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Scary Mary #4
Strange Girl
*You look awesome.* This is a typical text from Jake, the mysterious guy who saved Mary from the Shadowman. After everything had settled down, he started sending little messages to her. They brighten her day and make her feel special. She likes Jake. He's different like her. A freak. They send texts back and forth frequently, and Mary hasn’t told anyone about him. He's her secret friend. When the TV producer Regina Smith comes to ask Gran for help, Mary pushes Gran to take her up on the opportunity. Regina wants them to go to Alabama to help a group of paranormal investigators, who are making a reality show. They've stumbled onto a real haunted house, and if no one steps in, they're going to get themselves killed. But Mary doesn't really care about that. She wants to go because Jake lives in Alabama. And she hopes to meet him. But when Gran’s kidnapped, Mary no longer hopes to meet Jake, she has to meet him. He’s her only hope of rescuing Gran. But mysteriously, he has stopped answering her texts. To save Gran, Mary not only has to contend with two malevolent ghosts but also the paranormal investigators who will stop at nothing to capture evidence of the paranormal. If they have to, they’ll put Gran and Mary at risk. They will get the ghosts one way or another. You know how ghosts are made, right? This is the fourth book in The Scary Mary Series.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2014
26 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Hunter
26 books239 followersS.A. Hunter lives in Virginia and works in a library. She is the author of the YA series Scary Mary as well as other fantasy novels. Visit her online at www.sahunter.net or email her sahunter@sahunter.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 6, 2022
Another great tale, expertly spun
This series is an excellent example of quality YA writing that isn't sappy, predictable or inane. All of the character's have depth as their positive traits are nicely balanced by faults either real or perceived.
In this story the action was well paced, the character development continued at a believable pace as Mary struggles to adapt to having a boyfriend. She makes great strides as a person and with her power, while the reader is given numerous opportunities to see who she is beneath her anti-social persona.
All in all an excellent but easy read for those times when you want something slightly twisted but not to dark or deep.
This series is an excellent example of quality YA writing that isn't sappy, predictable or inane. All of the character's have depth as their positive traits are nicely balanced by faults either real or perceived.
In this story the action was well paced, the character development continued at a believable pace as Mary struggles to adapt to having a boyfriend. She makes great strides as a person and with her power, while the reader is given numerous opportunities to see who she is beneath her anti-social persona.
All in all an excellent but easy read for those times when you want something slightly twisted but not to dark or deep.
November 20, 2017
The scary Mary series
Another great book in the scary Mary series will start book five can't wait to get reading really enjoy them
Another great book in the scary Mary series will start book five can't wait to get reading really enjoy them
April 7, 2023
Simply put, a fun read with excellent banter.
May 17, 2021
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
This installment in the series was really interesting because we get out of town! Mary and her grandmother go investigate a haunted house after the insistence of a ghost hunting show. They don’t want to do it initially, but Mary has ulterior motives. She wants to meet this guy, Jake, who has been texting her for a while now. He’s different like her, in that he has a very interesting ability. But boy is she in for a surprise 😬😂 Unfortunately, her grandmother is soon in trouble and she turns to Jake for help.
And I still miss Cy and no one is surprised. At the beginning of the book Mary and Kyle were at a dance and it was as cheesy AF and I was not a fan. But even I can admit they have their cute moments. I still don’t like it though 😒 Lol.
Overall though, I really enjoyed it! I love the change of scenery and all the new characters we got. Plus some of the new people we met had some very interesting abilities themselves, so that was fun. The story itself was interesting and very action-packed. I really missed Rachel though, who unfortunately couldn’t come with them. But it was a good installment in the series!
This installment in the series was really interesting because we get out of town! Mary and her grandmother go investigate a haunted house after the insistence of a ghost hunting show. They don’t want to do it initially, but Mary has ulterior motives. She wants to meet this guy, Jake, who has been texting her for a while now. He’s different like her, in that he has a very interesting ability. But boy is she in for a surprise 😬😂 Unfortunately, her grandmother is soon in trouble and she turns to Jake for help.
And I still miss Cy and no one is surprised. At the beginning of the book Mary and Kyle were at a dance and it was as cheesy AF and I was not a fan. But even I can admit they have their cute moments. I still don’t like it though 😒 Lol.
Overall though, I really enjoyed it! I love the change of scenery and all the new characters we got. Plus some of the new people we met had some very interesting abilities themselves, so that was fun. The story itself was interesting and very action-packed. I really missed Rachel though, who unfortunately couldn’t come with them. But it was a good installment in the series!
March 4, 2017
Have you ever been held captive by a woman who is irrational and psychotic, or had to deal with a ghost who only wants bloodshed? Well that's exactly what Mary had to go though. Royce, a ghost, is difficult, wants bloodshed, and is trying to manipulate some characters into doing what he wants. Ursula is obsessed with Royce, and will do anything to find out more things about the paranormal. Ursula is psychotic and irrational, but Royce might be worse. He is very bloodthirsty and is a difficult obstacle to get through. There are plenty of examples on how Ursula is irrational and psychotic. There is even more on Royce, his thirst for blood, and how he is an obstacle.
Ursula is psychotic, because of all the irrational things she chooses to do. Ursula doesn't care about anyone but herself “They are apart of the team.” “They don't matter” Yelled Ursula (pg. 658). This is an example of her being irrational because of how selfish she is being about a ghost finding. Then Ursula tackles Mary who was about to distort the anchor, she held a box cutter to Mary's throat threatening to slit it if Kyle didn't put Jake back on the table (pg. 642). What person in their right mind would do such a thing!? When Mary tries to escape with Kyle and Jake, Ursula grabbed Mary's hair and pulls her back then said “You're not going anywhere!” (pg. 661). This proves Ursula is psychotic because if someone wants to hold someone back, you do not grab their hair to do so. It's very irrational thinking doing such a thing. These are just a few examples of Ursula’s irrational and psychotic ways. There are plenty more, but these are the more extreme examples. Even though Ursula is psychotic and irrational, maybe she has good reason for her actions.
Royce is very bloodthirsty and is a difficult obstacle to go through. In one scene of Strange Girl by S.A. Hunter, Mary is trying to convince Ursula in to thinking Royce can’t help her but she can. Then Ursula, hearing that, took out a pen and paper and let Royce guide her have to send a message. The message read “LIAR!” (pg. 652). This proves Royce is an obstacle because it's frustrating for Mary to go through all this work to try and convince someone to follow your advice and fail. When Mary was bleeding from the box cutter knife from Ursula, Royce said “Ooh, look she's bleeding. Make her bleed more!” (pg. 645). Another time he said “Yes, bleed her, bleed her dry!” (pg. 662). These two quotes tell the reader just how much he enjoys bloodshed. When Mary tried to get at the anchor again, Royce slammed Mary against a wall (pg. 676). Royce is quite a difficult obstacle to get through but Mary will get through him somehow. Royce tortured slaves when he was alive. He is a monster because of all he did to them (pg. 655). Even when he's dead he still tortures. Hopefully Mary gets rid of him once and for all.
So as one might see there is plenty of examples about Ursula and Royce. The two are important topics to think about because they are such a big part of this awesome book. Ursula is a psychotic, and irrational women. Royce is a difficult, bloodthirsty, and a monster. This book was so fun to read! Lots of suspense and exciting things happened S.A. Hunter has done it again.
Ursula is psychotic, because of all the irrational things she chooses to do. Ursula doesn't care about anyone but herself “They are apart of the team.” “They don't matter” Yelled Ursula (pg. 658). This is an example of her being irrational because of how selfish she is being about a ghost finding. Then Ursula tackles Mary who was about to distort the anchor, she held a box cutter to Mary's throat threatening to slit it if Kyle didn't put Jake back on the table (pg. 642). What person in their right mind would do such a thing!? When Mary tries to escape with Kyle and Jake, Ursula grabbed Mary's hair and pulls her back then said “You're not going anywhere!” (pg. 661). This proves Ursula is psychotic because if someone wants to hold someone back, you do not grab their hair to do so. It's very irrational thinking doing such a thing. These are just a few examples of Ursula’s irrational and psychotic ways. There are plenty more, but these are the more extreme examples. Even though Ursula is psychotic and irrational, maybe she has good reason for her actions.
Royce is very bloodthirsty and is a difficult obstacle to go through. In one scene of Strange Girl by S.A. Hunter, Mary is trying to convince Ursula in to thinking Royce can’t help her but she can. Then Ursula, hearing that, took out a pen and paper and let Royce guide her have to send a message. The message read “LIAR!” (pg. 652). This proves Royce is an obstacle because it's frustrating for Mary to go through all this work to try and convince someone to follow your advice and fail. When Mary was bleeding from the box cutter knife from Ursula, Royce said “Ooh, look she's bleeding. Make her bleed more!” (pg. 645). Another time he said “Yes, bleed her, bleed her dry!” (pg. 662). These two quotes tell the reader just how much he enjoys bloodshed. When Mary tried to get at the anchor again, Royce slammed Mary against a wall (pg. 676). Royce is quite a difficult obstacle to get through but Mary will get through him somehow. Royce tortured slaves when he was alive. He is a monster because of all he did to them (pg. 655). Even when he's dead he still tortures. Hopefully Mary gets rid of him once and for all.
So as one might see there is plenty of examples about Ursula and Royce. The two are important topics to think about because they are such a big part of this awesome book. Ursula is a psychotic, and irrational women. Royce is a difficult, bloodthirsty, and a monster. This book was so fun to read! Lots of suspense and exciting things happened S.A. Hunter has done it again.
December 12, 2017
Non stop action
I really enjoyed this . Homecoming is finslly here! Mary does not disappoint in this one. She leads us on adventure to Alabama we will never forget while we also find who the mysterious knight in shinning caller is. I cannot wait for th next book. This would be great for those who like paranomal and ghostly books. Ages 12 and up.
I really enjoyed this . Homecoming is finslly here! Mary does not disappoint in this one. She leads us on adventure to Alabama we will never forget while we also find who the mysterious knight in shinning caller is. I cannot wait for th next book. This would be great for those who like paranomal and ghostly books. Ages 12 and up.
September 24, 2024
I loved this series. The protagonist, "Scary Mary," is a real, three-dimensional teenage girl with "issues." I binged these books and own them all! Loved it. It may have YA characters, but adults will enjoy it too. It's not dumbed-down; it's a very well told story.
February 11, 2021
I truly enjoy this series. Its fast paced and keep me looking for any spare second to read 😉
January 29, 2026
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
March 8, 2017
Poor America being such a young country means they only have so many old places to haunt, so obviously a plantation house had to be in this series at some point! It was a good haunting I hated Ursula and thought she was an irritating character so I wasn't too upset that she got her comeuppance. I think Mary could have formed a better friendship with Jennifer and maybe she will in later books? I liked that Kyle was forgiving but I think I would have personally dumped her for running off to meet a boy even if he did turn out to be her catfishing younger cousin. I really like this series it's fun and not too dramatic even though it is basically about death. I would love to know what happened to Mary's parents though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2016
This book was very addicting it encourages you into keep on reading the book.
I would encourage S.A Hunter into writing more books like this one this is a good book of a girl who has paranormal powers and could hear ghost and who has lots of difficulty interaction with other people her age and call her a freak. But that does not stop Mary on going on adventures with gran and her boyfriend Kyle and even thinking that a thirteen year old cousin she never knew about comes out of no were and says has the same ability as her and then some persons who make shows of them trying to prove to people that ghost do exist and capture Jake so a ghost could help Ursula communicate with her boyfriend who died in an accident a year and a half ago but she needs to cut Jake to let the ghost in to possese the boy because he promised her that he would help her find the ghost of her boyfriend but he only wants the body to hurt people and torture more people like when he had slaves before he died and he wants to kill more people to like Mary said he wants to paint the wall with there blood
I would encourage S.A Hunter into writing more books like this one this is a good book of a girl who has paranormal powers and could hear ghost and who has lots of difficulty interaction with other people her age and call her a freak. But that does not stop Mary on going on adventures with gran and her boyfriend Kyle and even thinking that a thirteen year old cousin she never knew about comes out of no were and says has the same ability as her and then some persons who make shows of them trying to prove to people that ghost do exist and capture Jake so a ghost could help Ursula communicate with her boyfriend who died in an accident a year and a half ago but she needs to cut Jake to let the ghost in to possese the boy because he promised her that he would help her find the ghost of her boyfriend but he only wants the body to hurt people and torture more people like when he had slaves before he died and he wants to kill more people to like Mary said he wants to paint the wall with there blood
Read
January 13, 2017A YA book. If you have read previous books this will be more satisfying. Otherwise you will be wondering what the heck is going on until the last two chapters.
However, for a quick light read and characters you might like from earlier books in the series, this is a book for you.
The thing I like about Mary is her attitude toward her "gift" is how to manage the gift so that it is not a disability. The adventures are a bit sketchy regarding the motivation of the extra characters but it is not trying to be Proust.
However, for a quick light read and characters you might like from earlier books in the series, this is a book for you.
The thing I like about Mary is her attitude toward her "gift" is how to manage the gift so that it is not a disability. The adventures are a bit sketchy regarding the motivation of the extra characters but it is not trying to be Proust.
November 4, 2015
Initially, I was really surprised by how muched I liked this series, but by now I've grown used to it. Mary is a well-written, relatable character and her adventures are always so much fun to read. This one, in particular, was really interesting and full of twists. Beatrice and Jake were great characters and the family dynamics worked really nice. The main plot was also quite good; all in all, a very ejoyable novella.
January 11, 2015
Her stories speak for themselves. I enjoy reading about Mary's adventures. Reminds you of the angst we passed through as teenagers, but with a twist. This series speaks for itself. Loved how it made me mad, laugh, and gasp in anticipation. I am glad Mary will continue. Her adventures and romance helps long days pass by. Definitely recommend it. Worth all five stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 22, 2016
Very intense
This book picks up right where book 3 leaves off. Kyle and Mary are getting closer all the time but with Jake texting Mary everyday trouble might be coming. Mary and her Gran go to an old plantations to help a paranormal investigation team but what they find about gets them all killed. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one day.
This book picks up right where book 3 leaves off. Kyle and Mary are getting closer all the time but with Jake texting Mary everyday trouble might be coming. Mary and her Gran go to an old plantations to help a paranormal investigation team but what they find about gets them all killed. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one day.
December 17, 2014
The 4th book in the Scary Mary series is as good as the three before. So everyone who enjoyed them, you have to read this book. There is only one major problem: It was too short, way too short. Now I have to wait for the next one again.
December 24, 2014
Scary Mary series is getting more exciting
Was well worth the wait. Hope the next book won't take to long to be done. Jake is good for Mary he is like her knight in shining armor always there to help her no matter what. I hope their relationship grows more
Was well worth the wait. Hope the next book won't take to long to be done. Jake is good for Mary he is like her knight in shining armor always there to help her no matter what. I hope their relationship grows more
January 12, 2015
Another awesome book in this amazing series. Mary seems to be more accepting of her gift and is showing an ability to control it, which is great to see.
This story was awesome. I loved how they went into the haunted house with the paranormal investigators. Royce was definitely an evil spirit.
This story was awesome. I loved how they went into the haunted house with the paranormal investigators. Royce was definitely an evil spirit.
December 19, 2014
Another great book, will definitely look out for the next in the series.
So different from other ghost stories and full of action
So different from other ghost stories and full of action
March 3, 2015
Love it!
It was really awesome. I loved every second of this book. It was cute, sweet, exhilarating, action packed, and full of awesomeness!
It was really awesome. I loved every second of this book. It was cute, sweet, exhilarating, action packed, and full of awesomeness!
March 13, 2015
Slow start but got very good.
I would recommend this book as well. Got off to a slow start but has a very story line. Good finish.
I would recommend this book as well. Got off to a slow start but has a very story line. Good finish.
May 11, 2015
Another great read
There are some grammatical errors, but I love this series. The author does a great job of pulling the reader into the story and keeping her there.
There are some grammatical errors, but I love this series. The author does a great job of pulling the reader into the story and keeping her there.
March 6, 2016
I'm in love with the Scary Mary series! A brilliant series!
October 12, 2015
Wow! Review to come :)
Read
January 11, 2016WONDERFUL BOOK!
July 20, 2016
Great book!!!
This series was awesome! The plot kept you very engaged, the characters were great and the 4part series was definitely worth the read!!
This series was awesome! The plot kept you very engaged, the characters were great and the 4part series was definitely worth the read!!
August 10, 2016
Great read
Excellent book. Fun to read and kept my attention. Love S.A.Hunter's stories. Never a dull moment. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks.
Excellent book. Fun to read and kept my attention. Love S.A.Hunter's stories. Never a dull moment. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks.
January 23, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book looking forward to reading the next book in the series
December 18, 2020
Have to admit this was a much better book than book 3. Crazy Great aunts, angry killers, haunted houses and a psychopathic ghost. A trip down south with a ghost hunter show.
Lots better!
Lots better!
July 25, 2015
Can't wait for the fifth book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews