Can We Still Be Friends If I Tase You?

The problem with reading the second book in the Veronica Mars book series,Mr. Kiss and Tell, is that now it’s over and I just wanna hang out in Neptune with all of my literary friends. I felt a pang of regret  as I closed the book because I wish I could’ve savored it more.But no,I just plowed through the two books this weekend without once thinking of the consequences. And here I am, satisfied by the book but left wishing there were at least ten more at the ready for me to devour.

The second book has more turmoil and is a much darker mystery than the previous book. Logan’s home on leave and Veronica and he are playing house. While everything is working for them as a couple,it’s the dread of him going back to the carrier and having the physical distance between them. While Logan seems to understand what drives Veronica and why she’s willing to put herself in dangerous situations. It isn’t until later in the book that Veronica understands Logan’s motivation for being a pilot in the Air Force. But understanding it and accepting it are two different things.Will these two crazy kids be able to make it? Or will the appearance of another old flame who might be able to give Veronica all the aspects of a relationship that she needs destroy what she has with Logan? Only time will tell…and more books! More books now! (Sorry, I apologize, I’m already jonesing for another!)

Their relationship in the backdrop and the case that Veronica can’t let go, leads her to attempt to figure out who raped, beat and left for dead a young woman whom Veronica knows. Veronica uncovers secrets concerning this young lady, secrets that could put prosecuting the bad guy in jeopardy unless she can find evidence that he’s done something like this before.

While all of this is going on, Neptune is dealing with the election of a possible new sheriff or the re-election of the crooked (and downright murderous!) current sheriff, Dan Lamb. Only Keith Mars (who desperately wants Lamb out of office) wonders if this new sheriff will usher in a different kind of change than what the people of Neptune are expecting. Again, only the results of the election and time will tell.

While grittier than the Thousand Dollare Tan Line, it dealt with things that fans of the show have seen  Veronica investigate before. Here in book form, it’s perhaps described with more detail, but the message of police failing women due to who they are and what they do, is loud and clear. The fact that Veronica goes to such lengths in attempting to capture the perpetrator of these horrific crimes makes me proud of my favorite petite detective. But are her efforts enough?Grab the book, and find out for yourself.