To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough: A Review and Giveaway
Forensic intrigue, a fast-paced plot, and a Veronica Mars—esque protagonist make for a great read in Sheryl Scarborough's young adult debut TO CATCH A KILLER.
TO CATCH A KILLER is about a teenage girl who uses forensic science to solve the cold-case of her mother's murder. As a toddler, Erin survived for three days alongside the corpse of her murdered mother, and the case—which remains unsolved—fueling her determination to uncover the mystery behind it.
"Erin Blake has one of those names. A name that, like Natalee Holloway or Elizabeth Smart, is inextricably linked to a grisly crime."
Erin is an easy protagonist to follow with a neat Nancy Drew/ Veronica Mars vibe about her that I really liked. She's smart and witty with a knack for forensic science and detective work. She is inspired by her biology teacher and her uncle, an FBI agent, both who are secretly mentoring her. Teens can easily relate to her as she's just trying to have a normal life while navigating the norms of High School, including two crazy best friends and a secret crush, while trying to solve the cold-case of her mother's death.
"Fourteen years later, Erin is once again at the center of a brutal homicide when she finds the body of her biology teacher."
The plot takes off with Erin at the center of a murder once again, only this time it happens to be her favorite teacher. Suspicion leads her to the fact she may be getting too close to the discovery of her mother's killer, as clues she uncovered with the help of her biology teacher are unraveling. Has her mother's killer struck again?
"Inspired by her uncle, an FBI agent, Erin has ramped up her forensic hobby into a full-blown cold-case investigation."
Get ready for a fun mix of forensics, detective work, and romance as murder leads Erin straight into the arms of her longtime crush (and fellow suspect) Journey Michael and danger as looming questions about her past won't be silenced until they are answered.
TO CATCH A KILLER crafted an entertaining mystery with just the right amount of suspense while wrapping it up with a great teen-Sherlockian vibe.
Set within a high school atmosphere, including two very fun BFF's and a swoony high school crush, To Catch a Killer ended up being a fun and fast read. The ending left me satisfied and hoping for more cases for Sheryl Scarborough's young sleuth to solve.
To Catch a Killer: A Novel
by Sheryl Scarborough
On Sale Date: February 7, 2017
Young Adult, Mysteries
Tor Teen, 320 pages
Source: Publisher
My Rating: 4 Stars
Erin Blake has one of those names. A name that, like Natalee Holloway or Elizabeth Smart, is inextricably linked to a grisly crime. As a toddler, Erin survived for three days alongside the corpse of her murdered mother, and the case—which remains unsolved—fascinated a nation. Her father's identity unknown, Erin was taken in by her mother's best friend and has become a relatively normal teen in spite of the looming questions about her past.
Fourteen years later, Erin is once again at the center of a brutal homicide when she finds the body of her biology teacher. When questioned by the police, Erin tells almost the whole truth, but never voices her suspicions that her mother's killer has struck again in order to protect the casework she's secretly doing on her own.
Inspired by her uncle, an FBI agent, Erin has ramped up her forensic hobby into a full-blown cold-case investigation. This new murder makes her certain she's close to the truth, but when all the evidence starts to point the authorities straight to Erin, she turns to her longtime crush (and fellow suspect) Journey Michaels to help her crack the case before it's too late.
Giveaway
Thanks to Tor Teen, I have one copy of To Catch a Killer to giveaway!
Enter to win a copy of TO CATCH A KILLER!
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