Deadly Little Secret (Touch #1)

Camelia has a strange encounter with a boy whose touch literally saves her life. Thinking that she will never see him again, she is surprised when he shows up at her school three months later. His name is Ben, and rumors circulate that he is suspected of murdering his girlfriend.

Drawn to Ben and his mysterious touch, Camelia starts receiving strange phone calls, gifts, and threats. As she grows closer to Ben, her fear escalates, and she worries that whoever is sending her these threatening messages may act on them.

This was a fairly quick read, yet very enjoyable. I liked the way the author balanced the romantic tension with mystery, and did not let the romantic aspect completely overshadow the greater plot. I thought the idea of a potential stalker was well executed, and the notes and threats were intriguing, creepy, and kept me reading on.

I appreciated that none of the characters came across as 'stock' characters. They weren't just copies of other YA protagonists and clichés. Ben was a great love interest for Camelia, and I liked that this wasn't a case of love at first sight or random attraction, but that there was actually a good reason for them to be drawn to each other.

I wasn't expecting that twist at the end, and I was very surprised at who was behind all of the stalking and harassment. I found that quite impressive because many mystery books I've read have been predictable, yet this one threw me off. As for the conclusion of the book, it left me wishing I had the sequel on hand! I want to know how Camelia and Ben's story continues.

I definitely recommend this book, especially to YA and mystery lovers. If you like mysteries with a little romance sprinkled in, this one would be a good choice. If you're looking for a short yet enjoyable novel, look no further.

This review can also be found at http://fortheloveofbooksreviews.blogspot.ca/2016/03/deadly-little-secret-by-laurie-faria.html

Reader reviewed by Book Sp(l)ot

Until just a few months ago, Camelia's life was a pretty average teenage life: she got along well with her parents, had a great job at an art gallery, and a cool best friend. But then the new boy showed up. Everyone else thinks he's bad news (as in the possibly criminal kind) but Camelia finds herself unexplainably drawn to Ben.

Strange phone calls and noises in the night might mean that Camelia's in more danger than she wants to believe. But from whom?

Reader reviewed by BooksObsession

I have mixed
feelings about this book. I'll tell you now though, I really enjoyed it
and it kept my attention throughout the entire story. I was able to
understand the characters well and be able to get an idea of what sort
of a person they were. I liked the diverse personalities of them:
Camelia, the control-freak who doesn't quite know what she wants; Wes,
your typical pervertive and immature teenage boy; Kimmie, the unique
and ditzy bestfriend; I could go on and on. The novel had a great
storyline and I liked how even though it was overall suspenseful, there
was romance put in as well. Some side plots in the book (such as the
issue with Camelia's aunt) were never explained at the end though.
However, this is just book one in the new Touch series, so maybe it
will be further explained in the next book. A lot of other reviews
about this book that I've read talk about how much of a Twilight copy
this is. While reading, I have to admit that I kind of agreed at first.
Ben, mysterious and handsome, was very similar to Edward's character.
And there are little things - such as they are lab partners in
chemistry; they want to be together but he doesn't want to hurt her
with his powers, etc. - were a lot like Twilight. HOWEVER, halfway
through the book, it becomes it's own story and has twists and turns
that were unexpected. In a way, it seems like a handful of books could
seem like Twilight copy-cats but in reality aren't. Well, I'm getting
off track so let me just say it blantly. This book was great, and kept
me attentive and anxious. I actually bit off most of my fingernails
during particular chapters (see quote above), so I blame Laurie for
that. :) I just think that it ended a little too suddenly; like right
after the climax, there wasn't much "falling action" like my English
teacher would say. I can't wait to read the next in the series!

Reader reviewed by Max

Three months after Camelia is almost hit by a car, the handsome boy who pushed her out of the way and saved her life turns up at her school. Rumors surround him about killing his last girlfriend, and he seems to take interest in Camelia. She is attracted to him as well, but he keeps telling her she's in danger. Meanwhile, she receives creepy notes and gifts from a stalker.

Deadly Little Secret kept me turning pages. The writing style is light, somewhat acerbic, and overall enjoyable to read. The plot is thought-out and interesting. It was a very satisfying book, and it left me wanting more.

Reader reviewed by Alex11181992

What would you do if you could see into the future of a person or an object by just touching it.
Will you want to know what happens to your friends tomarrow or would u hide from everyone hoping not to see the evil that is yet to come
After being touched after a close call of dying, one girl seems to want more from this mysteries guy.
Being stalked by a unknown person, who could she trust now the new mysteries guy or her friends.
A tale of romance and how one touch could make you want more
follow the story of a stalker with parts of the stalkers diary in the boo and how he shows his love.....maybe u will be the next girl to be TOUCHED