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Don't Get Mad #2
Get Dirty
The members of Don’t Get Mad aren’t just mad anymore…they’re afraid. And with Margot in a coma and Bree stuck in juvie, it’s up to Olivia and Kitty to try to catch their deadly tormentor. But just as the girls are about to go on the offensive, Ed the Head reveals a shocking secret that turns all their theories upside down. The killer could be anyone, and this time he—or she—is out for more than just revenge.
The girls desperately try to discover the killer’s identity as their personal lives are falling apart: Donté is pulling away from Kitty and seems to be hiding a secret of his own, Bree is sequestered under the watchful eye of her mom’s bodyguard, and Olivia’s mother is on an emotional downward spiral. The killer is closing in, the threats are becoming more personal, and when the police refuse to listen, the girls have no choice but to confront their anonymous “friend”…or die trying.
The girls desperately try to discover the killer’s identity as their personal lives are falling apart: Donté is pulling away from Kitty and seems to be hiding a secret of his own, Bree is sequestered under the watchful eye of her mom’s bodyguard, and Olivia’s mother is on an emotional downward spiral. The killer is closing in, the threats are becoming more personal, and when the police refuse to listen, the girls have no choice but to confront their anonymous “friend”…or die trying.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2015
About the author
Gretchen McNeil
30 books1,986 followersGretchen McNeil is the author of the YA horror/suspense novels POSSESS, 3:59, RELIC, GET EVEN, GET DIRTY, and TEN (a YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Horror Fiction for Youth) all with Balzer + Bray for HarperCollins. Gretchen’s first YA contemporary I’M NOT YOUR MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL, also with Balzer + Bray, hit shelves in 2016, and her next novel will be the horror-comedy #MURDERTRENDING for Disney/Freeform in August 2018.
Gretchen’s novels have been published internationally in Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, and Czech. The film adaptation of TEN starring China Anne McClain (Descendants 2, Black Lightning), Rome Flynn (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Callan McAuliffe (Flipped, I Am Number Four), directed by Chris Robert for Rain Maker Films, premiered on Lifetime on September 16, 2017.
Gretchen is repped by Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown, Ltd. You can find Gretchen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and on her website.
Gretchen’s novels have been published internationally in Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, and Czech. The film adaptation of TEN starring China Anne McClain (Descendants 2, Black Lightning), Rome Flynn (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Callan McAuliffe (Flipped, I Am Number Four), directed by Chris Robert for Rain Maker Films, premiered on Lifetime on September 16, 2017.
Gretchen is repped by Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown, Ltd. You can find Gretchen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
August 31, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
“I, Kitty Wei, do solemnly swear, no secrets – ever – shall leave this square.”
This book was a bit slow, but we got to find out who the killer was – so Yay!!
The characters in this didn’t irritate me quite so much as they did in the first book, and they did seem to think a little bit more about what they were doing, even if they still weren’t awesome detectives.
“Olivia gasped and rushed over to one of the computers. “Oh my God! We have to unsend that email.””
The storyline in this was all about finding the killer. Who put Margo in the hospital? Who is knocking people off? Who is continuing the work of DGM? And while we didn’t get answers to any of this until the very end of the book, and while this frustrated me, this was a much more interesting story than Get Even! I really wanted to know what was going on, and every prediction as to who the killer was was wrong!
“We sent an anonymous email to Sergent Callahan with all our evidence against Christopher Beeman.”
Ed whistled low. “Yeah, they’re going to delete that in about ten seconds.”
The ending to this was pretty good, and I didn’t guess the identity of the murderer! I almost feel like going back and re-reading both books to try and see if there were any clues that I missed, but considering how much the pace in these books irritated me, I’m not sure I have the patience right now! I will say that this was a big improvement on Get Even though!
6.25 out of 10
“I, Kitty Wei, do solemnly swear, no secrets – ever – shall leave this square.”
This book was a bit slow, but we got to find out who the killer was – so Yay!!
The characters in this didn’t irritate me quite so much as they did in the first book, and they did seem to think a little bit more about what they were doing, even if they still weren’t awesome detectives.
“Olivia gasped and rushed over to one of the computers. “Oh my God! We have to unsend that email.””
The storyline in this was all about finding the killer. Who put Margo in the hospital? Who is knocking people off? Who is continuing the work of DGM? And while we didn’t get answers to any of this until the very end of the book, and while this frustrated me, this was a much more interesting story than Get Even! I really wanted to know what was going on, and every prediction as to who the killer was was wrong!
“We sent an anonymous email to Sergent Callahan with all our evidence against Christopher Beeman.”
Ed whistled low. “Yeah, they’re going to delete that in about ten seconds.”
The ending to this was pretty good, and I didn’t guess the identity of the murderer! I almost feel like going back and re-reading both books to try and see if there were any clues that I missed, but considering how much the pace in these books irritated me, I’m not sure I have the patience right now! I will say that this was a big improvement on Get Even though!
6.25 out of 10
January 26, 2016
I received a free copy via edelweiss for review purposes.
Spoilers for the first book, Get Even.
Last year, I read Get Even and it left me breathless. I didn't think that the sequel would be able to reach my very high standard, because that's what happens with sequels, right? I was wrong, though. And I didn't need to worry because Get Dirty surpassed all my expectations. I couldn't stop reading. I was hooked from the first chapter, and I kept saying to myself, "Just one more chapter, then I'll put it down." But I didn't. I couldn't, because I needed to know who the killer was.
Get Dirty picks up practically right away after the jaw-dropping cliffhanger that was Get Even. Bree is in Juvie, Margot is in a coma, and Kitty and Olivia need to figure out what the hell they're going to do now. Just as they think they're about to fight back, Ed the Head reveals something that confuses everyone even more. To make things even more complicated, the girls have their personal crisis' to deal with; Kitty and Donte are drifting apart and it seems he is keeping a secret from her, Bree is out of juvie but stuck under house arrest, and Olivia's mother is spiralling out of control. With the killer threatening everything they care about, they have no choice but to confront the killer.
As with Get Even, my favourite part about Get Dirty were the characters and their dynamics. I love Kitty and she is by far my favourite, but the other girls have a special place in my heart as well, and their personalities a distinct and they've all grown as characters since the last one. I didn't care much for the romance because I was so focused on the mystery, but it does add a bit of a lighter element to the story.
Get Dirty was just as addictive as Get Even, perhaps even more so because I knew I'd be finding out who the killer was. Which was a surprise! The mystery and thriller aspect is great because it had me on the edge of my seat more than once. It's so cleverly plotted with clues throughout - the plot is a very enjoyable aspect.
A great conclusion to this amazing duology, and McNeil really has a talent for writing mystery and thrillers. I might have to check out her other works because Get Dirty has left me with a serious case of book hangover.
Spoilers for the first book, Get Even.
Last year, I read Get Even and it left me breathless. I didn't think that the sequel would be able to reach my very high standard, because that's what happens with sequels, right? I was wrong, though. And I didn't need to worry because Get Dirty surpassed all my expectations. I couldn't stop reading. I was hooked from the first chapter, and I kept saying to myself, "Just one more chapter, then I'll put it down." But I didn't. I couldn't, because I needed to know who the killer was.
Get Dirty picks up practically right away after the jaw-dropping cliffhanger that was Get Even. Bree is in Juvie, Margot is in a coma, and Kitty and Olivia need to figure out what the hell they're going to do now. Just as they think they're about to fight back, Ed the Head reveals something that confuses everyone even more. To make things even more complicated, the girls have their personal crisis' to deal with; Kitty and Donte are drifting apart and it seems he is keeping a secret from her, Bree is out of juvie but stuck under house arrest, and Olivia's mother is spiralling out of control. With the killer threatening everything they care about, they have no choice but to confront the killer.
As with Get Even, my favourite part about Get Dirty were the characters and their dynamics. I love Kitty and she is by far my favourite, but the other girls have a special place in my heart as well, and their personalities a distinct and they've all grown as characters since the last one. I didn't care much for the romance because I was so focused on the mystery, but it does add a bit of a lighter element to the story.
Get Dirty was just as addictive as Get Even, perhaps even more so because I knew I'd be finding out who the killer was. Which was a surprise! The mystery and thriller aspect is great because it had me on the edge of my seat more than once. It's so cleverly plotted with clues throughout - the plot is a very enjoyable aspect.
A great conclusion to this amazing duology, and McNeil really has a talent for writing mystery and thrillers. I might have to check out her other works because Get Dirty has left me with a serious case of book hangover.
February 27, 2015
Remember the time when I kept sayingGet Even, the first book of this duology, was better as a standalone?
Well, I now eat my words, because if that book was a standalone, Get Dirty wouldn't exist, and I would have missed a book that was BAD. ASS. AWESOME. Seriously, guys. I enjoyed this way more than I expected to, and I'm so happy with how everything was written and concluded!
I mean, seriously? It doesn't only has suspense (I was on my toes the whole time), unpredictability (I swear I couldn't guess who the perpetrator was... the timing of the clues and how they were laid out and everything made me SECOND-GUESS EVERYONE), girl power (four girls with different personalities being fantastic together and individually), but humor, too! I swear, guys, this one made me cackle like a madwoman drunk on power because of how funny he was.
Obviously, this one picks up where Get Even left off - where the stakes have gone higher than ever before and the situation has gone absolutely apeshit insane. A killer is on the loose and they only have dead ends for leads. What's so special about here is that it doesn't just include the four original girls now, other people have joined the fray and have decided to combine forces to stop this mayhem once and for all. And oh my goodness, guys, the epicness really goes off the roof, especially with the addition of Ed the Head, the "weirdo" with a penchant for digging up scoops and locating impossible-to-find information. And did I mention he adds a lot of comedic relief? Yes, yes he does.
I seriously love all the characters. Kitty, Bree, Olivia, Margot... they are all seriously so well-written and portrayed here, all having their own distinct personalities and quirks that make them memorable and special in their own ways. I love how a common goal held them together, solidying a friendship that is so genuine and relatable. It's definitely a refreshing perspective, considering a lot of YA novels have so much girl-to-girl hate. They all compliment one another and support each other; they don't just have their own interests at heart but the group's too, and it's just so fulfilling to see them do all this and figure out the mystery at the same time.
And the writing! Gods, for me, this book was simply written better than the first one, in which it's not just the personalities of the characters that jump from the pages, but the atmosphere and emotions, too. It really builds the suspense and mystery well, leaving you hanging in every chapter... I don't know about you, guys, but this rarely happens to me in the mysteries I read now. It continuously keeps you intrigued throughout each reveal, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you flip pages faster than The Flash can run.
All I can say, this book was such a fun read and made me remember how mysteries and thrillers can be so enjoyable. I love how despite the fact this was set in a high school setting, the atmosphere still felt so ominous and sinister; its unpredictability makes us pay better attention to the characters and their gestures. 4 stars! Give it a jacket!
Well, I now eat my words, because if that book was a standalone, Get Dirty wouldn't exist, and I would have missed a book that was BAD. ASS. AWESOME. Seriously, guys. I enjoyed this way more than I expected to, and I'm so happy with how everything was written and concluded!
I mean, seriously? It doesn't only has suspense (I was on my toes the whole time), unpredictability (I swear I couldn't guess who the perpetrator was... the timing of the clues and how they were laid out and everything made me SECOND-GUESS EVERYONE), girl power (four girls with different personalities being fantastic together and individually), but humor, too! I swear, guys, this one made me cackle like a madwoman drunk on power because of how funny he was.
Olivia threw her arms wide in despair. "We're never going to figure this out. Bree's going to rot in jail. She'll shave off her hair, take over a prison gang, and start calling herself Bitchslap."
Obviously, this one picks up where Get Even left off - where the stakes have gone higher than ever before and the situation has gone absolutely apeshit insane. A killer is on the loose and they only have dead ends for leads. What's so special about here is that it doesn't just include the four original girls now, other people have joined the fray and have decided to combine forces to stop this mayhem once and for all. And oh my goodness, guys, the epicness really goes off the roof, especially with the addition of Ed the Head, the "weirdo" with a penchant for digging up scoops and locating impossible-to-find information. And did I mention he adds a lot of comedic relief? Yes, yes he does.
"Bree trusts him," Olivia said. "Enough to have him make contact with us. I thought that was a good enough reason to swear him into DGM."
Ed laughed. "Awesome. I was getting tired of being the only penis around here."
Kitty narrowed her eyes. "You may not be the only penis, but you'll still be the only dick."
I seriously love all the characters. Kitty, Bree, Olivia, Margot... they are all seriously so well-written and portrayed here, all having their own distinct personalities and quirks that make them memorable and special in their own ways. I love how a common goal held them together, solidying a friendship that is so genuine and relatable. It's definitely a refreshing perspective, considering a lot of YA novels have so much girl-to-girl hate. They all compliment one another and support each other; they don't just have their own interests at heart but the group's too, and it's just so fulfilling to see them do all this and figure out the mystery at the same time.
And the writing! Gods, for me, this book was simply written better than the first one, in which it's not just the personalities of the characters that jump from the pages, but the atmosphere and emotions, too. It really builds the suspense and mystery well, leaving you hanging in every chapter... I don't know about you, guys, but this rarely happens to me in the mysteries I read now. It continuously keeps you intrigued throughout each reveal, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you flip pages faster than The Flash can run.
All I can say, this book was such a fun read and made me remember how mysteries and thrillers can be so enjoyable. I love how despite the fact this was set in a high school setting, the atmosphere still felt so ominous and sinister; its unpredictability makes us pay better attention to the characters and their gestures. 4 stars! Give it a jacket!
January 18, 2016
Rating: 4/5
Great ending. This is how Pretty Little Liars should have been like. Two books that had everything in them, secrets, red herrings, a lot of action, death and drama and finally all questions answered in a way that makes perfect sense.
Great ending. This is how Pretty Little Liars should have been like. Two books that had everything in them, secrets, red herrings, a lot of action, death and drama and finally all questions answered in a way that makes perfect sense.
June 28, 2016
I was beyond excited to get my greedy hands on an arc of this book. After the ending of Get Even, I was so eager to know what happened. And Gretchen didn't disappoint.
Love love love these girls. All of them have such different personalities and they're all fabulous. And let's not forget the boys. Sort of light on swoons, the ones we did get were lovely. Somehow, every chapter end left me wanting more of whoever's POV I just finished.
This book kept me guessing until the very end and even then, I didn't have it figured out. When the reveal finally happened, I was still expecting one more twist.
Fantastic movie references {and one lyric from The Smiths that had me dying at its perfection}, murder, mayhem, and snark, all wrapped up in a package only Gretchen could deliver.
If you're not reading her books, you should be.
**Huge thanks to Harper Teen and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
Love love love these girls. All of them have such different personalities and they're all fabulous. And let's not forget the boys. Sort of light on swoons, the ones we did get were lovely. Somehow, every chapter end left me wanting more of whoever's POV I just finished.
This book kept me guessing until the very end and even then, I didn't have it figured out. When the reveal finally happened, I was still expecting one more twist.
Fantastic movie references {and one lyric from The Smiths that had me dying at its perfection}, murder, mayhem, and snark, all wrapped up in a package only Gretchen could deliver.
If you're not reading her books, you should be.
**Huge thanks to Harper Teen and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
April 30, 2015
From page 150 on I could not put this book down (even at 11pm on a school night). The three hours straight of reading felt like minutes as I rushed to find out who killed whom. Gretchen McNeil wins the title "the queen of literary suspense;" no other author possess the ability to pull people into a book and hang on to them until the final page is viewed. More questions, answers, and shocking discoveries fill each chapter of this thriller. Just when one thinks they have the murder pinned down, they turn turn the page and realize their mistake. The ending of this book qualifies as one of my favorite book closers ever! Overall 5/5 stars; I cannot think of one negative critique for this must-read mystery.
Read
June 7, 2015Like the first book, Get Even, Get Dirty was fast-paced and plot driven, with a lot of snappy humor and a bunch of twists and turns. I never really connected with any of the characters, but in a book like this, that's not really necessary. (Ed the Head is still a favorite. He cracks me up.)
Somehow I thought this series would be more than two books, but this final installment did wrap things up and reveal the villain.
*This book does seem inspired by PLL, and given the way that show has dragged on and on and makes less and less sense as things go on, I'm fine that this is a duo logy.
Recommended for PLL fans and readers looking for a fun, page-turning summer read.
Somehow I thought this series would be more than two books, but this final installment did wrap things up and reveal the villain.
*This book does seem inspired by PLL, and given the way that show has dragged on and on and makes less and less sense as things go on, I'm fine that this is a duo logy.
Recommended for PLL fans and readers looking for a fun, page-turning summer read.
June 6, 2015
Review originally posted on Bookish Lifestyle
Gretchen McNeil's Don't Get Mad duology is one of the most tightly woven, convoluted, unpredictable and ingeniously potted teen revenge series I've read to date. It's a fast-paced, high-intensity mystery/thriller with plenty of unexpected twists, badass cast of characters and convoluted yet seamlessly put together story line. In other words, this series rocks.
In my review of the first book, Get Even, I said that the book wasn't as substantial and dark as Gretchen's stand-alone novels and boy, am I going to eat those words right now. At the time, I did not realize the scope of this story and just how awesomely complex and well-thought-out it was going to be. I am sorry, Gretchen, that I ever doubted your plotting skills. I will know better next time, I promise.
Get Dirty was just flawless. A magnificent and perfectly satisfying conclusion to an epic and masterfully written mini-series. The book was just... wow. I am not even sure where to begin. With the cruel cliffhanger ending of Get Even, and the many unanswered questions we were left with, I was counting the days to the release date of Get Dirty. I couldn't wait to find out how this story ends and who was behind all the murders. I really had no idea. That's a big part of why I love this series so much, it is completely unpredictable. I was almost done with the second book and I was still as clueless as I was at the beginning of the first one. It was almost frustrating, but also freakishly enjoyable, because really, point me to another author who can plot so devilishly. I honestly doubt anyone can beat McNeil at this game.
I also really loved the fact that we got to know the characters from a more personal side. We got a look at their backgrounds and history, their family relationships and past. It wasn't a whole lot of details, but the details we got definitely made the story deeper and more complex. Plus, they really helped me understand the motivations of the characters. I appreciated that, especially since Gretchen could have done without it and the story would've been just as great.
Overall, this is a fantastic duology. Truly. If you like books full of twists and turns, with nail-biting suspense and jaw-dropping surprises, you will have a fabulous time reading this series. It's an explosive one.
September 13, 2015
Get Dirty is the continuation and conclusion of the Don't Get Mad duology. After the massive cliffhanger at the end of Get Even, I was definitely looking forward to getting my hands on this book, if only to finally find out the identity of the killer.
I definitely feel like I enjoyed the first book more than this one. While the stakes are higher in this book, the first just felt a lot more realistic to me (which is saying something, because to be honest, book one, while not unbelievable, wasn't the most realistic contemporary). I feel like McNeil did a much better job of having the four points of view as intertwining, yet separate plotlines in Get Even. This book just felt a bit messy overall.
I feel like the culprit is pretty unpredictable. I remember when the villain's identity was revealed, I was sitting there thinking to myself wtf. But it's not the sort of surprise that was bad, because the killer's actions weren't out of character or anything like that. It was just that person wasn't someone I was even considering at all, to be quite frank. I keep wondering to myself whether I should go back and have a read to see if there are any big clues about the villain's identity, but at the same time there are probably better books out there that I could be reading.
I'm not sure if I'd recommend this duology to everyone. It's perhaps something that you should read if you like Pretty Little Liars style stories.
Ratings
Overall: 7/10
Plot: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 3/5
I definitely feel like I enjoyed the first book more than this one. While the stakes are higher in this book, the first just felt a lot more realistic to me (which is saying something, because to be honest, book one, while not unbelievable, wasn't the most realistic contemporary). I feel like McNeil did a much better job of having the four points of view as intertwining, yet separate plotlines in Get Even. This book just felt a bit messy overall.
I feel like the culprit is pretty unpredictable. I remember when the villain's identity was revealed, I was sitting there thinking to myself wtf. But it's not the sort of surprise that was bad, because the killer's actions weren't out of character or anything like that. It was just that person wasn't someone I was even considering at all, to be quite frank. I keep wondering to myself whether I should go back and have a read to see if there are any big clues about the villain's identity, but at the same time there are probably better books out there that I could be reading.
I'm not sure if I'd recommend this duology to everyone. It's perhaps something that you should read if you like Pretty Little Liars style stories.
Ratings
Overall: 7/10
Plot: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 3/5
December 29, 2014
Review coming closer to release date!
January 4, 2016
4 stars
Oh my God! So many mysteries and theories and conspiracies! (alright, not that many conspiracies, but they were there!)
Get Dirty had everything I wanted in a conclusion to a series! Finally, all my questions were answered and the overall arc of the mystery concluded well enough for a satisfying ending.
What I got was friends sticking together, a mystery that had me second guess everything, and group dynamics between different people.
Overall: I enjoyed both books!
Can't say too much because I don't want to give spoilers! ;)
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
Oh my God! So many mysteries and theories and conspiracies! (alright, not that many conspiracies, but they were there!)
Get Dirty had everything I wanted in a conclusion to a series! Finally, all my questions were answered and the overall arc of the mystery concluded well enough for a satisfying ending.
What I got was friends sticking together, a mystery that had me second guess everything, and group dynamics between different people.
Overall: I enjoyed both books!
Can't say too much because I don't want to give spoilers! ;)
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
Read
February 7, 2017A great conclusion. I liked getting to know the parents and finally getting to know what happened. Totally surprise ending. Did not see it coming at all!
August 23, 2020
I also read this book as an audiobook. It was the same narrator, and I enjoyed it. The author wrapped up the storylines and character arcs nicely, and I’m so glad she wrote this as a duology and not a standalone or trilogy. There were some plot twists I saw coming, while there were a few that definitely threw me. All in all, a decent duology.
September 1, 2015
Gretchen McNeil’s Get Dirty picks up immediately where we left off in Get Even, which I read sooo many months ago and alas, I couldn’t remember much that had happened! The pain of reading too much! LOL!
After some initial confusion as to who some of the secondary characters were, I was able to quickly get back into the story as the remaining members of DGM, Bree, Kitty, and Olivia try to figure out who the mysterious murderer is. And for the majority of the novel, poor Margot lays comatose in the hospital. But this time, the girls have backup, as more of their friends are initiated into the secret club of DGM.
The killer is after the people the girls care for, so having some more of their friends at their side seems prudent even. In the meantime, poor Bree is basically put under house arrest, which pretty much leaves Olivia, Kitty, Ed the Head, John, and Logan to do some of the investigating.
The stakes get raised in this one. There were so many secrets and suspicions being tossed at us, but it never felt overwhelming. I just wanted to read even faster to get to the bottom of this mystery. And the killer even starts to go after previous DGM targets! Add to that, it seems there’s a new DGM group in the works that continues the girls’ work in taking the bullies of the school down a notch.
And just wow! This is the kind of book where there is literally never a dull moment! So much mystery! So much suspense! It has it creepy and eerie moments as well! And let’s not forget some romantic interludes with some of the characters as well!
I definitely liked how things wrapped up in this one! I sooooo did not see this killer coming! I wanted to say I had an inkling of an idea…but then Gretchen totally takes me by surprise with a whopper of a reveal! And just wow! Nicely done, Gretchen! Perhaps my only complaint was not being able to remember the events of Get Dirty as well, which is basically my own fault! I either should’ve waited to binge this duology or try to squeeze a re-read in, which rarely happens these days!
My biggest piece of advice here is to read Get Even and Get Dirty back to back because you will not be disappointed! Gretchen McNeil is a master of suspense novels and her books are not ones to be missed! Read them now!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
After some initial confusion as to who some of the secondary characters were, I was able to quickly get back into the story as the remaining members of DGM, Bree, Kitty, and Olivia try to figure out who the mysterious murderer is. And for the majority of the novel, poor Margot lays comatose in the hospital. But this time, the girls have backup, as more of their friends are initiated into the secret club of DGM.
The killer is after the people the girls care for, so having some more of their friends at their side seems prudent even. In the meantime, poor Bree is basically put under house arrest, which pretty much leaves Olivia, Kitty, Ed the Head, John, and Logan to do some of the investigating.
The stakes get raised in this one. There were so many secrets and suspicions being tossed at us, but it never felt overwhelming. I just wanted to read even faster to get to the bottom of this mystery. And the killer even starts to go after previous DGM targets! Add to that, it seems there’s a new DGM group in the works that continues the girls’ work in taking the bullies of the school down a notch.
And just wow! This is the kind of book where there is literally never a dull moment! So much mystery! So much suspense! It has it creepy and eerie moments as well! And let’s not forget some romantic interludes with some of the characters as well!
I definitely liked how things wrapped up in this one! I sooooo did not see this killer coming! I wanted to say I had an inkling of an idea…but then Gretchen totally takes me by surprise with a whopper of a reveal! And just wow! Nicely done, Gretchen! Perhaps my only complaint was not being able to remember the events of Get Dirty as well, which is basically my own fault! I either should’ve waited to binge this duology or try to squeeze a re-read in, which rarely happens these days!
My biggest piece of advice here is to read Get Even and Get Dirty back to back because you will not be disappointed! Gretchen McNeil is a master of suspense novels and her books are not ones to be missed! Read them now!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
June 2, 2015
Get Dirty is the second book of the Don’t Get Mad series and I couldn’t completely remember how book one ended but that didn’t prevent me from diving right back into this story.
This book picks right up where the last one left off…or shortly after. The things I loved about the first book definitely continue through this one. The friendship that the girls (Kitty, Bree, Olivia, and Margot) have developed only gets stronger through this book and I loved how they all worked together despite their challenges to try to find the killer.
I also thought the mystery that McNeil developed here was great. I was guessing and second guessing myself on who it might be and then when I finally found out I admit, it wasn’t what I expected. And that was EXCELLENT!
All of these characters have their own things to deal with and on top of that, they are trying to figure out who is trying to frame them for something they didn’t do. With Bree in juvie and Margot in the hospital, Kitty and Olivia end up relying on some new DGM members for help. As they all combine their efforts to find the killer, the threats to the members of DGM continue and things get even riskier.
If you like a good mystery with enough twists to keep you guessing, definitely check out this book/series. I admit, I enjoyed this one a bit more than book one but overall enjoyed the series as a whole.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Balzer + Bray for the review copy!
This book picks right up where the last one left off…or shortly after. The things I loved about the first book definitely continue through this one. The friendship that the girls (Kitty, Bree, Olivia, and Margot) have developed only gets stronger through this book and I loved how they all worked together despite their challenges to try to find the killer.
I also thought the mystery that McNeil developed here was great. I was guessing and second guessing myself on who it might be and then when I finally found out I admit, it wasn’t what I expected. And that was EXCELLENT!
All of these characters have their own things to deal with and on top of that, they are trying to figure out who is trying to frame them for something they didn’t do. With Bree in juvie and Margot in the hospital, Kitty and Olivia end up relying on some new DGM members for help. As they all combine their efforts to find the killer, the threats to the members of DGM continue and things get even riskier.
If you like a good mystery with enough twists to keep you guessing, definitely check out this book/series. I admit, I enjoyed this one a bit more than book one but overall enjoyed the series as a whole.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Balzer + Bray for the review copy!
July 7, 2016
"I'm not getting mad, I'm just getting even."
I love that this book is such an easy fun read. You just jump right back into the story. The beginning quickly reminds you where everyone is (hospital, meeting up, who knows who, and who doesn't know!) and lets you just jump right back in. And I loved getting right back there.
But I kick myself - because it's my own fault I didn't absolutely love this one. I just couldn't remember enough from book 1 and I've waited too long to finally pick up book 2. I love the story kept me guessing about 'who done it' but I wonder how much of that was because I could not remember a single character or bit of the story from before.
either way, I found this one entertaining even if the big reveal didn't quite surprise like it probably should have.
I love that this book is such an easy fun read. You just jump right back into the story. The beginning quickly reminds you where everyone is (hospital, meeting up, who knows who, and who doesn't know!) and lets you just jump right back in. And I loved getting right back there.
But I kick myself - because it's my own fault I didn't absolutely love this one. I just couldn't remember enough from book 1 and I've waited too long to finally pick up book 2. I love the story kept me guessing about 'who done it' but I wonder how much of that was because I could not remember a single character or bit of the story from before.
either way, I found this one entertaining even if the big reveal didn't quite surprise like it probably should have.
June 15, 2016
I can't say I loved the characters in this, but they were a lot less annoying than what I remember them being in book one.
The pacing in this was slow again, so parts of it dragged. It wasn't quite so bad as book one though, as the killer was actually revealed, so this installment didn't seem like a waste of time like the first one did!
Overall, An okay read.
The pacing in this was slow again, so parts of it dragged. It wasn't quite so bad as book one though, as the killer was actually revealed, so this installment didn't seem like a waste of time like the first one did!
Overall, An okay read.
May 27, 2015
This was a really fantastic book! Really enjoyed the twists and turns, and how it ended up, that was really great! I didn't suspect person who is the bad guy! Can't wait to read more books by Gretchen McNeil!
June 24, 2015
LET IT BE KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE LAND THAT GRETCHEN MCNEIL CAN DO NO WRONG.
February 18, 2016
This book was Amazing!
July 18, 2022
4.5 stars
i’m such a sucker for this duology it’s unreal.
so almost two years ago now i watched the show on netflix and absolutely loved it 5/5 highly recommend. anyways, a few months after that i decided to read the book and adored it. it had all the great plot twists, angst, and suspense. and while i do think this can be do considered “trash ya” (you know the sort of genre that’s like… ya that isn’t really good but is still addicting?) i love it and i have no shame. (maybe a little)
but i am here to explain why i love it so much because this deserves more than a 3.9
⦿ First and foremost; Kitty, Olivia, Bree, and Margot being girl bosses. they gate-kept and gaslit their way through this entire book and i’m here for it. “we don’t get mad—we get even”??? hell yeah
⦿ The actual plot. It’s genuinely not predictable. Lots of YA mysteries, and just YA in general, follows the same plot structure. But this really had me guessing. Now, the ending wasn’t too surprising since I watched the show but the way everything was executed—my compliments to the chef, it was amazing.
⦿ Bree and John. Just them. Just them. It was the perfect amount of romance to where I cared enough if something were to interfere with their relationship, but it didn’t overwhelm the actual plot and annoy me. The angst, the pining, how much they care for each other. I love them <3
So I will stand by my defense of this book forever because I love it with my entire heart and will go back to tab it and annotate.
I rest my case.
side note: so that guy who plays calum in free rein plays rex in the get even series. and because i’ve watched the show i imagine all the characters as their actors and for some reason i can’t get calum from free rein out of my head so rex i pictured with those fancy horse show outfits the entire time :/ problem? probably
i’m such a sucker for this duology it’s unreal.
so almost two years ago now i watched the show on netflix and absolutely loved it 5/5 highly recommend. anyways, a few months after that i decided to read the book and adored it. it had all the great plot twists, angst, and suspense. and while i do think this can be do considered “trash ya” (you know the sort of genre that’s like… ya that isn’t really good but is still addicting?) i love it and i have no shame. (maybe a little)
but i am here to explain why i love it so much because this deserves more than a 3.9
⦿ First and foremost; Kitty, Olivia, Bree, and Margot being girl bosses. they gate-kept and gaslit their way through this entire book and i’m here for it. “we don’t get mad—we get even”??? hell yeah
⦿ The actual plot. It’s genuinely not predictable. Lots of YA mysteries, and just YA in general, follows the same plot structure. But this really had me guessing. Now, the ending wasn’t too surprising since I watched the show but the way everything was executed—my compliments to the chef, it was amazing.
⦿ Bree and John. Just them. Just them. It was the perfect amount of romance to where I cared enough if something were to interfere with their relationship, but it didn’t overwhelm the actual plot and annoy me. The angst, the pining, how much they care for each other. I love them <3
So I will stand by my defense of this book forever because I love it with my entire heart and will go back to tab it and annotate.
I rest my case.
side note: so that guy who plays calum in free rein plays rex in the get even series. and because i’ve watched the show i imagine all the characters as their actors and for some reason i can’t get calum from free rein out of my head so rex i pictured with those fancy horse show outfits the entire time :/ problem? probably
January 6, 2019
Okay, so . . . wow! Spoilers ahead, by the way.
From the first chapter of this book, I have been suspecting Ed! In the first book, I did suspect Logan, though. I thought he was secretly Christopher Beeman getting revenge on all the people that wronged him. I was sort of right? I was hell-bent on thinking it was Ed throughout this entire book, though.
When they "revealed" it was Ed I was like "yay I was right" but something felt . . . off. Ed sitting in the car staring at the envelope with the picture of Margot made me realize it wasn't him. That's when I was like "damn it's probably Logan", I've seen too many crime shows to fall for that whole "I was kidnapped by the killer" thing he tried to pull. When Margot and he both went missing from the hospital my first thought was "it's him!"
Also, when he was chasing them in the SUV and they caught him it seemed super suspicious. Especially since his excuse for it sounded like complete BS!
Anyways, I enjoyed this book. It clearly kept me on the edge of my seat and my theories kept switching. I don't know which book out of the two had me more entranced, to be honest. Maybe this one?? I love group teamwork so I loved when they were all at Amber's house and stuff. Plus I think this book is a little better because it has the reveal as well as it didn't drag quite as much as Get Even did. It took near 100 pages for the first murder to be committed in the first one, after all.
And let me just say that so many times Ed had me actually laughing. Best guy in the book by far. Also, I forget if Bree and John got together in this book or the first one but it seemed so . . . rushed? Yeah, they were friends forever but she was always fawning over the singer guy then just like that she's into John?
From the first chapter of this book, I have been suspecting Ed! In the first book, I did suspect Logan, though. I thought he was secretly Christopher Beeman getting revenge on all the people that wronged him. I was sort of right? I was hell-bent on thinking it was Ed throughout this entire book, though.
When they "revealed" it was Ed I was like "yay I was right" but something felt . . . off. Ed sitting in the car staring at the envelope with the picture of Margot made me realize it wasn't him. That's when I was like "damn it's probably Logan", I've seen too many crime shows to fall for that whole "I was kidnapped by the killer" thing he tried to pull. When Margot and he both went missing from the hospital my first thought was "it's him!"
Also, when he was chasing them in the SUV and they caught him it seemed super suspicious. Especially since his excuse for it sounded like complete BS!
Anyways, I enjoyed this book. It clearly kept me on the edge of my seat and my theories kept switching. I don't know which book out of the two had me more entranced, to be honest. Maybe this one?? I love group teamwork so I loved when they were all at Amber's house and stuff. Plus I think this book is a little better because it has the reveal as well as it didn't drag quite as much as Get Even did. It took near 100 pages for the first murder to be committed in the first one, after all.
And let me just say that so many times Ed had me actually laughing. Best guy in the book by far. Also, I forget if Bree and John got together in this book or the first one but it seemed so . . . rushed? Yeah, they were friends forever but she was always fawning over the singer guy then just like that she's into John?
October 6, 2022
Great series. I wish there was more of them because these characters are so much fun to be with!
April 13, 2021
Este final de la serie está bien, la historia tiene un buen desenlace, y los personajes no defraudan. Me ha encantado esta serie y tengo muchas ganas de ver la adaptación que han hecho en Netflix.
Reseña: http://www.arte-literario.com/2021/04...
Reseña: http://www.arte-literario.com/2021/04...
June 14, 2015
The members of Don’t Get Mad aren’t just mad anymore . . . they’re afraid. And with Margot in a coma and Bree stuck in juvie, it’s up to Olivia and Kitty to try to catch their deadly tormentor. But just as the girls are about to go on the offensive, Ed the Head reveals a shocking secret that turns all their theories upside down. The killer could be anyone, and this time he—or she—is out for more than just revenge.
The girls desperately try to discover the killer’s identity as their personal lives are falling apart: Donté is pulling away from Kitty and seems to be hiding a secret of his own, Bree is under house arrest, and Olivia’s mother is on an emotional downward spiral. The killer is closing in, the threats are becoming more personal, and when the police refuse to listen, the girls have no choice but to confront their anonymous friend . . . or die trying.
Get Dirty picks up three days after the end of Get Even, where Bree is in juvie (how though, considering there is not a shred of evidence linking her to the murders besides her association with DGM), Margot is in a coma and the two remaining DGM members are on a warpath to figure out how to bring Christopher Beeman down. Unwillingly, they have to seek outside help in the form of Ed, and other friends. But when their killer strikes again, and keeps up the ‘A’ pattern, they now know the stakes are higher than ever. Especially since people close to them are also in the crossfire. There is a new DGM in town, and they are also taking down targets, but how things play out is what you need to read the book to know. ;)
All I’ll say about the plot is that it was brilliant, from start to finish. Right from getting inside Ed’s character this time around, as well as bringing up the past takedowns of DGM and how they connected with their present status, while also showing how their actions affected people – everything was woven so wonderfully in the plot. The chemistry between the girls is at a high, and they are so supportive of each other. They have grown from being partners-in-good-crime to really good friends, and while that wasn’t the highlight of the book (that was more in the first), it was lovely to see how they were loyal to each other. The writing, to repeat myself, was on point; I wouldn’t expect any less from McNeil. She really went into character backstories this time, more because it tied into the events of the plot, but it was good to know how everything is not black and white. The big reveal – well, I wouldn’t say I called it since I wasn’t aware of the motive, but yes I did have my doubts on the character, since it was also a suspect. A brilliant finish, I say, but I wouldn’t really mind if there are more books on the exploits of Don’t Get Mad!
Received a free ARC from Balzer+Bray via Edelweiss. This does not affect my opinions or reviews in any manner.
The girls desperately try to discover the killer’s identity as their personal lives are falling apart: Donté is pulling away from Kitty and seems to be hiding a secret of his own, Bree is under house arrest, and Olivia’s mother is on an emotional downward spiral. The killer is closing in, the threats are becoming more personal, and when the police refuse to listen, the girls have no choice but to confront their anonymous friend . . . or die trying.
Get Dirty picks up three days after the end of Get Even, where Bree is in juvie (how though, considering there is not a shred of evidence linking her to the murders besides her association with DGM), Margot is in a coma and the two remaining DGM members are on a warpath to figure out how to bring Christopher Beeman down. Unwillingly, they have to seek outside help in the form of Ed, and other friends. But when their killer strikes again, and keeps up the ‘A’ pattern, they now know the stakes are higher than ever. Especially since people close to them are also in the crossfire. There is a new DGM in town, and they are also taking down targets, but how things play out is what you need to read the book to know. ;)
All I’ll say about the plot is that it was brilliant, from start to finish. Right from getting inside Ed’s character this time around, as well as bringing up the past takedowns of DGM and how they connected with their present status, while also showing how their actions affected people – everything was woven so wonderfully in the plot. The chemistry between the girls is at a high, and they are so supportive of each other. They have grown from being partners-in-good-crime to really good friends, and while that wasn’t the highlight of the book (that was more in the first), it was lovely to see how they were loyal to each other. The writing, to repeat myself, was on point; I wouldn’t expect any less from McNeil. She really went into character backstories this time, more because it tied into the events of the plot, but it was good to know how everything is not black and white. The big reveal – well, I wouldn’t say I called it since I wasn’t aware of the motive, but yes I did have my doubts on the character, since it was also a suspect. A brilliant finish, I say, but I wouldn’t really mind if there are more books on the exploits of Don’t Get Mad!
Received a free ARC from Balzer+Bray via Edelweiss. This does not affect my opinions or reviews in any manner.
June 10, 2015
This review originally appeared at Such a Novel Idea.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I read Get Even last year, I hadn't yet watched an episode of Pretty Little Liars. Sure, I knew there was an "A" person terrorizing pretty girls, but that's about all I knew. Also that the secret of who this person is was kept for all four(ish) seasons.
So, having read the book first, I didn't have PLL in my head. Which, I think was okay, because I wasn't constantly comparing the two. I mean, it is hard not too - there are a lot of similarities. However, I really feel like Get Even (and Get Dirty) stand on their own as a YA suspense.
There are so many characters in this book, that you don't have time to get settled on just one story, you'll be loosely fascinated with everyone. My favorite funny character was definitely Ed the Head, a tag-along member of the DGM group. I loved watching everyone interact to try to find out who-dun-it.
This book has just enough creep factor, just enough suspense, and just the right amount of swoon to make it addictive. I don't know if it is how the story picked up or the fact that I've now seen every episode of PLL twice since I last read the first book (yeah, I'm pretty much obsessed), but I absolutely LOVED this book. It's definitely my favorite in the duology. Also, the fact that this is a two-book series was fantastic. Just enough to flesh out the details without dragging out a story. Get Dirty keeps a fast pace that helps the suspense seem paramount, but there's also a lot of
Get Dirty keeps a fast pace that helps the suspense seem paramount, but there's also a comedic relief. You'll laugh just as much as you gasp at yet another twist. You'll question EVERYTHING. Seriously, my head was spinning throughout the whole thing and the endgame was so worth the book. There's nothing I hate more than a suspense novel with a letdown ending. This one worked out great and wasn't something I was expecting.
Gretchen McNeil delivered. End of story. And trust me, at the end of this story, you'll be wishing for more!
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I read Get Even last year, I hadn't yet watched an episode of Pretty Little Liars. Sure, I knew there was an "A" person terrorizing pretty girls, but that's about all I knew. Also that the secret of who this person is was kept for all four(ish) seasons.
So, having read the book first, I didn't have PLL in my head. Which, I think was okay, because I wasn't constantly comparing the two. I mean, it is hard not too - there are a lot of similarities. However, I really feel like Get Even (and Get Dirty) stand on their own as a YA suspense.
There are so many characters in this book, that you don't have time to get settled on just one story, you'll be loosely fascinated with everyone. My favorite funny character was definitely Ed the Head, a tag-along member of the DGM group. I loved watching everyone interact to try to find out who-dun-it.
This book has just enough creep factor, just enough suspense, and just the right amount of swoon to make it addictive. I don't know if it is how the story picked up or the fact that I've now seen every episode of PLL twice since I last read the first book (yeah, I'm pretty much obsessed), but I absolutely LOVED this book. It's definitely my favorite in the duology. Also, the fact that this is a two-book series was fantastic. Just enough to flesh out the details without dragging out a story. Get Dirty keeps a fast pace that helps the suspense seem paramount, but there's also a lot of
Get Dirty keeps a fast pace that helps the suspense seem paramount, but there's also a comedic relief. You'll laugh just as much as you gasp at yet another twist. You'll question EVERYTHING. Seriously, my head was spinning throughout the whole thing and the endgame was so worth the book. There's nothing I hate more than a suspense novel with a letdown ending. This one worked out great and wasn't something I was expecting.
Gretchen McNeil delivered. End of story. And trust me, at the end of this story, you'll be wishing for more!
June 9, 2015
GET DIRTY is the incredibly exciting, suspenseful, and absolutely gripping conclusion to Gretchen McNeil’s two-book series, Don’t Get Mad. It picks up the story shortly after the events in the first book and guarantees to keep those pages turning as Olivia, Kitty, Bree and DGMs newest members try to uncover who is behind the murders, who's responsible for putting Margot in a coma, for setting them up to take the fall, and for threatening to make things even worse for them.
With Margot, their most logical and tech savvy member, out of commission and Bree, the group’s risk-taker practically in prison, Kitty and Olivia will have to step up their efforts, put their trust in others, and reveal their secret if they want to save themselves and their friends and stop a killer before another murder is committed. But when new information comes to light about their only suspect, it looks like they’ll have to rethink everything.
And with the danger to each of them mounting, the killer’s list of targets expanding and everything seeming to be going according to this unknown but deadly plan, time is quickly running out. If they have any hope of bringing to justice whoever is responsible, they are going to have to work fast, be smart, and figure out how to catch a killer.
Gretchen McNeil delivered an even more action-packed, nail-biting, and electrifying story with GET DIRTY. Her sequel will keep everyone guessing as to who the killer is and if there is only one. It will keep them on edge wondering whether DGM will catch them before they, themselves, are caught and convicted or before anyone else is harmed. And it promises to surprise with a number of twists and turns.
Filled with likable and well-developed characters and a few smarmy ones, too, touches of humor to lighten things up, writing that will pull you into the mystery and keep you engaged, and the guarantee of the unexpected to keep your interest piqued, GET DIRTY has it all. It’s fun. It’s thrilling. It’s shocking. It’s a fantastic read and an amazing finish to the series.
With Margot, their most logical and tech savvy member, out of commission and Bree, the group’s risk-taker practically in prison, Kitty and Olivia will have to step up their efforts, put their trust in others, and reveal their secret if they want to save themselves and their friends and stop a killer before another murder is committed. But when new information comes to light about their only suspect, it looks like they’ll have to rethink everything.
And with the danger to each of them mounting, the killer’s list of targets expanding and everything seeming to be going according to this unknown but deadly plan, time is quickly running out. If they have any hope of bringing to justice whoever is responsible, they are going to have to work fast, be smart, and figure out how to catch a killer.
Gretchen McNeil delivered an even more action-packed, nail-biting, and electrifying story with GET DIRTY. Her sequel will keep everyone guessing as to who the killer is and if there is only one. It will keep them on edge wondering whether DGM will catch them before they, themselves, are caught and convicted or before anyone else is harmed. And it promises to surprise with a number of twists and turns.
Filled with likable and well-developed characters and a few smarmy ones, too, touches of humor to lighten things up, writing that will pull you into the mystery and keep you engaged, and the guarantee of the unexpected to keep your interest piqued, GET DIRTY has it all. It’s fun. It’s thrilling. It’s shocking. It’s a fantastic read and an amazing finish to the series.
March 5, 2016
It breaks my heart to say this, Get Dirty fall short of the mark. I loved how easy and fast paced the first one was read. However, this one took me a while to get into.
While reading the story, I had issues remembering the names of the characters. I kept repeating their names and I tried to keep up with their POVs but IT.WAS.HARD. I just couldn’t focus, at all. Everything blurred. At one point I had to skimmed through. Even though I had these issues, I kept seeing the murderer's name everywhere. Which was such a bummer when I read this is the person causing all the mayhem.
Get Dirty picks up right where Get Even left off. The gang are trying to stay strong and find ways to pinpoint the killer. But little by little, they see a pattern - everyone they “get even” with, are either hurt or dead. And every evidence is pointing to DMG. As they become desperate, they start adding members to the group, even those they shouldn’t. It was only a matter of time for their lack of judgment—and their lack of ability to make judgments—finally caught up with them.
At the end, everyone suffers but they learn a great lesson. Not everything is black and white. There are reasons for actions and no one has the rights to make judgments. Worst, make things more complicated than what they are. What DMG was doing was not an act of “get even” but just another act of bullying. Two wrongs don't make a right. Bullying a bully is also wrong. I liked the message of the story.
Although the story is slow and the mystery wasn’t my liking, at the end of all - it holds a great message - this is what I loved.
http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2015...
While reading the story, I had issues remembering the names of the characters. I kept repeating their names and I tried to keep up with their POVs but IT.WAS.HARD. I just couldn’t focus, at all. Everything blurred. At one point I had to skimmed through. Even though I had these issues, I kept seeing the murderer's name everywhere. Which was such a bummer when I read this is the person causing all the mayhem.
Get Dirty picks up right where Get Even left off. The gang are trying to stay strong and find ways to pinpoint the killer. But little by little, they see a pattern - everyone they “get even” with, are either hurt or dead. And every evidence is pointing to DMG. As they become desperate, they start adding members to the group, even those they shouldn’t. It was only a matter of time for their lack of judgment—and their lack of ability to make judgments—finally caught up with them.
At the end, everyone suffers but they learn a great lesson. Not everything is black and white. There are reasons for actions and no one has the rights to make judgments. Worst, make things more complicated than what they are. What DMG was doing was not an act of “get even” but just another act of bullying. Two wrongs don't make a right. Bullying a bully is also wrong. I liked the message of the story.
Although the story is slow and the mystery wasn’t my liking, at the end of all - it holds a great message - this is what I loved.
http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2015...
June 2, 2015
You can find this review and more on my blog, Lilybloombooks
It took everything in me not to jump into this book after finishing Get Even - especially after that ending! But I am glad that I was able to have some restraint and let the events of Get Even sink in.
There was SO much going on in Get Dirty. The overall plot ARC of who the killer is, the other secrets revealed and the addition of POVs. But the best part is, everything seamlessly pieces together without leaving us hanging. It's fast pace leaves no time to think things out you have to hang on and go with it!
Right from the start, what everyone (including me) thought they knew about the killer was wrong, leaving everyone back to square one. I also loved how there are SO many additional people added to the fray - and it really added to the intensity.
I loved all the characters, especially our main four: Kitty, Margot, Bree and Olivia. Their personalities are so different and they all work so well together.
That being said - the killer was my third guess (LOL) but I didn't feel like we got enough information and/or explanation on how they were able to pull it off. Everything felt TOO easy, ya know?
Small issue aside - I adored this book! It was so much fun! I highly recommend for anyone that loves a good mystery/thriller with the added flare of building friendships.
*I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
It took everything in me not to jump into this book after finishing Get Even - especially after that ending! But I am glad that I was able to have some restraint and let the events of Get Even sink in.
There was SO much going on in Get Dirty. The overall plot ARC of who the killer is, the other secrets revealed and the addition of POVs. But the best part is, everything seamlessly pieces together without leaving us hanging. It's fast pace leaves no time to think things out you have to hang on and go with it!
Right from the start, what everyone (including me) thought they knew about the killer was wrong, leaving everyone back to square one. I also loved how there are SO many additional people added to the fray - and it really added to the intensity.
I loved all the characters, especially our main four: Kitty, Margot, Bree and Olivia. Their personalities are so different and they all work so well together.
That being said - the killer was my third guess (LOL) but I didn't feel like we got enough information and/or explanation on how they were able to pull it off. Everything felt TOO easy, ya know?
Small issue aside - I adored this book! It was so much fun! I highly recommend for anyone that loves a good mystery/thriller with the added flare of building friendships.
*I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
January 8, 2016
I feel like Get Dirty had middle book syndrome even though it wasn’t the middle book. I don’t know what happened. I loved Get Even, and I have been so freakin’ excited to read more about the gang and to find out who the killer is. Somehow, Get Dirty was completely lacklustre, and I can’t even figure out why.
The stakes are definitely higher in Get Dirty, but somehow the whole book seemed very casual. It was like I was watching everything happen from behind frosted glass. I was totally disconnected from the story, and yet still invested in the plot. Does that make any sense?
I do wonder if my experience would have been different had I binge-read the duology and started Get Dirty right after finishing the first book. I think that the year between books completely killed the buzz that I had for this series, and I didn’t realise until I was already near the end.
I also didn’t like how many characters were introduced or expanded upon in this book. The cast felt too big, and it made the whole DGM situation even more unrealistic because all of a sudden there were a dozen members and more were joining every time I turned the page.
So yeah. I’m more than a little disappointed by Get Dirty after being thoroughly invested in the previous book. It’s a shame, but I’ll definitely be reading McNeil’s future books because I think she’s a talented writer. This book in particular just fell a bit short.
The stakes are definitely higher in Get Dirty, but somehow the whole book seemed very casual. It was like I was watching everything happen from behind frosted glass. I was totally disconnected from the story, and yet still invested in the plot. Does that make any sense?
I do wonder if my experience would have been different had I binge-read the duology and started Get Dirty right after finishing the first book. I think that the year between books completely killed the buzz that I had for this series, and I didn’t realise until I was already near the end.
I also didn’t like how many characters were introduced or expanded upon in this book. The cast felt too big, and it made the whole DGM situation even more unrealistic because all of a sudden there were a dozen members and more were joining every time I turned the page.
So yeah. I’m more than a little disappointed by Get Dirty after being thoroughly invested in the previous book. It’s a shame, but I’ll definitely be reading McNeil’s future books because I think she’s a talented writer. This book in particular just fell a bit short.
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