Pretty Little Devils
Grade 8 Up–The four Pretty Little Devils are the most popular young women in their California high school, more so even than the cheerleaders. They are also a little bit naughty; they bend the school rules and get away with it. They have a rigid code for their group, including intervening when one of their own is slipping (e.g., Ellens hairstyle is unacceptable). Hazel has worshiped the PLDs from afar and is surprised and thrilled when they invite her to join them. Soon after her initiation, however, it becomes clear that something is radically wrong when the head cheerleader–the PLDs sworn enemy–turns up dead. This fast-paced read is interlaced with chat-room conversations, blog entries, and text messages. Unfortunately, the dialogue is stilted, the characters are static and stereotypical, and the narrative seems to normalize underage drinking. The plot also fails to ring true: popular kids rarely bring a nobody into the fold. Nevertheless, the gripping suspense may attract R. L. Stine fans looking for another author. An additional purchase for libraries with extensive, well-circulating horror series collections.–Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, ILCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.