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Bad Kitty #1
Bad Kitty
Meet Jasmine, 1 forensic supersleuth, 2 aspiring Model Daughter, 3 and friend to animals. 4 One second she's trying to enjoy her Vegas Vacation, 5 the next she's tangled up in an outrageous adventure and has to outwit a crazed killer before he ends ten lives, one of them her own. 6
1 Hi! That's me!
2 I. Wish.
3 Emphasis on aspiring. Current status: failing.
4 If friend means "unsuspecting victim" and animals means "one very bad kitty."
5 And meet the cute guy at the Snack Hut. I have priorities.
6 Meep! But I guess it winds up okay since Kirkus Reviews says: "Inventive, witty, and laugh-out-loud funny, with an enjoyably twisty ending." They wouldn't say that if everyone died, right? Right?
1 Hi! That's me!
2 I. Wish.
3 Emphasis on aspiring. Current status: failing.
4 If friend means "unsuspecting victim" and animals means "one very bad kitty."
5 And meet the cute guy at the Snack Hut. I have priorities.
6 Meep! But I guess it winds up okay since Kirkus Reviews says: "Inventive, witty, and laugh-out-loud funny, with an enjoyably twisty ending." They wouldn't say that if everyone died, right? Right?
288 pages, Library Binding
First published January 24, 2006
About the author
Michele Jaffe
26 books401 followersMichele Jaffe (b. March 20 in Los Angeles, California), is an American writer. She has authored novels in several genres, including historical romance, suspense thrillers, and novels for Young Adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
March 2, 2018
The phrase laugh out loud isn’t used that often now that “lol” has flooded the Internet in a big way. Personally, I think that’s a loss. It’s also a subject for a different kind of post though. My point here is that people don’t often talk about things that really make them laugh out loud–literally laughing, out loud. “Bad Kitty” is a novel that had me laughing for most of it. It also has the distinction of having zero one star reviews on amazon.com. And, to make it even cooler, “Bad Kitty” is also my latest CLW selection.
“Bad Kitty” is Michele Jaffe’s first novel for a young adult audience. (She is also the author of several novels for adults including “Bad Girl” and “Loverboy”.) The story starts when Jasmine Callihan and her family are vacationing at a posh hotel in Las Vegas.
Jasmine believes that everyone has a superpower. For instance, her best friend Polly has an encyclopedic knowledge of fashion. And Jasmine’s stepmother, Sherri!, is impossible to hate. As for Jas’ own superpower, well, she isn’t really sure yet. (Though, if readers like Jasmine anywhere as much as I do, they might have their own ideas at the end of the novel.) She has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And cats really like her.
Unfortunately, those things together lead to nothing but trouble for Jasmine. It all starts when a psychotic cat (followed by a psychotic man in a mesh shirt) chase Jasmine around the resort. Soon, Jasmine finds herself in the middle of a mystery involving the psychotic, three-legged, cat and his family. The story here is zany and fun as Jasmine and her friends run around trying to solve the case in spite of the annoying presence of Jasmine’s evil cousin Alyson and her evil hench Veronique. Another annoying presence is that of Jasmine’s father who is determined to keep Jasmine’s dream of fighting crime just that–a dream. Despite her father’s discouragement Jasmine manages to conduct her investigation, albeit with untraditional tools like eyeshadow instead of conventional fingerprint dust.
Some book characters are flesh and blood–others are more pen and ink. “Bad Kitty” is definitely what I would term a cartoon-ish novel, but in the best way. The story is peppered with Jasmine’s material for her Meaningful Reflection Journal, preparation for writing college essays next year, including Little Life Lessons as well as some very entertaining haikus (”Cute guy at Snack Hut / Why won’t you remove your shirt? / It’s so hot (you too)”).
“Bad Kitty” is basically an amalgamation of a lot of different genres. It has some teen romance, some mystery/suspense, and a lot of comedy. A lot of times, that doesn’t all come together to make a decent novel–with “Bad Kitty” it does. The novel is very similar to Meg Cabot’s latest “Jinx” with semi-obvious romantic subplot and the foreshadowing, but Jaffe does it better. Strongly recommended for anyone who likes “classic” chick lit.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
“Bad Kitty” is Michele Jaffe’s first novel for a young adult audience. (She is also the author of several novels for adults including “Bad Girl” and “Loverboy”.) The story starts when Jasmine Callihan and her family are vacationing at a posh hotel in Las Vegas.
Jasmine believes that everyone has a superpower. For instance, her best friend Polly has an encyclopedic knowledge of fashion. And Jasmine’s stepmother, Sherri!, is impossible to hate. As for Jas’ own superpower, well, she isn’t really sure yet. (Though, if readers like Jasmine anywhere as much as I do, they might have their own ideas at the end of the novel.) She has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And cats really like her.
Unfortunately, those things together lead to nothing but trouble for Jasmine. It all starts when a psychotic cat (followed by a psychotic man in a mesh shirt) chase Jasmine around the resort. Soon, Jasmine finds herself in the middle of a mystery involving the psychotic, three-legged, cat and his family. The story here is zany and fun as Jasmine and her friends run around trying to solve the case in spite of the annoying presence of Jasmine’s evil cousin Alyson and her evil hench Veronique. Another annoying presence is that of Jasmine’s father who is determined to keep Jasmine’s dream of fighting crime just that–a dream. Despite her father’s discouragement Jasmine manages to conduct her investigation, albeit with untraditional tools like eyeshadow instead of conventional fingerprint dust.
Some book characters are flesh and blood–others are more pen and ink. “Bad Kitty” is definitely what I would term a cartoon-ish novel, but in the best way. The story is peppered with Jasmine’s material for her Meaningful Reflection Journal, preparation for writing college essays next year, including Little Life Lessons as well as some very entertaining haikus (”Cute guy at Snack Hut / Why won’t you remove your shirt? / It’s so hot (you too)”).
“Bad Kitty” is basically an amalgamation of a lot of different genres. It has some teen romance, some mystery/suspense, and a lot of comedy. A lot of times, that doesn’t all come together to make a decent novel–with “Bad Kitty” it does. The novel is very similar to Meg Cabot’s latest “Jinx” with semi-obvious romantic subplot and the foreshadowing, but Jaffe does it better. Strongly recommended for anyone who likes “classic” chick lit.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
July 5, 2015
I barely got through this one. At first I thought it was very cute, even looking past the unrealistic elements (being able to go to late night parties unchaperoned in Vegas, complete cluelessness by most characters, etc.). But then the "cuteness" got old fast because it was just so overdone. And all of that secondary conversation happening at the bottom on almost every page - sheesh!!! The only thing that stopped me from just putting it down was I wanted to know who dunnit. But I do realize that almost every teen girl on the planet will LOVE this title for all of the reasons that I don't.
October 19, 2009
I've read quite a few of Michele Jaffe's books for adults (The Stargazer, etc), but this is the first of her books for younger adults that I'd read. I wasn't sure that I wanted to read it - in fact, it came out a few years ago and I always passed by it, but I TOTALLY regret that now. Because this book is totally, totally HILARIOUS! For real - I absolutely loved it.
I like books that have a mystery element - especially one that doesn't have really obvious solution right from the beginning (because that just makes the lead up so BORING). Add that to some super funny characters that you wish you knew in real life and you've got yourself a book that you can't put down and has people looking at you funny as you laugh-out-loud when everyone else is silent.
One the unique aspect of this book were the subtexts throughout. Everyonce in awhile the characters would have side conversations at the bottom of the page that were so random and funny. It reminded me of some conversations my friends and I have had.
I like books that have a mystery element - especially one that doesn't have really obvious solution right from the beginning (because that just makes the lead up so BORING). Add that to some super funny characters that you wish you knew in real life and you've got yourself a book that you can't put down and has people looking at you funny as you laugh-out-loud when everyone else is silent.
One the unique aspect of this book were the subtexts throughout. Everyonce in awhile the characters would have side conversations at the bottom of the page that were so random and funny. It reminded me of some conversations my friends and I have had.
May 26, 2019
This was a cute mix of silly teenager and mystery. Jas, taken from her friends for the summer on a vacation - she is the one in the family that always causes trouble. Sure, she will tell you it's not her fault and list out all the reasons it wasn't - but her Dad (super genius) never sees it that way. He'd rather she stay home and study and be a good, perfect kid (instead of a quirky, fun kid she is).
So, of course, the family vacation involves a mystery she needs to solve and her arrest and almost kicked out of their hotel at least twice. It was silly and quirky - filled with annotations at the bottom by each of her friends as they ALL work to tell the story together. It was cute and light and silly. I think it shows it's date a bit with lack of cell phones and google everywhere but it wasn't too bad a distraction.
So, of course, the family vacation involves a mystery she needs to solve and her arrest and almost kicked out of their hotel at least twice. It was silly and quirky - filled with annotations at the bottom by each of her friends as they ALL work to tell the story together. It was cute and light and silly. I think it shows it's date a bit with lack of cell phones and google everywhere but it wasn't too bad a distraction.
January 9, 2010
As with most books I read, a friend recommended reading Bad Kitty. Contemporary YA isn't really my thing given my usual choice of anything paranormal, but she talked up how incredibly funny Bad Kitty was. She went so far as to post the first haiku, and I nearly snorted out my drink. So, I basically ran to the library to get the book.
I didn't stop laughing through the entire book! My husband would roll over in bed wondering what exactly was so funny, and I'd read him snippets. He'd look at me like I was nuts and roll back over.
I've never read a book like this. The main character, who narrates, felt to me like an actual teenager, which was a refreshing change. Her friends were hilarious, and the Evil Hench Twins were even funnier sometimes.
But, the book wasn't just one big laugh-fest. I would have been happy with just that, but Michele Jaffe gives us a mystery to solve, too! And, while I had parts of the mystery solved before the end, it was a complicated enough mystery that I didn't know the ending before the end. I appreciate mysteries like this.
So, basically, RUN to get this book if you want to snort with laughter and have a good mystery to solve in the process. The characters, especially Jas, endeared themselves to me, and I plan to read the sequel soon.
Note: Jaffe uses footnotes of the friends holding conversations outside of the storyline. I thought it would bother me, but it usually made me laugh even more. So, don't let that prevent you from picking it up.
I didn't stop laughing through the entire book! My husband would roll over in bed wondering what exactly was so funny, and I'd read him snippets. He'd look at me like I was nuts and roll back over.
I've never read a book like this. The main character, who narrates, felt to me like an actual teenager, which was a refreshing change. Her friends were hilarious, and the Evil Hench Twins were even funnier sometimes.
But, the book wasn't just one big laugh-fest. I would have been happy with just that, but Michele Jaffe gives us a mystery to solve, too! And, while I had parts of the mystery solved before the end, it was a complicated enough mystery that I didn't know the ending before the end. I appreciate mysteries like this.
So, basically, RUN to get this book if you want to snort with laughter and have a good mystery to solve in the process. The characters, especially Jas, endeared themselves to me, and I plan to read the sequel soon.
Note: Jaffe uses footnotes of the friends holding conversations outside of the storyline. I thought it would bother me, but it usually made me laugh even more. So, don't let that prevent you from picking it up.
September 15, 2015
What a great read! Bad Kitty is witty and fun right from the beginning and doesn't let up until the very end. Jasmine is a great heroine and her friends are excellent compliments to her need to discover.
Bad Kitty is often laugh-out-loud funny with the occasional tender moment. My favorite part has to be the footnotes that break the fourth wall (as well as develop some of the central characters better).
The only sour note, for me, is Jasmine's dad. Any kid who has maintained a passion for over a decade and gone so far as to land a rare internship in her desired field deserves full parental support. That whole "I'll thwart you because I love you and want to protect you" thing might work when the kid is 12, at 17 it's just selfish. It's the same manipulation practiced by the witch in Tangled and as evil here as it was there (differing only in weight, not shape). I had zero sympathy for the dad and kept looking for somebody to tell the guy off. I recognize that my reaction may be idiosyncratic, however, what with me being a dad and all, so take that as you will.
Fortunately, Jasmine's dad is a vanishingly small presence, so I didn't have to fret, much. If you're looking for a good read, charming characters, and a fun mystery then this is a good place to start.
Bad Kitty is often laugh-out-loud funny with the occasional tender moment. My favorite part has to be the footnotes that break the fourth wall (as well as develop some of the central characters better).
The only sour note, for me, is Jasmine's dad. Any kid who has maintained a passion for over a decade and gone so far as to land a rare internship in her desired field deserves full parental support. That whole "I'll thwart you because I love you and want to protect you" thing might work when the kid is 12, at 17 it's just selfish. It's the same manipulation practiced by the witch in Tangled and as evil here as it was there (differing only in weight, not shape). I had zero sympathy for the dad and kept looking for somebody to tell the guy off. I recognize that my reaction may be idiosyncratic, however, what with me being a dad and all, so take that as you will.
Fortunately, Jasmine's dad is a vanishingly small presence, so I didn't have to fret, much. If you're looking for a good read, charming characters, and a fun mystery then this is a good place to start.
June 2, 2012
Bad Kitty is one of those books where I understand why certain people might like it.
But I disliked it. It was far too girly, and though it had laughable moments, it fell short to the cheesiness. I guess there’s a limit to chick-lit-girliness for me, and I’m sure others with a more affectionate taste would love this book. Really, it’s just the life of a girl who happens to be in the right place at the right time and finds herself involved in all sorts of drama and mystery.
There’s the usual aspects of a chick-lit: amazingly gorgeous friends except her, two cousins (I think) who’re mean to the main character; a swooningly-hot love-interest and a no-talent main character who finds out she really does have quality. Honestly, it’s a light-read: nothing being taken too seriously.
But somehow, the characters didn’t match the plot. The mystery turned out to be a lot darker than expected.
Overall, something to read if you’re into fashion (with the girl-talk and regular references to make-up/brands I have no clue about) and also if you like romances with a swoon-worthy love-interest.
October 9, 2017
Well this made me giggle a lot. I've only read Ghost Flower by Michele Jaffe before which held a small fraction of this sass so really didn't know what I would be getting into here lol.
The format was very sassy slang terms circa 2000s teen and the characters all very quirky and ridiculous in different ways. Jas is hilarious and cheeky and also a bit oblivious despite her detecting superpowers. The story started off confusing, due to the format which is riddled with much slang and decorations per name (for example stepmother Sherri was Sherri!) it was a wonder I didn't stop. But the self depreciating sarcastic humor snagged me in. It was a tad dated and crazy but the crack humor and also the many many footnotes of secret conversations were welcome and enjoyable. I don't recommend reading at night if you wouldn't like to wake anyone up. Age group recommended : young teen.
4.5/5
The format was very sassy slang terms circa 2000s teen and the characters all very quirky and ridiculous in different ways. Jas is hilarious and cheeky and also a bit oblivious despite her detecting superpowers. The story started off confusing, due to the format which is riddled with much slang and decorations per name (for example stepmother Sherri was Sherri!) it was a wonder I didn't stop. But the self depreciating sarcastic humor snagged me in. It was a tad dated and crazy but the crack humor and also the many many footnotes of secret conversations were welcome and enjoyable. I don't recommend reading at night if you wouldn't like to wake anyone up. Age group recommended : young teen.
4.5/5
February 27, 2020
This was pure fluff, both funny and entertaining.
May 23, 2010
From the cover, you'd think this book was a book for five year olds who dress in all pink every day and are only reading because their mommies say it will make them smarter. That assumption is wrong, although the cover is very unfitting for the book. And so is the title, come to think of it. A cat is only mentioned once in the whole book, and that is at the very beginning. The book is really about a girl named Jas, who thinks she has no talent. She has three friends that are hilarious and each have their own quirks, making them seem like real teenagers. After being attacked by a celebrity's cat while sunbathing by the pool, Jas is soon sucked into a mystery involving a murder, a jealous ex boyfriend, and a cute British guy that she falls for from the very beginning. This most definitely is not your typical cliched Barbie type mystery either. It's very suspenseful and has lots of hostage/life or death situations, where each character utilizes their own special abilities to escape.
Honestly, the cover looked very childish to me, and the title made it seem really Barbie and cliched, but once you start reading it, you won't want to stop. Awesome book, but four stars because of the title and cover dilemma.
Honestly, the cover looked very childish to me, and the title made it seem really Barbie and cliched, but once you start reading it, you won't want to stop. Awesome book, but four stars because of the title and cover dilemma.
August 5, 2015
I admit, the name and especially the cover are kind of a turn off for me, but hopefully what it lacks in beauty it makes up for in story. It is what is inside that counts. Ya. But seriously, I really dislike this cover.
So far it seems good but it is a different format with different style writing so it takes some getting used to.
That. Was. Awesome!!!
I loved the story, the characters, and I even admit I did not see parts of the ending coming.
Jas, as well as her friends, Polly, Roxy, and Tom, were all really well developed. And of course, so was the rest of her family.. and Jack. Jack was amazing. Jack should get his own book.
I loved how the format was different because there were number's that linked to sub conversations at the bottom of the page and after I got used to it, it added a lot to the story.
For one of the rare times I laugh out loud at book, but this one had me laughing a lot and receiving odd looks from my family.
*There was one chapter that confused me but it made sense later*
I Fully recommend..
So far it seems good but it is a different format with different style writing so it takes some getting used to.
That. Was. Awesome!!!
I loved the story, the characters, and I even admit I did not see parts of the ending coming.
Jas, as well as her friends, Polly, Roxy, and Tom, were all really well developed. And of course, so was the rest of her family.. and Jack. Jack was amazing. Jack should get his own book.
I loved how the format was different because there were number's that linked to sub conversations at the bottom of the page and after I got used to it, it added a lot to the story.
For one of the rare times I laugh out loud at book, but this one had me laughing a lot and receiving odd looks from my family.
*There was one chapter that confused me but it made sense later*
I Fully recommend..
January 22, 2012
I've read some "Young Adult" literature and wondered what earned them that classification. They seemed to be "Old Adult" literature to me!
This book would definitely be most enjoyed by the younger set. I felt as if I was getting in touch with my "inner Valley Girl", although I don't ever remember being "boy crazy". At least not to the point of wanting to undress them; that came much later in life for me! (Yet memory and old age dementia are related.)
Anyway, the mystery is convoluted enough that I never figured it out. I really enjoyed the thoughts exposed by a teen and her view of repulsive cousins, disgusting displays of adult affection, embarrassing moments of puppy love, parental torment, fleeting loyalties of her posse'.
The antics employed by the teens in order to gather clues are amusing and as they say in the book...MASTERCARD !
This book would definitely be most enjoyed by the younger set. I felt as if I was getting in touch with my "inner Valley Girl", although I don't ever remember being "boy crazy". At least not to the point of wanting to undress them; that came much later in life for me! (Yet memory and old age dementia are related.)
Anyway, the mystery is convoluted enough that I never figured it out. I really enjoyed the thoughts exposed by a teen and her view of repulsive cousins, disgusting displays of adult affection, embarrassing moments of puppy love, parental torment, fleeting loyalties of her posse'.
The antics employed by the teens in order to gather clues are amusing and as they say in the book...MASTERCARD !
October 9, 2012
*REVIEWED FOR PUBLISHER*
If you’re looking for fun, fashion and super-sleuthing, then look no further than Michele Jaffe’s heroine, Jas Calihan! Jas attracts trouble like moths to a flame, so when she tries to enjoy a family holiday in Las Vegas, it’s no surprise to her friends that she ends up embroiled in a mysterious plot involving kidnapping, murder and incredibly good-looking guy who’s totally Visa (read the book – you’ll know what I mean!).
This is the first in what promises to be a witty and hilarious series – it have me giggling from the get-go and guessing till the last minute. It’s jam-packed with action, adventure and the occasional haiku, yet still manages to keep things real. Not to be missed!
Incidentally, my own superpowers are speed-reading and an ability to run down flights of stairs whilst carrying full mugs of hot coffee – without spilling a drop!
If you’re looking for fun, fashion and super-sleuthing, then look no further than Michele Jaffe’s heroine, Jas Calihan! Jas attracts trouble like moths to a flame, so when she tries to enjoy a family holiday in Las Vegas, it’s no surprise to her friends that she ends up embroiled in a mysterious plot involving kidnapping, murder and incredibly good-looking guy who’s totally Visa (read the book – you’ll know what I mean!).
This is the first in what promises to be a witty and hilarious series – it have me giggling from the get-go and guessing till the last minute. It’s jam-packed with action, adventure and the occasional haiku, yet still manages to keep things real. Not to be missed!
Incidentally, my own superpowers are speed-reading and an ability to run down flights of stairs whilst carrying full mugs of hot coffee – without spilling a drop!
November 21, 2021
Is there anyone else out there that has a book they absolutely adore just for the sake of the fact it was the first book they fell in love with. Bad kitty is that one for me.
I got my hands on this duology 12 years ago when borders was closing down when I was 11 years old and ever since then, whenever I’m in a not so great mood I always reach for them. The nostalgia makes me feel like a child and whilst the amateur crime-solver Jasmine isn’t in the range of an Agatha Christie detective and even though I’ve read it more than a dozen times it still brings me to laugh whenever I sit down to read it.
It’s a book that definitely should not be taken seriously but will honestly make you laugh at the exploits of the main character and her ‘superpower’ of being a cat and trouble magnet.
I got my hands on this duology 12 years ago when borders was closing down when I was 11 years old and ever since then, whenever I’m in a not so great mood I always reach for them. The nostalgia makes me feel like a child and whilst the amateur crime-solver Jasmine isn’t in the range of an Agatha Christie detective and even though I’ve read it more than a dozen times it still brings me to laugh whenever I sit down to read it.
It’s a book that definitely should not be taken seriously but will honestly make you laugh at the exploits of the main character and her ‘superpower’ of being a cat and trouble magnet.
February 22, 2016
So I plowed through this, staying up late for just one more chapter... I LOVED this book! So much fun, so funny, great characters and Jas was hilarious with her life lessons and superpowers. The out of book asides got annoying after a while, but not enough to deter from how absolutely delightful the rest of the book was. I can't wait to read the next one - and a few adult books by this author. Seriously good stuff, if you like YA or funny chick lit/mysteries, this one is a must-read.
September 1, 2014
This book was SO funny. I laughed over and over again while reading it. I loved all the characters and I was so happy when Tom and Polly got together! That was a spoiler, so oops! But it's pretty obvious. Anyway. have fun reading it. It's a pretty short and fluffy read.
April 28, 2008
Hilarious. Brilliantly far-fetched. Be prepared to look like a freak if you read this book in public because you'll be laughing out loud.
March 2, 2010
This book currently stands as #1 on my All-Time Favorites list. Comedy, mystery, romance, murder, intrigue, AND great fashion. What more could any one book offer?
September 6, 2016
This book was pure FUN! I loved it, and those footnotes always had me laughing out loud! :) <3
July 26, 2017
It was good, I loved the end however I did prodict it. but I guess I do read alot of these types of books.
June 13, 2016
A good 3.5 stars - a reread from forever ago, and still good despite some small issues I had for it.
February 20, 2021
I think this book could’ve included more cats. The texting is so annoying and her friends didn’t need to come to Vegas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
This book makes sad because of how bad it is. It is baffling how somebody could make a book so bad.
February 13, 2014
Very funny and worth your time
March 31, 2021
bad kitty is ONE of the best books i've ever read. the ending of the story really BLEW MY SOCKS OFF ( even though i wasn't wearing any) The beginning of this book got me really stimulated 'wink' 'wink'.
the title of this book got me hooked since the very beginning. i cant stop fantasizing about how hot jasmine sister is. sometimes i think that this kids book should be for kids audiences because i've been trying to get if for years now since the guidance counselor said i was under aged. thus book was recommended to me by my dad who keeps it in his closet after our mom left us. i think there could have been some added kink on it but overall there isn't anything really that bad. if you are are making a third book i recommend making this a live action picture film so that way i can watch binge watching it while alone in my room. also this book reminds me of this super hot furry i met back in highschool named susie q. ok now that i'm done fiddling with this book i will move on Kitty kitty.
the title of this book got me hooked since the very beginning. i cant stop fantasizing about how hot jasmine sister is. sometimes i think that this kids book should be for kids audiences because i've been trying to get if for years now since the guidance counselor said i was under aged. thus book was recommended to me by my dad who keeps it in his closet after our mom left us. i think there could have been some added kink on it but overall there isn't anything really that bad. if you are are making a third book i recommend making this a live action picture film so that way i can watch binge watching it while alone in my room. also this book reminds me of this super hot furry i met back in highschool named susie q. ok now that i'm done fiddling with this book i will move on Kitty kitty.
September 7, 2020
The first line of my review will be used to complain about the overwhelming amount of footnotes used in the book. They contribute nothing to the story, except to pull the reader out of the story, and although it is easy to skip them, anything you have to skip does not fall in the 'good' category. That aside, the book is actually quite nice, definitely an enjoyable read. The first few chapters might make it look like a silly teen drama, and although those are the underlying themes, this is a mystery all right. The characters, especially the friends, are not well developed, and they act like tools instead of characters and the constant description of clothes might, at times, take away the smooth flow, but it doesn't affect the entertaining aspect of the story. I finished this one really quick, and the twists were well executed and they definitely keep you guessing for a long time.
May 2, 2019
1. Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award
2. Appropriate for grades 2-3
3. This story starts off while Jasmine is on vacation with her family. While there she is chased by a crazy cat which leads her to a mystery with it's family. While Jasmines dad does not want her to pressure crime, Jasmine dives into an investigation anyway.
4. This is a fun book that brings mystery and comedy into a story to keep you entertained.
5. This would be a great book to introduce children to who are interested in mystery. It also could be a fun read aloud book that you read a few pages a day to the class. The suspense and comedy would draw their attention in.
2. Appropriate for grades 2-3
3. This story starts off while Jasmine is on vacation with her family. While there she is chased by a crazy cat which leads her to a mystery with it's family. While Jasmines dad does not want her to pressure crime, Jasmine dives into an investigation anyway.
4. This is a fun book that brings mystery and comedy into a story to keep you entertained.
5. This would be a great book to introduce children to who are interested in mystery. It also could be a fun read aloud book that you read a few pages a day to the class. The suspense and comedy would draw their attention in.
February 25, 2024
I may be biased on this one, because I met Michele Jaffe YEARS ago when she visited my secondary school for an English lesson. Yes, that does mean that I have a signed copy of this.
Despite the fact that the plotline is centred around a crazed-killer-adventure, this book is surprisingly light-hearted, YA appropriate and easy to read. I love the fact that there are footnotes with side-conversations happening alongside the narrative, which does take getting used to, but adds a whole new layer to reading that is really quite pleasant. It is equally amusing as it is suspenseful. I've had this book for years and will keep it for at least the next decade. AMAZING
Despite the fact that the plotline is centred around a crazed-killer-adventure, this book is surprisingly light-hearted, YA appropriate and easy to read. I love the fact that there are footnotes with side-conversations happening alongside the narrative, which does take getting used to, but adds a whole new layer to reading that is really quite pleasant. It is equally amusing as it is suspenseful. I've had this book for years and will keep it for at least the next decade. AMAZING
September 28, 2018
What did I just read? I think it was trying to be funny like Sophie Kinsella but it was trying too hard. The characters were flat and very immature. They were 17 but acted like they were 10. They got I to these massive situations but were totally clueless. There were a few places where I laughed, and the ending reveal was good, but too little too late. It was like Clueless meets Sophie Kinsella meets CSI meets Magyver. Of course I will read the other book in the duo.ogy as I am a sucker for pu ishmeng, and I want to see if the characters grow up a bit. 🤔
August 20, 2019
I liked the book enough. The mystery wasn't bad, even if the villain was both obvious and caricatural, the heroin was likable and funny at times. The author thanks, amongst others, Meg Cabot and I can see her influence.
What I didn't like at all, however, was the bunch of friends and especially all their footnote comments. After a while, I simply stopped reading them and the book got much better. The friends and the Evil Henches were a little too quirky for my taste but, all in all, it was a fun, easy read, and I'll probably give a try to the next one.
What I didn't like at all, however, was the bunch of friends and especially all their footnote comments. After a while, I simply stopped reading them and the book got much better. The friends and the Evil Henches were a little too quirky for my taste but, all in all, it was a fun, easy read, and I'll probably give a try to the next one.
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