Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender (R.I.P. Challenge book #3)

15-year-old Alexis, a pink-haired outcast, has come to terms with her dysfunctional life. Her parents are distant due to her mother’s long hours at work and her sister, Kasey, is a friendless doll-collecting wimp whoconstantly needs Alexis’ help. But then Kasey’s mood swings start to get more dramatic. Her speech changes, sometimes sounding a bit archaic. And occasionally, when she gets angry, her blue eyes flash green. As Kasey’s behavior gets more violent and destructive, Alexis realizes that something has possessed her timid little sister. Something that has killed in the past. Somethingthat plans to do a lot more killing in the future. Only Alexis and her new friend Megan can put a stop to the evil plan of a long-dead, but not gone, little girl.Alender’s creepy tale of possession hits all the right notes. Alexis and her little sister, Kasey, are believable characters. And the spirit is effectively malevolent. The tension built slowly and pulled me into the story until I couldn't stop reading...almost as if I was possessed...

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (R.I.P. Challenge book #2)

Mary's village life is simple. Lives revlove around family and the Sisterhood, which keeps everyone safe from the Unconsecrated. But Mary wants more. Growing up with stories of the world before the Return, she senses that there must be more out beyond the boundaries of her village. Beyond the fences where mindless Unconsecrated pull and hammer and moan, constantly trying to break through to gnaw and gnash and infect the living. Then one day, they breach the fence. That's the day Mary's life changes. Her world expands. And her hopes of a different life are realized - though it's not the life she had wished for.

Think about all the zombie movies you have seen. This is the world more than 100 years later. When all the living have left of our way of life are the stories of their great-great-great-great-great grandparents. The zombies have overrun the world, and only the village is left. There is no way out. There is no other way of life. There is nothing but the village and the Unconsecrated. This is the setting of The Forest of Hands and Teeth. But amid the hopelessness is Mary. Who has hopes and dreams beyond the village. This is her story. And it's riveting...

Hell Phone by William Sleator (R.I.P. Challenge book #1)

Nick is poor. So poor he lives in a tiny trailer, has no computer, and has to work everyday after school. And he has no cell phone. Then he gets the flyer. Cheapest prepaid cell phones in town. With his precious savings Nick buys a $20 phone (a return with no caller ID) and 150 minutes. He's overjoyed and can't wait to talk to Jen, his girlfriend and the reason he bought the phone.

But as soon as Nick turns the phone on, the calls begin. A sobbing woman begging for help. A pushy man who urges Nick to steal cell phone accessories, but won't tell Nick what he wants. And a heavily accented man who warns Nick not to trust "them." And then there are the games that come with the phone: Games From Real Hell. As the cell phone keeps ringing, a wretched, screeching cat noise, Nick gets more and more involved with the callers. Until, finally, they drag him into hell...

This book was a quick, easy read. Intriguing enough for teens who don't usually enjoy reading, and with a plot that holds a reader's interest. I enjoyed it, and recommend it for those who like a tiny rush of fear, but want to sleep well at night!