The End

totally saved Alone for me.  Totally.  I don't want to say much more.  But it was a good one to read this time of year!  Cyn Balog is a writer I have come to enjoy very much! 

Sewickley!

I was actually sitting in my car, in Sewickley, just before work, listening to Wolf Hollow when I heard the narrator say, "Moreover, we did eat at Lancaster's in Sewickley twice a year."
That was very exciting!   Because I didn't realize that the book was set in Pennsylvania before hearing that!  Later on the book does make mention of Pittsburgh and Aliquppa, too.  But it was very exciting to hear "Sewickley" while in Sewickley!
Wolf Hollow is getting Newbery buzz.  And I did like Wolf Hollow.  And I do wonder if it will win the Newbery.  But man, it just wasn't all I thought it would be.
I agree with people who have said it was reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird. But that's the thing, it was a too too too much like TKAM.  And it also was a little too much like Stepping on the Cracks.  To be totally WOW for me.  I wasn't sucked in or blown away.  But it was good.  It just wasn't WOW.  3 of 5 stars for me.

Was expecting something else...

Beth Fantaskey is a wonderful writer and gracious and kind woman.   I don't "know" her but I have met many authors over the years and meeting Ms. Fantaskey was a delight.   Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, Jessica Rules the Dark Side and Jekel Loves Hyde were books that I absolutely loved.  I couldn't put them down.  It has been so long since Fantaskey had a book, I just couldn't wait to read Buzz Kill. 
I had expectations that were way too high and that was very unfair.  That's why I didn't rate this as high as her other books. 
Buzz Kill can't be compared to Fantaskey's other books.  This one is completely different.  While the others were paranormal, fantasy-type stories, this one is a mystery that will appeal to those who like the Red Blazer Girls or the Gallagher Girls or the newer, Also Known As series by Robin Benway.  For me, it just didn't work.  Millie is seventeen, the only child of the mayor of their small, Pennsylvania town.  Her father is also the assistant football coach.  The head coach is murdered and her father is one of the main suspects.  Millie is determined to prove her father innocent and find out who the real murderer is. 
I will buy it though, because I know it will appeal to others.  I hope that Fantaskey will return to her paranormal writing.  I would love to hear how Jessica is doing!  Millie was sort of the anti-Jessica.  Very unappealing and whiny. 

Scary Dolls, Again!

The Doll Bones is another scary doll book! But I am not sure if this doll is haunted or not.  I just don't know if the magic was real magic-magic, I do think it might be.  This is a growing up story.  A death of childhood kinda thing...but it is hopeful.  And just magical.  This is a possible Newbery, too.  Three kids, on the verge of beings teens.  Two girls and guy and a journey to put a dead girl's soul to rest.  It made me wonder if the legends in the book are true.  But I can't find anything about it when I google!