I really enjoyed the first book, #murdertrending, in this series. It was interesting, entertaining, and while it reflected some of the potential outcomes of the 2016 elections (with the TV star president and the way violence is portrayed in the media), it didn't take itself too seriously. These things combined made #murdertrending a really fun, fast paced read. The second book, however, fell a bit flat. I loved the LGBTQ+ rep and how Gretchen McNeil succeeds in making readers believe that the murderer is one person and have it be someone completely different. But, there wasn't really any buildup throughout the story. The jumps between perspectives were confusing and there was a lack of consistency in tone. The snark was there but everything else that made the first book so entertaining just wasn't.

I had to read #murdertrending before reading #murderfunding so it took me a while to get to reading this one. Honestly, I questioned how this could be a sequel to #murdertrending other than the inclusion of characters from that book as minor characters in this book. The book moved so SLOW until almost midway through and then it moved at lightening speed and I saw how it could be the sequel. I felt like the characters were stereotypical and not well developed. Plot twists also didn’t give me the “holy cow” factor. It’s an ok book, it just took way too long to become a page turner.

Take everything you loved about #MurderTrending and multiply it by five. Then you have #MurderFunding: an over-the-top campy tale of teenagers surviving post-Alcatraz containing plenty of roll-your-eyes groan moments, genuinely interesting characters, and a plot so ridiculously realistic you can't help but discuss. If you read and enjoyed the first book, you owe it to yourself to meet its more eccentric younger sibling.

A great follow-up to the book #murdertrendimg, this one focuses on a new reality show, "Who wants to be a Painiac?" where regular folks can come to audition to be the new Paniacs, on a reality show where there is said to be no murders, unlike what happened on Alcatraz 2.0

#MurderFunding by Gretchen McNeil wastes no time in getting down to business. It's a fast-paced follow up to last year's #MurderTrending. Just like it's predecessor, this makes great use of feeling up to the minute with its use of language, social media, and depressingly even a bit of the politics. It's easy to quickly tear through this story because it's just so compulsively readable. If only I had a nice tub of popcorn to go with it.

This is basically two books. The first two-thirds deal with Becca trying to learn whether or not her mom was Molly Mauler (by trying to enter that show which---and this is not at all a spoiler; it's common sense---turns out to be a really, REALLY bad idea) and a few chapters of Dee, Nyles and Griselda trying to find out who The Postman was and the final third is...well, that show being a really, REALLY bad idea.

The first two-thirds are obviously slower than the ending, but that doesn't mean it's boring. I'm not sure Gretchen McNeil is ever anything short of riveting.

As a warning, this is not for the faint of heart or the easily nauseated. (Much like #murdertrending or her other books.) 

I wish there had been more of Dee, Nyles and Griselda, but I loved Becca and the new people, too. 

This series really needs to be made into a movie. I would for sure see it on opening day.

Recommended.

This was a good follow up to #murdertrending. I did feel like the first half was a bit slow compared to the action throughout the first book; but, once it picked up, it was good. There were some interesting twists and turns, only one or two of which I kind of saw coming. I was able to get some of my students to read the first title this past school year and I look forward to steering some in this direction again this year. This is a good mix of creepy and gory, but not too gory.

I enjoyed this sequel as much as the first one. It was quite the thrill ride with lots of ups and downs and some twists that I was not expecting. The social commentary on reality shows and murder is still there, but it wrapped up some questions that I had from the first book very nicely.

This book is mostly told through Becca’s point of view, with a few scattered throughout the story from Dee. I liked Becca, she was also a survivor and had a good head on her shoulders when things got tough. She was also a bit crazy for following a stranger to audition for a show about murder, but I got where she was coming from. It was interesting to see her perspective of the show and whether or not her mom was one of the executioners. I would have perhaps liked a bit more of an explanation of why this supposedly normal mom like person would have turned into a serial killer, but the duel nature of her personality was interesting. Becca’s other mom was also an interesting character, and I would have liked to have seen more of her.

Stef was also a great character, it would have been interesting to see some of the story from her point of view. She was pretty closed off and didn’t give a whole lot away, but I felt for her and her need to find out who the real Molly Mauler was to help her have some closure. She was pretty fearless and bad ass. The light romance between her and Becca was sweet, and I loved that it went back and forth for both of them in that they couldn’t decide on their real feeling for each other.

The plot of this story was more of a mystery/thriller than the first book. There were still some graphically gruesome murders, but not as many as the first book. Some of the questions from the first book were answered in this one, but there were still many left unanswered. But I am ok with that. There are also some plot holes, like really the FBI couldn’t figure out who the Postman was??? and some other things that just didn’t add up. But still as a light read it was very satisfying. Like in the first book, I was often amused by pop culture references in the names of the people commenting on the forums. These comments are sprinkled throughout both books and were sometimes interesting commentary on what was going on.

If you enjoyed the first book, then this one won’t be disappointing. There are rumors that there might be a third book, I’m sort of looking for a prequel, or one that explains the origins of some of the serial killers. But what ever the third book is about I will certainly be picking it up.

This book's narrative seemed forced and convoluted. The characters from the 1st book really had no purpose- they could easily have been deleted and the story stay the same. While the idea of the first book, murder motivated by social media likes, was interesting and relevant this book seemed less so.

#Murderfunding is the sequel to #Murdertrending, by Gretchen McNeil. The author constantly refers back to characters and situations from #Murdertrending, so you would do well to read it first. #Murderfunding picks up after the ordeals of Dee and the Death Row Breakfast Club, and focuses on a new character, Becca. Becca's mom was one of the "Paniacs" from Book 1, but Becca never knew. Now, a reality tv show is advertised to bring back "Paniacs" in a non-lethal way, and Becca decides to audition in order to learn more about her mom's secret life.

#Murderfunding is a quick read, and the pace builds nicely throughout. However, the characters are one-dimensional. Just like in #Murdertrending, the bad guys are straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon. They are so over-the-top! The carnage is real, though. "He looked like a grisly Pez dispenser, except when his head rolled back, it offered a geyser of blood..."

Like it's predecessor, #Murderfunding is set in a technological marvel. Cameras watch everything our heroes do, upload to the web in real time, and don't require an army of camera operators, sound engineers, or editors. It seems pretty heavy-handed with the current political situation. It was very similar to Book 1, so if you liked #Murdertrending, you'll probably enjoy this.

They thought the work of The Postman was over, but the terrors of Alcatraz 2.0 aren’t quite gone. Becca goes to audition to be a painiac in a new reality show based on Alcatraz 2.0, but she gets much more than she bargained for when she makes it to the final cast! An excellent sequel to #murdertrending and well-written while bringing in new characters.

Seventeen-year-old Becca’s mom recently died. When she meets Stef, she is told her mom was Molly Mauler (a serial killer from Alcatraz 2.0). In order to prove Stef wrong, the two try out for “Who Wants to Be a Painiac?” a reboot of Alcatraz 2.0. Stef and Becca mysteriously make the cut. Meanwhile, the President is on trial for impeachment for the PostMan and Alcatraz 2.0 events. What is the real story behind the Alcatraz 2.0 reboot? Could Becca’s mom actually be Molly Mauler? Alternating between Dee’s obsession and Becca’s investigation, the story switches back and forth in a clear manner. The plot is twisted, engaging, and will have strong appeal to those who like horror fiction. Those who liked #MurderTrending will want to read this book.

I thought the first book was pretty fun if you didn't want to think about it too hard. Sure, there are better mysteries and there are better murder books and there are better nightmare-reality-TV books, but it was still fun. This one was just not.
Issue 1: We followed two groups of people. Our time was not split evenly, and Dee's story wasn't especially interesting or, honestly, necessary.
Issue 2: The crowdfunded murder TV show took up very little of the book, comparatively, and we didn't really get to know the characters that well before they started dying. This doesn't matter for the first few that died, but when Lars sacrifices himself to save Becca I just did not care.
Issue 3: The conspiracy theory was not entertaining enough to take up as much of the book as it did.

#MurderFunding by Gretchen McNeil is the followup to #MurderTrending. When I first received the ARC for this book, I had not read #MurderTrending. I began the second book, but quickly realized that I needed to read the first book to fully enjoy the second. I found the first book on Hoopla through my local public library. I'm glad I read the first book before continuing with the second. I could have figured out most of the connections without reading book one, but I would have missed out on many of the story lines.

I was really surprised I enjoyed this book (and the 1st) as much as I did. I normally do not like books that describe death, however the author does a great job giving enough detail without adding too many details. The mystery plot and trying to guess where the story was heading kept me reading quickly. This book was a roller-coaster thrill ride, while not very realistic is still a fun ride.

I can see that teen readers will relate to the different characters. I do wish the ending was just a bit different. I was sad to see the choice the author made at the end. Overall, enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.

Nice follow-up to #MurderTrending, allowing for a slightly different take while still giving readers the Paniacs and Postmanmania the previous book gave. In an e-version some of the social media posts didn't show up as well as they probably do in print, but it was still readable. I mention that because it is never clear who is behind the posts and that might lead to a third book. Nothing more because. well, that would be a spoiler.

eARC provided by publisher.

I enjoyed this sequel to #Murdertrending almost as much as the original. What I like about these books is that the storyline is unique. #MurderFunding continued the storyline from #MurderTrending, but included some new characters and a fresh story. Much like with Dee in the first book, Becca is a likable character that you want to root for. At certain points I found the book very hard to put down. There was not much down time and the story moved swiftly. I also enjoyed how the book had two separate stories happening at the same time, but brought them together towards the end. This book was a fun read that kept me entertained throughout. Thank you to Disney Book Group and Netgalley for an electronic copy in exchange for a review.

I was excited for this book after reading the first one, but was left kind of disappointed. I found it kind of slow at first and had trouble getting into it. Plus, I found the political aspect to be just a bit too much. I was always really glad to see Dee and co. pop up, though, and this remained a very quick read!

#MurderFunding is an exciting roller coaster ride from beginning to end. After finishing #MurderTrending, the sequel could not come quickly enough. The day I saw the galley was available, I hid in the bathroom at work to queue it up to be waiting on my Kindle as soon as I got home. I am not a fast reader, but I devoured this book in less than three days (practically a record for me)!! Just like the first, #MurderFunding is delightfully campy in all the best ways. It pokes fun at its own use of tropes without becoming overdone. And yet, the characters emotions throughout aren't mocked or lost in the humor. McNeil's writing is clever and filled with heart. A true delight to read.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Gretchen McNeil returns to the world of reality TV shows and publicized serial killers with #murderfunding. This is the sequel to the thrilling #murdertrending, though instead of continuing Dee and her friends’ story, it highlights a new character, one who was the daughter of one of the serial killers on Alcatraz with Dee. The danger is far from over now that the Alcatraz 2.0 show is over, in fact, it’s only just beginning!

Becca’s mother recently died and Becca is feeling lost and confused. Things aren’t easy after her mom died, especially when Becca happens to see some strange, yet rather cute girl following her around. Stef is convinced that Becca’s mom was really Molly the Mauler from Alcatraz 2.0. Becca isn’t too sure about Stef’s theory, even with the bit of evidence presented to her.

It’s not long before Becca decides to join Stef on a trip to LA to where a new reality TV show is being produced called Who Wants to be a Painaic? A show that’s very much related to what was aired before. Becca is determined to prove that her mother wasn’t Molly the Mauler, when Stef’s goal is the exact opposite. But they both aren’t nearly prepared for what the show will really be about.

I was happy to find that this book just didn’t revolve around Becca, but also included the occasional chapter told from Dee’s point of view. It helps bridge these two books together, though this is still very much Becca’s story and Dee merely play a role in it. Dee, Nyles, and Greiselda have been doing the best they can to return to a normal life, but there’s really no normalcy for them after what they went through and the fact that there are still tons of Postmaniacs who want to kill them for ending their favorite show.

This mystery was definitely different than the first one. Before we had Dee who had gone through something traumatic as a kid and how it ended up playing a key role in her current situation. Becca is more or less trying to find the ties between Molly the Mauler and her family. But the show she just landed herself on is something far more dangerous than she anticipated. For naturally, this new show is almost like the old one. Too much like the old one, in that serial killers are trying to kill Becca and the other contestants…and as you might guess, not everyone can win this particular game!

This book was intense! It’s about the same level of intensity as its predecessor, but slightly different. Everything was more mysterious like in the first one, now we know the mystery and we thought it was all over, but it clearly isn’t. This presents more questions and the like, as to who’s now running the show? The answers were surprising, but maybe not as shocking. I still feel like I have questions about everything and I am not entirely clear if this ends the story of Dee & Co. plus Becca & Co. or not. Puzzling indeed! I know Gretchen recently mentioned a companion book of sorts to this series, but it won’t really be tied to the story at large. So it’s a matter of “wait and see” to see if that will provide any answers or not. But I’m game no matter what!

As far as romance goes, there’s just the littlest of bits in it. Becca feels an immediate attraction to Stef despite not caring for her mission to prove Molly the Mauler was her mother, but it’s there all the same. Even as they grow closer things push the, back apart and it’s a back and forth kind of game until the very end. So take that as you will! It was hard to decide if I should root for them or not since their relationship was so hot and cold, but it was sweet all the same.

I think the most confusing thing about this book for me was the reveals at the end. When everything was tied together about the whodunit and whatnot. I guess I just can’t wrap my mind around the why, unless it was really as obvious as I think it was. And I’m still not clear on the cliffhanger ending we had in #murdertrending either. While it’s mentioned in here, I feel like we didn’t really get an answer. So that poses my question once more, is this the last book of the series or will there be another installment to possible shed some light on my ever confusing list of questions? Time will tell I suppose!

All in all, #murderfunding was a shocking an intense thriller that kept me on my toes while reading! I was guessing every possible angle and avenue as to all the BIG questions! It amazed me how obsessed people were with this show and it was hard at times figuring out what side they fell on with some of the things going on. This is definitely a read that will keep your head spinning, but in all the best possible ways of course!


Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars


#murderfunding releases August 6, 2019

#MurderFunding did not capture my attention the way #MurderTrending did. I was disappointed as an adult reader, but I can see where teens who enjoyed #MurderTrending would dig into #MurderFunding.