Sketchy Behavior

by Erynn Mangum

Drawing Conclusions or Drafting Disaster?Other than harboring a somewhat obsessive fondness for Crispix and completely swearing-off boys after a bad date (don’t ask), sixteen-year-old Kate Carter is about as ordinary as they come, except for her two notable talents: art and sarcasm. After an introduction to forensic sketching in her elective art class, Kate discovers a third and most unexpected gift: criminal profiling. Her photo-quality sketch helps the police catch a wanted murderer and earns her celebrity status in South Woodhaven Falls. But when that murderer appears to be using his friends to exact revenge, Kate goes from local hero to possible target. Will she manage to survive? Will life ever be normal again? And will local news anchor Ted Deffle ever stop sending her flowers?

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Christian, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Teen

214 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2011

About the author

I love to read, love to write and am very blessed to be a wife and mama of two precious boys and a beautiful little girl. My latest books are The Broken Branch and Mind the Gap! Look for the Lauren Holbrook series (Miss Match, ReMatch, Match Point, Match Made and Bake Me A Match), the Maya Davis series (Cool Beans, Latte Daze and Double Shot) Sketchy Behavior, and the Paige Alder series (Paige Torn, Paige Rewritten and Paige Turned) and the Carrington Springs series (Katie in Waiting, Once Upon Eliza and Happily Ever Ashten) in paperback and ebook format, along with lots of ebook novellas. :) To learn more, visit me on Instagram @ErynnMangum.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

About this book:

“Drawing Conclusions or Drafting Disaster?
Other than harboring a somewhat obsessive fondness for Crispix and completely swearing-off boys after a bad date (don’t ask), sixteen-year-old Kate Carter is about as ordinary as they come, except for her two notable talents: art and sarcasm. After an introduction to forensic sketching in her elective art class, Kate discovers a third and most unexpected gift: criminal profiling. Her photo-quality sketch helps the police catch a wanted murderer and earns her celebrity status in South Woodhaven Falls. But when that murderer appears to be using his friends to exact revenge, Kate goes from local hero to possible target. Will she manage to survive? Will life ever be normal again? And will local news anchor Ted Deffle ever stop sending her flowers?”


Series: No.


Spiritual Content- A couple Prayers; A few Scriptures are read & mentioned; Bible reading; Church going and Hymns & Songs; Talks about God, His plan & Heaven; Some ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Kate’s parents aren’t religious (but they try to be spiritual), so she doesn’t know what to believe about God; Kate asks many questions & is truly curious; Kate’s father doesn’t believe Heaven is real, her mom believes it’s a state of mind; Kate’s dad mumbles a couple prayers over food; Mentions of a Christian camp, Bible reading & books for the Bible; Mentions of church;
*Note: A mention of a cult; A mention of a caveman.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘duh’, a ‘heck’, a ‘holy cow’, a ‘how in the blazes’, an ‘idiot’, a ‘wimp’, two ‘sheesh’s, three ‘gosh’s, three forms of ‘stupid’, five ‘dumb’s, seven ‘oh my gosh’s; Kate’s mom says “Crumbs!” as her curse word; A couple mentions of words that can’t be repeated; Pain & Guns are aimed (up to semi-detailed); Many, many mentions of blood, being shot at & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of murderers, murders, crimes & jail (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of nightmares & screaming (including a nightmare about almost being made into meatloaf, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of suicide & thoughts; A couple mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of drinking, drunks & driving; A mention of club.


Sexual Content- Mentions of blushes, cute boys, boys, dating, bad dates & break ups; A couple mentions of eating disorders; A mention of teenage hormones; A mention of an actor who goes shirtless too much (Kate isn’t a fan); A mention of an article about men cheating on their wives; A mention of reproducing;
*Note: A mention of the short-shorts men wore in the 80s; A mention of guys’ pants being lose in the legs & rear (Kate’s dad thinks that’s how they should be).

-Kate Carter, age 16
1st person P.O.V. of Sam
214 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Five Stars
My personal Rating- Five Stars
Okay, that was excellent. At least in my opinion. ;) Yet another great Erynn Mangum book. When reading “Sketchy Behavior”, I’m sure I laughed even harder than most with all the local news & politician parts (my family is very political). I’m sure that if I knew Kate in real life, we would be friends because honestly? I love sarcasm & Kate is just great. I’m very disappointed that this is just a stand-alone though! I want more! I love that Kate was very curious about God & asking questions. When I don’t even try to predict what will happen in a book, I know I’m completely absorbed into the story and that’s exactly how it was with this YA book. :)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a couple years, I picked up another book by this author. And then I read the book in one day. That hasn't happened for a long time, but I was laughing, smirking, and grinning so much, how could I not? I needed this peppy book right now and here I'm sitting thinking why in the world I didn't order more books by her when I got this one. Goodbye, money! :D

So yes, I LOVED this book. Kate is such a personable and normal sixteen year old, and her perception of life was realistic. I was not expecting a suspense book when I picked this up, so it was a pleasant surprise. And then all the detectives around *grins* I loved all the interactions!

The end was sobering and I have to say shocking, but I liked how everything turned out. I would love to see a sequel, but in the meantime I'll have to decide if I want to go on a spending spree with other books by this author.

*Note: There is spiritual content. Not heavy, but I liked how it incorporated into Kate's life. I wasn't a fan of the "late night" service at the Baptist church the Carter's attended, but thankfully there was only one scene that mentioned a couple details*

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is adorable! The characters are so fun and the ending was literally perfect. I was going to give this book 5 stars until one of my favorite characters was revealed as one of the bad guys. I had a feeling that it was coming, but I was still annoying. Why did it have to be him? 😭

Anyways, other than that I loved it! Erynn Mangum is definitely one of my favorite contemporary authors. 😍

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, this was a very interesting book! Unlike anything I’ve ever read before! But I love a good mystery so I picked it up! It was shorter and easy to breeze through. Kate is hilarious! Her parents were crazy! Detective Masterson was great! He was my favorite character! DJ was a bit odd which caused me to lower my rating.

This is one of the quotes that made me laugh as she described the detective:
😂 She turned and nodded to the doorway, where a tall guy who looked vaguely like a tougher and less-girly-looking Orlando Bloom stood.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I demand a squel where we see Justin's and Kate's relationship develop into something more and Kate fully commit her life to Christ!

This book was amazing and I honestly wish it was longer than its 200 pages.

[Amanda Tero]

Why did it take me so long to get to this book? It is cute and fun and I a reminded once again how much I enjoy Erin Mangum’s style.

Kate and her family are not Christians, but the events in this book lead Kate to ask if there is a heaven and why things “just happen.” I would put it in the center of contemporary Christianity. There is the “traditional” church service that Kate finds confusing and then the “contemporary” worship that she also doesn’t quite get; however, it is the contemporary service they end up sticking with. Someone gives her an NIV Bible to read and she’s just starting to warm up to the idea as the story closes. So as far as a strong Christian thread, it’s more of a story of a girl discovering Christ on the side than a whole story with a deep spiritual message threaded through.

As for romance, Kate has sworn off dating until the guys she knows are 32... so really, there is not the whole emotional swing of her personally being attracted to guys or anything, though there are definitely hints as to what guy just might be perfect for her...

I’ve been on a suspense reading kick this year so the mystery was fun, and how Kate got caught up in all of it was creative. I think it would have been just the story I’d adore as a teen. As an adult, some of the characters felt a little flat and the ending felt a little rushed and not quite everything was wrapped up to my satisfaction, but it didn’t totally bother me.

I’d consider this a solid YA read. Kate is sixteen with those emotions and confusions yet there isn’t any heavy romance that I’d not recommend to a teen.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was fun, hilarious, and kept me on the edge of my seat!

There was a plot twist that I did NOT expect to happen and I was disappointed that it was him...😢 He was one of my favorite characters! But I think he regretted what he’d done and wanted to be a better person. I want a sequel sooo badly... I need more!

I really liked this! It had me laughing, snickering, and guessing the whole time. Erynn Mangum is definitely one of my favorite authors!
4.5 stars!!!

[Abby Emilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than I expected! I picked this one up on Hoopla in hopes of a fun, easy read that I could finish in 5 minute chunks on my phone here and there, and it fit the bill. Cute, clean story, fun characters, and a little bit of life-threatening adventure in the mix. No great masterpiece, but I'm glad I read it.

[Booknut 101 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

Kate is a heroine. But fame comes with a price.

Now the criminal knows who she is. Now Kate could be a possible target. With around-the-clock supervision, trips to the police station and public parades, Kate's life has taken a turn - but whether it's for the worse, only she will be able to say. But what she does know is - at the end of all of this - there is one question left unanswered: does having the skills mean you're cut out for the role?

A look inside forensics, the trials of entering a faith, the dynamics of family and the world of criminal hit-and-misses, Sketchy Behaviour will have you smiling - as well as gripping the book to you, enthralled, as you wait, with baited breath, the conclusion to Kate's rollercoaster tale.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant Young Adult novel told from the delightful (and sarcastic) first person point of view of Kate Carter. Her inner dialogue is so much fun to read. Especially the observations of her parents -- a scientific oriented engineer father and 'get-in-touch-with-your-feelings' psychiatrist mother. Such a hoot! And when she begins attending church -- oh my goodness -- the things we take for granted seem so odd from her fresh perspective. Definitely kept me chuckling.

But then there's this uncanny gift that Kate has. The ability to draw a photo-like-portrait based entirely on description. It's a talent that catches a killer and suddenly Kate is in the limelight...and in the crosshairs of one ticked-off murderer. And suddenly Kate's predictably boring life is anything but! I couldn't put Sketchy Behavior down. A fun, fast and engaging read.

[ChildOfGod💜🙌🏽 (for God I live and for God I die) ~ in my Christian pop era]

DNF @ 20%
I really love the humor but some of the sarcasm and jokes just aren't for me. :(

[Sarah L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good! 👏 Personally, I wish it had a romance…I’m just a romance girly! What can I say? 😁 However, this book had a great storyline, and a really good sense of fear. Like, Kate was scared, and Erynn Mangum wrote that out SO good! Not a fan of the church parts, because that’s not my personal type of church…but hey, you do you! I read this at 11:30, and it was dark once I cut my lamp off…almost had trouble sleeping, but I made it work! 😂
Sad about DJ, but oh well. Should’ve picked up on that.

Anyways, I really enjoyed this book! Because of the no-romance thing, I give it a lower rating. But, really enjoyed the writing and the storyline! 💗

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neat, light story really...kind of laughable in a sense/maybe amusing with this ya, teen girl story. Saw it second hand somewhere so decided to read it anyway to see if my daughter might want to check it out. A wholesome read with some spiritual elements; all fine for anyone without any reservations:)

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

[Rampion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other than a few typos and mistakes, I actually really, really liked this book. The last two or three chapters were epic. I didn't expect that plot twist. I was so worried in the last few chapters or so about it ending well, but it did end well. I waited too long to read this. Been meaning to read this for a while. Several years actually. I just wish there was a sequel now. It didn't feel unfinished, I just want to see what happens with Kate Carter next. This book was hilarious too! I laughed out loud in several spots. And I love art and anything relating to forensics and crime (reading about it, not committing it 😜) and stuff like that, so this book was perfect for me!

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So while looking for a book called Sketchy, this one keeps showing up. Thought nothing of it. But after reading Sketchy and loving it, saw book on the shelves at the library and thought, eh let's give it a read and see what happens.

I had heard nothing about this, kept away from the reviews. Glad I did because this book made me smile.

Honestly, liked this more than I thought I would. Love the sense of humour it has going while still having its serious moments. My favorite characters in this are definitely Masterson and DJ. Nice that the parents are in this AND no love triangle or insta-love!

Let me repeat that, no love triangle and no insta-love! Just a friendship with a hints of something and that's it!

Do you know how long its been to find a book like that has none of those in it? It was a very pleasant change of pace.

Speaking of the characters, tell me there wasn't any bromance moments with DJ and Masteron whose described as a less girly, rough handsome looking Orlando Bloom (Kate's words not mine), I mean how freaking adorable were those two. I liked that they were like older brothers for Kate, wanted to give them a hug. Made think of Ari, Janco and Yelena from Poison Study. Want to hug those two! Kate and Justin: adorable!

Again, the parents are involved in the story and doing something. Kudos to the author for doing that. Thank you! Moments where I couldn't help but laugh, smile and cheer for a certain grumpy softie someone. Love the references, to which I was smiling throughout honestly, I think I was like, ohhh I got the reference!

You know you found a good book, where you think it doesn't need a sequel, but no I feel like this one deserves a sequel (which I don't say, if at all, often, for non sequel, non companion books).

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read this one a couple of years ago, and while I remember liking it, it didn't end up being a new favorite for me. However, I was really feeling like rereading it for whatever reason recently, and I'm so glad I did cause wow did I end up loving this one the second time around. It's the perfect mix of hijinks, hysteria and hilarity; all wrapped up around a pretty intense mystery for this particular genre, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

The story is heartfelt and emotional, and I loved Kate's somewhat sarcastic way of looking at the world. It kind of reminded me of a cleaner, younger version of Lorelai Gilmore, and I adored her quips and awkwardness as she navigates a situation that no high school kid should ever have to find them in. I was really impressed with how much the story drew me in, especially since it's not even remotely a romance, and that was definitely a pleasant surprise.

I adored Kate's interactions with her parent's, and especially with the officers assigned to her protective detail. It felt completely authentic and realistic, despite the somewhat implausible situation.

However, I think my favorite part of all was the bumbling, adorable way that the author chose to write Kate's faith journey. Kate has no idea what Christianity truly is, and all the hullabaloo at her first church service seems to leave her with more questions than answers. She's genuine in trying to understand what all of it truly means, and for me it made a good story into a great one.

I really enjoy Erynn Mangum's writing style, and the witty way she writes her characters, and I definitely want to give more of her books a try in the future.

Final Rating: 5/5.

I can't recommend this one enough, and I'm so glad I took the time to reread it.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will definitely have to check out more by this author. She writes very believable characters. Kate was hilarious! I liked her thoughts and her sarcastic sense of humor.

I wished there had been a little more romance though. There were hints of it but not much more than that. Also - I want to know what happened with the dating experience she had that she said she would never speak of again.

While it was certainly far fetched, I really enjoyed it.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me personally, I would rate it a 2. But if I was a teenager? Probably a 4. It’s clean, quirky, funny in some places & suspenseful in others. Not overly scary. Written from the perspective of a 16 year old. I bet I would’ve loved this as a teen 💜

[Halee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot and characters were very good, it just didn’t feel like a “classic Erynn” book. Not the same hilarious dialogue.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

It super funny, and a really quick read.

[Lovely Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ✨
Sequel, please.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G!! This was awesome! I loved it! My heart is not okay and my mind has many questions, but regardless 5/5!! (Sequel please and thank you.?)

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! A very interesting plot and awesome characters. I would love a sequel!

[RebekahAshleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sketchy Behavior" is so good!! Going into this book I thought I would probably enjoy it, but no, I absolutely loved it!
It was so fun and funny and I surprised myself with how quickly I flew through it.
I thought the storyline was very interesting and it definitely made me laugh out loud many times.
I am already wanting to re-read it!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was everything I had hoped for. I'll break my review down a bit.

Characters: (I'll just list my faves)

Kate - normal! (FINALLY!!!!) She is a normal everyday teen with no major dramatic issues (well, until she draws a serial killer). She was a little bit sweet, a little bit snarky and Mangum made it work great!

Detective Kent Masterson - I'm telling you I think I swooned. He is such a great guy. Sweet, nice, (good-looking...I mean who wouldn't want a tougher looking Orlando Bloom?). He was great. (Did I mention that? (Oh, and BTW, I love the name Kent, even though Kate thinks it's weird.)

D.J. - Awww..he's such a nice guy, too. I really liked him. I was so upset (and surprised) that he ended up being an accomplice. Sort of. I just couldn't see him helping John X. At least he did get out of it. For a little bit, I wondered if Kent might have worked with John X, but that was only at the very beginning before I knew him. I never suspected D.J.

Silent Justin - Such a nice guy. This book was full of them. They will totally end up dating!

Plot:
Loved it. The whole idea was great. Mangum did a really good job with it. It was real, while being a little bit crazy.

Writing:
Once again, fab! I really enjoyed reading Kate's thoughts...

Message:
She didn't ruin it! She didn't make this some sappy "Bible-verse-thrown-in" inspirational story. She had a good message to it. And it seemed completely real. Kate's questions were real, the answers she got for real, and Mangum didn't try to throw in a 'conversion' scene that can't be written. (The only thing was, I'm not a fan of contemporary worship.)

Overall, definitely check it out!

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sketchy Behavior is the first book I've read by Christian fiction author Erynn Mangum and while I didn't enjoy the story as much as I'd hoped maybe the teens in your life will. Kate Carter, our heroine, is definitely one of the better teen characters I've "met". A lot of times a book written by an adult author has characters who are supposed to be teens but who seem more like adults, that's not the case with Kate. I was actually very impressed that she acted like and said things that I'd catch my 16 year old brother saying but unfortunately I wasn't really into the story itself. I wasn't sure if this story was supposed to be funny or a more suspenseful, edge of your seat, kind of book. One second I was laughing, the next second someone's life was in danger and the next sentence was about cereal and it's ability to maintain it's "crispyness". It was all over the place for me. I also didn't really like any of the supporting characters in the least and I found it completely unbelievable that a police department would pin all its hopes of catching a murderer on a teen sketch artist when I'm sure if they really needed one they could hire an expert. I guess a young teen reader would like this story and even though it's printed by a Christian publisher there is really no faith message so if you don't normally read Christian books you might enjoy this.

Book received through Goodreads First Reads, I wasn't obligated to write a review.

[Ailey Leman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but would love love love to see a sequel!!!

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book it has a great mystery in it and the ending is just wow. I think we the readers need a series about the book.