The Dead Girls Detective Agency

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