Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it’s really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real “pavement artist”-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?
Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she’s on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.
Cute, straight-forward, and sweet. That’s how I’d describe I’d tell you I love you, but then I’d have to kill you but it just isn’t what I’m looking for. I’d highly recommend this series for younger teens or even middle grade readers; however, for those of us looking for a bit more sophisticated writing, I’d suggest Ally Carter’s Heisty Society Series.
Here’s why. The romance seemed rather pointless at the end, more like a plot device than a story. Josh was flat and honestly a little boring, and by the end it was almost relief the way it worked out.
I loved Cammie and her friends. They were fun and smart and hilarious, but they were rather immature. They didn’t really feel like emotionally or socially they were ready for much more than crushes.
The plot development was a little formulaic whereas Carter’s Heist Society books were a bit more sophisticated. These are definitely a bit more on the young YA scale, which isn’t a problem but it just didn’t grab my attention like the Heist Society books. Maybe it’s unfair to compare them, however they are the reason I tried the Gallagher Girls in the first place. For younger YA readers, this is perfect. Just not for me.
Author: Ally Carter
Title: I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You
Series: Gallagher Girls (Book #1)
Published: April 25th 2006 by Hyperion
Format: Paperback, 284 pages; Kindle; Nook
Website: www.allycarter.com
Source: Purchased
My rating: 
Happy Reading!
This series sounds so cute and I always wanted to start reading these books! I’m a little sad to heat that the love interest sounds so falt – I love a good romance in a story!
I’d hoped for that too. Really it ended up being more like a middle school relationship…and the end just baffled me.
I didn’t really like the romance in this one but i love the series! It’s sad to hear that you didn’t like it. But i still think you should give the series a go.
Maybe I’ll get the next one a try. I dunno, my TBR is SO LONG already, lol! Thanks for giving me hope for future books though!
Sounds like an awesome premise–too bad it didn’t wow you with its sophistication.
Yeah, just not for everyone. More MG in my mind than YA.
Oh, these books just get better and better! Zach, the new guy in book 2 is great I think. The books are light and fun, plus I love everything spy related. That said, I did recommend this book whole-heartedly to my 12 year old 6th grade sister. She loved it and is eagerly waiting for me to get her the rest of the books. It is nice that it is a good series for younger readers.
Definitely! Like I said, it was cute and funny. Just not really for me. HIGHLY, recommend it to MGers. Glad your sis liked it! =) Thanks for commenting!
I think you should try the rest of the series the romance gets better. Zachary is a way better than josh and it’s not as childish. The story gets better to so I think you should try book 2.
Maybe I will someday. =) Thanks for the heads up that it gets better. Good to know!
I didn’t care for Josh at all when I read this book. I’ve been following the Gallagher Series since I’ve been in eighth grade. Now I’m a senior and I’m excited for the finale book, which is suppose to come out sometime in 2013. Personally I love Zach for the reason that in the the 2,3, and a bit of the 4 book he remains to be a mysterious guy.
Lol! Ok ok! I’ll probably give the rest of the series a shot someday. =)
This is now included in my to-read list! 😀
Enjoy!
Haven’t read any of these books, but I know lots of people love them. It’s too bad you found it a bit too immature, but it’s perfect for some younger readers who are looking for something action packed without sex or violence.
Absolutely! I would recommend any of Ally Carter’s YA books to kids 12 and up for sure. They are clean, fun, light, and enjoyable. This just wasn’t, in my opinion, as well done as her Heist Society books. However, according to people who’ve read the rest of the series, it gets better. So maybe I’d like it more if I kept going with the series?
I don’t believe that I have ever read anything by Alley Carter. Hmmm? I clicked on the title in your review list because with a title like that, how can you possibly resist. Unfortunately, awesome title aside, I don’t believe this is the book for my 30 year old self. I love YA, and I am not ashamed of it, but I do need a little bit of substance. Well, most of the time. Thank you, Heather, for the review!
Thanks for reading, Jaime! Yes, I would agree, it’s just not quite what I was looking for at this point in my life (I’m 30 as well). Apparently this series gets better as it goes along too. I’ve only read the first one.
Her other series Heist Society is fun. I would give that one a try if you’re looking for light, funny, and smart. It’s got a certain Ocean’s 11 with teens feel to it. =)
I quite enjoyed the book, but then again it is more aimed at my age group. The books definitely get better as they go along and the romance improves a lot too.
I keep hearing that so maybe I will give it another shot later on.
I loved this series, also Heist Soc! The first book was okay but the second is even better (on both Gallagher and Heist)! I really love Ally Carter’s writing style. It lacks a little romance, I agree but the plot is still awesome
I like Ally Carter’s writing style as well. I’m really looking forward to Perfect Scoundrels! =)