Deadly Little Secret Review by Ana

Some secrets shouldn't be kept...
Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help--but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

Originality

DEADLY LITTLE SECRET had parts which was totally original and totally the style of Laurie Stolarz, but it also had a part in there which made me think a bit of TWILIGHT. For example, in the opening of the book, the main character, Camelia, gets saved from being squashed by a car by this mysterious person. And later on we find out it's Ben, even though he does deny saving her life. It also reminded me a bit of Stolarz's BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARE book, which was a great read.

COVER

I love the creepy feeling you get from the cover when you look at the girl in the old vintage dress. The background is spring, but her lying next to tree makes me wonder, is she alive or dead?

Characters

Camelia was a very well developed character. I liked how she didn't rely on people too often and didn't do too many stupid things. She could take care of herself in any situation and didn't need to follow Ben around begging him to do everything for her. Wes and Kimmie were hilarious especially Kimmie. She is the friedn everyone wants who makes you laugh all the time and is there for you when needed. She really does a good job taking care of Camelia when she begins receiving the threatening notes. And finally, we reach Ben. He's mysterious and you'll love his care for Camelia. I'm not going to say too much about him because all will be revelaed in the book.

Plot

I liked the plot Laurie Stolarz came up for her new series. It truly kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to see what happened next. Stolarz once again showed that she is a master in mystery. I read this book in a couple hours and can't wait for the next one.

Ending

The ending of DEADLY LITTLE SECRET wrapped up the book in a good way. It wasn't one of those huge cliffhangers that has you biting every inch of your nail off or ripping your hair because you can't wait a whole year until the sequal comes out. (I've been there before). It still makes you want to continue reading more about Camelia and Ben, but leaves you satisfied.

Overall I enjoyed this book and totally recommend others reading this one. Laurie Stolarz is a great author as I have mentioned and her work is something to look foreward to!

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