The Thousand Dollar Tan Line: Veronica Mars 1 by Jennifer Graham, Rob Thomas
Series: Veronica Mars #1
on November 2014
Pages: 336
Goodreads

From Rob Thomas, the creator of the groundbreaking television series and movie Veronica Mars, comes the first book in a thrilling new mystery series.Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption. She's traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case.Now it's spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave. When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person's case; the house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica's past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined.

As a Veronica Mars fan for over a decade, I was delighted to hear they were releasing a series of novels continuing her adventures. Set after the film (which was set ten years after the TV show), The Thousand Dollar Tan Line follows Veronica Mars now that she’s back in Neptune to stay. When a college student goes missing during Spring Break, Mars Investigations are called in to find her. With Keith still recovering from a car accident, Veronica (with the help of Wallace, Mac and other assorted 09-ers) is on the case. Things get more complicated when another girl goes missing – a girl who brings Veronica’s past colliding with her present.

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line was a great mix of the Veronica I know and love, and the woman she’s become. Armed with her camera, listening devices and trademark sense of sarcasm and snark – this blonde PI is determined to get to the bottom of any case.

This book has everything I love about the show – the great bond between Veronica and Keith, the friendships, the plot with twists and turns as well as brief cameos from minor characters. There’s also a glimpse of Veronica’s romantic life which was beautifully understated and in no way takes over the story.

Being in a different medium (a novel as opposed to the show or film) there are a few differences. The banter isn’t quite as sharp nor the pop culture references littered though the mystery as liberally as I’m used to. But throughout it all – this novel has the same vibe and is a great addition to the Veronica Mars universe. Having characters such as Cliff, Dick and others pop up was great and felt believable within this particular story.

The mystery is great. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without being too outlandish. The presences of Veronica’s family added the right amount of personal drama and was true to who she was as a character. Her relationship with Keith maintained the charm which was so special in the show. There are a few new characters who I feel like Veronica has some unfinished business with and I would not be surprised if we see them again in the future.

If you are a fan of the franchise I have no doubt you’ll enjoy The Thousand Dollar Tan Line. Veronica is back and in the decade she has been off the air she has lost none of her charm nor her determinedness. For those who are unfamiliar with the show and the film – don’t discount this book. Veronica’s methods are shrewd, and her moral code not always conventional yet she has a certain charm which shines throughout the pages.

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line is a great mystery with an intriguing yet optimistically jaded heroine. Perfect for fans of the show but also an interesting fast paced story for anyone who enjoys detective stories. I will definitely be checking out Mr Kiss and Tell (Veronica Mars #2) when it is released in 2015.

 

Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the review copy.