Review: Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe

Title: Bad Kitty
Author: Michele Jaffe
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date published: 2006
Type of book: Young Adult/Teen
Common Themes: Las Vegas, Murder, Mystery, Love, Friendship
Pages: 268
Plot (from book jacket):
“MEET JASMINE forensic supersleuth and unwitting victim of a naughty feline.
All Jasmine really wants is to enjoy her family vacation in Las Vegas. And avoid her evil cousin Alyson and Alyson’s best friend, Veronique. And show her suspicious dad that she can be a Model Daughter. And maybe meet the hot guy she’s been eyeing from across the pool. Is that too much to ask?
Apparently, yes. One moment she’s an innocent bylounger, the next the central figure in a Las Vegas-sized mystery. Fortunately, Jasmine is both a forensics enthusiast and possessed of some very, well, special friends. Polly, Tom, and Roxy crash the vacation, BeDazzle Jasmine’s wardrobe, and find themselves key players in the most outrageous adventure in a town known for outrageous adventures.
All because of a very bad kitty.”

I've read quite a few of Michele Jaffe's books for adults (The Stargazer, etc), but this is the first of her books for younger adults that I'd read. I wasn't sure that I wanted to read it - in fact, it came out a few years ago and I always passed by it, but I TOTALLY regret that now. Because this book is totally, totally HILARIOUS! For real - I absolutely loved it.

I like books that have a mystery element - especially one that doesn't have really obvious solution right from the beginning (because that just makes the lead up so BORING). Add that to some super funny characters that you wish you knew in real life and you've got yourself a book that you can't put down and has people looking at you funny as you laugh-out-loud when everyone else is silent.

One the unique aspect of this book were the subtexts throughout. Everyonce in awhile the characters would have side conversations at the bottom of the page that were so random and funny. It reminded me of some conversations my friends and I have had.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing Style: 10
Romance: 10
Memorable: 10
Total: 50/50 (A)

READ THIS BOOK! Right now! Or at least when you finish the one you're currently reading...