Prom Dates from Hell (Maggie Quinn: Girl vs Evil, Book 1) [Paperback]

Rosemary Clement-Moore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 22, 2008

Maggie Quinn, Girl reporter. Honors student, newspaper staffer, yearbook photographer. Six weeks from graduation and all she wants to do is get out of Avalon High in one piece. Fate seems to have different plans for her.

High school may be a natural breeding ground for evil, but the scent of fire and brimstone is still a little out of the ordinary. It's the distinct smell of sulfur that makes Maggie suspect that something's a bit off. And when realTwilight Zone stuff starts happening to the school's ruling clique—the athletic elite and the head cheerleader and her minions, all of whom happen to be named Jessica—Maggie realizes it's up to her to get in touch with her inner Nancy Drew and ferret out who unleashed the ancient evil before all hell breaks loose.

Maggie has always suspected that prom is the work of the devil, but it looks like her attendance will be mandatory. Sometimes a girl's got to do some pretty undesirable things if she wants to save her town from soul-crushing demons from hell and the cheerleading squad.


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up—Under normal circumstances, Maggie Quinn would want nothing to do with the vicious, elite clique at her high school. But when the jocks and their girlfriends start falling prey to a series of situations ranging from embarrassing to potentially fatal, not to mention reeking of sulfur, the school newspaper reporter can't ignore the story. In addition to being a Nancy Drew wannabe, Maggie has inherited her grandmother's sixth sense, as evidenced by the demon appearing in her dreams. Although she is initially reluctant to believe that anything supernatural is going on, her partnership with a paranormal-studies college student who is in one of her father's classes eventually leads her to a salt-throwing showdown with the demon and his minions at her senior prom. Maggie's transformation into a butt-kicking demon hunter is well drawn as is the budding romance with her partner. The pair launch into a routine set of investigations to reveal a weak backstory accounting for the origins of the demon that will not compel readers to suspend disbelief. The main draw of this book, however, is Maggie's sarcastic tone, which is dripping with wit on nearly every page. Sharp writing and a satirical portrayal of the high school social scene make this an enjoyable read in the vein of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

“Smart (and smart-ass).”—KLIATT

“There is a lot to like in this story that takes on magic, romance, and even clique politics.”—Publishers Weekly

“Fans of shows like Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer will relish the unflappable, edgy humor Maggie brings to her fight against supernatural evil.”—The Horn Book Magazine

“Sharp, sarcastic wit. . . . [This book] will appeal to supernatural fans of Meg Cabot’s Mediator series.”—VOYA

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (April 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385734131
• ISBN-13: 978-0385734134
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.9 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rosemary Clement-Moore is a native Texan, who's eclectic resume includes jobs as a telephone operator, Chuck E. Cheese costumed character, ranch hand, dog groomer, wedding singer, hair model, actress, stage-hand, director, and playwright. She now puts her drama queen skills to use writing smart, funny supernatural mystery novels. She loves dogs, horses, sailing, vintage fashion, history, old movies, Gilbert and Sullivan, Guitar Hero, BBC America, and books. Lots and lots of books. You can visit her webpage at www.rosemaryclementmoore.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A satisfying read indeed!, April 4, 2007

By 

J. Skinner (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prom Dates from Hell (Maggie Quinn: Girl vs Evil) (Hardcover)

I bought this book on a whim having not heard or seen anything about it before coming across it in my local bookstore. Is there anything better than buying a book on impulse and finding that it was exactly what you were looking for? I think not! For fans of either Veronica Mars or Buffy this is a must read. The author does a fantastic job of creating a complete world rich with details and characters who feel real even when faced with surreal situations. This is one of those books where when you get to the end, you turn the page anyway hoping for more. After finishing my first thought was that I wanted more time with these characters. After doing a little sleuthing of my own online I am happy and relieved to know that I will get my way as the follow up book is already finished and looks to be in stores sometime next year. If you are on the fence about this one, I really recommend you pick it up, you will not be disappointed.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Read!, March 30, 2007

By 

Tina Ferraro "YA author" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Prom Dates from Hell (Maggie Quinn: Girl vs Evil) (Hardcover)

I'm not a book reviewer, but I know what I love--and this book fits that bill. The characters are so well-crafted that they jump off the page, the storyline is fresh and exciting. I read slowly to make sure I didn't miss any of the author's wry humor--and to make the book last and last. This is a wonderful read that will delight adults and teens alike.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for any age, April 3, 2007

By 

L. Williamson "Librarian42" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prom Dates from Hell (Maggie Quinn: Girl vs Evil) (Hardcover)

What a great book. The story has been described as a cross between Buffy and Veronica Mars. Having never seen either, I can't compare, but it is a tale about a high school senior who, to her great reluctance, is forced to attend her senior prom to stop a demon. Maggie Quinn, resident demon hunter, is smart, sassy and sarcastic and is supported by a cast of friends and family that are as well defined as she is. The plot is full of both laughs and suspense, keeping the reader eagerly engaged until the climatic prom night when Maggie and her stud muffin sidekick ( think Noah Wyle in The Librarian--at least I did ) face the demon at the prom.

This book is marketed to teens, but can be enjoyed by any age. A great read.

I can't wait for the sequel!