I like the mystery books I read to make me think. This one... well, sort of did the thinking for me. I predicted events before they happened and then waited as they explained out what I already knew. The book was still all right though.It's very "poppy." Full of trendy hotspots, descriptions of vintage "crazy-cool" fashionistas, and "Look it's trendy!" the book got a little too fluffy at points. The book is definitely geared more towards tweens and teens. If Lulu Dark becomes a series, I think she will probably become the 21st centuries Nancy Drew, as much as Lulu would hate to admit it.I really did enjoy the subtle jabs at Paris Hilton via Berlin Silver. When/if you read this tell me if you noticed it as well.The ending seriously bugged me... it felt like the author needed to tie it up really fast and seemed like a hastily put together end. And it of course needed to be a happy ending. I mean... weren't any of these kids the least bit freaked out or traumatized? Ice skating did not seem like the appropriate thing to do only minutes after this freaky mystery was solved.The mystery did have a twist to it, and I admit it was pretty unique. But... I guess the book didn't impress me all that much, and is perhaps past my interest now. But honestly, don't let the term "Young Adult" "Teen Fiction" or anything like that stop you from reading a book... if you think it's good, you'll think it's good. It doesn't really matter what supposed age group it's aimed at...Just look at Harry Potter!Yay! July 16!!! Almost a month away.
Just the thing to read when your brain needs a vacation. Which is not to say that it's total brain candy - there's actually a nicely puzzling mystery and some substance to the characters - but it's the kind of book that pulls you into another world for some fun. Since Lulu doesn't want to play the girl detective, it's understandable when it takes her a while to piece together the clues (I guessed a few things before she did, but not enough to make it annoying), but along the way she actually kind of maybe starts to enjoy the whole sleuthing business. The story deals nicely with the whole "why not just go to the police/tell an adult" question (although her parents are very conveniently absent just when she needs to do something like spend the night in a dumpster). The characters are a whole lot of fun, and I particularly liked Lulu's believably gradual transformation into someone who occasionally thinks before she speaks. There's some light romance but it never takes over the mystery storyline, or from Lulu herself as the star of the show. Throw in some dry humor, and I'm a happy reader. I'd recommend it for middle school readers on up - there's a little underage drinking and maybe the occasional swear, but otherwise nothing objectionable for younger readers. And I'll be looking for the sequel next time I need something funny and absorbing.
Lulu Dark is a reluctant detective. Normally, she wouldn’t have the patience for sleuthing, but her favorite purse, a horribly ugly pick and yellow flowered knock off, has been swiped and she’s going to get it back no matter what! While trying to dig up information on her purse, she finds out that there is another mystery brewing. When there are reports of her partying hard at nightclubs when she was safely tucked in bed makes Lulu wonder if her total identity been stolen along with her purse. So Lulu recruits her best friend Daisy and her guy pal Charlie to help her unravel the strange threads she unwillingly started to pull. This is a fluffy, quick mystery that won’t leave readers scratching their heads at all. While the plot is pretty predictable, the joy of this book is in the details. The setting of this book is posh and the characters are stylish and cool. These are the kids that the high school students here in Amish county want to be! All the characters are pretty shallow and stereotypical: Lulu is the rich girl, Daisy is a scholarship student who is poor but still cool, Charlie is Lulu’s love interest, which is obvious to everyone except Lulu. There is not a lot of depth here, but there is a lot of fun.I think both teen guys and girls would get a kick out of this, but the cover might turn guys away. This is a great book for kids who enjoy reading for fun, as they won’t get much else out of it. So pack it along with your towel and take it to the beach!
—Heather
A one of a kind mystery you are not likely to forget. Lulu Dark makes for an unforgettable detective once her favorite purse ends up being nabbed, sending her on this high speed chase that only leads her further into mystery. It turns out there is more to this story than just a stolen knock-off. Hilarity and funny characters ensue.It was right up my ally. This quirky, almost "Legally Blonde" type of detective is obviously not anyones first pick for this strange mystery's heroine. It's so strange that it works.
—Alyssa Noch
Lulu Dark is rich, beautiful and has it all, that is until her favorite purse gets stolen at a club in Halo City. Now Lulu is going to catch the witch who stole her knock-off and maybe solve a murder along the way. I laughed, I cringed and I loved every minute of Lulu's adventure. This book does have a little older audience in mind, so if you're only looking for an updated Nancy Drew, you might want to try something else. But if you're a little old for Nancy or want something a little more hip, this is the mystery series for you.
—Kathryn
