I read this when it first came out and was awed. It was fantastic. However, it's got a cliffhanger ending and I hate waiting for sequels. So I put it out of my mind for a while and eventually got hooked on other things. Now that the sequels have been published I got myself set up for a reread so I can finally know the ending.

Seneca is a complete mess. Well, they kind of all are. But I did like them all. Aerin was probably my favourite and I liked Thomas. The romance between Aerin and Thomas was nice - the romance between Seneca and Maddox was a disaster. It didn't add anything to the book. The mystery itself is riveting. I like how they track down the clues and find new evidence to help solve the case. I felt sorry for Aerin and Seneca - their pain was fairly obvious - even if their methods of dealing with it were pretty different.

The Amateurs does really highlight the dangers of the internet. The most obvious being Seneca thinking Maddy was a girl. (And how confusing is the whole Maddox/Madison thing - awkward) But also the difficulties for them in continuing their friendship in the real world. It's a lot easier to admit things online than it can be face to face and this was highlighted in the text.

It was a great read and I loved every minute of it. Can't wait to get started on the next one. ( )

Throughout this novel, I was intrigued but was not sure if I would continue with this series. The last 10 pages changed that. I HAVE to read the next book.

I was not a fan of the characters, especially Seneca. She was just unlikeable.

I enjoyed this novel for the plot though. There were both surprises and things I saw coming. But, it was the ending that was truly creepy. I literally gasped aloud.

If you like plot twists, read this. ( )

Sara Shepard didn't go away from her PLL style in this book, and as usual I was addicted. I usually count this author's books among my favorite guilty pleasure books, and my feelings have not changed. It's about teen amateur Internet crime-solvers investigating the unsolved murder of a high school girl. It wasn't a "deep" book and the mystery was completely solvable. I had major suspicions about who the baddie was & I was right!!! But beyond that, Ms. Shepard's books are just FUN to read. ( )

Helena Kelly’s murder was the case that sparked Seneca’s interest of true crime. When she sees a plea from Helena’s sister on her favorite online sleuthing, Seneca teams up with her online fellow sleuths & friends, Maddy & Brett, to meet Aeryn & solve her sister’s case. But Helena had secrets—and so do the investigators.

I really commend the author for the organizational writing throughout the book, not once have I felt lost or questioned what was going on. Fast paced read since you really just want to move on and find out what happens next. Cliffhangers at the end of each chapter galore.

Definitely a favorite twist. All I can say is I can't wait to read part 2 of the series! ( )