Review: Death by Bikini

Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber
3 stars

Reasons for reading: looked cool; Young Adult Challenge

Description: "Aphra Behn Connolly has the type of life most teenage girls envy. She lives on a remote tropical island and spends most of her time eavesdropping on the rich and famous. The problem is that her family's resort allows few opportunities for her to make friends - much less to meet cute boys. So when a smoldering Seth Mulo arrives with his parents, she's immediately drawn to him. Sure, he's a little bit guarded, and sure his parents are rather cold, and okay he won't say a word about his past, but their chemistry is undeniable. Then a famous rock star's girlfriend turns up dead on the beach - strangled by her own bikini top - and alarm bells sound. Is it too great a coincidence that Seth's family turned up just one day before a murder? As the plot thickens, Aphra finds that danger lurks behind even the most unexpected of faces..."

First line: "Until last week, my most pressing concern had been getting ready to visit my friend Cami back home in South Carolina."

My thoughts: This was a good little mystery. The tropical island setting is irresistable, although you eventually realize that living there full time isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially for a teenage girl - Aphra hasn't seen anyone but her father, resort staff, and privacy-seeking guests for 4 years, let alone been to a movie or on a date.

There's lots of heart-pounding action in the lush jungle as well as waves and waterfalls galore. Seth's family turns out to be connected to Aphra in a way she never expected, which lays the groundwork for future books in the series, which is currently at three volumes. I guessed the whodunnit, but that was okay, there was still quite a lot that needed unfolding.

The verdict: A quick read sure to appeal to teen girl mystery fans.