Review: Truly Madly Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Truly Madly Deadly

By: Hannah Jayne

Pub. Date: July 2, 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Pages: 272

Source: Netgalley

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

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."

First off-how awesome sounding is the synopsis! I was completely intrigued and couldn't wait to get started with this creepy thriller! The story starts off with a bang and sets the tone for the rest of the story. Sawyer's boyfriend, Kevin was just killed in a drunk driving accident. Everyone thinks they have the perfect relationship, but something is up with Sawyers feelings. She definitely isn't acting like a heartbroken girlfriend should be acting after the love of her life was killed. I wasn't a huge fan of Sawyer. Did I feel bad for her. Of course I did. She's going through a lot. Her parents recently split up, her dad remarried and her mom moved away. Now her boyfriend just died. Can it get any worse for this poor girl?! Of course it can! Now there is a murderer after her and the body count is getting higher and higher. Sawyer gets the sense that someone is watching her, which definitely added to the creep factor of the story! But I also feel that she wasn't developed enough and a little bit annoying. I just wanted her to tell someone about the notes!! I feel like it took forever, and of course when she finally did tell someone, they didn't believe her.

I figured out pretty early on who the killer was, but I enjoyed the little hints leading up to the final moment when the killer and Sawyer meet. That scene was definitely terrifying!  Truly Madly Deadly is a quick read, and while there were some parts that angered me, I think that overall it was a good read. There were also some pacing and tone issues that hopefully will be worked out in the finished copy. I definitely recommend Truly Madly Deadly, especially for fans of YA mysteries like Pretty Little Liars.

3.5 stars rounded up to four.