I remember reading books by this author when I was young and I wondered, when I picked this one up, if I would enjoy her writing as much as an adult. Verdict: very much so.

This book is based on an actual event that Downing Hahn experienced when she was a teenager. She does an exceptional job of bringing a life altering moment to a book that doesn’t just entertain readers; it brings them into the minds of each person involved. The author achieves this with alternating chapters from different characters’ perspectives.

This novel shows the doubts, uncertainties, and fears that violate death brings to those close to it and to the community at large. It reveals the darker sides of our human nature of herd mentality and how fear can make it fester and grow. It also shows that death, especially the kind these teens experienced, changes people. You cannot go back to the way you were before. Life will never be the same. ( )

It's taken me a bit to actually write this review, mostly because Mister Death's Blue Eyed Girls left me in such a funk. It's an incredible book and so different from what I'm used to seeing in YA that it was a stark breath of fresh air. The story followed Nora in the days leading up to and the weeks after her friends' murder. The whole town is abuzz, certain that one of the girl's ex-boyfriend, Buddy, was behind it, though Nora isn't quite so sure. Aside from the fact that this story is based on a true crime, the events feel so starkly real. Not in the murder or the reactions of people, which were all very well done, but in the little minute details most writers easily overlook. We get to see our MC "fall" for nearly every guy who pays her the time of day, we see our MC and her friend badmouthing their murdered friends before they realize what has happened to them. We get to see the complexities of emotion-- like how Charlie really likes Nora, and yet can't be around her after the incident due to the conflicting feelings and memories. Yes, all of these little tidbits may look unfavorable on a character, but the reason they stood out so strongly is because they were true to being human. Teenage girls don't meet "the one" off the first bat. They fall in love with anyone, (or at least that's what it felt like), they turn to sharp words easily because they don't realize the lasting effect, and most of all, the feeling of confusion and uncertainty remains strong throughout the teenage years. The little negative characteristics creeping out really brought that dose of reality in. The character felt like real people because of, not just what they experience, but how they experienced it.

Mister Death is a powerful loss of innocence tale and a strong period piece. Through every moment in that book, the time period bled in and didn't let you forget it. Records are playing. Long shorts have been introduced. The girls talk about how it sucks that James Dean passed away. Some writers may think they're being overbearing when trying to set a scene or time period, but this book only proves that you simply cannot overdo it. Adding more to instill scenery or setting really has a big impact. Aside from the time period, even just the way the author described the town and the summer heat left a lasting impression and made the setting come alive like another character. As well, the loss of innocence is stark. The first few chapters we get to see our MC, Nora, and all her friends living their lives as normal, which allows for the sharp contrast to what happens when the murders take place. Because of this, most of the characters can come off as a little bit like boy-crazy bimbos in the beginning, but I believe this is more reflective of the time period and their naivety than anything else.

This book is strongly character driven and best when you're in more of a reflective mood. Aside from the murders, there isn't a whole lot of action that goes on, and it is a story of a personal journey and discovery. The only thing I would complain about is having a bit more closure with the actual killers. The book spends time alternating between POVs and we get the chance to see things through the killer's eyes. However, I felt like it was left a little unfinished and would've liked to see one or two more scenes from them. Other than that, the relationships in this story are really what's gold, my personal favourite being the relationship between Buddy and Nora. There's something really beautiful in their scenes together, and not in a lovey-dovey way, but in a way that speaks to the truth and mystery in human relationships.

I would greatly encourage anyone to pick this up, especially if you've ever faced some sort of tragedy. Though not a lot happens, the pace is swift and makes for a quick and invested read. ( )

The author based this on an actual event from her adolescence that has haunted her ever since. The memories must be as clear as yesterday because the raw emotions and reactions of the characters are realistic and believable. When two teenage girls are murdered in a small Maryland town, the repercussions are far and wide. Cheryl's ex-boyfriend Buddy is immediately pinpointed by the community as the killer even though the police didn't find anything to tie him to it. Nora, whose voice we hear most in this novel of alternating voices, begins to doubt God. Friendships fray and drift as differing opinions and feelings surface. Occasionally we hear the voice of the killer. Even though the main act occurs at the beginning, suspense continues to run throughout the book as characters cope with the aftermath. ( )

Mister-Death's Blue-Eyed girls is a haunting novel that deals with the unsolved murders of two teenage girls. The books focus is less about the murders themselves but rather the effect it has on the friends and family of the victim. Mary Downing Hahn based the story on a murder that took place in Washington, DC. In the afterward of the book she talks about how this event haunted her throughout her lifetime. The book is well written and the author does a good job with portraying the emotional responses of the teens in the story. This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it to others ( )

This is a great book which the author bases on an event that happened in her youth. It delves into young death and the grief process of those affected by the tragedy. Two young girls are murdered and their core group of friends all have different reactions to it. It is an interesting look at the 50's as well, referencing music, soda fountains, movies, etc. Hahn has many great books for young readers, but this is her delving into the teen genre. I would consider it a hit. ( )