Bad Girls Don't Die

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
published by Hyperion Book CH, 2009
352 pages
approximate age level: 12+

Alexis is a high school outsider with pink hair, a slacker attitude, a crusade against a group of mean cheerleaders, and only a camera for a best friend. Life's not great, but she can handle it, until she notices a strange light moving around her house and her little sister Kasey starts acting very odd. First Kasey's love of dolls turns into an obsession, leading her to break her friend's arm when she harmlessly tries to touch one. Then Kasey starts to act even stranger, speaking in old-fashioned diction and losing her memory of periods of time; her eyes even change color – from blue to green. When doors start to open and close and appliances turn on and off on their own, Alexis finally has to admit what's happening, as unbelievable as it sounds – her sister is possessed. But the spirit isn't content with parlor tricks and Alexis needs to save Kasey before whatever is controlling her carries out its evil plans that put Alexis and her whole family in serious danger.

Bad Girls Don't Die is a legitimately frightening mystery and Alender is an expert at creating a chilling atmosphere while also writing believable characters and situations. Alexis is a stellar narrator with a very appealing smart, sarcastic tone and independent spirit. Despite her misfit actions, she's a positive role-model for teenage readers, especially as she constantly stands up for herself and grows and recognizes her mistakes and prejudices. The ghost story is somewhat formulaic, but still compelling, and the way it slowly builds is a real page turner. There is a bit of romance, but it stays to the sidelines, though I was pleased to see that the object of Alexis' (eventual) affections is not your stereotypical prince charming – he's a fully formed character in his own right, and is as realistic as she is. A sequel, Bad Girls Don't Die: From Bad to Cursed, which finds Alexis investigating a new supernatural mystery, is set to be released in June 2011.

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