Head Games (Body of Evidence) [School & Library Binding]

Christopher Golden (Author)

Book Description

Series: Body of Evidence | Publication Date: June 2000

"They were my friends. I've known them almost my entire life. Maybe they both just lost it. But I think something's going on here, and I have to take a closer look."

Home from college on break, Jenna Blake is horrified to discover that a childhood friend has murdered his entire famly -- and he's not the only one. During the next two days, several other area teens experience homicidal rages, but are later unable to explain or even recall their actions.

The police are leaning toward the popular explanation: brutality influenced by violence in movies and video games. But when Jenna investigates further, she begins to believe that someone is playing sinister head games with her former classmates...and with her, as well.

What Jenna needs is someone to take her seriously, but Slick is preoccupied with a mystery of his own, her father has taken off for France, and her college friends have all gone away for the holidays.

Jenna's on her own this time.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-Christopher Golden's Body of Evidence series of murder mysteries continues with unabated gruesome detailing and plot-driven intensity in this novel (PB, 2000). Jenna has managed to survive her first semester of college (featured in Body Bags and Skin Deep), and has a professional affiliation with the local coroner. During Christmas vacation, she helps him solve the murder of the college town's mayor, and at the same time has to cope on her own with the multiple violent episodes of her hometown friends murdering their families. The fittingly vulgar vocabulary and self-conscious diversity of Jenna's acquaintances are littered almost as liberally as the mayhem. There is definite appeal here to the crowd of teen readers who like gore and are willing to suspend all disbelief to get it. On the realistic side, there are a number of romances featured here, between teens and between mature adults, that are as engaging as the murder scenes are repulsive. Julie Dretzin's reading suits Jenna's personality nicely, while realizing the tones of other members of the cast enough to bring each one to life.
Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From AudioFile

When Jenna Blake returns home from college for Christmas, she is horrified by the brutal murders committed by three high school classmates. Convinced that there is a pattern and common cause to the homicidal rages, Jenna struggles to work with authorities on the case and comes to a bizarre conclusion. Julie Dretzin's smooth, sophisticated narration keeps this suspenseful story flowing. Light inflections of voice differentiate characters well. Dretzin knows how to read the most thrilling parts for maximum impact without losing a beat in the cadence of the story, making this a riveting thriller for teens. J.M.P. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• School & Library Binding
• Publisher: Rebound by Sagebrush (June 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613731158
• ISBN-13: 978-0613731157
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,435,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN is the award-winning, bestselling author of such novels as The Myth Hunters, Wildwood Road, The Boys Are Back in Town, The Ferryman, Strangewood, Of Saints and Shadows, and (with Tim Lebbon) The Map of Moments. He has also written books for teens and young adults, including Poison Ink, Soulless, and the thriller series Body of Evidence, honored by the New York Public Library and chosen as one of YALSA's Best Books for Young Readers. Upcoming teen novels include a new series of hardcover YA fantasy novels co-authored with Tim Lebbon and entitled The Secret Journeys of Jack London.

A lifelong fan of the "team-up," Golden frequently collaborates with other writers on books, comics, and scripts. In addition to his recent work with Tim Lebbon, he co-wrote the lavishly illustrated novel Baltimore, or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire with Mike Mignola. With Thomas E. Sniegoski, he is the co-author of the book series OutCast and The Menagerie, as well as comic book miniseries such as Talent, currently in development as a feature film. With Amber Benson, Golden co-created the online animated series Ghosts of Albion and co-wrote the book series of the same name.
As an editor, he has worked on the short story anthologies The New Dead and British Invasion, among others, and has also written and co-written comic books, video games, screenplays, the online animated series Ghosts of Albion (with Amber Benson) and a network television pilot.

The author is also known for his many media tie-in works, including novels, comics, and video games, in the worlds of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, Angel, and X-Men, among others.

Golden was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his family. His original novels have been published in more than fourteen languages in countries around the world. Please visit him at www.christophergolden.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Someone is playing head games with Jenna's friends., June 30, 2000

By 

Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Head Games (Mass Market Paperback)

Jenna Blake, a college freshman, is home for Christmas break. Through her job as a medical examiner's assistent, she has helped to solve various crimes over her first semester, but usually with the aid of others. When three of her former classmates from high school murder their families and then have no memory of the acts, Jenna is suspicious. She wants to solve this crime, but she's on her own, and no one will take her seriously. I highly reccomend this series to teens who enjoy thrillers. Each book stands alone, but I reccomend reading them in order.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jenna Blake returns!, May 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Head Games (Mass Market Paperback)

Again, Jenna Blake goes into a case, this time, the mayor of Somerset, a close friend of Medical Examiner Slick is murdered and Jenna must find out who before she becomes a target. This series is exciting and riveting. This is one of the few book series (along with Fearless" that I can read in a day or less.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Head Games, February 20, 2001

By 

Brian G. (Cleveland, Oh USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Head Games (Mass Market Paperback)

I have just finished reading the book Head Games and it is an excellent book i really dont get into books but this one keep me interested. Jenna Blake a college student comed home for christmas to her friends and family. Murders start happening and the murderer is no other than some of Jenna's old highschool graduates. Jenna is on the hunt to why these good students would commit such a crime she believes theres something more to it then meets the eye. I Enjoyed the book alot and reccomend it deffintly to other readers. What i liked about it was it was keeped up with modern day things like movies actors and television shows. Theres nothing i really disliked about the book at all. I also feel it had a lesson behind the story about children/teenagers watching television and playing video games that may have a big impact on how a child/teenager acts. I really recommend this book to read its fun from beginning to end.