(Originally posted on Pretty Bookmarks)

Dangerous Girls is fantastic. I don’t know how to put it into words except read it, read it, read it, you need to read it.

Dangerous Girls is one of my new favourite books. It is exactly what a murder mystery should be. Admittedly, I haven’t read many mystery books (the last being Prep School Confidential which I also loved) but I can say that this is a mystery book done right.

The plot of the book really sold me – I haven’t read any books that revolved around trials so this was a change I really appreciated. I haven’t read any of Abby McDonald’s (her real name, Abigail Haas is her pseudonym) books so I can’t vouch for her writing but if it is anything like Dangerous Girls, you bet I’m sold. I enjoyed the two different accounts of what happened at spring break and at the trial and alternating chapters.

Between the alternating accounts, the pacing was great. I appreciated that there wasn't a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter, but simply accusations versus reality. It was done simply and intertwined so easily.

The plot as a whole is leading towards a mature group of the YA group. There is a lot of vices involved, as it usually does with spring break. The book reminded me a lot of the movie Spring Break, only much better and less… pretentious. There’s a lot of relatable characters and many story lines that reflect our current society, all while remaining true to being a mystery.

I’m sure we’ve all met an Elise at some point in our lives, that wild party girl that will stop at nothing. Timid and always cautious (aka the wet blanket – you always have one of those in your group of friends) Mel, the 2nd head bitch in charge Anna and the boys that roll with the group.

The book is realistic, which I think is why I loved the book a lot. It’s thought provoking and a lot of ‘what would you do if you were in their shoes?’ situations. It gives you a real insight of a friendship between girls, a real account of what happens when crazy nights gets out of control.

I’m not familiar with the judicial system in America, let alone Aruba so I can’t vouch for the realism of that particular area. It did, however, add a lot of depth to the story. I found myself guessing who killed Elise and each time it gets more frustrating because you can’t help but root for Anna’s not guilty verdict.

The ending was mind blowing. I didn’t at all see that coming and I honestly thought I had it all figured out. I went back the last couple of chapters, read and re-read thinking I must have missed something but no. It was such a fantastic twist that will keep you thinking: how did I not see that coming?

I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fast-paced mystery or a good book – you will not be disappointed!