Review: Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
Series: Bad Girls Don't Die #1
346 Pages
Published: April, 2009 by Hyperion
Purchased Copy
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Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence: dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy thirteen-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude. When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunctional to dangerous. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green; she uses odd, old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her weird behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves, water boils on the unlit stove, and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough for the girls to see their breath.  Alexis wants to believe it's all in her head, until these seemingly harmless occurrences become life-threatening--to her, to her family, and to her budding relationship with the student council vice president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey; but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

Can you say creepy cover? Since I am a spook-freak, I of course was drawn to it. Add into the mix a creepy doll and I was sold! Alexis was an interesting character to read, she has: pink (pink!) hair, no real friends, a darkroom in her house, and opinions that she is willing to share with everyone... sometimes in the form of bumper stickers on your SUV (without your permission). She was also very courageous, I can't imagine dealing with a possibly possessed sister who does everything but turn her head all the way around (you know what I'm talking about!).  I wish I would've read this book this past Halloween or at least on a dark stormy night. I'm not saying this book wasn't scary because there were definitely some spooky things in it, but it sure would've added to the mood.

As mentioned above, Alexis has no real friends just this Goth girl who she doesn't like and can't seem to shake off. I like that Alexis was authentic, she isn't trying to be "different" and actually thinks the Goths are phony. She does her own thing regardless of what others think or say. Her parents were pretty much absent through out the book, a workaholic mom and a dad who likes to get away from it all. I felt bad for her, she really doesn't have anyone she can share her problems with (and that's before the whole doll thing with her sister). About that doll, we don't see as much as I would've liked. There is a slight romance aspect to the story, but it's on the back burner almost the entire novel. I would've liked to see more of him and I felt that his story was kind of just put out there, like wham! I guess they connected pretty fast even though she made him work for it.

There is a sequel to this book coming out later this month, I felt that this book could've been a stand alone unless the next book reveals something about this one. The ending wrapped up quickly with a cute (ok, it was semi-cheesy I admit) epilogue. I recommend this for when you're in the mood for something scary and funny. Don't expect to be scared out of your wits though, it's not quite there. Notice how I didn't talk about the main plot much? That's because it was the best part and I will not ruin it by discussing it, even just a bit :)

I give this book 3 Stars!