Book Review: Deadly Little Secret (Touch #1)

Title: Deadly Little Secret (Touch #1)
Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz

Until three months ago, everything about sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at an art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes far from ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe he's trouble, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. Instead she's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help – but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something...but he's not the only one with a secret.

My Review

Hmmmm what did I think of this one?  I liked it that much was true although I will admit I wasn't crazy-wow-in-love-with-it.  First I I had to (and don't kick me here) shake the Twilight comparison right from the start with the car almost hitting her etc.  But once I got over that I saw that it really wasn't a Twilight knock off.  I think what I liked the most was the mystery in the story. Someone is stalking Camelia, but you don't know who! I loved the guessing game with that whole part of the plot.  It was between like three people but you never knew which one.  I would think it just had to be one guy, but then something happened and I knew it wasn't.  But then I would go back to him again.  I liked that part, because I've always enjoyed mysteries even as a young child.

The characters:  They were pretty good, but again I will admit I didn't love them.  I didn't find myself really really caring about them.  I was more interested in that mystery.  I know there are several more books in the series, so I'm curious to know if, as I follow the characters, will I begin to care about them more.  This also was true for the chemistry between Camelia and Ben.  It was there, but I didn't completely feel it.  I'm wondering if, as I read more, will I see it more.  

Over-all it was good quick read.  I plan on reading at least one more in the series, because I do want to see how the "love connection" and characters develop.  And if all the books are mysteries, I'll really enjoy that.  

Final Thought: Good fun book
Best stick-with-you image: The ending when all is revealed
Best for readers who: Like a mystery
Best for ages: 12+

For the Guys? No not really.