The Celebutantes: On the Avenue (by Antonio Pagliarulo)

I am a big reader, and I especially love books that are "chick lit" or combine elements of fashion with any kind of suspense. My daughter brought this book home from the bookstore and read it in two days. She couldn't stop raving about it, so I picked it up and expected to just sort of breeze through it. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed a whole lot and the mystery is very well done. There were some parts of the book where the characters talk sex and booze, but ultimately, I think this book is tame when you compare it to the Gossip Girl series, or a lot of other teen girl books. It is a fun read and is very well-written. The author's writing style is quite good. The characters are well-developed. These three sisters named Madison, Park and Lex (a brilliant idea!) might be rich and famous, but they display a lot of good natured affection towards each other, which also makes this a story about the power of sisterhood. My daughter is waiting with baited breath for the sequel, and while I am far removed from my teen years, I will be reading it as well. I recommend this book for smart girls who like fashion, mystery, and humor. As a parent, I hope the author continues to craft similar stories in the near future.