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Prep School Confidential #2
Wicked Little Secrets
Anne Dowling becomes entangled in a web of secrets involving a missing student and a conspiracy at Wheatley Prep in this fast-paced, juicy follow-up to Prep School Confidential
Anne Dowling—a fresh, original, and funny new YA heroine whose knowing, irreverent voice will remind readers of Pretty Little Liars and Private—is back for her second semester at Wheatley Prep. Although things have settled (somewhat) since her roommate Isabella’s death, Anne's still kind of obsessed with the disappearance of Wheatley student Matthew Weaver thirty years ago, since she found a picture of him and his crewmates with the words “they killed him” scrawled on the back among Isabella’s things.
When Anne learns that her boyfriend Brent’s dad is one of the now-powerful Wheatley alumni who rowed crew with Matthew, and that the crew team continues to induct new members with a creepy-sounding ritual called “The Drop,” she knows further investigation could put her relationship with Brent in danger. Determined to discover the truth, she reaches out to Anthony, Isabella’s townie brother, who helps her delve deeper into the secrets in Wheatley’s past. Secrets someone would kill to keep hidden. As the school’s Spring Formal—and its notorious afterparty—approaches, Anne sees the perfect opportunity to do some off-campus digging into the lives of Wheatley’s VIPs in this thrilling, unputdownable read—but if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next student who never comes back.
Anne Dowling—a fresh, original, and funny new YA heroine whose knowing, irreverent voice will remind readers of Pretty Little Liars and Private—is back for her second semester at Wheatley Prep. Although things have settled (somewhat) since her roommate Isabella’s death, Anne's still kind of obsessed with the disappearance of Wheatley student Matthew Weaver thirty years ago, since she found a picture of him and his crewmates with the words “they killed him” scrawled on the back among Isabella’s things.
When Anne learns that her boyfriend Brent’s dad is one of the now-powerful Wheatley alumni who rowed crew with Matthew, and that the crew team continues to induct new members with a creepy-sounding ritual called “The Drop,” she knows further investigation could put her relationship with Brent in danger. Determined to discover the truth, she reaches out to Anthony, Isabella’s townie brother, who helps her delve deeper into the secrets in Wheatley’s past. Secrets someone would kill to keep hidden. As the school’s Spring Formal—and its notorious afterparty—approaches, Anne sees the perfect opportunity to do some off-campus digging into the lives of Wheatley’s VIPs in this thrilling, unputdownable read—but if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next student who never comes back.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2014
30 people are currently reading
1931 people want to read
About the author
Kara Taylor
10 books244 followersKara Taylor wrote PREP SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL in her first semester of graduate school, in between pulling all nighters and listening to her dad say writing isn't a real job. She recently signed a blind script deal with Warner Brothers television and is now the writer and co-executive producer of THE REVENGERS, a dramedy in development at The CW with Rashida Jones and Will McCormack (CELESTE & JESSE FOREVER). She lives on Long Island.
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March 12, 2014
Daddy said that you can’t change the way things are by saving one person. He said the best we can do in life is surround ourselves with people who make us happy, because the rest of the world is too big to find meaning in.Nancy Drew could only aspire to be as cool as Anne Dowling.
But if everyone just forgets about terrible things they can’t understand—like what happened to Isabella and Matt Weaver—who will be left to remember?
Have you met Anne? You must. There has scarcely ever been such a level-headed, intelligent, delightfully winsome teenaged detective in all of YA literature.
There is little to dislike about this book, and a great deal to love. If you enjoy a boarding school setting, you will adore this book. If you like a strong, smart female character, you will adore this book. If you enjoy reading about realistic teenagers, you will love this book.
The Summary:
I’ve been expelled from my beloved Manhattan school, questioned as a person of interest in a murder investigation, and nearly shot to death in the woods, but I’m convinced Monday morning is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.Our beloved amateur detective is back. In the last book, she unsolved a friend's murderer, nearly got killed; you can't blame her for wanting to chill a little bit. Currently, life is blissfully free from murder, she's going out with the incredibly hot (and incredibly sweet) Brent. But something doesn't feel right. Something connected to the murder that was supposed to have been solved.
The dead leave lots of things behind. Like messes you can’t see. Or sometimes, actual things.They don't call it women's intuition for a reason. Matthew Weaver's disappearance happened so long ago that it feels like a boarding school urban legend, Anne knows that she would be dismissed as crazy if she brought up the fact that she wants to investigate it.
Like the photograph I found in an old library book Isabella checked out before her death—the one of Matthew Weaver, a student who disappeared over thirty years ago, standing with the Wheatley Crew team.
The one with THEY KILLED HIM written on the back.
Her therapist thinks she's just looking for trouble. Even Anne thinks he has a point.
He also asked me if I found myself bored in the weeks after Dr. Harrow’s arrest. I’m not an idiot: He thinks I want there to be more to the mystery. Sort of like I’m having mystery withdrawals or whatever.But it seems the mystery won't leave her alone. An active mind makes connections on its own, and there are far too many clues for Anne to overlook.
But part of me thinks he has a point.
Either way, I have too many questions and no ways to get answers. When I told Dr. R I felt this way, he agreed.
“Sometimes it’s best for our sanity to let sleeping dogs lie,” he said.
Such as the fact that her boyfriend's father, among others, are Matthew Weaver's former crew members and classmates. Over 30 years after Matthew's disappearance, they are now successful and influential men, but what secrets are they hiding? What about the rumors that Matthew is a sacrifice in a Satanic ritual? Why did Matthew Weaver draw himself as the Biblical Adam?
Matt Weaver drew himself as Adam.Unfortunately, Matthew Weaver's death is not the only thing on Anne's mind. There is something going on in school, people are being hurt, secrets are being kept; betrayals abound.
Adam/Matt is frowning, a tear pooling at the corner of his eye. In his hand is a half-eaten apple. A serpent with hollow black eyes is coiled around his arm.
Matt Weaver saw himself as Adam. So what did he do to get kicked out of Paradise?
...the picture makes me want to throw up.Anne sees this case through. She spies, she snoops. She breaks curfew (and incurs the ire of the Residential Advisor). Anne mines information from microfiches to Wikipedia to...VHS tapes.
Eight guys stand shoulder to shoulder, their wrists bound in front of them with rope. I don’t recognize anyone in it. Probably because they all have potato sacks over their heads.
“Where can I find a VCR?” I say from the doorway.No clue is left unturned. Along the way, she has to reluctantly seek the assistance from a former (and rather unsavory) acquaintance.
Remy blinks at me. “Um, the nineties?”
“No, really.”
“Hi. Um. It’s me. Anne. Look, I know we haven’t talked in a while. But I really need to talk. To you. It’s important.”Anne needs to be careful. If Matthew Weaver died 30 years ago, the killer is still loose. And they may be coming for Anne.
Then I hang up.
I think of all the Wheatley School students who have wound up dead (or presumably, at least): Isabella Fernandez. Matthew Weaver. Cynthia Durham. I’ve never believed in curses or any of that garbage. But I will admit it: I’m starting to worry that if I stay at the Wheatley School, I might be next.The Setting: I have to admit, I love a boarding school setting, and this book did the trick. Unlike other books set in school, this book never lets you forget that the kids in this book are high schoolers, they have homework, they have relationship dramas, they have classes. This book portrays such a wonderfully authentic school atmosphere.
The teens study together. They have classes together. They hang out together. They act silly and party together. They're not perfect. The kids are great students, but they're human. The teens in this book are great kids, but they occasionally fuck up, they have relationship drama. They do drugs, they sleep around. It is never overdone to an extent to which that it take over the plot.
“Oh, no,” April says over the sound of Murali, Phil, and Cole’s laughter. “There are tons of bananas in the fridge. You’re not doing the Sprite-banana challenge, are you?”Unlike in other "high school" books, we actually have classes, and homework.
Everyone is in self-imposed isolation today: We all got drunker than we meant to last night, and there’s lots of shit due in class tomorrow.There's plenty of teenaged groping and canoodling, only there's not a whole lot of privacy in the dorms, lol.
Brent sits up, his back against his pillow, and I sit on his lap facing him. He kisses my neck, and when I kiss his earlobe his whole body contracts into mine.This is such an awesome boarding school setting; it's the sort that makes me long for a better high school experience.
“GODDAMNED SPIKED SHELL!” Murali screams from the living room.
Anne: Anne is back, and she is fucking awesome. In case I haven't made it clear, I absolutely freaking ADORE Anne. Rarely have I encountered a female main character whom I love so much. Anne is smart. She is rational. Her family is well-off, she is pretty, but she never, ever lords it over other girls. Anne has an unprecedented sense of justice (her father is a lawyer) as well as a good dose of rationality to help her through the case, even if the reality is not one she likes.
Occam’s razor: It’s a theory of logic stating that the simplest explanation to a problem is usually the best one. It’s my father’s worst nightmare in the courtroom.She is never, ever judgmental and hateful of other girls, even a potential love rival.
What I know: Someone is trying to stop me from digging into the crew team’s past.
What I wish I didn’t know: [Redacted] and the other guys were in the tunnels earlier tonight.
The simplest explanation is that they were the ones who left me the photo.
Absent, thankfully, is Jill Wexler, who is tall and thin and blond and in love with Brent. Which isn’t grounds to hate her. I’m not like that.She is truly a friend to the other girls in the book. You will find no girl-on-girl hate here.
But the last time Jill and I were at the same party, she almost got me expelled-and-or-jailed afterward. So I’m happy no one invited her tonight.
“Don’t ever say you hate yourself for that. You know what I hate? The idea that we’re supposed to hate ourselves for having sex.”Anne has a wry sense of humor, and I love that about her. Her sense of humor is more deadpan than anything, and she never grates on my nerves.
Anne is not perfect. She makes mistakes. She gets caught. She breaks down, and I love it when she does. She is occasionally weak...
I’m not going to let myself cry. I worked too damn hard on my eye makeup....but never for long.
The Investigation: I felt Anne's investigative skills were well-done and credible. There is a little suspension of disbelief here, because one of her "sources" is just, well, too good to be true. Otherwise, Anne uses her Internet skills, her snooping skills, and her deductive abilities to figure out the case. It is almost like doing a research project.
“You found all that out on your own?”The Romance: I didn't have much of a problem with the romance in this book, but I have to warn you that there's a love triangle. To be honest, I didn't mind it at all, for the most part.
I nod.
“I can’t...I mean, this is just crazy.” A low whistle escapes him. “Don’t you have other things to do? I don’t know, maybe homework or something?”
“Obviously it’s been a while since you’ve done homework if you think that’s more interesting than a cold case.”
The love triangle is not gratuitous. It did not bother me. It felt like a natural progression of relationships, and I thought it was well done.
I have to admit that this book kept me guessing. The relationships were extremely well-done. There is the dreamy, sweet Brent; their relationship in the book is sweet, calm, soothing. But there are hints of unease beneath the surface.
“I’ll see you in a few, I guess.”The romance is not a heavy element in this book. When it happens, it was well done and believable.
I’m completely stunned that he I-guessed me. I mean, I guess isn’t that bad in itself, but it’s a sign that next time I’m going to get a Do what you want. Or even worse: Whatever.
“No, there’s more. I don’t want to pretend I don’t give a shit what you think of me. Because I do. I don’t want to be the waste product you think I am. It’s all I think about lately.” His eyes are pleading, begging me to understand what he’s really saying. “You’re all I think about, and I can’t stop.”They're teenagers. The romance was never overdone. There is never insta-love, and relationships happen naturally. I liked them all, love triangles be damned.
The ending had me screaming.
January 4, 2015
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
3.5 stars
I've always been quick to recommend Prep School Confidential when someone is in a reading slump or just wondering what they should read next. There's nothing to not love about a bold and witty main character, with sweet romance and murder mystery that makes you second guessing everyone, left and right. Perhaps, I had started to glorify the brilliance of Kara Taylor's debut a little too much, to the point where my expectations grew unconsciously sky high when I finally was accepted by NetGalley to read this ARC. But I'll be candid, I was a little disappointed with Wicked Little Secrets, there where just some quibbles that I believe the author could have avoided easily. But please note, it was still a fantastic book either way.
Wicked Little Secrets opens up not too long after Prep School Confidential. Anne's parents are forcing her to see a therapist in Boston every now and again to check on her since Isabella was her roommate and close friend for the time they knew each other. Anne and Brent's relationship is now official and Anne vows to never talk to Anthony again after she saw what he did. Despite a pretty happy life, there's still questions awaiting for answers. Questions surrounding Matthew Weaver, a student who vanished more than thirty years ago. Isabella had borrowed a book from the library with a photograph of him and the Wheatley Crew team in it before she died, and on the back it wrote: THEY KILLED HIM. Those questions wanted an answer even more desperately when Anne meets Brent's father, who looks strangely similar to the boy in the picture who was standing next to Matthew Weaver.
Once again, a thrilling premise. Love it. I love it even more because it's told by the forever hilarious and logical, Anne. She's quick to pick up flaws and is a resourceful protagonist. I love her determination and perseverance to get an answer even when things seem awfully convoluted. There were times when I think Anne got way to infatuated with the investigation she was conducting and throwing lies at all corners, which was absolutely frustrating. But on whole, a reliable and strong character that I want to see more of--maybe less 'hypocrisy' though.
There is a certain more amount of romance in Wicked Little Secrets. There are points in this novel where I began to feel that it was overshadowing the plot which was not at all a problem in the first installment. Yes, the love triangle continues but it has never really bothered me when it comes to this series. Both romances are handle realistically and I couldn't help but giggle through some scenes. I'm slightly undecided about which team I'm on right now, but I think I'll be happy as long as it feels right by book 3.
And for all the Anthony lovers:
A thrilling, fun and full of drama sequel, I am jumping up and down on my toes for Deadly Little Sins. If you want murder mystery, Kara Taylor is your author.
3.5 stars
Here's a little-known fact: Almost 80 percent of people who get murdered know their killers.
I've always been quick to recommend Prep School Confidential when someone is in a reading slump or just wondering what they should read next. There's nothing to not love about a bold and witty main character, with sweet romance and murder mystery that makes you second guessing everyone, left and right. Perhaps, I had started to glorify the brilliance of Kara Taylor's debut a little too much, to the point where my expectations grew unconsciously sky high when I finally was accepted by NetGalley to read this ARC. But I'll be candid, I was a little disappointed with Wicked Little Secrets, there where just some quibbles that I believe the author could have avoided easily. But please note, it was still a fantastic book either way.
Wicked Little Secrets opens up not too long after Prep School Confidential. Anne's parents are forcing her to see a therapist in Boston every now and again to check on her since Isabella was her roommate and close friend for the time they knew each other. Anne and Brent's relationship is now official and Anne vows to never talk to Anthony again after she saw what he did. Despite a pretty happy life, there's still questions awaiting for answers. Questions surrounding Matthew Weaver, a student who vanished more than thirty years ago. Isabella had borrowed a book from the library with a photograph of him and the Wheatley Crew team in it before she died, and on the back it wrote: THEY KILLED HIM. Those questions wanted an answer even more desperately when Anne meets Brent's father, who looks strangely similar to the boy in the picture who was standing next to Matthew Weaver.
Once again, a thrilling premise. Love it. I love it even more because it's told by the forever hilarious and logical, Anne. She's quick to pick up flaws and is a resourceful protagonist. I love her determination and perseverance to get an answer even when things seem awfully convoluted. There were times when I think Anne got way to infatuated with the investigation she was conducting and throwing lies at all corners, which was absolutely frustrating. But on whole, a reliable and strong character that I want to see more of--maybe less 'hypocrisy' though.
There is a certain more amount of romance in Wicked Little Secrets. There are points in this novel where I began to feel that it was overshadowing the plot which was not at all a problem in the first installment. Yes, the love triangle continues but it has never really bothered me when it comes to this series. Both romances are handle realistically and I couldn't help but giggle through some scenes. I'm slightly undecided about which team I'm on right now, but I think I'll be happy as long as it feels right by book 3.
We turn back to the movie for a few minutes before Brent says, "Do you want to go to the formal?" I trace the outline of his ear.
"I don't know. No one's asked me." He rolls his eyes.
"Do you want to go with me to the formal?"
"I don't want to go to the formal," I say, "But if you need a date, I can tough it out."
"You're so generous." He laughs with his whole body.
And for all the Anthony lovers:
"Anthony--"
"No, there's more. I don't want to pretend I don't give a shit what you think of me. Because I do. I don't want to be the waste product you think I am. It's all I think about lately. His eyes are pleading, begging me to understand what he's really saying. "You're all I think about, and I can't stop."
A thrilling, fun and full of drama sequel, I am jumping up and down on my toes for Deadly Little Sins. If you want murder mystery, Kara Taylor is your author.
~Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for sending me this copy!~
March 9, 2014
First, before we commence, can I please just emphasize how amazingly real and articulate Anne Dowling is? Here's what she has to say regarding the new Latin teacher in town (which she completely adores since she's apparently one of those kick-ass teachers):
The guys call her a TILF behind her back, and Lee Anderson, the hulking nerdy kid who sits across the aisle from me, now spends the class hunched over like he's constantly trying to hide a Woody Woodpecker.
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present you the ever-so awesome Anne Dowling:
With that said, let me begin by saying Prep School Confidential was one of the my "surprising" reads of 2013. While settings set in the world of the rich and the glamorous where kids are sons and daughters of important people aren't really my favorite, I do admit they are highly entertaining if you read it from a detached point of view. Like hey, let's look and laugh at these self-important teenagers (or rather children as they oftentimes have the mindset of an eight year old) dealing with first world problems! What a joke, right? Fortunately, Anne Dowling (the very awesome main character) made this unattainable world easier to relate to for peasants like me with her refreshing voice that effortlessly made the narration witty, funny, and just plain (en français) fantastique.
He misinterprets my blank stare as me checking him out. Casey smiles and nods to the Brit Lit textbook to my knees. "Do you have Fowler?"
"Yup... does he ever... lighten up?"
Erik shakes his head as Casey says, "Not really."
Bea stares us down. "Actually, he's a really great teacher if you pay attention to his lectures."
And if Bea paid attention to anything, she'd know that it's impossible to start a sentence with the word "actually" and not sound like an obnoxious bitch. I return her frosty smile. "Guess I should quit snorting coke and running Ponzi schemes from my laptop during class."
And here she is again in Wicked Little Secrets (whose title can't ever be nearer to the essence of the book!) in all her radiating epicness and witty glory (Have I ever mentioned that if ever I were reincarnated, I'd like to be her? Such confidence, me likey). She knows she's pretty, she knows she's bad-ass, she knows she's frank (NO, she is frank, not Frank, whoever that is), and she's here with one thing in mind: the truth. And she'll stop at nothing to get it.
I like Anne. No, not like, I adore her. She's one of those people who knows her assets and isn't afraid to show it. She's the kind of person who'd be a bitch to you if you really need some ass-whooping, but would defend you and punch a guy in the nose for you if you've been wronged. In short: she's real. She doesn't dilly-dally (okay, maybe she does sometimes but more on to that later) and she gets the job done once she puts her mind to it. In this installment, you can't help but fall in love with her even more as she tries to go against the big waves, knowing it may land her in deep, deep shit, but also knowing it's the right thing to do because no one else has come clean about some secrets that were not supposed to be buried with justice not yet served. I love her honesty and her no-nonsense motto, and even though she sometimes thinks before she acts, you can tell that she's a smart and clever cookie. She's very perceptive and is quick to notice little details. All in all, if you loved her in Prep School Confidential, you'll love her even more here. She still has that fiery passion within her, that wild and free spirit that yearns to do what her heart tells her, other people be damned. Is it possible to care so much and yet give zero fucks at all? Anne makes that possible with her awesome narration.
The mystery here is really well done. I applaud Kara Taylor for making it so intriguing and unpredictable, for making me keep on guessing and still not have the right answer, or any answer close to it. If it makes it easier to visualize, try imagining Gossip Girl x Sherlock Holmes with stiletto heels. Pretty picture, ain't it? Every chapter ends with you wanting to learn more of the mystery, with you feeling Anne's emotions as she dives into deep, troubled waters, and with you feeling a wee bit of hatred for certain characters because douchebag much??? You simply just can't trust easily here. So many characters seem very innocent, but you realize (along with Anne, to her dismay) that just because some people carry a smile doesn't mean they don't have demons underneath. And that fact hits you like a pick-up truck. SWOOSH THUD KA-POW
That's not to say I don't have any complaints. They are minor details but they are complaints just the same.
1.) Should I take the Prada or the Gucci? There is a love triangle here, thanks to Anne's charm that effortlessly reeled two guys in in the previous book (Brent and Anthony). I have a love-hate relationship with LTs to be honest. On one hand, I love the tension in the air. On the other hand, I hate the flip-flopping. As long as they're done right, I can forgive and appreciate most LTs. Here, though, I kind of detested it a little. Yeah, it gets solved later on, but I wished Anne was more in control of her feelings. She would keep thinking about one boy to another, caring for one but ALSO caring for another in possibly a deeper way, but ending up juggling the two as she can't make up her mind. I found myself frowning upon this, because it just didn't feel right. It felt like she was toying with their feelings. I wish she was more honest to herself and to these two boys about who she really, really liked so she didn't have to lie to both of them.
2.) But I don't want to hurt him! Withholding information from someone that may just mean your life or his life? I'll never fucking get it. I really hate it when characters take hold of info that is extremely vital but would rather choose not to share it to the appropriate authorities, and I especially hate it when it's used as a tactic for suspense. It just doesn't make any sense to me at all. I mean, someone infiltrated a supposedly well-guarded building by posing as someone else, barged into your room, tried to kill whoever was with you, and when you were asked about it by the cops, you feign innocence? LIKE WHUT. JUST. WHUT. Anne Dowling is pretty awesome, but I hated the times she didn't share just because 1.) it may hurt that person; 2.) it didn't "seem" that important, and; 3.) they don't need to know. Uh, if it concerns me, and especially ME, then yes, I do need to know.
Other than that, though, this was an awesome read. I was kept at the edge of my seat from beginning to end, and I cannot get enough of Anne's fiery spirit. I love her so much and I still wish I were her in a different life. Wicked Little Secrets will surely satisfy anyone looking for a good murder whodunit mystery, and for those people who like digging secrets. If it involves someone else's life, they're not supposed to be buried.
July 1, 2016
5 Words: Boarding school, mystery, scandal, attraction.
I absolutely loved the first book, so why I waited so long to read the second I have no idea. Because it was awesome from the very first sentence.
They say only the good die young.
Plunged once again into the Wheatley School and all of the associated drama, secrets and scandal, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. In the same tone of the first book, it's one hell of a ride.
I absolutely loved the first book, so why I waited so long to read the second I have no idea. Because it was awesome from the very first sentence.
They say only the good die young.
Plunged once again into the Wheatley School and all of the associated drama, secrets and scandal, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. In the same tone of the first book, it's one hell of a ride.
August 31, 2016
2.5 stars
I struggled with this book. I was tempted to DNF it after about 30%, but I enjoyed the first one so much that I continued.
I wasn't a fan of what Anne did. She was excessively rude and lied all the time. It seemed to go above and beyond what was necessary. Not to mention the constant thoughts of whichever boy she wasn't around at that moment.
In PSC, I loved Anne and Brent together. They had a great rapport and were fun to read. I didn't understand her fascination with Anthony. So in WLS, when she's spending the entire book waffling between them, it got annoying.
The plot really picked up about 3/4 of the way in, but by then I was just skimming parts of it. The ending, however, has set up something intriguing for book 3. Which I will definitely be reading. I'm hoping this reaction is a mixture of a second book syndrome and a lasting book hangover because I really do enjoy these characters.
**Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I struggled with this book. I was tempted to DNF it after about 30%, but I enjoyed the first one so much that I continued.
I wasn't a fan of what Anne did. She was excessively rude and lied all the time. It seemed to go above and beyond what was necessary. Not to mention the constant thoughts of whichever boy she wasn't around at that moment.
In PSC, I loved Anne and Brent together. They had a great rapport and were fun to read. I didn't understand her fascination with Anthony. So in WLS, when she's spending the entire book waffling between them, it got annoying.
The plot really picked up about 3/4 of the way in, but by then I was just skimming parts of it. The ending, however, has set up something intriguing for book 3. Which I will definitely be reading. I'm hoping this reaction is a mixture of a second book syndrome and a lasting book hangover because I really do enjoy these characters.
**Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
March 25, 2014
Most of the time when we say we don’t want to hurt someone, we don’t want to screw ourselves in the process, but I guess you have to do whatever you can to get by.
Anne Dowling, you're a gem. This series is a gem. Sequels are always tricky, especially when I loved the first book to bits, but if anything Wicked Little Secrets cements my opinion that the covers mask really well-written YA boarding school mysteries. I have to say, Anne really carries these books. She's sensible yet enough of a teenager to relate to.
Anthony or Brent? The love triangle gets somewhat stifling here, but again Anne has a good head on her shoulders. She knows each boy's flaws and what she deserves. YOU GO, GIRL.
The mystery of Matt Weaver's death, while somewhat predictable, played itself out well. Kara Taylor's done something extraordinary to the genre: she's spiced it up, while keeping what makes such books a joy to read. It never felt like Anne or her posse weren't in school. They have projects, assignments, awkward liaisons in dorm rooms as their friends play Mario Kart outside... at the same time, it never detracts from Anne's determination to hold on to her "white rabbit". YOU GO, GIRL!
Before I spiral into multiple "YOU GO, GIRL"s, I just have to recommend the Prep School books to anyone who likes contemporary YA. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED. Hell, I spent some of last night and some of this morning finishing it in my own dorm room!
January 1, 2019
4.5 STARS
Why did I wait so long to read the PREP SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL series? I already had a severe reader crush on Kara Thomas, eagerly awaiting each new release. I shouldn’t have waited so long to read Kara Taylor’s (same person, only name) series.
The severely rule-challenged Anne Dowling is back weeks after solving her roommate’s murder. She’s dating Brent, crushing on Anthony and seeing parallels to Isabelle’s murder, is determined to solve the decades old mysterious disappearance of student Matt Weaver. Weaver’s presumes death apparently has ties to fathers of current students and the crew coach.
Taylor, as always, leaves no little detail to chance. WICKED LITTLE SECRETS requires a bit of belief suspension, which I was more than willing to do for badass Anne. She’s still speaking before thinking, not always sensitive and not-headed, but her heart has empathy even for the jerks in her class.
Anne’s romance with Brent didn’t do much for me. I liked Anthony, but wasn’t certain they had chemistry. Though she showed no interest for Cole, I thought they might make an interesting couple.
WICKED LITTLE SECRETS ends with a HUGE cliffhanger that I can’t wait to solve in book three.
Why did I wait so long to read the PREP SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL series? I already had a severe reader crush on Kara Thomas, eagerly awaiting each new release. I shouldn’t have waited so long to read Kara Taylor’s (same person, only name) series.
The severely rule-challenged Anne Dowling is back weeks after solving her roommate’s murder. She’s dating Brent, crushing on Anthony and seeing parallels to Isabelle’s murder, is determined to solve the decades old mysterious disappearance of student Matt Weaver. Weaver’s presumes death apparently has ties to fathers of current students and the crew coach.
Taylor, as always, leaves no little detail to chance. WICKED LITTLE SECRETS requires a bit of belief suspension, which I was more than willing to do for badass Anne. She’s still speaking before thinking, not always sensitive and not-headed, but her heart has empathy even for the jerks in her class.
Anne’s romance with Brent didn’t do much for me. I liked Anthony, but wasn’t certain they had chemistry. Though she showed no interest for Cole, I thought they might make an interesting couple.
WICKED LITTLE SECRETS ends with a HUGE cliffhanger that I can’t wait to solve in book three.
May 2, 2014
STAY. THE. FUCK. AWAY. FROM. RICH. PREP. BOYS. Unless you're Anne Dowling.
Actually, stay away from rich Americans. Unless they're like Remy, who is the best thing ever since Suspect X.(Weird, I know. But the book(The Devotion of Suspect X ) was right in front of me and what can I say? I'm susceptible.)
Thissssssss book. I absolutely love that her voice doesn't ever try to make up all of these meaningful quotes and lessons that I'd like to quote because what fucking teenager does that? Maybe a 3 tb one like my sister, but those are rare. And on the rare occasion that she- Anne- does, it amalgamates with her voice and desperation and emotions so much, it feels true. Like this one:
Maybe we are all bad, and getting by on the moments where we try not to be.
This book is what mystery books are supposed to be like. Not always a resolution. Nothing like that book- Nearly Gone, whose mystery might have been okay, but the rest was crap. SOOOOO Good.
NEXT BOOK(whose cover is the best of the series). PLEASE.
Actually, stay away from rich Americans. Unless they're like Remy, who is the best thing ever since Suspect X.(Weird, I know. But the book(The Devotion of Suspect X ) was right in front of me and what can I say? I'm susceptible.)
Thissssssss book. I absolutely love that her voice doesn't ever try to make up all of these meaningful quotes and lessons that I'd like to quote because what fucking teenager does that? Maybe a 3 tb one like my sister, but those are rare. And on the rare occasion that she- Anne- does, it amalgamates with her voice and desperation and emotions so much, it feels true. Like this one:
Maybe we are all bad, and getting by on the moments where we try not to be.
This book is what mystery books are supposed to be like. Not always a resolution. Nothing like that book- Nearly Gone, whose mystery might have been okay, but the rest was crap. SOOOOO Good.
NEXT BOOK(whose cover is the best of the series). PLEASE.
February 16, 2018
в этой серии меня по-хорошему поражает героиня, она реально бесстрашная. в тоннели ночью какие-то спускается, следит за кем-то в лесу, вламывается везде. и - отдельно - вообще не боится конфронтаций. ну то есть, узнала, что кто-то слухи про нее распускает - тут же встала, пошла к обидчику выяснять, какого хрена, а то и по лицу ему закатала
May 14, 2014
The excitement and fun never seems to end in this series. Wicked Little Secrets doesn't suffer from second book syndrome, instead it charges forward and demands readers attention. I loved reading about Anne and all of the trouble she can cause in just a few hours. It's a thriller that isn't all about the planning and clues, it also doesn't have an overbearing romance. It has just the right amounts of almost everything.
That being said, there are a few things that are off. As a person with a pretty small tolerance for info-dumping I found the beginning to be a little like even dismissing the recaps for the first book. Another problem that I had is with our protagonist, Anne (I still adore her though) and her friendship with her friend Chelsea. For someone she calls her best friend, Anne never talks to Chelsea and only mentions her in passing. I wanted more from this friendship because Chelsea is part of the old Anne, the one that I'm sure many people want to know more about and I felt let down by this. Hopefully her best friend is in the last book.
Nonetheless, this book is still great. I loved the writing, it's still as smooth as ever and the romance isn't in your face. It's a lot laid back than I thought, only finding cracks in the story to seep into. Although I'm team Brent, the romances with both guys are really well done. Another thing that I enjoyed about the story is the action because it isn't boring and there's a constant stream of it with not too much planning. The characters for the most part are great, Anne is a lot wilder and committed than ever (she punches a guy in the face to defend her friend!). The problems that I had in the first novel are pretty much gone in this one. Remy feels a lot more real, letting her past and emotions through this time. Moreover, the sarcasm is so good! It's not constant that it feels annoying nor is it far between that it feels forced. It's perfection.
Wicked little Secrets is pretty intense but in a more fun than dark way. The ending will keep readers at the edge of their seats and craving for the last one. I recommend this series to anyone looking for a thriller that isn't boring and straightforward. I'm hoping that the last one is just as good.
March 1, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley.)
Once again Anne is intrigued by a missing persons/murder case, this time focused on Matt Weaver – a boy who disappeared from the Wheatley Academy over 30 years ago.
Anne thinks she has the ability to solve the case, but how many feathers will she ruffle in the process? And how will her boyfriend take it when his father becomes one of her suspects?
This was an interesting murder/mystery story, and I didn’t guess the killer.
I’m not sure what was going on with Anne in this book, but she was seriously obsessed with finding out what happened to Matt. At one point she commented that solving a cold case was more interesting than doing her homework, and while that might be true, she got herself into seriously hot water in this book. Admittedly she made some poor choices in book 1, but this time she put herself in danger time and time again, took to breaking and entering, and going up against powerful people, who would have thought nothing of squashing her like a bug.
The storyline in this was pretty good, and the details of what happened to Matt were certainly convoluted. I didn’t guess the killer, and it turned out to be quite a difficult case for Anne to crack. There were some interesting twists, but I would have preferred if the pace had been a little quicker.
There was some romance, and it was once again in the form of a love triangle, with Anne flitting between two guys really.
The ending was pretty good, but again, Anne has got herself into serious trouble now, and is never going to get into college at this rate. We were once again left with a cliff-hanger, so no doubt that Anne will be getting into even more trouble in book 3!
Overall; a good YA murder/mystery story,
7 out of 10.
Once again Anne is intrigued by a missing persons/murder case, this time focused on Matt Weaver – a boy who disappeared from the Wheatley Academy over 30 years ago.
Anne thinks she has the ability to solve the case, but how many feathers will she ruffle in the process? And how will her boyfriend take it when his father becomes one of her suspects?
This was an interesting murder/mystery story, and I didn’t guess the killer.
I’m not sure what was going on with Anne in this book, but she was seriously obsessed with finding out what happened to Matt. At one point she commented that solving a cold case was more interesting than doing her homework, and while that might be true, she got herself into seriously hot water in this book. Admittedly she made some poor choices in book 1, but this time she put herself in danger time and time again, took to breaking and entering, and going up against powerful people, who would have thought nothing of squashing her like a bug.
The storyline in this was pretty good, and the details of what happened to Matt were certainly convoluted. I didn’t guess the killer, and it turned out to be quite a difficult case for Anne to crack. There were some interesting twists, but I would have preferred if the pace had been a little quicker.
There was some romance, and it was once again in the form of a love triangle, with Anne flitting between two guys really.
The ending was pretty good, but again, Anne has got herself into serious trouble now, and is never going to get into college at this rate. We were once again left with a cliff-hanger, so no doubt that Anne will be getting into even more trouble in book 3!
Overall; a good YA murder/mystery story,
7 out of 10.
June 25, 2014
If you've read the first you more or less know what you're in for with this book (if you haven't then read that one first). Anne is more engaging with this book—possibly Taylor has a better handle on the character. Certainly, she has a better understanding of where the story starts (and stops).
Indeed, this second in the series is stronger on just about every level than the first, though not in great leaps or bounds. The interpersonal relationships are fluid in the way teens can be, but in a natural way and without compromising the integrity of the characters (or the reader's sympathy). The story is well-paced, the mystery tighter and better focused, and the love triangle established before made sense in ways that made it more than tolerable.
Best of all, though, is that Anne comes to explicitly identify what it is that drives her to explore these mysteries that others are content to leave well-enough alone. As she struggles with that drive to know and understand, she also struggles to integrate that understanding with her circumstances and future. She isn't heedless or have a love for risk-taking. And she is never TSTL. I love that she not only accepts that she has this drive to dig into the unknown, but eventually learns to derive some comfort from it as well.
Anyway, if you liked the first, there's a better than good chance you'll like this one at least as much and probably better.
Indeed, this second in the series is stronger on just about every level than the first, though not in great leaps or bounds. The interpersonal relationships are fluid in the way teens can be, but in a natural way and without compromising the integrity of the characters (or the reader's sympathy). The story is well-paced, the mystery tighter and better focused, and the love triangle established before made sense in ways that made it more than tolerable.
Best of all, though, is that Anne comes to explicitly identify what it is that drives her to explore these mysteries that others are content to leave well-enough alone. As she struggles with that drive to know and understand, she also struggles to integrate that understanding with her circumstances and future. She isn't heedless or have a love for risk-taking. And she is never TSTL. I love that she not only accepts that she has this drive to dig into the unknown, but eventually learns to derive some comfort from it as well.
Anyway, if you liked the first, there's a better than good chance you'll like this one at least as much and probably better.
March 2, 2015
I sort of forced myself to read this book even though I did not really enjoyed reading the first book.
Anne, the protagonist, is horrible. She maintains a love triangle with Brent and Anthony and she wants to have them both. Not because she love them but because she just wants the attention and is afraid that if she let go of the other and she'll eventually find out that her choice was wrong, she'll end up with no one. That is how I see her. She's selfish and ignores her friend for the sake of flirting with the boys and for digging up a mystery that is like a thousand years old and is no way relevant to her freaking life. She destroys the loves of her friend's families because she is such an attention-seeking little girl. Did I mention that I hate her?
The story of Matthew Weaver was interesting for like 5 seconds. After a while, I don't see the point of uncovering the mystery. If ever it would be essential for plot lines, it did not, in any way, excite me. There is no suspense, thriller, excitement, or curiosity at all. It took me half a month to finish this book, which resulted to a reading slump. I had to force myself to read just to finish the book. The climax of the plot is on the last few pages when she find out who is behind all of this. And it is not even interesting at all. And I don't see any cliffhanger at the end? Guess I won't be reading the next book.
Anne, the protagonist, is horrible. She maintains a love triangle with Brent and Anthony and she wants to have them both. Not because she love them but because she just wants the attention and is afraid that if she let go of the other and she'll eventually find out that her choice was wrong, she'll end up with no one. That is how I see her. She's selfish and ignores her friend for the sake of flirting with the boys and for digging up a mystery that is like a thousand years old and is no way relevant to her freaking life. She destroys the loves of her friend's families because she is such an attention-seeking little girl. Did I mention that I hate her?
The story of Matthew Weaver was interesting for like 5 seconds. After a while, I don't see the point of uncovering the mystery. If ever it would be essential for plot lines, it did not, in any way, excite me. There is no suspense, thriller, excitement, or curiosity at all. It took me half a month to finish this book, which resulted to a reading slump. I had to force myself to read just to finish the book. The climax of the plot is on the last few pages when she find out who is behind all of this. And it is not even interesting at all. And I don't see any cliffhanger at the end? Guess I won't be reading the next book.
August 12, 2017
The downside of putting four years between reading the first and second book in a series is I've lost some love for the characters. I didn't like that this adventure took part almost always away from school because the appeal for me in this series is that the setting is a boarding school. Anne spent a lot of time making enemies out of her so-called friends. I'm not sure if anyone will still have her back in the last book. Also I'm not dying to pick it up even though it's on my shelf.
July 20, 2020
this book was just great. to be honest i didn’t care much for the whole mystery/ investigation aspect that much but my god the setting of this really cool boarding school had me all types of jealous. and the romance and teen stuff in this was so well done and believable. the humour had me laughing (not out loud HAHAHA but like inside laughing, ygm?)
i am sooo jealous of anne and her fabulous life and i wish i lived inside this book ;)
i am sooo jealous of anne and her fabulous life and i wish i lived inside this book ;)
March 24, 2021
This series reminds me so much of Truly Devious! To the point that I started mixing up some of the details between both series. Stevie and Anne are both super sleuths, and put nothing above finding the truth. Their schools both have underground tunnels too. Weird! While this series is not as good as Truly Devious, it’s still pretty fucking great and I like it a lot. 0/10 on the cover though. All of them - so lame. But the story is great and I love the characters. This one was quite the cliff hanger! Definitely going to start the 3rd book in the series tomorrow. It’s a must!!!
December 12, 2023
I like that this was more about her investigating and she actually learnt her lesson about telling everyone what she is up to.
Although this girl really needs to make up her mind over which boy she wants, she’s just ping ponging between them at this point.
Although this girl really needs to make up her mind over which boy she wants, she’s just ping ponging between them at this point.
February 23, 2018
Longish review to come.
June 19, 2019
anne downling!!!!!!!
dnf
April 6, 2024dnf @ 34% - it's only 300 pages so i might finish it eventually, but i don't remember anything about it oopsies
July 25, 2024
anne ily but why are u playing these two guys like a fiddle
March 17, 2014
Originally posted on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Nichole.
I can’t even begin to express to you all how much I LOVED Wicked Little Secrets by Kara Taylor. A year ago, I would have said that I would NEVER like this series. It seemed cheesy, and way too much like Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars. I admitted I was dead wrong when I finished Prep School Confidential. After finishing Wicked Little Secrets, I can’t even comprehend why that thought ever even registered my brain. The Prep School Confidential series is one of the BEST series that I have ever read. I’m already in mourning that I finished the second book and have to wait forever for the third one. Seriously…just go read this series! It will not disappoint you.
Honestly, I can’t think of one negative thing to say about this book. The characters were spot on. I especially love the main character, Anne Dowling. Anne reminds me a lot of Harriet the Spy and Veronica Mars. She’s so determined, honest, loyal, and just a spunky female lead that I adore. There’s nothing I love more than to follow Anne on her adventures to dig out the truth. As for the supporting characters, I thought that everyone played the perfect role. If it’s even possible, I think that the characters were even better in the second book than the first one.
The only thing that kind of bugged me, but that wasn’t even really a big deal, was that some of the names of the older men in the rowing club were a little too similar. Sometimes I would forget who was who, and I would have to refresh my memory on who exactly was getting the blame at certain points. However, that wasn’t a big deal at all. It didn’t take away from the book one bit.
This was one of those books where I ended up staying up until almost 1:30 in the morning to finish it. To be honest, that wasn’t such a good idea. The ending did end up scaring me a little bit, and I had to give myself a lecture to not have nightmares before bed. Aside from that, the ending is SUPER COOL! It might end up being a little predictable for some people. However, I had no idea what was going on. I loved that not too many clues were being tossed around, but yet I was still intrigued every step of the way. This was just a stellar book all the way around.
I could talk about how great this book and series is forever, but I honestly just have nothing negative to say about it. I loved it; I can’t wait for the third installment. Everyone needs to go read this book right now!
I can’t even begin to express to you all how much I LOVED Wicked Little Secrets by Kara Taylor. A year ago, I would have said that I would NEVER like this series. It seemed cheesy, and way too much like Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars. I admitted I was dead wrong when I finished Prep School Confidential. After finishing Wicked Little Secrets, I can’t even comprehend why that thought ever even registered my brain. The Prep School Confidential series is one of the BEST series that I have ever read. I’m already in mourning that I finished the second book and have to wait forever for the third one. Seriously…just go read this series! It will not disappoint you.
Honestly, I can’t think of one negative thing to say about this book. The characters were spot on. I especially love the main character, Anne Dowling. Anne reminds me a lot of Harriet the Spy and Veronica Mars. She’s so determined, honest, loyal, and just a spunky female lead that I adore. There’s nothing I love more than to follow Anne on her adventures to dig out the truth. As for the supporting characters, I thought that everyone played the perfect role. If it’s even possible, I think that the characters were even better in the second book than the first one.
The only thing that kind of bugged me, but that wasn’t even really a big deal, was that some of the names of the older men in the rowing club were a little too similar. Sometimes I would forget who was who, and I would have to refresh my memory on who exactly was getting the blame at certain points. However, that wasn’t a big deal at all. It didn’t take away from the book one bit.
This was one of those books where I ended up staying up until almost 1:30 in the morning to finish it. To be honest, that wasn’t such a good idea. The ending did end up scaring me a little bit, and I had to give myself a lecture to not have nightmares before bed. Aside from that, the ending is SUPER COOL! It might end up being a little predictable for some people. However, I had no idea what was going on. I loved that not too many clues were being tossed around, but yet I was still intrigued every step of the way. This was just a stellar book all the way around.
I could talk about how great this book and series is forever, but I honestly just have nothing negative to say about it. I loved it; I can’t wait for the third installment. Everyone needs to go read this book right now!
March 5, 2014
I have to wait for the next book in this series, really? I cannot even contain my excitement for this author, her characters, and this series. I received this book on Friday and I finished it in one day! This story/new mystery picks up not long after the last one left off. I do not want to give anything away in this book, but I was glad that this book focused on the disappearance of Matt Weaver. I was so anxious all the way through to find out what happened to him. Both books in this series have kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. I wanted so badly to get to the bottom of these mysteries, but I dreaded finishing the books and having to say goodbye to the characters for a little while.
I love Anne Dowling, our fearless heroine and detective extraordinaire! I tried to stay away from reviews that discredited her because I, on the other hand, think she gets better and better with time. I can hear her voice, picture her as she hunts for clues, and I can feel her fear and her anticipation as she narrows in on her next target. Kara Taylor has defined her characters and made them so believable. Anne has flaws, but I still love her and hang on her every word. She knows she is not perfect and never admits to being so. Many bloggers have made comments about the decisions she makes, and all I have to say is, she is a teenage girl what do you expect?! She is growing and maturing, and I think that will only continue with each installment.
I might just be gullible or not reading closely enough but these mysteries have both been a shock to me in the end. And not to mention the way this book ended…OMG! I almost screamed with frustration. Kara Taylor, you cannot end it like that making me wait for the next book! Kara writes in the style of Pretty Little Liars; every scene makes you anticipate what will come next. Not a single chapter ended in a boring manner. I was anxious to flip the next page and keep going. There were NO parts of this book that I would cut out because I found them unnecessary either. This is a solid series and is slowly climbing the charts as one of my most favorites! I am hearing rumors that the next book will be out in August of this year!!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at St. Martin’s Griffin in exchange for my honest review***
I love Anne Dowling, our fearless heroine and detective extraordinaire! I tried to stay away from reviews that discredited her because I, on the other hand, think she gets better and better with time. I can hear her voice, picture her as she hunts for clues, and I can feel her fear and her anticipation as she narrows in on her next target. Kara Taylor has defined her characters and made them so believable. Anne has flaws, but I still love her and hang on her every word. She knows she is not perfect and never admits to being so. Many bloggers have made comments about the decisions she makes, and all I have to say is, she is a teenage girl what do you expect?! She is growing and maturing, and I think that will only continue with each installment.
I might just be gullible or not reading closely enough but these mysteries have both been a shock to me in the end. And not to mention the way this book ended…OMG! I almost screamed with frustration. Kara Taylor, you cannot end it like that making me wait for the next book! Kara writes in the style of Pretty Little Liars; every scene makes you anticipate what will come next. Not a single chapter ended in a boring manner. I was anxious to flip the next page and keep going. There were NO parts of this book that I would cut out because I found them unnecessary either. This is a solid series and is slowly climbing the charts as one of my most favorites! I am hearing rumors that the next book will be out in August of this year!!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at St. Martin’s Griffin in exchange for my honest review***
July 4, 2016
With a ending like that in the previous book, you know you have to get your hand on the sequel.
Anne finds an old picture of Matt Weaver's Rowing Crew Team with the words, "THEY KILLED HIM" in a book among Isabella things. Her recent dead roommate.
Matt Weaver has become something of a legend, a myth in Wheatly. 30 years ago, Matt Weaver disappeared in the woods behind the school. No body was ever found. No sighting. A cold case.
Anne is obsessed with finding out what happened to Matt weaver so much so that she is willing to jeopardize her relationship with Brent, who is still keeping secrets of his own and her friends.
She learns of the hazing rituals the crew have, something which is notoriously called, 'The Drop'.
And things go for the worse when she see's that one of the crew Team mate is Brent's father and if rumours are to be believed had something to do with Matt's disappearance. Is Brent's father the culprit? Who is? Is Matt weaver dead? Who killed him? And why? Where is the body?
Anne is finally making progress with Matt, she realizes that even the school and the alumni is involved somehow. When Brent tells her to stop with her madness and her friends look at her like she has gone crazy, Anne reaches out to Anthony, Isabella's twin brother. Anthony helps her sticking the pieces together.
Anne is fun, lovable and smart. She understand the world around her. She doesn't give up. She is snarky. She is bitchy sometimes and she is fully aware of it. But she is also kind. A strong female lead. She knows what she wants.
The romance of this book was usual not heavy. But nonetheless you will love it. The sort-of love triangle is adorable. It won't get under your skin.
Pick it up.
Kara Taylor has become a master of powerful endings.
Promising yet another sequel to this one.
Can't wait to read it.
Anne finds an old picture of Matt Weaver's Rowing Crew Team with the words, "THEY KILLED HIM" in a book among Isabella things. Her recent dead roommate.
Matt Weaver has become something of a legend, a myth in Wheatly. 30 years ago, Matt Weaver disappeared in the woods behind the school. No body was ever found. No sighting. A cold case.
Anne is obsessed with finding out what happened to Matt weaver so much so that she is willing to jeopardize her relationship with Brent, who is still keeping secrets of his own and her friends.
She learns of the hazing rituals the crew have, something which is notoriously called, 'The Drop'.
And things go for the worse when she see's that one of the crew Team mate is Brent's father and if rumours are to be believed had something to do with Matt's disappearance. Is Brent's father the culprit? Who is? Is Matt weaver dead? Who killed him? And why? Where is the body?
Anne is finally making progress with Matt, she realizes that even the school and the alumni is involved somehow. When Brent tells her to stop with her madness and her friends look at her like she has gone crazy, Anne reaches out to Anthony, Isabella's twin brother. Anthony helps her sticking the pieces together.
Anne is fun, lovable and smart. She understand the world around her. She doesn't give up. She is snarky. She is bitchy sometimes and she is fully aware of it. But she is also kind. A strong female lead. She knows what she wants.
The romance of this book was usual not heavy. But nonetheless you will love it. The sort-of love triangle is adorable. It won't get under your skin.
Pick it up.
Kara Taylor has become a master of powerful endings.
Promising yet another sequel to this one.
Can't wait to read it.
June 12, 2014
Wicked Little Secrets is the second in the series and a book that I have been looking forward to. We first meet Anne, our main character, in Prep School Confidential, and boy did she get herself into trouble. Well, our snarky detective is back at with it with a new mystery to solve. I love a good boarding school and this one school that I wouldn’t ever want to attend. There is some crazy crap that went on in past years, and is still going on. She is trying to uncover the truth about a murder that happened a long time ago, and maybe clear her boyfriend Brent’s Dad in the process. Anne is a quite persistent and border line obsessive when it comes to her mysteries. But they are fun and kinda creepy when some of what happens comes out. This is one seriously screwy school. I will warn there is a little bit of a love triangle kinda thing going on, but it wasn’t really an issue for me, they mystery itself and Anne were what I liked so much. The big who done it reveal at the end was definitely different than I thought, it was one those that the clues were probably there, and I just didn’t catch them. I like when a mystery is like this. It’s a great sequel, and I can’t wait to read Deadly Little Sins to see what Anne could possible get herself into next.
For more review, check out Visit Book Live Forever
For more review, check out Visit Book Live Forever
March 13, 2014
Anne Dowling is back! She solved the murder of her roommate, but she's not satisfied. One of the few remnants of Isabella she has is a photo of a crew team with "THEY KILLED HIM" written on the back. Him is Matthew Weaver, and his disappearance is an unexplained mystery at Wheatley Prep. Anne might not have as good a reason to pursue the truth behind Matthew's disappearance as she did Isabella's murder, but she can't keep herself from snooping. The possibility of foul play haunts her.
I just love Anne. She's assertive and fierce, but still deeply gutted by her roommate's awful death. She can be thoughtlessly cruel and petty, but makes up for it by being allergic to injustice. As I said in my review of the first book, good mystery series need good detective. Anne is a great detective.
I am happy that the third book, DEADLY LITTLE SINS, has already been announced. It comes out August 5, 2014. When WICKED LITTLE SECRETS was coming to an end, I thought there might not be a hook for another book! But oh, there was. And there's more than just another twisty, surprising mystery to look forward too. Anne has made her romantic choices, but she's still got these pesky special feelings that will never go away - and she's not about to put up with jealousy.
Look, I don't want to give too much away, because so much of the pleasure in a mystery is not knowing what happened. I will give away that WICKED LITTLE SECRETS is wicked funny, despite the darkness within. Pick up this series if you're into protagonists who do the right thing because it's the right thing. These books are serious underrated gems.
I just love Anne. She's assertive and fierce, but still deeply gutted by her roommate's awful death. She can be thoughtlessly cruel and petty, but makes up for it by being allergic to injustice. As I said in my review of the first book, good mystery series need good detective. Anne is a great detective.
I am happy that the third book, DEADLY LITTLE SINS, has already been announced. It comes out August 5, 2014. When WICKED LITTLE SECRETS was coming to an end, I thought there might not be a hook for another book! But oh, there was. And there's more than just another twisty, surprising mystery to look forward too. Anne has made her romantic choices, but she's still got these pesky special feelings that will never go away - and she's not about to put up with jealousy.
Look, I don't want to give too much away, because so much of the pleasure in a mystery is not knowing what happened. I will give away that WICKED LITTLE SECRETS is wicked funny, despite the darkness within. Pick up this series if you're into protagonists who do the right thing because it's the right thing. These books are serious underrated gems.
January 8, 2015
*Review also on AwesomeBookNuts.blogspot.com*
Meh. I mean, it wasn't nearly as good as the first one. But I didn't hate it. Anne was a lot more emotional, there was a lot more drama. And crying. Lots of crying. At one point Anne was accused of being obsessive and crazy and I completely agreed with that assessment. She was nigh insane. The stuff she did and the choices she made were so far from being what an intelligent, sane human being would do that I was starting to get annoyed. In the first book Anne was so badass. In this book it felt like she was grasping at straws and somehow managed to solve a 30-year-old mystery even though her only connection to the suspects was their children... who all happened to attend the same high school their parents attended... at the same time. A bit too coincidental.
And how does Anne keep any friends? She is seriously the worst friend. Ever. She used all of them at some point and was constantly second-guessing her friends' motives when she was the one spying on them. I sense some major trust issues with this girl. I guess I should have picked up on that from the first book but it made sense then. Now it's just crazy.
And the whole Brent thing? Waaaaaay more dramatic than I cared to read about. But that's just me. Like I said, Anne went a bit crazy in this book. We'll see if I read the last one.
Meh. I mean, it wasn't nearly as good as the first one. But I didn't hate it. Anne was a lot more emotional, there was a lot more drama. And crying. Lots of crying. At one point Anne was accused of being obsessive and crazy and I completely agreed with that assessment. She was nigh insane. The stuff she did and the choices she made were so far from being what an intelligent, sane human being would do that I was starting to get annoyed. In the first book Anne was so badass. In this book it felt like she was grasping at straws and somehow managed to solve a 30-year-old mystery even though her only connection to the suspects was their children... who all happened to attend the same high school their parents attended... at the same time. A bit too coincidental.
And how does Anne keep any friends? She is seriously the worst friend. Ever. She used all of them at some point and was constantly second-guessing her friends' motives when she was the one spying on them. I sense some major trust issues with this girl. I guess I should have picked up on that from the first book but it made sense then. Now it's just crazy.
And the whole Brent thing? Waaaaaay more dramatic than I cared to read about. But that's just me. Like I said, Anne went a bit crazy in this book. We'll see if I read the last one.
July 1, 2020
3 stars...
I liked the overall mystery, but the love triangle was just awful. I wasn't at all interested one bit in Anne's lust life oooops I mean "love" life. One minute Anne wanted Brent, then when she got him she wanted Anthony and when she got Anthony (again) she wanted Brent and it seems like this is just going to continue into the next book too. She was so annoying in this one and I didn't like her at all. I don't even understand why a continuation of a love triangle was even necessary to bring into book 2. Had the book stayed true to the mystery aspect, it would have been so much better.
Anyway, like I said I liked the mystery, but this one didn't hold my interest enough to make me want to read book 3. So I think this is where me and Anne Dowling (I think that's her last name) part ways.
Content: No actual sex, but sometimes very steamy kissing, mentions of sex, etc.
Language: Too much!
I liked the overall mystery, but the love triangle was just awful. I wasn't at all interested one bit in Anne's lust life oooops I mean "love" life. One minute Anne wanted Brent, then when she got him she wanted Anthony and when she got Anthony (again) she wanted Brent and it seems like this is just going to continue into the next book too. She was so annoying in this one and I didn't like her at all. I don't even understand why a continuation of a love triangle was even necessary to bring into book 2. Had the book stayed true to the mystery aspect, it would have been so much better.
Anyway, like I said I liked the mystery, but this one didn't hold my interest enough to make me want to read book 3. So I think this is where me and Anne Dowling (I think that's her last name) part ways.
Content: No actual sex, but sometimes very steamy kissing, mentions of sex, etc.
Language: Too much!
July 4, 2019
The love drama is what kept me from liking this as much as the first book. I felt like in the first book, it was kind of unnecessary, but here it was so ridiculous that it got in the way of the mystery. I wanted to roll my eyes so many times due to the fact that it was just so stressful and annoying.
But the mystery was great, even if there was an obvious culprit for the most part. Sometimes, I don't mind if the culprit can be guessed easily, but here it weakens the book because a hint is shown earlier that's quite hard to miss. The book was better paced then the first all around, and Anne still managed to get her head in the game even when she was thinking of other things.
I'm not reading the third book of this series though. I feel like now that we've solved the Matthew Weaver mystery, I feel like this would be a good stopping point even with the current mystery now starting up.
But the mystery was great, even if there was an obvious culprit for the most part. Sometimes, I don't mind if the culprit can be guessed easily, but here it weakens the book because a hint is shown earlier that's quite hard to miss. The book was better paced then the first all around, and Anne still managed to get her head in the game even when she was thinking of other things.
I'm not reading the third book of this series though. I feel like now that we've solved the Matthew Weaver mystery, I feel like this would be a good stopping point even with the current mystery now starting up.
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