Review: The Secrets of Lily Graves - uniquely mysterious

Title: The Secrets of Lily Graves
Author: Sarah Storhmeyer
Publisher: Raincoast
Publication date: May 13, 2014

Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary/Mystery)

Source: Edelweiss 

Format: eARC

Pages: 304

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Growing up in a house of female morticians, Lily Graves knows all about buried secrets. She knows that perfect senior-class president Erin Donohue isn’t what she seems. She knows why Erin’s ex-boyfriend, hot football player Matt Houser, broke up with her. And she also knows that, even though she says she and Matt are just friends, there is something brewing between them—something Erin definitely did not like.

But secrets, even ones that are long buried, have a way of returning to haunt their keeper.

So when Erin is found dead the day after attacking Lily in a jealous rage, Lily's and Matt’s safe little lives, and the lives of everyone in their town of Potsdam, begin to unravel. And their relationship—which grew from innocent after-school tutoring sessions to late-night clandestine rendezvous—makes them both suspects.

As her world crumbles around her, Lily must figure out the difference between truth and deception, genuine love and a web of lies. And she must do it quickly, before the killer claims another victim.

Where do I start? The Secrets of Lily Graves is one of my favorite 2014 reads so far. It was so unique and addicting. I actually started it at one early morning thinking I would read a chapter or two then get back to studying, but I ended up finishing the book by the afternoon. What does that mean? it means you need to go buy this book ASAP. It combines so many elements I enjoy in a book, murder mystery, a smart and likable protagonist, a cute potential romance, memorable plot, and lastly, the most important, being able to keep you at the edge of your seat trying to figure out the mystery. Lily Graves comes from a family of morticians. Her family is seriously cool and I love that Lily embraces this aspect of her life. She doesn't shy away from being related to her mortician family and dresses the way she likes, and is content with her life. That is the one thing that is usually missing in many of the main protagonists's lives.. contentment with what they have and are. 

Beware, once you read the first chapter, you will be hooked. I loved how the first chapter got us straight into the plot.. no slow introductions, it's like ACTION! BAM! MURDER! MYSTERY! THERE YOU GO. All that in the first chapter or so. I loved the progression of the mystery and the little tidbits of clues that were thrown our way. I personally had some suspicions on who the killer could be but it was much more intricate than that. As for the romance, it isn't really a big part of the plot, but i really enjoyed it. I think Matt is just so cute and sweet and surprisingly protective of Lily and I loved that Lily treated him like any boy, because him being so popular means nothing to her. Lily is true to herself and I applaud her for that. Basically, this book is a quick, fun, and thrilling read and I definitely recommend it to all contemporary and mystery fans, you won't be disappointed! 

        Reviews of Strohmeyer's previous books:

        Smart Girls Get What They Want

        How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True