In some ways I think this book was actually better than the Veronica Mars movie. That was more of a fan-pleasing cameo-fest than anything else, whereas this seemed like a more substantial and focused story, in line with what you might expect from the show in its heyday. Apparently the plot which became the basis for this book was originally going to be the basis for the movie? I wonder how that would have turned out. In any case, it was quite an enjoyable book all around. The quality of the prose was a bit unspectacular, and Logan Echolls ended up getting shoehored into the book despite having nothing to do with the plot, just because fans like him I guess. One thing I think the book would have benefitted from is a first-person perspective. The TV show and Movie feature Veronica's narration as a key stylistic flourish so it's odd that a third person perspective was used here. It didn't really detract though.

One thing worth noting about this book: unlike many tie-in books, it doesn't feel throwaway or unimportant. Without spoiling anything, it has a weight and importance to it that make it feel like a vital part of Veronica's ongoing life story, with major personal stakes in the same way you might expect from an arc in the TV series. but at the same time, it's also something that doesn't really restrict future Veronica Mars film or television projects--it's something future Veronica Mars film or TV projects can reference vaguely or just not discuss at all, without it seeming odd or contradictory.

Any Veronica Mars fan who is hungry for more after the movie should read this book. Or even better, pick up the audiobook. Kristen Bell reads it, and she's quite good. Some of her character voices are a bit strange, especially for the male characters, but her Veronica is naturally quite spot on, and her Mac is scarily accurate as well.