This was a very enjoyable sequel loosely based on the original Scooby Doo cartoon and featuring Daphne and Velma as teenagers in the legendary town of Crystal Cove. Now that Daphne and Velma are besties again (See the first book for details), they are invested in solving their next mystery...the mystery of what is up with Shaggy. However, a mysterious wash up of jewels on the cove beach interrupts their investigation and they find themselves with a variety of mysteries and clues which may just all tie in together.

I like the dynamic between Velma and Daphne, they are still working through past hurts with their families and between them but it is clear they are invested in their friendship. There is still not a a lot of Shaggy and Scooby, although the new take on Shaggy's personality is intriguing. I never would have expected the hidden depths beneath that hippieish exterior LOL. Fred, once again, was very scarce but I can see that he may have a larger role in the next book (hopefully!).

Very nicely written and enjoyable YA series and I look forward to the next one. ( )

*First thoughts: 4.5 stars because I want more Fred*

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The Dark Deception picks up where we left Daphne and Velma, which is to solve a mystery that’s going on with their friend Shaggy. He pretty much keeps to himself, but the warning they got from Marcy (the vanished girl in the previous book) has them a bit worried, so they tail him. Then something really weird happens at Crystal Cove… a ton of jewels wash up on their beach.

So now this sleuthing duo has two mysteries to solve, but it turns out they might be connected.

There wasn’t as much about the history of Daphne and Velma’s friendship in this book as the last one, but you can see how they’re on the mend and falling back into their old groove. Of course, this book was more about solving the mystery, not about the previously broken friendship, but we still do get to see how the girls are becoming close to each other once again, which brings up some cute moments. Girl friendships are the best when they’re genuine.

On another note, this one proved to me why Velma is my favorite character of the Scooby gang, because she is such a sass ball and I loved every second of it. We do get to see more of Shaggy this time around, which is awesome because I also love Shaggy, but I do wish we had more Fred. Maybe in the next book we’ll get more of him.

And yes, there is a third book coming! The author herself said so.

So if you haven’t picked up either of the Daphne and Velma books yet, what are you waiting for? It’s definitely a must-read if you’re a Scooby-Doo fan! ( )