Book Boyfriend Spotlight: Digby

What’s Happening

Here at Penguin Teen HQ, we know one thing for sure: falling for a fictional character is a 100% real phenomenon. That’s why we’ve decided to start spotlighting some of our most eligible book boyfriends—the ones readers can’t stop talking about. Why? Because the only thing better than crushing on a fictional character is getting your friends to join in.

This week, we’re talking about Digby from Stephanie Tromly’s hilarious mystery series, Trouble is a Friend of Mine. Let’s dive in.

Who is Digby?

Digby is the best kind of nightmare. Part Ferris Bueller and part Sherlock, Digby crashes into Zoe’s life with a brash attitude, a certain charm, and a mission: to figure out who kidnapped his sister years ago. In his search, he throws himself into other mysteries, each of which comes with its own mix of hilarious, dangerous, and vaguely legal hurdles to overcome. While life with Digby may not be easy, it’s always interesting!

Why should Digby be your next book boyfriend? We’re glad you asked.

1. Your life will literally never have a dull moment—just ask his best friend Zoe.
“At first, I thought I hung out with Digby because I was bored and wanted to get back at Mom for moving me here. Then I thought it was because he seemed so lost and alone all the time. But now I’m standing outside a house wired with enough explosives to blow up our entire block into a pile of matchsticks, trying to figure out the best way to get back in, and I realize that really, I’m the one who’s been lost.”
2. He knows the appropriate moments to use Beyonce references.
“This old thing? I woke up like this.”
3. He knows you’re worth it.
“Just promise you’ll make him work, okay? Make him work to deserve you.”

I mean, don’t take our word for it—here’s what the internet had to say!

V. Mars + Sherlock + yr newest book boyfriend = Digby in @stephanietromly‘s hilarious TROUBLE IS A FRIEND OF MINE. Read it!

— Melissa Albert (@mimi_albert) December 20, 2015

Read @stephanietromly ‘s Trouble is a Friend of Mine in less than 24 hours. Fun, charming, quick read. Hoping for more Digby in the future!

— Lisa Q (@lqluvsbooks) January 19, 2016

trouble is a friend of mine is my everything and i want the sequel rn i will protect philip digby with my life

— lizard 🎄 (@CISC0RAM0N) August 25, 2016

8) Trouble Is a Friend of Mine: you cannot get a better character than Digby, read if you want a cute, fun book! pic.twitter.com/AWWqEHyjJV

— jess 🌸 (@studmuffiniall) August 7, 2016

just finished re-reading Trouble is a Friend of Mine again and am manically wondering what I need to do to get a Phillip Digby in my life

— ☆ Stella Vatnsdal ☆ (@stelyvats22) July 22, 2016

Trouble is a friend of mine needs a sequel!!!! There should be more Digby and Zoe moments!!

— halaman ◐ (@AgentPammy) March 24, 2016

digby from trouble is a friend of mine (sorry that i am still in love with him) https://t.co/RtQ9dyDRuS

— lizard 🎄 (@CISC0RAM0N) February 14, 2016

I just finished Trouble is a Friend of Mine by @stephanietromly and holy crap. This book is phenomenal. Hilarious & well crafted & DIGBY. 😍

— Erin Blake (@sneaky_monkee) February 21, 2016

I just finished Trouble is a Friend of Mine from August’s @owlcrate. 😂😂loved it. Need more Digby! He’s like a male VMars.

— Jilly Potter (@SpillByJill) September 20, 2015

I am DEFINITELY on Planet Digby. Loved ‘Trouble is a Friend of Mine.’ So good! @stephanietromly @RLO473 @DailyJulianne @bri_lockhart

— Lauren (@LWengrovitz) July 27, 2015

Suggested first date with Digby?

A cozy evening of junk food and board games awaits you when you go on a date with Digby. It’s up to you to give him a run for his money when you guys play Clue! What, board games aren’t your thing? No worries—Digby already has a plan for you to sneak out later and complete his latest scheme.

Steaminess Rating:

Trouble is a Friend of Mine scores a 5/10 on Digby and Zoe’s chemistry and banter alone—the score only gets higher once you read Trouble Makes a Comeback, ahem.