Death and the Girl Next Door

By: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times best-selling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling young adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors.

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. For Lorelei, life goes on. High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.

Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy - terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach - comes to school. Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?

Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones' first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

©2012 Darynda Jones (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Unique, compelling story

Would you listen to Death and the Girl Next Door again? Why?

No, once is enough.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the friendship between Lorelei and her besties. They are loyal, a merry band of misfits who will go to the ends of the earth for each other. I also appreciated her grandparents, who are devoted to her safety and well-being, and have an air of mystery about them. This is a mystery that is well-detailed and laid out in this first book, making you want to come back for the remaining books in the series.

What about Lorelei King’s performance did you like?

She gives each character it's own distinct voice and characteristics. She has excellent pacing, emotion, and humor.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had a number of LOLs. I felt compassion for Lorelei losing her parents, and her devotion to her friends and grandparents.

Any additional comments?

I loved Darynda's Charley Davidson series, and had this book in my wish list for awhile before giving it a whirl. I'm so glad I did. It is up to Darynda's excellent standard of weaving a compelling story, giving lots of light humor in the midst of chaos, and creating a fun world of magic and intrigue.

Riveting from beginning to end

Would you consider the audio edition of Death and the Girl Next Door to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed both version, I will say that the narrator did a splendid job of changing between the characters, as to minimize confusion. Really enjoyed this book, reminded me much of Darynda Jones and her sexy character Ryes and Charlie.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Death and the Girl Next Door?

The fight scenes between Cameron and Jared the first half of the book kept you wondering just how do these two know each other and what gives....suspenseful!

Which character – as performed by Lorelei King – was your favorite?

While I love the main character Lorelei, Lorelei King did a great job of the bestie Brooklyn as spunky no nonsense best friend that doesn't take no for an answer and UN-seemingly sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong, but with the best of intentions. Glitch was a hoot too.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely, had the hardest time putting it down or going to bed at a descent hour as I was afraid stopping the narrator would some how leave me missing a memorable moment. Plenty of suspense to keep your interest.

Fabulous! !!

The book was fantastic and the narration. was equally so. I am headed to buy second in the series as we speak.

Totally loved it!

If you could sum up Death and the Girl Next Door in three words, what would they be?

A younger Charlie Davidson series, only in reverse?

What did you like best about this story?

Love that the main character is named after the narrator! Concidence, I think not! Love the characters.... from Cameron to Glitch, the guys are a lot of
fun. Lorelei and Brook are very much like Charlie and Cookie, only in reverse. There's an innocence in these characters that is really refreshing.

Which character – as performed by Lorelei King – was your favorite?

Because of Lorelei's portrayal of Reyes Farrow, the listener is going to be drawn to Jared.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are several high points in the story that are compelling, but not overly emotional.

Any additional comments?

Definitey entertaining and worth the listen... the time flew by and I still wanted more:)

Death and the Girl Next Door

As a Charlie Davidson fan, I throughly enjoy this Lorelei storyline. I love everything Darynda Jonez/Lorelei King. This was written a while back but series at a missing Charlie fix. Excellent narration by Lorelei King as usual.

Ending?

The story itself was good but the ending was rather abrupt. I expected more. It was like the chapter ended and that’s where they stopped the book. I love her Charley series so maybe this was a starter story.

Reminded me of Twilight and Darynda's Grave Series

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Come up with something more original

What does Lorelei King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her interpretation - which I love. Also time, which I don't have a lot of. With audio, I can multi-task

Do you think Death and the Girl Next Door needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No - It just didn't grip me like Darynda's other series did. After her grave series, I just found this book to be somewhat a poor reproduction. It wasn't exactly the same but too many characteristics to call it completely original. I didn't care for the teen aspect of the book either

Irritating main character

generator was fantastic as usual for Lorelei king. the main character made me want to jump off a ledge.

Jones hits it again!

Darynda Jones does it again with another series! True to her style of writing, she begins another fantastic and fun paranormal series well worth the read/listen!

Love hate lots of laughs and hotness.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The family in the series is so funny And Will Have You rolling, will make you Mead, and then awwwwwwing the next second.

Any additional comments?

I love the action, romance, and humor. Great story.