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July 07, 2013

Review: Truly Madly Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Truly, Madly, Deadly
Title: Truly Madly Deadly
Author: Hannah Jayne
Publisher:
 Sourcebooks Fire
Publication date: July 2, 2013
Genre(s): Young Adult (Thriller/Murder mystery)
Source: Publisher (Raincoast Books)
Format: ARC
Pages: 272
Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."
Truly, Madly, Deadly was freaking fabulous. It was thrilling, creepy, entertaining, and most of all gripping. It seriously kept me on my toes in terms of trying to figure out who the killer is. I am a huge fan of crime shows such as The Mentalist and Criminal Minds. Because of how much I watch them I tend to easily pick up on the tiniest hints and stories so I tend to always figure out the culprit quickly, which is why I haven't read a good murder mystery in a while, but then comes along this one! 
Sawyer's boyfriend died of a presumed drunk driving accident, however Sawyer finds out that someone murdered him, and now that someone will do everything, even kill more people, to keep Sawyer from getting hurt again. I find novels like those deliciously creepy and am able to read them in a sitting if they are good, and believe me, Truly, Madly, Deadly is so good. While I was able to guess who the killer at the beginning, Hannah Jayne's way of laying out the plot and making everyone seem like the culprit (but in such a subtle way) that I was doubting myself throughout the whole novel. Very tiny hints were dropped about each person that make you think that maybe this is the killer, and not that one. I was playing Guess Who? (if you guys know this game) till the last couple of pages before the killer was revealed, then I had my "AHA!" moment. 
Sawyer as a protagonist was great; Jayne portrayed her in a realistic way. Sawyer was not perfect by any means, she kept the letter from her family, friends, and even the police. I personally would have ran to the police station and handed it to them, but she decided to do this on her own. However things escalated from then on and I believe her decisions and action was well thought out and she tried to protect her family, even if it meant implicating her in some serious business. 
Overall, Truly, Madly, Deadly was able to keep me engaged and at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. It is one of the best thriller/murder YA novels I have read in a while and I can't wait to pick up any new books released by Ms. Hannah Jayne! 
 

16 comments:

  1. Great review. I really loved this book to.

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  2. This is so interesting! I LOVE crime shows, especially Criminal Minds (though I decided to boycott that one right after they sort of doomed Spencer's love life). I've never really read a Young Adult Mystery/Thriller before, or maybe I have and have just forgotten, but I love how this story seems so unpredictable and exciting :) I might just try it out :D Great review!

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  3. So glad you enjoyed this one Juhina! I struggled a bit with it, mostly because I wanted a bit more focus on the abuse, it seemed like it just got swept under the rug a bit too easily for how big a catalyst it was for everything else, but I did breeze right through this one. Just couldn't put it down. Loved reading your thoughts!

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  4. I'm sold! This sounds exactly like my kind of book. I'm also a fan of The Mentalist, so I get what you mean about easily picking up hints and clues. Good to know that that wasn't the case here and that you were left guessing at who the murder was. Fantastic review!

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  5. I've seen this book around and had no idea what is was about, but it sounds really interesting. Kind of like a thriller ! And it's not too long and I'm in need of a shorter book.

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  6. Haha, funny. I've heard mixed things about this book and lately, I've been reading many negative reviews about this one. It's always interesting to see why people disagree about books. This seems to be another book you either hate or love. I always like a good mystery, so I'm not sure about this one yet :) It does sound good when I see your review.

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  7. Ooh, your review makes me so excited for this book! I just put a hold for it in at my library! Love that this one was so unpredictable. Sawyer sounds great!

    Alise @ Readers In Wonderland

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  8. I don't read mysteries, but this sounds great! Can't wait to check it out. Adding it to my TBR list. I love that you couldn't guess the killer!
    -Jenna

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  9. I'm so glad to have read your review. I knew this was going to be great book the moment I laid my eyes on it and you've proved me right. I can't wait to read it. Awesome review, Juhina!

    Sarika @ The Readdicts

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  10. A Five! I like books that put me on the edge of my seat! Great review, Juhina :D

    -Dannielle

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  11. I really want this book now! It sounds fantastic. I'm glad you liked it so much. Great review.


    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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  12. I love Criminal Minds and murder mysteries in general so I was really excited after reading the synopsis for this one. Glad it lives up to your expectations, Juhina! I can't wait to pick this one up. Great review! :)

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  13. Oh my God, I this book is perfect for me! I love murder mysteries and there aren't enough of them in YA to keep me sustained so yay Truly, Madly, Deadly. =D

    Awesome review!

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  14. Ahhhhh, you made this book sound SO good Juhina!! I've been reading some reviews on this one and getting a little more interested every time but your review really did it! I want this book, NOW. I love how exciting and addictive it sounds and I REALLY LOVE guessing who the culprit is and being surprised at the very end :D Fantastic review ♥

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  15. Ooh, I've had my eyes on this one, and I'm glad you enjoyed it! Definitely going to read it!

    Great review!

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  16. I really want to read this one and I don't think it's even possible but you really made me want it all the more! I love thrilling and creepy reads and I felt like this will be one and now that you've confirmed it, I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE!

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