The Dead Girls Detective Agency

by Suzy Cox

Overview

Pop quiz: What would you do if you had to solve your own murder to get anywhere in death?

Maybe if I hadn't slept through my alarm, slammed into Kristin—my high school's reigning mean

girl—or stepped in a puddle, destroying my mom's new suede DVF boots (which I borrowed without asking), I wouldn't have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I wouldn't have been pushed in front of that arriving train. But I did, and I was.

When I came to, I was informed by a group of girls that I'm dead. And that because I died under mysterious circumstances, I can't pass straight over to the Other Side. But at least I'm not alone. Meet the Dead Girls Detective Agency: Nancy, Lorna, and Tess—not to mention Edison, the really cute if slightly hostile dead boy. Apparently, the only way out of this limbo is to figure out who killed me, or I'll have to spend eternity playing Nancy Drew. Considering I was fairly invisible in life, who could hate me enough to want me dead? And what if my murderer is someone I never would have suspected?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062020642
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	09/18/2012
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	272,691
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Suzy Cox is deputy editor of Cosmopolitan UK. She lives in London, but she loves New York.

Editorial Reviews

Cox, an editor at Cosmopolitan UK, debuts with a quirky story of life after life, driven by its heroine's enthusiastic narration. Sixteen-year-old New Yorker Charlotte Feldman didn't expect to die by being shoved under the F train; she also didn't suspect that she would have to track down her murderer. Charlotte is coached on her new afterlife by the self-proclaimed Dead Girls Detective Agency: brainy Nancy, bubbly Lorna, and aggressive Tess; there's plenty of fun sparring between the girls (and resident bad boy Edison), though they don't rise above type. Cox's premise allows for a boisterous paranormal tour of present-day Manhattan, complete with teleporting around town and taking over bodies in the interest solving the mystery of Charlotte's death. The author isn't all that interested in answers to questions like "Why do ghosts need to solve their own murders?" or "Why can't they cross water?" but Charlotte's distinctive voice and amusing commentary will have readers in a forgiving mood. Ages 13–up. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

An entertaining romp

Booklist

Charlotte was a typical high school student, until one fateful day when she fell in front of a subway train. On waking up, Charlotte discovers that (a) she is dead, (b) she was pushed in front of that train, and (c) unless she finds her killer, she will not be able to pass on to the other side. Fortunately, Charlotte has the help of the Dead Girls Detective Agency, a group of deceased teenagers dedicated to helping their recently-murdered peers solve the mysteries surrounding their own deaths. The book is readable and generally engaging. Cox's storytelling is well paced, if somewhat formulaic; astute readers should be able to guess most of the plot twists well in advance. The book touches on issues of dealing with transitions, as Charlotte learns to cope with the new realities of her post-living existence and learns that being a ghost in New York can have certain advantages. The ending makes it clear that this book is intended to be the first in a series. Cox includes numerous references to current popular culture, which are certain to date the story within a few years. Fans of urban fantasy will enjoy this book. Reviewer: Jonathan Ryder

VOYA - Jonathan Ryder

Gr 9 Up—The last thing Charlotte remembers before blacking out is standing on the platform waiting for New York City's F train. When she awakens, she learns that not only is she dead, but she is also in the Attesa Hotel, a pseudo purgatory for murdered teenagers. Before she can get her key to move through the Red Door to the next dimension, she must solve her own murder. Charlotte quickly comes to terms with her death and begins learning the "rules" from Nancy and Lorna. Calling themselves the Dead Girls Detective Agency, the girls begin ruling out potential suspects by porting to Charlotte's funeral and high school and possessing the living, including Charlotte's old boyfriend, David, and the cheerleaders who are currently pursuing him. As the girls, along with the mysterious dead boy Edison, work to solve the murder, Charlotte's heart is broken by David's new romances but is quickly mended as Edison proves to be a potential love interest. Readers will anticipate but welcome the story's satisfying ending. The characters' voices are virtually indistinguishable and the plot moves slowly. However, readers are likely to forgive these shortcomings along with a couple of plot inconsistencies in favor of a light, easy read sprinkled with fashion, mystery, and romance.—Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

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