ARC Review: Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

my thoughts in a few sentences: : I totally knew Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock was going to be an INTENSE paranormal murder mystery—and that is definitely the story’s most compelling, most promising element, and what sets it apart from a lot of other paranormal romance novels prowling the YA market. While Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock goes with a love triangle and a kind of urban setting, the emotional heroine and all the CREEPTASTIC crime-solving works in the story’s favor. It’s like Nancy Drew with less besties, two hot guys, a lot of emotions and bad self-esteem, meets your regular Werewolf Situation. Which IS as cool as it sounds! All the DRAMA, figuring who done the THING, was surprisingly pretty fun, yet balanced out by all the dark stuff going on what with the gruesome murders and Mac and her friends' inner turmoil. It would TOTALLY be a CW hit!

hooking first line: "Blood ran down my hands in thin rivers."

Harper Teen • Edelweiss • Paranormal Mystery • 5/8/12 • $13.93

Been There, Read That (3)

BEEN THERE, READ THAT is a young feature I created to spotlight up-and-coming pre-releases that might not have made it onto your radar yet.

BEEN THERE, READ THAT was inspired by Lauren (365 Days of Reading), and her super awesome Picks of the Week!

BOOKS MENTIONED:

To Be Published: July 24, Harper Teen
Goodreads | Pre-Order

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Published: May 8, Harper Teen
Goodreads | Order

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

Got something specific in mind? Dare I believe I might NOT have covered something you wish to know? If so, let me know down in the comments section. Don't be shy!