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AlwaysYAatHeart1
Posted November 12, 2012
When I read the synopsis of this book I was immediately intrigued. It is different that anything I have read before and my curiosity was definitely peaked. As it says in the synopsis, this is a combination of four novellas, written by four different authors. After Abigail Shelton is found dead in the pool at her boyfriend's house, every one is that was there is a suspect, but does everyone have an alibi? Each novella is told from the perspective of the character it is named for, and involves the weeks prior to the murder, as well as the night of the murder, giving the reader insight into finding out just who killed Abby.
Charles: The first novella is entitled Charles, and is told from his perspective. Charles is the McKenzie's nephew, Mason's cousin from Australia. He is living with them while finishing his senior year and attending school in the states. He is absolutely mouthwatering......he's hot, has an accent, he's built, is football and lacrosse star, and is also charming and quite the lady's man. I automatically fell in love with Charles, though he could be a jerk once in a while, he was really a pretty good guy and I was convinced as he told his story, that there was no way he could have killed Abigail, but then again, could he? He does have some pretty serious secrets of his own, and his love interests, well he aims to please.....all of them.
Palmer: Palmer is tall, beautiful, smart, and has had to work for everything she has. Her mother works as a waitress. Palmer also pulls double shifts to save for college, determined that she is not going to turn out like her mom. She also has a bit of a bad reputation around school, though I am not sure if all of that is entirely true. There is undeniable chemistry going on between Charles and Palmer, but Palmer has also had her eye on Mason/Ace, but why, and the answer may not be what everyone assumes. Palmer has a few really huge secrets of her own. The question is, is her alibi solid?
Mason aka Ace: Mason is Abby's boyfriend. They were best friend's for years, and then started dating, but have started growing apart lately. He's always felt smothered by Abby, and then when Charles came along, stealing the spotlight from him, his anger really flared up. He gets involved in some things he shouldn't and gets involved with someone he shouldn't. I really felt kind of sorry for Ace. He makes some really poor choices, yet has been pretty manipulated his whole life also. When everything comes to a head, will it be more than Ace can bear?
Rowan: Rowan is kind of homely, tall, thin, sharp features, a nerd, very intelligent, deceitful, manipulative, and kind of a psycho. Rowan is Abby's best friend, or so she seems. She also manages to wind herself into the lives of Charles, Ace, and Palmer. As Rowan tells her story, you see how she has weaved her web, and begin to somewhat understand her kind of warped reasoning as to why she does the things she does. Evil as she may be, the question that must be determined is if she really could have killed Abby, and did she have the opportunity to do so?
The four authors who wrote each of these novellas have done an outstanding job in bringing this story together, intertwining the lives of these four characters and the events that take place beautifully. I really enjoyed reading about the events that took from each character's perspective. Each character was really well developed and you felt like you were able to get into each one's mind, and really get to know them. It also felt like you were actually a part of trying to solve the mystery of who killed Abigail Shelton. I couldn't help but thing of the board game Clue, you know, Ms. Plum did it in the library with the candlestick, only this is a lot more intense and a lot more fun. If you are looking for something different, then I suggest you check this book out. I am really glad I did. Alibi is filled with mystery, suspense, romance, and action from beginning to end and I really enjoyed it.
The four additions in the Alibi series (Charles, Palmer, Mason, and Rowan) have been sitting on my eReader for ages now, and I'm not really sure why. They looked like fun and scandalous reads. Plus I loved the way Twist Literary was packaging them as individual novellas featuring one of four point-of-views. Anyhow, I recently decided to give it a try, and I ended up enjoying what I saw. They weren't perfect, but they were still fun and twisted reads that had me hooked from the get-go.
The four novellas in the Alibi series welcomes the reader into the world of Charles, Palmer, Mason and Rowan, four teens facing the consequences after one of their own, Abby Shelton, is found dead in a pool. All four teens have had their own twisted pasts with Abby: one was her boyfriend, the other was her secret boyfriend, another was her best friend, and one was the girl who envied her from far. However, while they all live very different lives, they're all suspects in the investigation, but who exactly killed Abby? Only time and more pages will tell in this fast paced and scandalous read that while have any reader flipping the pages, dying to know what happens next!
The best part of Alibi is, without out doubt, the central mystery involving the death of Abby. Every volume offered a new twist to the story, and kept me fully interested as the reader. I was constantly questioning who killed Abby and lining up all the possibilities in my head. Each and every one was pretty guilty, in my opinion, but the end revelation really managed to shock me. I also enjoyed the other little mysteries that popped up throughout, because it really manged to keep the story moving.
While I did enjoy the story line, I wasn't the biggest fans of the characters. None of them were exactly likable nor that sweet, and I couldn't believe just how twisted some of them were. However, each brought a lot of scandal to the table, which made me overlook the lack of connection I was able to make with them.
Lastly, the writing was good. Each volume features a new writer, but they managed to flow perfectly together...Plus I just loved seeing the scenes from multiple POVS, as each offered a new, interesting look to the story. It was just a really fun way to deliver the story overall.
In all, Alibi Volumes I-IV were fun and exciting reads, and I can't wait to see what Twist Literary has up next!
Grade: B
novelsounds
Posted September 20, 2012
3.5 stars.
The ALIBI series is nailed spot on by the last sentence on the blurb because it’s addictive like your favourite teen drama and I totally missed my bedtime for it. It reminded me a lot of Veronica Mars which in turn received Twin Peaks comparisons in its heyday. It’s the classic story of a dead rich girl and the community who may or may not know more than they let on.
Charles, Palmer, Mason, and Rowan are the main characters and suspects in Abigail’s case. Mason is her boyfriend, Charles is Mason’s cousin, Rowan is her best friend, and Palmer is Charles’ love interest. From the first pages of the book, there’s heavy foreshadowing and alluding. It’s so interesting to see what has been omitted and events are altered to suit a character’s purpose. For instance, one event is repeated throughout the book but changes details depending on who is telling it. It’s the manipulative nature of the characters that keeps you turning to unravel their secrets. I don’t think the actual mystery is particularly shocking but it is sure fun to go on the ride.
Each portion is written by a different person but flows together seamlessly. It’s a compulsively readable series and one you can read easily in one sitting. ALIBI is a pure entertainment series. I recommend it if you want a quick, addictive read.
KelliN
Posted September 6, 2012
This was a really neat concept, and very well-executed! I was kind of leery going into Alibi, because I'm not one for short stories, and Alibi consists of four 100-page installments or volumes. Each installment is told from a different main character's perspective. But, the story flowed well, and getting a better understanding of each character was really neat. I found Alibi to be compulsively readable. During each volume, I was absolutely convinced as to who the killer was. Then, I'd start a new volume and the tables would turn again, and I'd have to start over with figuring out who killed Abigail.
I really liked the different voices of each character. I didn't realize until after I'd finished the book, that a different author wrote each volume. I think that is part of what makes each volume feel so fresh. I found it so ironic how each character came across differently from volume to volume. It's all about perspective, and that whole "in the eyes of the beholder" business.
Because Alibi consists of four volumes, many of the same events are told from different perspectives. While this really helped me to get an understanding of why people behaved the way they did, some of the retelling started to get old for me. It made me want to skim through certain parts, especially the parts that reiterated the same dialogue from before.
Overall, I enjoyed Alibi much more than I thought I would. I would definitely read a compilation like this again.
Alibi Volumes I-IV is a collection of four one hundred page novellas, that each delivers the POV of a suspect. Written by four different authors this murder mystery offers a refreshing and unique twist. I was captivated from page one of the first book and became immersed in the characters. The synopsis states that each has an alibi and no one is innocent. I found this to be delightfully true and consumed this in a single evening. The tale begins after the death of Abigail Shelton at the police station. Through flashbacks each of the suspects takes us through the weeks leading up to and including the night of the murder. Twists, sub-plots and flawed characters makes this an exciting read. Since, I do not want to spoil the tale for you; I will treat this as a single book. In the novellas we meet each suspect and read their POV regarding the events that occurred. They are all flawed and the interrelationships between them was complicated and crazy! All of them have reasons to feel guilty and were up to no good; but only one of them committed the crime. Discovering their secrets, motives and fears was an awesome experience. The players; Charlie is an Australian who is in the states to try to get a football scholarship. He is smooth with the ladies and juggling a few secret relationships. He is residing with his cousin, Ace. Did I mention he has a secret as to why he left his homeland for his senior year of high school? Palmer is an overachiever, a bastard and the daughter of a maid. She juggles school and a job to help her mother keep their home. She discovers who her father is and that changes everything. Ace is the spoiled, gifted son of a politician and executive. He lacks self confidence and feels like things are falling apart. He was Abigail’s boyfriend. Rowan is Abigail’s best friend and nerd of the group. She can be manipulative and often feels invisible. Abigail our victim can be sweet, demanding, and at times cruel. I cannot say I was particularly fond of any of them but I was intrigued. The world-building in this collection was fascinating and refreshingly unique. I am amazed at how these four authors collaborated to make these different POV’s flow together into a tight, well written, suspenseful murder mystery. Each of the characters was well fleshed out and I believed each tale that unfolded. As I read each POV my opinion of whom the murderer was changed and I was delighted by the experience. My favorite novella of the group was Rowan. I highly recommend Alibi Volumes I-IV to fans of murder mysteries, different POV’s and strong, flawed characters. I applaud the authors and Twisted Literary for putting together this intriguing read. I will be on the lookout for more exciting things from them. I want to thank Twisted Literary for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ValerieStuckInBooks
Posted July 6, 2012
4 stars - Brilliantly explaining why the truth lies somewhere in the middle
Yeah so I wasn't sure about this one because it seemed outside my normal genres but really I have to give kudos to the authors for peeking my curiosity with their request to review their book. They actually read my review police and provided everything I requested. So I gave their book a chance and I'm certainly glad I did.
The book is divided into four sections, about 100 pages each, one from each of the four characters surrounding the girl who is found dead at the beginning of the book. I was surprised how fast those pages flew by. Now I can read fast but when I'm really STUCK in a book, yeah well that's what happened here. I read the first two sections in a couple hours. I forced myself to put it down to go to sleep only to not be able to. My mind keep racing through the possibilities. The book got finished the next day.
I liked the characters. They were strong, full developed characters that I cared about. When I was reading Charles' section, I was certain he was 100% innocent. Then as I read Palmer's section I was thinking well maybe Charles didn't see how he contributed. And on and on it went. Each character going through different aspects of the weeks leading up to Abby's death. Some overlapping but always emphasizing different things. Amazingly, it was like real life. So many times we think we understand the truth but we are missing some detail or we are only focused on ourselves and we miss reality. It was like four different people staring out at the grand canyon. Each seeing just a little bit different scene. Each focused on the thoughts in their own head. Each somewhat aware that the others are involved. But each missing something that's important to one of the others. Really this book brilliantly explains why the truth always lies somewhere in the middle.
Mystery isn't my normal thing, but I really enjoyed this book. The mystery was expertly woven among a rich contemporary storyline that had the pages flying. It had some interesting romance going on with some subplots on social structures. While the story revisited some things, the details were always increased. I was never bored with that. I was pretty sure I knew who actually killed Abby as I approached the end and I was right but as the book suggests no one was innocent. At first, the ending seemed strange but as I sat thinking about it after I'd finished, I realized it was the perfect ending.
Not sure if this book will drive me to read more mystery but I will say this, it is a fabulous YA read and you should check it out.
The concept of 4 short novellas written by 4 different authors is what drew me in. Wasn't really sure what to expect, but i was intrigued and pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed how you learned a few more secrets from each person's POV, and it wasn't obvious who the actual killer was until it was appropriate.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.For something that consists of novellas that are only a hundred pages long, I was more than shocked and impressed with what I found inside of the first novella in Alibi; a four part series that takes place after the death of Abigail Shelton. In this review, I’m not going to go through each and every single novella in the series because that will get boring really fast and because I don’t want to ruin anything for you!
In the beginning of the story, after the death of Abby, I had to admit that it was very different than I imagined. It begins with Charles, who is the main suspect in Abby’s murder, and after reading from Charles point of view, I have to admit that I assumed entering into the minds of the other characters: Palmer, Mason and Rowan, wouldn’t be all that different. I was wrong.
I am happy to say that the author(s) did an amazing job at making each of the characters an individual in the eye of every volume/novella. But, I have to admit that it was also becoming a little bit tiresome to have to hear the same conversations over and over again four times. Hopefully you can understand where I’m coming from, but at least I got to see these conversations through new eyes.
The one thing that I found exciting and interesting with these novellas is that they taught me something very important and something that I will cherish for the rest of my life: Nobody is to be trusted. Not to sound paranoid or anything (*la shaky laugh*), but everybody in these novellas is connected in one way or another and even your best friend *cough, cough* Rowan *cough, cough* can’t necessarily be trusted. Especially with your boyfriends. Alibi taught me not to trust best friends with boyfriends for reasons that are spoilers, mwuahahaha.
I personally, enjoyed reading the volume that was in Rowan’s point of view, despite her being a slut. I did like seeing her method of evil genius and the way she forced Palmer into doing her bidding and got some serious dirt on the remaining character. The way the volumes all flowed into each other was impressive and all in all I am actually very happy with what the Alibi series has given me. It definitely delivered and will definitely catch the eye of mystery fans. The one thing that I feel I should mention is the sexual innuendo that was mentioned in the novel and the types of sexual innuendo that take place. It’s not a huge issue but something that some readers may find offensive.
I would recommend this to fans of Pretty Little Liars, mystery, anybody who wants a genuine quick read, and readers who enjoy murder mystery.
Ajoop
Posted June 20, 2012
This series is so OH MY GOD. There is no other way to describe this absolutely amazing four part series that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end!
I loved the concept of the perspectives of four people in this mini-series taking you in all sorts of directions until finally, you figured out how Abigail Shelton, who seemed like the girl who had it all ended up drugged, bleeding and dead; floating face down in her boyfriend, the governor's son's pool at the night of the governor's fundraiser.
Marketed as Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars, this series is filled with characters with the most outrageous and drama-filled lives. I wouldn't want to live their lives but it was exciting to read about them. I loved how the ALIBI series involved having to wade through almost every scandal I've read about in Young Adult fiction/TV to arrive at a conclusion that was startling yet satisfying. It wasn't the who but the how that made this whodunnit a thrilling read!
Volume I: Charles by Annie Miles definitely helped set the stage! I was immediately drawn to Charles, Mason (the governor's son)'s cousin from Australia. Charles was charming, almost too charming and his version of the events leading to Abby being found floating face down in the pool are the first glimpse we get into the lives of these characters. Charles was probably the first to sense that there was so much more to Abby than what people saw and even at the end of all the four parts, I was convinced we didn't know everything about her.
Volume II: Palmer by Isabel Eckersley was my favourite part of the series. This was mainly because Palmer was one of the few characters I could sympathise with. Palmer is the girl Charles falls for which, in a way, triggers everything and it was great knowing more about her. I didn't like her in Charles, but in Palmer, I felt myself mentally cheering for her to emerge victorious in the grand scheme of things.
Volume III: Mason by John Byrne cemented my opinion of Mason. In the earlier parts, he seemed vengeful and insanely jealous of Charles who seemed to have taken everything that was Mason's from when he'd arrived. But by the end of Mason, it's clear that he was more of a pawn in someone else's game. That made me feel sorry for him.
Volume IV: Rowan by Sorrel Provola... oh my god, Rowan. I hated this girl. I hated her in the other volumes and hated her even more when we were shown the events from her perspective. I got to know so much more about the other characters while seeing the events through Rowan's eyes. For one thing, there were parts conveniently omitted by one of the characters in the initial parts and Rowan's perspective made me get the full picture about this person.
This was such a great series! I loved that the four characters were portrayed so thoroughly by four different authors and it all added up perfectly. By each author taking on the perspective of one character, I guess it also gave each character a truly distinct voice... When I read books with multiple perspectives, I sometimes find that it's difficult to distinguish between the perspectives but that was never a problem with this series.
I loved the way the mystery was unraveled: piece by piece. The governor's fundraiser was definitely a night of drama and revelations as Charles, Palmer, Mason, Rowan and Abby revealed things about themselves or others around them that were earth shattering. The ALIBI series from Twist Literary was sheer genius and had me reading into the early morning hours!
Originally posted on aandhowareyou dot blogspot dot com
JenniferBielman
Posted June 14, 2012
3.5 stars
The Good
Who Killed Abby Shelton...
I was blown away by this series. The intrigue, the lies, the betrayal. All of it simmered then exploded into one suspenseful read. With each character's point of view, we learn more about the horrid story that lead to Abby Shelton's death. You couldn't even imagine what these teens have been up to.
The Suspects...
We start out with Charles, the hot athlete from Australia who is trying to forget his past and find a place in his new surroundings. I immediately loved him. He was manipulative and cocky but also endearing and sensitive. Then we meet Palmer. The loose girl with a big heart that she keeps hidden. Her secrets are heavy burdens that threaten to tear apart her love for Charles. Mason, cousin to Charles and boyfriend to Abby, has been having a hard time ever since his cousin came and stole the limelight away from him. Mason has major issues and does not deal with them well. Then there is Rowan. She gives me the creeps. A supposed best friend to Abby, Rowan finds herself tangled in the destructive web she has weaved herself. All of them have a reason to want Abby dead. But who actually delivered the blow?
A Path to Murder...
All of these characters are so different, but they have common threads that lead them down a path of murder. They have motives and convictions that make sense in their heads, but look juvenile on paper. Some are more innocent than others, but all had a part to play in Abby's death, even if only one actually did the deed. Even Abby, who we learn more about through the other four POVs, is an interesting and not-so-innocent character. I would have liked to seen her story as well. She tries so hard to be perfect but something dark lurks behind those eyes.
Deadly Game...
This series is a real page-turner. With every story, I was sucked further into the slow devastation of each teen's lives as they all played a part in a game they had no idea they were the stars of. Some just want love, acceptance, while others want to manipulate and destroy. I only wish there was more to read.
Thrill Ride...
The writing was very well done. I could feel the suspense as it gave me chills, and the revelations of each character's life was extra juicy. I felt both sympathy and disdain for each character as they hit ethical highs and lows in such a short span of time. This was a very well done mystery that took me for a thrilling ride I will never forget.
The Bad
I figured out who killed Abby by the second book. I was hoping to be more surprised in that aspect.
I felt like their was no ending to this book. Sure, we figure out who did it, but there were a lot of questions left unanswered that made me knock off half a star. I don't like being left hanging to that much of an extent.
The Snuggly
This series has many sexual situations. It may be YA but it's on the verge of adult.
Romance wise, it's all mixed up. Love is not something these kids know. They understand lust, power, greed, and infatuation, but not love. I still enjoyed all the little romances and hook-ups going on throughout the novel. Very scandalous.
Overall
I wont deny that the ending made me a little mad, and I took it out on the overall rating. But I really did enjoy reading this series. It held my interest and each character fascinated me. Finding out how each person intertwined and what part they played in the death of Abby was a great experience. Recommended for pretty much everyone
AWrittenRhapsody
Posted June 6, 2012
I won't lie, I was kind of stalking Twist Literary (only online people, I wasn't like in their bushes or anything) once I heard about them a few months back. The whole concept of a series written by different authors for different characters is seriously intriguing. I kind of thought I'd be able to tell when someone else was writing, but the authors do it so seamlessly that there's really no difference. What definitely helped is the amazing characterization throughout the story. Every character has their own distinct personality that pulls you in right away.
Charles. You sir, are weirdly lovable even though I feel like I should stay away because you will break my heart with that beautiful Aussie accent of yours and leave me drowning my sorrows in chocolate. Every time Charles would talk, I would feel this necessity to say his lines in an Australian accent. Let me tell you, I realized my Aussie accent sucks! However, don't let my awful accent deter you from reading all about him and wanting his bod. Annie Miles writes Charles in a way that makes you want to discover the layers under his teen bravado and charm.
I think I have a slight girl crush on Palmer because she has that confidence that just makes you want to know her. Even if I kind of hated her at times, I still rooted for her in the story. I totally understand why she intrigued so many people. Isabel Eckersley gives Palmer this charismatic air about her that makes a reader even notice there's something about her without seeing her. Her plot twists are also the most interesting for me; I truly didn't see them coming.
Mason and Rowan are the two characters that I'm still unsure about my feelings for. Every story like this needs an edgy boy or girl, and these two seem to be it. Byrne and Provolo make their stories like those MTV shows you don't want to admit you watch, but honestly love every minute of because they're such a huge train wreck. Yeah. I mean...I don't watch those shows.*Looks anywhere but at you*
With little bits of story leaking out through each of the characters, Alibi will tease and keep you reading to the very end. I was sad to have it end because I got so invested and wanted more. If you're looking for a mystery that is sure to stay with you even after you're done turning the pages, Alibi is a definite not-so-guilty pleasure.
Emily_K24
Posted May 25, 2012
The ALIBI series is a series of novellas. The four parts of this book are titled after the character the story centers around: Charles, Palmer, Mason and Rowan. Each story is written by a different author. When I was first asked to review this, I was a bit nervous. I have never read a series like this. Different authors made me wary. My doubts were unjust. I ended up sincerely enjoying this story. And being sad when I had finished. This series was legitimately crazy. It was a heck of a ride that will leave you desperate for more! I couldn't put the book down once I started it. ALIBI is full of twists and turns that hit you before you see them coming!
Each of these characters play a huge role in the deceased's life. Reading from each point-of-view gives you more insight into Abby's life and into these young men and women's lives. Throughout the book, I was struck by the intensity. I couldn't believe half the things that went down because the way these people live is so shocking!
First up, Charles. Charles point-of-view is written by Annie Miles. She begins the series excellently. Charles's perspective was intriguing. Once I finished, I was confused as hell and didn't know what was true or what was a lie. It drove me crazy to put the book down for the night. Charles's book was so good. It had everything a good mystery needs: intensity, lies, scandal and romance. Charles isn't an innocent guy, but I found myself falling for him and his charm. He's had a rough life, and the reader can't help but feel bad for him. I thought I liked Abby when I began this, but no. No, I totally changed my mind through it.
Book two was about Palmer. My first thought was that the series was getting crazier and crazier! It drove me to the brink of insanity! I really liked Palmer. I felt that she was the most innocent of all of the characters. I really loved Palmer's strength. She wasn't perfect, but she was doing her hardest to get there. She wanted to be more than what people expected of her. I felt horrible for Palmer. She may have had the toughest life of them all. And a lot happens to her, not only in this book, but in the entire series. The author of this story, Isabel Eckersley, ties it in very well to the first part.
Mason's story is the third volume in this series. The author is John Byrne. In the beginning, I really didn't like Mason "Ace." He seemed like your typical rich guy. Reading for his point-of-view changed that. I saw him in a completely different light once I finished his story. He was just another piece in a game. He was used by everyone and I couldn't help, but want to hug him. He may have been a jerk sometimes, but you come to realize that he's just a human. He's trying to live up to the standards that others have placed upon him. He really wasn't a bad guy and I loved reading his story.
Rowan… what to say about Rowan. I hate her. I hated her from the first story. She's completely psychotic. She reminded me very much of a mad scientist. Everything she thinks, every action she partakes in is all as an experiment. Rowan's perspective is written by Sorrel Provola. The author pulls of the bitter, angry girl so well. I've never read a character like Rowan. A character that I completely hated on sight, even in her own story.
The major twist in this story was not immediately obvious to me, but as the story continued, my suspicions grew. It was nice to not know one-hundred percent who the real killer was. The mystery in the novel was wonderful and kept my interest until the very end. I'm so disappointed that it ended where it did, because it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger. I want to know what happens to the characters after ALIBI is finished!
My only complaint is that there were a few descriptions that don't match up for the others. Each story seemed to have a bit of a different idea of the characteristics of the characters. Maybe it was just eat character's perception? I'm not sure, but that and a few other minor issues with set-up of the ebook. There were placement problems and some strange font issues. Other than that, I really loved this series.
I can't wait to see what these authors and Twist Literary will produce next! I'm sure we won't be disappointed!
When I was approached the read this series, I immediately jumped right on. It had everything I want in a book and more. It has mystery, suspense, murder, lies, and cheaters.
What I adored about this book is something that I would normally complain about. It's short. Each book is about 60 pages long, but it gives you exactly what you need and more to want to read the next book. The author has carefully constructed each story from each point of view to give away just the right amount of clues to lead to the murder. Let's just say that I munched on this series fast.
I also adored that with each character point of view we learn so many secrets! My goodness I am such tell-me-your-secrets hoarder that with each gasping secret exposed it only left me hungry for more. I like that each character plays bigger roles for each other lives. My favorite pov is Palmer. Her life had so much secrets I could not stop turning the pages.
There were several love interest and one that leads to a deadly end. Will I tell you? NO! But I will say that it is indeed juicy! Hmmmmm...
Ablibi is an overflowing page turner that you must read! With each new book short and sweet, the reader is left with no choice but to read on. Exciting and mysterious, Alibi is my new type of read!
EverAfterEsther
Posted May 2, 2012
ALIBI has been publicized as the next book for fans of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. Luckily for me, I followed both those series for the majority of their never-ending books (I gave up on PLL recently.) Note that ALIBI is a 4-part series, and you can buy the series either separately or as a complete volume.
But after reading ALIBI, I can say that isn't a fair remark to make about the series. ALIBI is what Gossip Girl WISHES it was and what Pretty Little Liars SHOULD have been! It's a guilty pleasure read that you won't be able to put down, as the story continues to unravel with secrets galore.
Reasons to Read:
1.Twisted, dark storyline:
Rich kids in YA seem to come with a disclaimer these days: they're messed up. Seriously. And ALIBI is no exception to this, and uses this to its advantage in creating a dark story of murder and betrayal when Abby ends up dead. The question is why and how; and it seems like everyone close to her has a motive and secrets they're keeping. But what I found interesting is that this story wasn't heavy on a mystery, whodunnit plot. After the first couple novellas, you'll most likely have a guess for who killed Abby, but you'll still be dying to know why they did that and what the other secrets there are being kept by the characters. These people are all involved with serious problems.
2.Complex pasts and characters:
I found it so interesting to uncover how much these people were hiding, and the secrets which came out that they were hiding. You really get a great idea of what their priorities are, and it's neat to piece together the whole story by putting together the pieces offered from each character's perspective in their own novella. Charles, Palmer, Ace, and Rowan are such interesting people, and they're nothing like what you expect at first. Not at all.
3.A definite ending:
This is my main complaint about Gossip Girl and PLL; the books just go on and on. While enjoyable at first, after a while you just get tired of watching these characters stumble into the same issues agan and again. ALIBI is fantastic because it incorporates what made those series great (drama, secrets, murder, and mystery) but finds a way to wrap it up. The story focuses on Abby's death and the events leading up to it, but don't feel the need to hash out every other minor detail in their lives and don't see a need to continue on and drag it out. And that's what makes ALIBI such a success.
4.Four distinct voices:
I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives that ALIBI incorporates and I thought it was great that they all stood out as their own, seeing as different authors wrote each novella. Yet they all blended together very well at the same time.
ALIBI really knows how to make it appealing to readers; it plays off of what's exciting and popular, and then uses that to its advantage. This story could easily be a hit, and I think many people are going to find this is their newest guilty pleasure read.
I will say though, that this story only revolves around the events of Abby's death and leading up to it; it doesn't feel the need to continue past this, so you may not feel that everything is all wrapped up neatly with a definite ending. It's left somewhat open ended.
E-book copy received from publisher for review.
adm912
Posted April 4, 2012
The general concept behind Alibi is fascinating to me. Four authors all write a 100 page-volume about one event from a different POV. I included the little “explanation” of it so you can get a bit more of a taste of what it’s about. I was excited about that concept automatically, but the synopsis made it an experience I knew I couldn’t miss.
In each volume that character is telling their side of events and recalling events, often the same events filling in with details that the others may not have noticed along with that character’s thoughts of the situation. It’s your basic “whodunit” book, with a “twist”. Like teased in the synopsis, it’s similar to Pretty Little Liars (suspense/twists and turns) and Gossip Girl (sexy/saucy). This combo makes for such a fun ride.
I had started Volume 1 with the intention of reading it before bed and then starting volume 2 the next day. By the conclusion of volume 2, I was pretty sure who had killed Abigail (and was right). Even with my suspicions, Alibi kept me guessing about situations until it was tied up at the end.
Lovers of suspenseful books aren’t going to want miss Alibi.
I received ALIBI Volumes I-IV: The Complete Series from the publisher in exchange of my honest opinion.
Overview
Spring Valley's golden girl is found floating face-down in her boyfriend’s pool, hands bound behind her back, head bleeding, drugs and alcohol in her system. Her friends are the only suspects – and they all have reasons to want her dead. Everyone has an alibi, but no one is innocent.
ALIBI is a 4-part young adult e-book series. Each one-hundred ...