A Very Unexpected #SuchAGIngerRead

Typically I can spot a Ginger Read just by looking at a cover on a shelf, or maybe even when I read the summary. Today's Such a Ginger Read was very unexpected, though! I'd added these books to my TBR a few months back after a friend raved about the first book. I don't exactly remember why I added it, though. Nothing in the summary exactly stands out to me. I think I just trusted the friend recommending it. Regardless, I'm super happy I finally picked it up because WOW! This story is hands down my new favorite thing to push on to others as Such A Ginger Read!

Trouble Is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly
About the book: Sherlock meets Veronica Mars meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in this story of a wisecracking girl who meets a weird but brilliant boy and their roller-coaster of a semester that’s one part awkward, three parts thrilling, and five parts awesome

When Philip Digby first shows up on her doorstep, Zoe Webster is not impressed. He's rude and he treats her like a book he's already read and knows the ending to. But before she knows it, Digby--annoying, brilliant and somehow attractive?--has dragged her into a series of hilarious and dangerous situations all related to an investigation into the kidnapping of a local teenage girl. A kidnapping that may be connected to the tragic disappearance of his own sister eight years ago.

When it comes to Digby, Zoe just can't say no. Digby gets her, even though she barely gets herself. But is Digby a hero, or is his manic quest an indication of a desperate attempt to repair his broken family and exercise his own obsessive compulsive tendencies?

A romance where the leading man is decidedly unromantic, a crime novel where catching the crook isn't the only hook, a friendship story where they aren't even sure they like each other--this is a contemporary debut with razor-sharp dialogue, ridiculously funny action, and the most charismatic dynamic duo you've ever met. [goodreads]

My first thoughts after reading book one and two: Why aren't more people reading & raving about these books??! From the hilarious witty banter, to the insanely fun plot lines, I couldn't get enough. Book three comes out in April and you bet I already pre-ordered my copy!

I know some readers are weary when a book is described as "Veronica Mars" like, especially my fellow VMars fans (trust me, I am too, I backed the movie as well!). I will agree that these books give definite Veronica Mars vibes though. I see the similarities with the obvious: high school teenagers attempting to solve local crime + dry, hysterical humor. However, I would describe Digby (the male main character) as more Veronica Mars-like, than Zoe (the female lead). It's not a copy-cat, by any means, these books possess a fresh storyline with characters that are simply irresistible all on their own.

Let's chat about those characters, shall we? Between Digby and Zoe's constant banter, along with their mix-matched bag of friends (that aren't necessarily the best of buds in the beginning), they are the foundation of what makes these books so spectacular, in my mind. I really appreciate an author who can develop characters so effortlessly (at least it comes across that way to the reader) and organically. I felt like I was literally watching a movie scene play out before my eyes, especially when this cast of characters find themselves in the trickiest, yet most hilarious, situations.

I zipped through books one and two in one weekend, and like I said earlier I am so eager to get my hands on book three when it comes out in a few months. If you're someone who enjoys high paced storylines with witty, smart characters, then you'll definitely want to check this series out. Or, if you're like me, take a chance on them and discover a gem that has definitely become Such A Ginger Read!