Release Date - March 25, 2014
Publisher Website - Random House CanadaPublisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 324 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**
Here is the Goodreads synopsis
From Rob Thomas, the creator of the television series and movie phenomenon "Veronica Mars," comes the first book in a thrilling mystery series that picks up where the feature film left off.A mystery hotter than the beaches of California. A snarky, determined detective. A seedy town filled with secrets and lies that are hidden under it's shiny (and expensive) beachfront. Veronica Mars seamlessly translate from screen to novel in this first installment in the next chapter of Neptune's undercover dealings.
Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption. She's traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case.
Now it's spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave. When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person's case; the house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica's past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined.
In "Veronica Mars," Rob Thomas has created a groundbreaking female detective who's part Phillip Marlowe, part Nancy Drew, and all snark. With its sharp plot and clever twists, "The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line" will keep you guessing until the very last page.
The tone, and voice of the show is captured perfectly. I could hear Kristen Bell's narration as I was reading. Reading something where the characters are already so ingrained was a different experience. It was easy to picture this as a movie (or another episode) because the cast has completely become these roles. It shows that the writers were able to translate those characteristics onto the page easily.
Veronica is easily one of my favourite female characters...ever. She's flawed, and her creators embrace those flaws. People often underestimate her because of her gender, but Veronica more than holds her own. She's snarky, just a little broken, and will make you fall completely in love with her.
Her supporting cast is just as impressive. As a fan of the TV show it was like a fantastic reunion to have these characters show up again (even Dick Casablancas). Part of what makes Veronica so great is the people she surrounds herself with. Her father, Keith Mars, in particular may just be the greatest dad in TV history, and it effortlessly translate into this novel. Their relationship is evolving in to one of two adults relating to each other, and seeing that progression has provided some great character development. They are finding new ways to relate to each other, and their relationship grows as a result.
This very much read like a love letter to the fans. This should be read after watching the TV show and movie for just this reason (and for spoiler related reasons). These characters are fully formed in this novel. It is expected that you already know and love them; quirks and all. It's a richer, deeper, reading experience if you go in with the emotional ties from falling in love with the world and the characters.
The mystery is classic Veronica Mars. It's filled with jaw dropping reveals, twists, turns, and everything else you would expect from the scandalous goings-on in Neptune. This ensured a fast paced, fun read that kept the pages burning. It would be a fantastic addition to your beach bag this summer, and is sure to provide a sun burn as the mystery is all encompassing and will keep you riveted.
A mystery befitting the iconic TV show that is filled with all the thing fans fell in love with originally. After the final reveal is unveiled fans will immediately look for more, and luckily, another novel is on it's way. Will people who haven't seen the show like this novel? Sure, but they will miss out on a lot of it's charm. I, personally, can't wait to revisit Neptune when Mr. Kiss and Tell is released. My only request? More Logan (and Veronica/Logan making out) please. I also wouldn't complain if Deputy Leo stopped by.
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