Trouble is a Friend of Mine

by Stephanie Tromly
published: Kathy Dawson Books, 2015
pages: 336

When Zoe moves into town after her parent's divorce, she hardly expects to make friends.  She certainly doesn't expect to run into a rude and eccentric boy that will tug her down a rabbit hole in moments of high jinks and certain danger.  Zoe learns quickly that being friends with Digby is a full time job, but she doesn't mind, most of the time.  It's only when he gets them into trouble that it becomes a bit of an issue for her.

Digby is a love-at-first-mention kind of character.  He is super strange and definitely the kind of person I would gravitate toward if I met him in real life.  All his secrets and his quirks made me laugh and groan; there were definitely times when I hated him and times when I just wanted to hug him.  The mystery that follows him wherever he goes is definitely one of the selling points of this story.  He gets into all sorts of insane and unlikely trouble.

This book had me giggling and laughing out loud.  So many of the situations were outrageous, and Zoe's commentary was hilarious.  She definitely got funnier as the book went on; it has to do with her character growth.  The more comfortable she became with the people in her life, the more confident she became.  The other characters, Digby and even Henry, Digby's friend, were funny, but Zoe was on point the entire time.  And she isn't afraid to call those guys out when some questionable humor/comment came from them with the excuse that they were teenage boys.

This book is a whirlwind and slightly crazy, but in the best possible way. I couldn't put this book down and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.  It made for a couple of difficult work days. I was completely invested in this book, the plot, the characters, and the ridiculousness had me hook, line, and sinker.  I sure hope there is a sequel because I'm already craving more of these characters.

Stars: 5/5 Stars

Praise:

"In what reads like a combination of Veronica mars and The Breakfast Club, debut author Tromly creates a screwball mystery with powerful crossover appeal."
     --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Fast-talking, suit-wearing Digby is an exasperating teenage Sherlock- sharply observant, impatient with social niceties, and unafraid of authority figures....Fans of Veronica Mars and Elementary will find much to like here...Zoe's sarcastic first-person narration is fresh and funny...an offbeat and entertaining caper."
     --Kirkus Reviews

"With acerbic banter and a heathy dose of high-school high jinks, screenwriter Tromly weaves together traditional elements of teen stories to create a Breakfast Club for a new century.
     --Booklist

A Full House Reading Challenge 2015 book!
An Alphabet Soup Challenge book!