Arizona (Beautiful Dead #2) by Eden Maguire

Title: Arizona

Series: 2nd in Beautiful Dead

Author: Eden Maguire

Published: October 1, 2010 by Sourcebooks Fire

Pages: 288

ISBN: 9781402239458

Source: Sent for review from Publisher

Description: There's been no sign of the Beautiful Dead for weeks. Darina achingly misses Phoenix all over again. But surely he will return with the rest of the Beautiful Dead as so much still remains unresolved. It's been ten months since Arizona drowned in Hartmann Lake. Suicide, it would seem. But something doesn't add up. Drowning herself in a hidden - away lake does not sound like strong, confident, Arizona: Ellerton High School's high-maintenance drama queen. Darina needs to help Arizona the way she helped Jonas. But time is running out...

I Give This ...

After thinking the first in the series was only so-so, I didn't set my expectations to high for this second installment.  I'm happy to report that enjoyed it way more than the first.  Even better, the word Zombie wasn't even mentioned once in this one.

I do have to point out that this series seems to have some glaring faults.  The first being, I'm sure in a sane world, an autopsy would have been performed on Arizona.  And the placement of her wings tattoo doesn't make a lot of sense when the description of what actually happened is revealed.  In my eyes, she technically did drown.   Also, I don't understand what the beautiful dead for 18 months.  Darina gets about a week to help them, but even she doesn't do much.  Hunter is the one who actually solves the mystery.  Why can't he do that all along?

Despite all that, I really like the story this time.  I think it's because I liked Arizona more.   Her life leading up to her death was way more complex that I thought possible.  She's hiding so much from everybody, and it's interesting to watch all the facts unfold.  And what really happened was crazy.  Not to mention the events that occur right after we learn the truth.  I don't think justice was truly served.

I also liked Phoenix and Darina's relationship in this one.  It seemed more real and not nearly as rushed.  I also think Darina is starting to build more character, although I really wish there would be more of a connection with her mom.  Plus, the other character are starting to have more life.  

I'll be reading the next one.  I was to see how this all plays out in the end.