Blog Tour Book Review: Ask Me by Kimberly Pauley

Ask Aria Morse anything, and she must answer with the truth. Yet she rarely understands the cryptic words she‘s compelled to utter. Blessed—or cursed—with the power of an Oracle who cannot

decipher her own predictions, she does her best to avoid anyone and everyone.

But Aria can no longer hide when Jade, one of the few girls at school who ever showed her any kindness, disappears. Any time Aria overhears a question about Jade, she inadvertently reveals something new, a clue or hint as to why Jade vanished. But like stray pieces from different puzzles, her words never present a clear picture.

Then there’s Alex, damaged and dangerous, but the first person other than Jade to stand up for her. And Will, who offers a bond that seems impossible for a girl who’s always been alone. Both were involved with Jade. Aria may be the only one who can find out what happened, but the closer she gets to solving the crime, the more she becomes a target. Not everyone wants the truth to come out.

So I read this book in one evening so that should tell you something! I did really enjoy it.  I'm in a mystery-suspense-who-done-it kind of reading mood lately, and it completely fit that.  All throughout the book I didn't know how it would end up - I was kept guessing until the end.  I would think "Oh it has to be him!", but then something would happen and I wasn't sure.  Then I'd be like "Wait! Wait! Wait how do I even know that - maybe I'm just assuming" and that would send my guesses off into another direction.  Well done. There is nothing I hate more than a mystery that has no mystery.  

Now about Aria being an Oracle.  Love it! The fact that she HAD to answer every question she heard (even ones on TV) really added to the story.  And it really made me feel for her because I started thinking about all the questions I hear all day and how horrible it would be if I had no control and answers just came out.  I teach, so my days are full of questions.  This really made me feel for her! Funny too because later my husband asked me something that I jokingly avoided asking, but it made me think about her situation and how she would have had to answer.  For something that wasn't realistic - it felt real and possible.  See how this worked for her also made me like her more, so that made me care about the story more as well.  Not only did I just want an answer to who the murderer was - I wanted to see her be happy and safe.  

Over all great book.  Fast tense read that I really enjoyed.