This book has got a lot going for it. Is this a hard boiled detective novel, or a teen adventure story? You decide. For me, the juxtaposition of the two is what makes it shine. If you liked Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys, you'll enjoy Harper Madigan, not because it's similar, but because it's so different.Reminiscent of Buffy or Angel, the story bounces between serious and funny without giving the reader a minute to catch his breath. It's not "belly-laugh" funny, but more, "cool as a cucumber" funny.