Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, while the blurb really interested me, I have been unable to get into the book.

Unfortunately I didn't finish this book, as I couldn't get into it - nothing against the author or book, just not to my personal taste. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading until I was done. I love the unique people and situations in this book, that ties to a 30 year old mystery. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the first two books in the series. If you love a mystery mixed in with YA romance, I recommend this book.

Mackenzie has a crush on Braden, a slightly nerdy reporter on their school paper, and she is excited when he asks her on a date.
Turns out, getting to know Mackenzie better isn't all Braden is interested in.
Braden is determined to uncover the mystery surrounding the death of Cassidy Jones thirty years earlier- and Mackenzie's dad was dating her at the time.
Mackenzie reluctantly agrees to help Braden investigate, in the hopes of clearing her dad of any involvement.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I ended up really enjoying it. It is the third book in the series, and I hadn't read the first two, but I didn't feel lost at all. This can definitely be read as a stand alone.

I found myself becoming really drawn into the story, and the mystery surrounding Cassidy's death.
Mackenzie's best friend, Travis gives Mackenzie Cassidy's diary, and through this we get to know what was going on in Cassidy's life in the lead up to her death.

There is a love triangle (maybe even Quadrangle??) but it is handled well.

I really loved the friendship between Mackenzie and Travis, and I liked how Braden coming into the picture affected this friendship in a realistic way.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable book, perfect for a light summer read.

4.5 Stars - Fantastic Teen Mystery

I didn’t expect to love this as much as I do. Hickville Redemption by Mary Karlik is a fun and exciting read. I haven’t read the others in the series and I don’t think you have to in order to read this one. Actually, I think this book is absolutely fantastic as a standalone. I swooned, I laughed, I cried... Those pretty much seals the deal for me.

The story started out a bit slow, but once I got into it, I honestly could not stop reading. There’s plenty of intrigue, drama, mystery and excitement. I love Karlick’s writing style. It’s simple and easy to read, but definitely not lackluster. I could easily picture myself as a character in the story piecing together clues to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of Cassidy Jones. And I loved it. I thought the mystery part was really interesting – not mind bending holy cow that was super awesome, but pretty darn good. I enjoyed the drama too. It felt realistic and reminded me so much of my high school days.

I immediately fell in love Kenzie. Teenage me and probably a little of the adult me can relate to her in so many ways. She’s an introvert and takes a while to warm up to people. She feels uncomfortable in group settings so she doesn’t talk much – yup totally teenage me and at times adult me too. She prefers to observe and listen rather than participate – yup that is so me. I definitely felt for her and could sympathize with her whenever she was thrown into situations she didn’t want to be in. BUT, even though she’s shy, she doesn’t let that stop her from doing the things she loves. She also doesn’t think that her quiet personality is something that needs to be fixed or that she’s a puzzle that needs to be solved – I loved that about her.

Travis is kind and sweet and absolutely adorable. He's caring and considerate. I love how protective he is of Kenzie, but still gives her space... he's just an overall good guy. But I have to mention that while I was reading, he frustrated me a little. Not in the bad way though. In Tagalog there's a word "gigil" and that's exactly how I felt. I guess it’s like – oh he's so cute and I totally understand his reasons for doing or not doing something... heck that's also the reason why he's so lovable and really I respect him I do, but at the same time I want to pinch him and push him to act differently then maybe this would happen and that won’t happen and…

And that got me really thinking... I love drama in books. When it makes sense and flows well with the story, then by all means give me! Travis and Kenzie together equals awesome friendship, amazing chemistry, swoony kisses, and crazy drama! I also really LOVED the parts when Kenzie would read Cassidy's diary. It was heartbreaking, but that definitely made the story more intriguing. The only part that really irks me is the ending… it felt rushed. There was all this build-up so I was expecting something drastic at the end, but it just finished in a not so exciting way.

Overall, I really enjoyed Hickville Redemption and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun YA mystery with an intriguing storyline, relatable characters, realistic drama, and sweet romance.

Secrets, mystery and suspense on rolled into one book. I am a big fan of this author now. The story line is interestly amazing.
I love the main characters Travis and Kenzie and their secretly loving each other and to afraid to tell.
The story of the mysterious way in which Cassidy Jones died is an interesting story and how it had affected the people in the past and their futures and how society looks upon some of the issues that Cassidy was facing today is completely different in the 80's.
I loved the diary entries and how we learned about the good times and the bad times of Cassidy's life and we do finally learn the truth.
I have to say that I would recommend this book to my friends so they can love the main characters as much as I do. I like their shyness and fear of the unknown when it comes to their friendship.

I thought the overall book wasn't my preferences, but it will connect with some tweens and teens. I think that it's great to see a mystery title with all the dystopian books out there. Personally, I thought the book was just missing something. I didn't gravitate towards the characters and feel connected to them. I do think that it is a quick read that will appeal to the teens looking for a fun, mystery to read.