Review: Killing Ruby Rose

Synopsis (from amazon): 

In sunny Southern California, seventeen-year-old Ruby Rose is known for her killer looks and her killer SAT scores. But ever since her dad, an LAPD SWAT sergeant, died, she’s also got a few killer secrets. 

To cope, Ruby has been trying to stay focused on school (the top spot in her class is on the line) and spending time with friends (her Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks are nothing if not loyal). But after six months of therapy and pathetic parenting by her mom, the District Attorney, Ruby decides to pick up where her dad left off and starts going after the bad guys herself. 

When Ruby ends up killing a murderer to save his intended victim, she discovers that she’s gone from being the huntress to the hunted. There’s a sick mastermind at play, and he has Ruby in his sights. Ruby must discover who’s using her to implement twisted justice before she ends up swapping Valentino red for prison orange. 

With a gun named Smith, a talent for martial arts, and a boyfriend with eyes to die for, Ruby is ready to face the worst. And if a girl’s forced to kill, won’t the guilt sit more easily in a pair of Prada peep-toe pumps?

Review: 

I guess this would be considered a YA psychological thriller. It's the first book of its kind that I've ever read. Here's the scoop: Ruby is spying on five of the most evil people her D.A. mother ever let walk free. But someone knows about her list, and they keep setting Ruby up in positions where she has to kill the bad guys or innocent people will die. The intense action and the sexy boyfriend kept me hooked from the very beginning, and I loved it.

I had two small complaints--Ruby was super broken at the beginning of the story. I know a lot of people love reading about broken characters, but she was too broken for my taste. Still, the plot line kept me riveted right through all of that. Second, people were far too willing to let Ruby be alone during this dangerous time. Everyone backed away to deal with their own issues right when her safety was on the line. I guess it was necessary to advance the plot, but it seemed a little unrealistic--especially when her best friend and her therapist desert her. 

Still, I give the book 5 stars, because I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait to read the sequel. This book is definitely for mature YA readers because of the high body count. You can buy it here.