Dead, actually by Kaz Delaney

Allen and Unwin, 2012.
(Age: 12+) Willow Cartwright is an ordinary seventeen year old, but at the moment she's having a bad week. When the A-list queen of Willow's high school, JoJo Grayson, dies, everyone is shocked. But now the ghost of JoJo is haunting Willow, and she's determined to find out what happened. But the mysteries keep multiplying. There's a missing phone, an anonymous blackmailer, and dirty secrets that won't stay buried. And now the blame is being pointed at Willow. Can she find out what happened to JoJo before it's too late?
This book has an intriguing story, and one that's very original. It's layered with mysteries, pop culture references and unusual characters, and there's enough humour to get you giggling every so often. Admittedly, it's not a very serious read. It's more of a 'tongue-in-cheek' novel, with lots of little side-jokes and smart comments. The main characters are well-developed, but one can't help but wish that some of the side characters - some of which are very funny - got a little more time in the novel to really shine. Teenagers will definitely like this novel, if just for the constant pop-culture references and intriguing male characters.
The story is interesting, the characters are amusing, and it's the perfect novel to read if you're bored because it'll certainly make you laugh.
Rebecca Adams