Bad Hair Day (Kate Grable #2)

Carrie Harris's sequel to Bad Taste in Boys is exactly what I expected from her. If you've ever visited her website you'll know what I mean. Bad Hair Day picks up soon after Bad Taste in Boys ends and Kate is still adjusting to all of the attention she's been getting ever since curing the "zombie" virus. In Bad Taste in Boys she got the boy she wanted and now she's struggling to deal with having a boyfriend who is really beyond her geeky social status while at the same time trying to save the world again.

I love that Kate's character doesn't change from one book to the other. Even though she's famous, she stays true to her science geek character and once the new mystery starts she is completely focused on solving it. There were some interesting scenes between Kate and her boyfriend Aaron. But he wasn't a big player in the story, mainly because Kate is too independent to fall into the whole "I love you too much to do anything without you" routine. In fact, Kate almost forgets about him while embroiled in her mystery.

I actually found the interactions between Kate and her brother, Jonah, to be the most entertaining. I don't have a brother, but can imagine how one would be so annoying, especially if he wore tights and played with a sword all day.

There is of course a certain amount of reality that needs to be checked before opening the book, even for a paranormal book. Kate's ability to perform some complex surgical procedures, the police department's willingness to divulge sensitive information to her, and the hospital's lack of knowledge that a high school senior is acting as medical examiner makes things convenient for the plot, but doesn't toe the line of reality.

For me this was a quick, fun read and really, once the line "You don't understand. I'm team Edward!" crossed the page, I was all in. This is a definite must read for anyone who's looking for something a quirky and fast paced. ( )

I was initially drawn to the title when I saw Bad Hair Day by Carrie Harris because I’ve certainly had more than my fair share of bad hair days. I’ve often thought my hair was a non-intelligent life form from another planet but that’s a different story altogether. When I read the concept for this novel, I realized the title was a clever play on words and the story wasn’t about anything as boring as my latest hair disaster. If you like paranormal mysteries with a smart kick-butt teen heroine then Bad Hair Day might just be the book for you. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4937. ( )

Bad Hair Day picks up not long after Bad Taste in Boys ends. As you may recall, super geeky, seizure prone, science nerd Kate found the cure for what was turning her classmates into zombies at the end of the last book. It was a close call, but she managed. Now, Kate is pretty much a celebrity. Not only that, but she's landed a spot on the county premed program. She can't wait to dive in and get her surgery on, but in Kate's world, everything doesn't always work out exactly the way she had planned. On her first day she finds herself assigned to work with the coroner. She's not exactly thrilled at the idea, but agrees to give it a chance at the persuasion of her mentor. No sooner have they made it to the morgue than the police show up to arrest said mentor. Turns out he may have some information on a murder that just happened. Determined to find out if the good doctor is, in fact, a murderer, Kate stays on and begins digging around in typical Kate fashion. As the bodies begin to pile up, and talk of hairy beasts roaming the town increase, it's once again up to Kate to figure out just what is going on.

The minute I first heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I thought Bad Taste in Boys was hysterical. It wasn't at all what I was expecting. I'd expected a typical zombie thriller, but what I got was a lot of zombie comedy.

I love Kate, and I love the voice Ms. Harris has given her. She's smart, quirky, a little neurotic and totally lovable. Most of the other characters are great as well, but they all take a back seat to Kate. The only one I really had a hard time with in this book was Elle. She was the stereotypical rival/bad girl. She just felt a little too cookie cutter for my taste. I'm also not a huge fan of Aaron (the jock boyfriend), but he serves his purpose. What I do like is that Kate isn't the typical "OMG, I can't live without him," type. She's too focused on her work to worry about whether or not a boy is going to call her or not.

The werewolves at the center of this story are not typical, just like the zombies in the first book weren't your typical zombies. Again, this is a science/medical mystery, but Ms. Harris makes the science part fun with her witty prose. As in the first book, I found myself laughing out loud several times. These books are meant to be fun and not taken too seriously, and if you read them with that in mind, you'll enjoy them a lot more.

If you're looking for a fun, short read for a lazy afternoon, I would definitely recommend this book. ( )

Immediately after finish Bad Taste In Boys I flowed into the sequel not looking back. It is amazing :)

So the book started where the last book left off and Kate is pretty famous. She is even offered a internship with doctors who are just as fascinated with her. I really adored that Kate took everything in with ease. She is proud of what she discovered but not stuck up. Instead she wants to continue to explore the area of medicine and biology to continue to save those who need help. The zombie disease is in control and scientist a vastly studying it.

Kate once again, finds trouble once again at the start of her internship. Her doctor is mysteriously taken away by the authorities and her boyfriend is being attack by girls. Specifically one girl. I really liked the strained of the their relationship. Kate is clueless as what to do but focuses on bigger things. She doesn't let a guy bring her down. I like that. For once in a book, this girl is not sobbing or whining over a guy. She leaves it in his hands. Take it or leave it buddy! HA!

There are some new developments with other characters as well as a disease. I like that the focus of the book doesn't go too far away from what started it all. Kate is still the smart girl but with a little more umph. She has grown into a smart young lady and is quickly learning about life.

Bad Hair Day is a fantastic sequel! With a new amazing plot and awesome character, Ms. Harris never fails the reader. It's exciting, filled with never ending action. Bad Hair Day is powerful story that rocks! ( )