an unforgettable detective once her favorite purse ends up being nabbed, sending her on this high speed chase that only leads her further into mystery. It turns out there is more to this story than just a stolen knock-off. Hilarity and funny characters ensue.
It was right up my ally. This quirky, almost "Legally Blonde" type of detective is obviously not anyones first pick for this strange mystery's heroine. It's so strange that it works.

[Kat E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I didn't immediately figure out the answer like a normally do in teen mystery books, and the main character (and her friends) were like able. I can't say that it was my favorite book in the world, but I do think that it was like able enough that I want to read the second book and I have plans on doing just that. All in all I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for an interesting mystery, and a few good one liners, as this book had both in spades.

[dearlittledeer · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is an entire bag of reese's pieces delicious. and it was written by a boy my age! and for once i don't hate him! (you know, in the way i hate that opal mehta chick even though she got her just desserts.) first of all, lulu dark = great name. and a well-played mystery, although i have to say i solved it right as our heroine did.

[Marya · Rating 2 out of 5]

The copy I got from the library says "Gossip Girl fans will enjoy the almost campy narrative", and really, that says it all. It is a Gossip Girl-like pink book for teen girls, with a mystery attached to the plot. Older readers will probably find the story campy, and thus, funny, while younger readers will take it seriously and enjoy it just as much.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a girl named LuLu Dark. She went to a party with her friends and lost her purse. Inside that purse she had this boy's number. So she goes on a hunt to find the stealer. this book wasn't that great in my opinion because it doesn't make me want to continue reading and it gives out clues easily. Unlike mystery it takes time.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lulu Dark isn't into the whole girl sleuth thing, but when her purse is stolen, she wants it back. With friends Daisy and Charlie, she sets out to get it back. But the more she searches, the more questions she finds. Embroiled with a rock star, socialite, looney landlord, and an impersonator, will Lulu solve the mystery in time to save her reputation?

[Kimmyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit conflicted on how to rate this one. It was good, not great, (I will freely admit, however, that I'm not a fan of these types of characters/settings), but, there was a darkness to it that I hadn't been expecting, as well as some unexpected Pop Culture references that pushed it from a 3 to a 4 star rating.

[Forever Young Adult]

Graded By: Meghan
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: Cosmo Short Story With a Smartypants Twist
Bonus Factors: Nancy Drew, Coffee
Relationship Status: Sidekick

Read the full book report here.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little YA book about a rich girl who gets caught up in a mystery. She and her friends are fun characters, and most of the YA-type drama feels true enough. It wraps up neatly, and I liked it well enough to give it a B+ and to put its sequel on hold at the library.

[Susan Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had been wanting to read this one for ages, so was happy when it appeared on the SSBRC cart. Unfortunately, it wasn't as great as I thought it would be. Lulu is actually a bit annoying. Just an OK mystery with a fairly transparent plot.

[Tarsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!!!!
This is a silly little mystery that has a lot of twists and turns. It really is different from any other mystery thta I have read so far. It's a cross between a chick flick and a real bonafide mystery.