THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE by Holly Jackson

“18-year-old Bel has lived her whole life in the shadow of her mom’s mysterious disappearance. Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness. Rachel is gone, presumed dead. The case is dragged up from the past when the Price family agrees to a true crime documentary. Bel can’t wait for filming to end, for her life to go back to normal. But them Rachel Price reappears, and life will never be normal again… Lights. Camera. Lies.”

What is the book about?

16 years ago, when Bel Price was barely 2 years old, her mother, Rachel, disappeared. One minute the two of them were walking around the mall together and the next Bel was found alone in the car on the side of the road, the door closed and no sign of Rachel, other than a few of her belongings. The sudden disappearance has haunted the Price family for years, especially the first year when Bel’s father was the police’s prime suspect. Rachel is presumed dead; however they never found any clues as to where she went or what happened to her. For the past few years Bel has been able to pretend that nothing was wrong and that there was never a time when it wasn’t just her and her dad, but now that her dad has agreed to a true crime documentary on Rachel’s disappearance, everything is resurfacing. Bel doesn’t want anything to do with the documentary but she made a promise to her dad and is not about to go back on it. All she wants is for the documentary to be finished, the camera crew to go back to where they came from and her life to go back to normal, with Rachel no longer the topic of everyone’s conversations. However, when Rachel suddenly reappears in the middle of the street, back from the dead and looking just like she did 16 years ago, Bel realises her life will never go back to normal again. Especially as she doesn’t believe a word coming out of Rachel’s mouth and in order to find out the truth she will have to uncover all the deadly secrets her family have kept hidden since that fateful day her mother disappeared…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The second that I saw that Holly Jackson was writing another book I added The Reappearance of Rachel Price to my Amazon basket, before it even had a front cover. I have absolutely loved every book that Holly Jackson has written and have always been surprised by the plot twists and the secrets that come out so I knew, before I had even looked at the blurb or bought the book, that I was going to love this book just as much. I didn’t know exactly what to expect because the stories are always so shocking, keeping me on the edge of my seat and making me sacrifice all sleep just to be able to uncover the truth, however I knew that it was going to be amazing. When the book finally came out and I bought it I was so excited to start reading, however I wanted to wait for the perfect opportunity to read the book, when I could give it my full attention and do nothing but read the whole day (as I had done when I read Five Survive in one sitting). When I finally read the blurb it excited me even more and within seconds I was started the book anxious to find out what shocking things would happen. Initially I found it a bit hard to get into the book, possibly because I had been reading fantasy books all summer and a mystery was definitely a big jump. However it didn’t take long for me to fully get into it and soon I was flying through.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don’t really have a favourite character in this book and I really don’t want to have to decide so I just won’t. It isn’t because I liked so many characters that I can’t decide because there were only a few characters that I actually liked because in the end the majority of the main characters were keeping terrible secrets. If I really had to choose I would probably choose one of the side characters (like the ones part of the camera crew) who seemed to be quite sweet, especially Ash who was the only one who really believed Bel and who saw through the wall she built up and how she tried to push people away before they could leave her. I did like Bel but I found her to be a bit annoying at times, and the same thing happened with a few of the other characters. All the characters had their strengths but they also had some weaknesses that deterred me from picking a favourite character.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was probably near the end when all the secrets came flooding out and suddenly everything made sense. I love this part in most mystery books because I get to finally have the answers to the multitude of questions that have been plaguing me throughout the whole book and I usually get to see if parts of my theory are correct, which always makes me feel like such a wizard when I get something right. Although I wasn’t able to see any of the things in this book before we were told, I still really enjoyed this part of the book because of how it made me feel. The tension and the suspense had me clinging to the book at 1 am desperate to get answers before my eyes stopped working. I was on the edge of my seat for this whole part and the surprise that I got when I found out the truth is the thing that makes me love mystery novels. Since I was little, this has been one of my favourite genres and I am glad to see that I still love them just as much and can still be shocked. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and am just waiting for the next Holly Jackson book to come out so I can buy it and hopefully once again fall in love with one of her books. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was how the mystery of Rachel’s disappearance and reappearance was being sort of solved by a teenage girl. This was one of the things I also loved in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and I loved seeing it here. The reason I enjoyed it is because in this book in particular it was quite realistic because the further Bel dug the more confused she became and the more she realised she was getting nowhere. It was mainly because she had a theory that she didn’t want to give up and because if she admitted something it would mean losing someone who had never left like her mum. It was so realistic because what teen is going to be able to uncover the truth supper easily when the police couldn’t and it also made the book so much more interesting because there were so many clues but none really started to fit together until the end. Although I really enjoyed the book, I do feel like at the beginning it felt a bit slow and uneventful. I found it a little hard to love it in those first few chapters and at first I was disappointed. Later on it started to pick up and I realise now that I was just impatient, however I do think The Reappearance of Rachel Price is my least favourite of Holly Jackson’s books (though for a least favourite I still really enjoyed it).

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend reading this book and I think it is perfect for readers who love mystery, suspense and secrets. It is best for over 13 and fans of Holly Jackson will definitely love it, though I think her other books are definitely better (so read those too). 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An unputdownable, compelling mystery that will leave you shocked for days. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

ONE OF US IS BACK by Karen M. McManus

“‘After all, what’s one more lie?’ Life hasn’t been easy for the Bayview Crew. First they had to prove they weren’t killers. Then a new generation had to outwit a vengeful copycat/ Now, it’s beginning again. At first the mysterious billboard seems like a bad joke: ‘Time for a new game, Bayview.’ But when a member of the crew disappears, it’s clear this ‘game’ just got serious – and no one understands the rules. Everyone’s a target. And now that someone unexpected has returned to Bayview, things are starting to get deadly ‘Simon was right about secrets – they all come out in the end.’”

What is the book about?

The Bayview Crew are all back in Bayview, together for the summer. A summer they were hoping would be a nice time to all be together before everyone goes off on their own separate ways again – but it seems like whenever the crew are together bad things happen and Bayview is never the boring town they all hoped it would be. After Jake and Simon and Jared, it’s clear that things will always be interesting. At first everything seems fine, but then a random, mysterious phrase appears on a billboard, one that everyone fears is the start of something new – TIME FOR A NEW GAME, BAYVIEW. After some panic, everyone dismisses it as a strange ad or a mistake, but when a member of the crew disappears at a Fourth of July party, and is found mysteriously unharmed with a single word written across their arm, it’s evident that it’s not a coincidence. Then, when someone else disappears and is found dead, it is clear things are escalating and this person isn’t scared of a little blood. Everyone believes the person responsible is someone who created many problems when they were first in Bayview and has somehow managed to crawl their way back to this dreadful town. But everything leads back to revenge and there is someone new who wants to make someone pay for their sins. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I didn’t even hesitate when I saw that Karen M. McManus had written another book and I clicked pre-order before I had even registered what was going on. When it finally arrived I added it to my collection, where it gathered dust for several months before I finally managed to read it once I finished my exams. I was really excited to begin with, to read the final instalment of a series that I really enjoyed by an author whose books I have always enjoyed and I am glad I was not disappointed. I read the blurb and was immediately intrigued to find out what new secrets would come out (because really how many more secrets could there be after the past 2 books) and knew that I would be pleasantly surprised just like all of Karen M. McManus’s books (which I was). I didn’t quite know what would be in store for me because there are always twists that I can never see coming, which is one of the things that made me so excited to read this book because I always love a good surprise. Once I finally opened up the book and started reading, I was delighted to find that I fit into the world of the Bayview Crew as if I had never left and was so quickly sucked into a story that I had left more than 3 years ago. The book had me wrapped in its pages within only a few chapters and I am glad that my initial expectations were correct and that another McManus book didn’t disappoint.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I would have to say that, although I liked many of the characters in One of Us is Back (and there were certainly many to choose from), my favourite character was probably Addy. From all the other characters’ perspectives, Addy was a kind, caring and lovable person, always willing to lend a hand. She was someone they all wanted to protect and be there for, but they didn’t realise that she was one of the strongest of them all. It wasn’t these qualities that made me choose her as my favourite character but actually what I read through her POVs was what convinced me. Whenever something happened and everyone was worried at how she’d deal with it, the only thing on her mind was her friends and making sure they were safe. There was this one particular scene where Addy herself was in trouble and danger, but her only thoughts were that one of her friends was injured and needed help, so instead of sending a message to let people know where she was, she used her only opportunity to type as a way of helping her friend. She was completely selfless and in the situations where she was most likely to break down, she kept going in order to help her friends in whatever way she could. She was so brave and the perfect friend anyone could ask for, I just wish that I could have a friend as good and strong as her.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part (unsurprisingly) was the ending. It was absolutely perfect and I have no comments. I devoured all books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed the ending in all the books; however they felt somewhat incomplete until now. The ending of One of Us is Back felt like a true ending, one where there would be no more mystery in Bayview and finally the characters could be at peace. The best thing about it was the fact that all the characters were together, even if it was only for one brief moment before they all went in different directions. However, I liked that the characters were finally moving on, because after all the terror that they experienced, it was finally their chance at a happy ending. It was a comforting ending and one which I won’t soon forget.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and finished it far too quickly. There were so many things that made this book the perfect ending to this trilogy and one of them was simply the fact that it existed. I didn’t even know that there was going to be a book after One of Us is Next and was truly surprised when I saw it on Amazon. The previous 2 books had had endings that could have easily been the real ending and there was truly no need to continue the story, however, I am glad that McManus did finish the trilogy. One of Us is Back is a book I didn’t know I needed until I finished it, because at that point it was clear that there was no way the series could have been concluded without it. Another thing I really enjoyed was the flashbacks to when Simon and Jake were friends (before the events of One of Us is Lying and before Jake even met Addy or Cooper or anyone else). They really helped me to understand why Simon and Jake did everything they did and how this whole story started. Each of these flashbacks helped to tell the story that nearly no one would have known other than Simon and Jake (and one was unable to tell it and the other unwilling to). It was a gradual unveiling to the true reason why Jake chose to help Simon and risk everything and it helped clear up some questions that I had carried with me for quite a while. One other thing I loved was hearing from a wide range of people. There were several different points of view and that helped me see things through different eyes and get the full story, not just parts of it. Although I was sometimes confused as to whose eyes I was seeing through (even though it literally said it at the beginning of each chapter), I still really enjoyed it and know I will always love books with multiple POVs. This book was amazing and I just can’t believe I’ll never read more about these amazing characters that I learned so much about.

Which is your favourite book in the One of Us is Lying series? (1, 2, or 3)

All three books (One of Us is Lying, One of Us is Next and One of Us is Back) were absolutely amazing and so is everything else Karen M. McManus has written (she is a great author) and if I’m being completely honest, I have forgotten too much of the first 2 books in the trilogy to be able to honestly answer this question. All 3 books were very different and had very different mysteries that had to be solved, however the quality of the writing, and characters, and storyline was consistently amazing in all books. This is why it is so difficult for me to make a decision. However, one thing that makes One of Us is Back stand out to me is that it completed the series and it created a full circle. Everything came back to Simon and secrets in the end and it really emphasised the main message that I think the series was trying to portray: all secrets come out in the end. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, drama and thrillers. I enjoyed it so much and it is perfect for over 14s who love mysteries where the main characters take over the job of the police and choose to investigate themselves. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The thrilling last instalment to a mystery-filled series you will never forget.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THEN SHE WAS GONE by Lisa Jewell

“‘She was fifteen, her mother's golden girl. She had her whole life ahead of her. And then, in the blink of an eye, Ellie was gone.’ Ten years on, Laurel has never given up hope of finding Ellie. And then she meets a charming and charismatic stranger who sweeps her off her feet. But what really takes her breath away is when she meets his nine-year-old daughter. Because his daughter is the image of Ellie. Now all those unanswered questions that have haunted Laurel come flooding back. ‘What really happened to Ellie? And who still has secrets to hide?’”

What is the book about?

Ten years ago fifteen-year-old Ellie Mack left her house to go to the library and never came home. She had her whole life ahead of her, was about to do her GCSEs, was predicted the highest grades, and within moments she was gone and no one knows what happened to her. Since her disappearance, her mother Laurel has never given up on finding Ellie, however everyone else appears to have completely forgotten about it and have moved on with their lives. Since that moment, Laurel changed and lost the life she had and the things that made her happy no longer had any effect. However, one day, she unexpectedly meets a charming, charismatic man who appears to be perfect in every way and he slowly starts to bring happiness back into Laurel's life. However, when she meets his nine-year-old daughter, she starts to once again ask the questions that haunted her since Ellie left and never came home. Because his daughter is the spitting image of Ellie when she was that age. Something clearly happened that night when Ellie disappeared and all the unanswered questions come flooding back. What happened to Ellie? And what does this young girl who looks just like her have to do with her disappearance? Who still has secrets to hide and what do they have to do with that fateful day 10 years ago?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I had never heard of Then She Was Gone or even the author, Lisa Jewell, until my only reader friend (which is who I always get new book recommendations from) sent me a book list of suggestions of what I could get her for Christmas and Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs was on it. In order to decide which book to get her I did what I usually do, which is to search all the books up and pick the one that I like best for myself (as I know I will be able to borrow it from her rather than buy it again), so I read the blurb of this other book by the same author as Then She Was Gone and was immediately in love. As a result, I spent around an hour searching through Amazon and adding all the books I could find by Lisa Jewell and then I put them all on my own list for Christmas and the one I got was Then She Was Gone. The blurb left me completely shocked with more questions than I ever thought were possible and even a few theories that I had started puzzling out before even opening the book. Once I opened the book I completely forgot I was reading and within what felt like seconds I had finished the book in tears. I had known from the second I read the blurb that this book was going to be one of the best mysteries I had ever read and I have never found that my initial thoughts have been more right than they were for this book. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Ellie because of how she dealt with what happened to her and how much I feel for her and everything she lost. I can’t really explain much because I don’t want to ruin the whole mystery but what Ellie went through was something that no one should ever have to experience, let alone a fifteen-year-old girl. However, despite the fact that she had gone through all of that she never lost the qualities that had made her the golden girl, the perfect daughter, the one who brought light into her family’s lives. Through the flashbacks to her experience, I got to read Ellie’s thoughts and she barely thought about losing hope and never gave up and became depressed as one would in her situation. She stayed strong, brave and brilliant (which was made clear in the epilogue, which made me cry so much) and she thought of her family and how much she loved them every moment of the day. Ellie’s attitude was admirable and it was only made more impressive when I thought of everything she lost because of what happened. She had had her whole life ahead of her and I know that she would have had the most promising future ever, but she didn’t get any of that and that completely breaks my heart. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in that situation and though I hope that nothing like that ever happens to me but I would like to believe that I would be strong enough to be like Ellie and not lose myself in the process. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was 100% the ending because it was the most beautiful ending in the world. The story and everything that Ellie and Laurel and everyone else went through was completely devastating, however the ending helped make everything beautiful again. The main part of the book follows Laurel and how much her life was completely changed when her youngest daughter disappeared. Her family was pulled apart because of the tragedy that happened to them and as a result they lost any connection they used to have. The book follows Laurel as she tried to put her family back together and prevent them from losing complete contact with each other. In the end all she needed to do was uncover the mystery and stop punishing herself and her family for what happened to Ellie. The book ending shows a complete circle where Laurel finds herself in the same position she was before the tragic day when her daughter never came home and the beauty of it is that the family found themselves reunited because of Ellie once again. I love when books are circular and every piece makes sense once again. This book was absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to read another one by this author.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Then She Was Gone was the most heart-breaking and devastating yet completely amazing book I have ever read and there was absolutely nothing that I would change about it. One of the things that I really loved about the book were the flashbacks to Ellie’s life after the disappearance and also another person’s life at that time as well (if you read the book you will understand why I can’t tell you their name). While we were being told Laurel’s story and trying to help her solve the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance, we also heard from these characters’ points of view which helped tell the story of what happened to Ellie. These flashbacks really helped because in reality only person knew the truth about what had happened and that person wasn’t present in Laurel’s story so without having these flashbacks I would never have known the truth. I also really loved them because flashbacks are something that I always enjoy because of the little glimpses to the past that they give you and the deeper understanding they help you develop. Another thing that I enjoyed about the book was the story and the writing in general. This story was one of the most shocking, heart-breaking and disturbing stories I have ever read and there was a strong chance of everything going wrong with the book and it being too devastating and dark to be able to be read. However, Lisa Jewell used some incredible writing to turn this dark story into a masterpiece that left me in tears every few chapters and left me wanting to go back in time just so that I could read the story once again for the first time. I cried so much reading this book and felt so much for these characters and their tragic story. This book did its job – it made me feel something – and I will never forget reading it. One last thing I would like to mention that I really liked about the book was the way that I was slowly able to piece the mystery together. Before I had even started reading I had a general theory and overall I was sort of right, however as the book moved along I was able to adapt my theory. It was a slow-burn mystery that was uncovered piece by piece and each time a new piece of information came to light I adapted my theory and had a clear idea in my mind of what I knew to be true and the possibilities of what could have happened afterwards. In the end I knew the whole story and was shocked by it but the gradual understanding made the book even more interesting and impossible to put down. This is a story that will haunt me forever and I will never stop recommending because this experience is one which I believe everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Then She Was Gone was one of the most amazing books I have ever read and as soon as I finished reading it I went and bought every other book by Lisa Jewell that I could get my hands on and I can’t wait to have my heart crushed once again. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 10000000% recommend you go and read this book right this very second as it is a completely incredible novel filled with suspense and mystery. It is devastating, dark and amazingly well-written and I know that anyone who picks it up won't be able to put it down. However, I think it's best for those over 17 as there is some strong language, violence and it can be deeply disturbing.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A dark, devastating and disturbing thriller that will leave you in tears and completely shocked.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

KILL JOY by Holly Jackson

“Pippa Fitz-Amobi is not looking forward to her friend’s 1920s-themed murder mystery party. But when the game begins, Pip finds herself drawn into the make-believe world of intrigue, deception and murder. As Pip plays detective, teasing out the identity of the killer clue by clue, the murder of the fictional Reginald Remy isn’t the only case on her mind…”

What is the book about?

Pippa’s friend, Connor Reynolds is having a 1920s-themed murder mystery party, with costumes, role play and an inspector to lead the way. However, Pip is not really excited for it as she doesn’t like not having work to do and is still worried about not having chosen a topic for her EPQ. But, when she arrives at the party and the game finally begins, Pip realises that she is actually enjoying it and is finding herself really merging into her characters world of secrets and murder. As she works her way through the party and the investigation, looking at the clues and trying to put them together in a way that makes sense, this murder is not the only one on her mind and her friends constant reminders about the Andie Bell case have her thinking that maybe that case wasn’t as simple as the one she is pretending to be involved in. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first book this book with the rest of the series, I had initially thought I would read it before the first book in the main series as it was its prequel, but then I decided that it would be better to read it after so I could see where everything began and I wouldn’t be confused about the characters. Right before reading it, I was ecstatic and was so confident that it was going to be incredible, even though I knew that it was only a short story that probably wouldn’t be as good as the books from the main series. But, I knew I would still like it and I was prepared to love it all the same. Once I finally started reading, I loved how it jumped straight in with no explanations at the start or introductions, so it was a lot easier to fall back into the world of Pip and her investigations, even though this time it was a fictional one. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character in this book was also Pip. I think that the main reason for this was because I got to see how she thought about things and how she first came up with the idea for her EPQ project. I really loved seeing her work through the murder mystery game and how her mind worked in such an interesting and efficient way. It really shocked me when the truth came out, but her response to it made me like her even more. She didn’t get too angry and, although she was obviously annoyed for the rest of the story, she soon began to move on and used her frustration in a good way. I also loved the contrast between the innocent Pip in this book and the Pip that she grew into. She clearly isn’t the good girl she once was. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This was a very difficult choice for me to make because the book was actually really short, too short, in fact, to really make a decision on a favourite part. However, if I really had to make a choice, I would have to say that my favourite part of the book was when Pip got the chance to explain her theory on what happened in the fake murder mystery. I loved reading this part because she just sounded so confident and the way that everything fit together and that she left no stone unturned or clue unexplained was so satisfying. It was so impressive how her mind worked and it also made me remember all the investigations she later goes on to solve using the same methods and confidence. Pip is just such an incredible main character and I just loved going with her through everything.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Kill Joy, though it wasn’t as good as the other books in the series. This is obviously because it was just a quick short story for context; however it is also because it wasn’t a real investigation, and it was actually just a game. Despite this, I still really liked the book and found that it was just as well written and fun to read as the main novels in the series. One thing that I really liked about the book was how it really brought me back to how it all started. I think I made the perfect decision when I chose to read the book after the whole series was finished because I really got to fully soak in everything that I experienced in the trilogy. When certain characters were mentioned, I thought about everything that at that point was not known about them but that I knew from reading the story and I think that this really helped me solidify my love for the books. I literally loved reading all three books in the trilogy (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Good Girl, Bad Blood and As Good As Dead) and this stunning short prequel and I have just found out that they are planning on making a TV series on it, so I am beyond excited. This has become my favourite series of all time and I don’t think any other book will ever be able to top it. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend reading this short story, but I think it is best to read it after at least the first book, so you have some understanding over the characters. It is great for over 13s, who love some drama, mystery and murder. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling prequel that gives a glimpse into how Pip ended up uncovering the truth about a solved murder case. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

AS GOOD AS DEAD by Holly Jackson

“Dead girl walking. Pip Fitz-Amobi is haunted by her last investigation. But soon a new case finds her and this time it’s all about Pip. She has a stalker, one who keeps asking: Who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears? Pip soon discovers a connection between her stalker and a local serial killer, nut the police refuse to act. As the dangerous game plays out it’s clear that I Pip doesn’t find the answers, she’s as good as dead…”

What is the book about?

After her last investigation into Jamie Reynolds, Pip Fitz-Amobi hasn’t been the same and has been haunted by the blood that was on her hands. She can’t focus and can’t think about anything other than what happened that night, the trauma still circling through her veins, not letting her sleep. However, Pip knows how to save herself – she just needs one last case, one last case that has a clear good guy and a clear bad guy, a black and white case. She thought this would be a Jane Doe case in Cambridge (where she is planning to go to university in a few weeks), but soon a new case finds its way to her and this time it is all about her. Someone is stalking her, and has been doing so for a while, leaving disturbing online messages (always the same one: ‘Who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears?) and some physical appearances not on her phone screen. But soon it is clear that this isn’t a normal stalker case, this man has links to a serial killer, one who was supposedly convicted 6 years ago, but could this be the real killer, coming to claim his sixth victim? Now Pip must find a way to save herself, because if she doesn’t then she is certainly as good as dead…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Of course, my first thoughts about the book were that I had to read it and that I was going to love it just as much as the others. I had loved the first 2 books in the trilogy and I was so excited to read the last one. I not only wanted to start reading it as soon as possible, but I also needed to read it because I needed to know more about Pip and obviously her story wasn’t complete. However, initially, I was a little worried that the ending would ruin my whole experience of the books as so far I thought they were incredible and I really wanted that feeling to last. But, I still had high hopes for it and, although I was scared about whether or not the book would reach my expectations, I knew I had to read it. Once I started reading, I knew that I had been crazy to doubt Holly Jackson because she hadn’t disappointed me with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or Good Girl, Bad Blood, so clearly she wasn’t going to start now. From the very first page I knew I was going to love the book and I was completely immersed in the murder town that Holly Jackson created. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Just like in the previous books, my favourite character in As Good As Dead is definitely Pippa Fitz-Amobi. She was so brave and confident, and she was so intelligent, more intelligent than anything I could ever dream of. This intelligence was particularly showcased in this book because she had to use everything she had learnt in the complete opposite way that she was used to using her knowledge and she had to do something that not many people would be able to do and try to get away with something that appears practically impossible to most. However, my favourite quality about her was how extremely selfless she was. Initially she appeared a bit careless and selfish in the way that she tried to get her family and friends involved and looked to them for help, even though she was risking their futures for herself. But, then it was made clear to me that she was actually selfless and that she made sure that she was the only one at risk and if anyone was going to take the fall it would be her. When she thought there was still a risk involved, she decided to distance herself from everyone she cared about her because she couldn’t live with knowing that she had taken one of them down with her. Pip was one of the best female main characters I have ever encountered and she made me love the books even more. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This is usually the hardest question for me to answer; however, in this case, it was probably the easiest because there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that my favourite part was the ending of the book. I think that this was the best ending I have ever read in my life and I can't believe how much it affected me. I seriously can’t believe I ever worried about the ending ruining the book because in reality it made it better. This ending gave me more than enough information and, although it left a lot of gaps about the future, it gave a small glimpse into the possibilities and that meant that I could hope for the best and use my imagination in a way that meant I could picture the characters in a way that maybe the author wasn’t thinking of. I loved how this ending gave every reader the chance to use their own thoughts and pick an ending that made them happy. It was also a really emotional ending and I don't think any ending has ever affected me like this. It was super subtle about what was going to happen and yet so obvious, and, even though I know I shouldn’t say anything, but I just can’t hold it anymore: I just can't believe that he waited for her! For 2 years!! I wish I could tell you all exactly what happened, but I know that it would be very selfish of me because it is important that you guys read it and experience it for yourselves. I don't think I have ever been so satisfied at the end of reading a book. It was the perfect ending to an incredible trilogy. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, As Good As Dead was probably one of the best books I have read in a while, especially as it is the third book, which is usually a bit of a disappointment. One reason I loved the book was that it wasn't too difficult to solve who the stalker was. I was actually so surprised because I was able to find out who it was before Pip and she jumped to conclusions and didn’t really see what was right in front of her. I love when I am able to find something out before a main character because it always makes me feel amazing as I outsmarted the main characters, who aren’t real and are made to solve the investigations. Another thing that I adored about the book was the ending. This was my favourite part of the book and I loved how it was the perfect combination of subtle and yet obvious. It left plenty of room for interpretation, but was enough to help steer us in the right direction. But, the thing that shocked me the most was that an ending to a murder mystery series was able to leave me in tears and affect me emotionally in a way not many books have been able to. It was amazing and I loved it, but obviously I wish there were more investigations. One last thing I loved about the book, probably the most important thing, was the cyclical structure of the series. It was a whole circle and all the gaps in the previous cases were filled after reading this one. Not only that but all three books were linked and everything led back to the start. I liked how the tables were turned and it wasn't Pip trying to solve a murder or a missing persons case or a stalker case for the whole book and actually she had to do the inverse and had to put all her knowledge to the test and attempt to bring everything all the way back to the start. This was amazing and I think it really highlighted how amazing the author was. As Good As Dead was an amazing read and I can’t believe the story has ended here. 

Which is your favourite book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series? (1, 2, or 3)

Although all 3 books (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Good Girl, Bad Blood and As Good As Dead) were amazing and I enjoyed reading them all, I do have a favourite book, or rather a least favourite book. Good Girl, Bad Blood was amazing, however I think that the first book (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder) and the last book (As Good As Dead) are my joint favourites. The first book was the start of the series and everything was just so new and shocking that it made the whole experience more incredible. It was so amazing for a first book and I found the plot amazing – an A-Level student trying to solve a murder case that was already solved by the police (amazing!!). I also found that, although the mystery was definitely not easy to solve, if you really looked closely it was obvious from the start and the clues were everywhere so really anyone could put it together if they tried. The last book was amazing in a completely different way. It had the perfect ending that left me feeling lost for words, wanting to recommend the book to everyone I know but also wanting to keep it to myself because it felt like my special secret. However, it was also similar as the mystery was also relatively easy to solve if you looked at the clues. This book left me perfectly happy with how things ended and made me love the series even more. I just don't know which is better as they are both so different and I am just going to leave them as joint favourites. However I do want to mention one last thing: the thing I loved the most of all the books as a whole was that, although they were completely different cases and I had initially thought they weren't really like a series and more like individual stories with the same main characters, they were actually all linked and it felt like there had been a full circle from the first to the last book and back again. The cyclical structure shocked me and I thought it was incredible writing. Sometimes authors don't know that it's going to be a series and so the books don't always link as well, but this was the most well written series I have ever read and it was clear that there was meant to be 3 books from the very start. I can't wait to read more by Holly Jackson and I know if she ever releases another book I will be the first to buy it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would undoubtedly recommend reading this book; but you do need to read the first 2 books before (so that everything makes sense). I think it is a particularly perfect for those who are over 15 and enjoy some crime, drama and mystery.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A compelling, heart-breaking conclusion to the best murder mystery series in the universe. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

GOOD GIRL, BAD BLOOD by Holly Jackson

“Someone is missing. Nobody’s talking. But this time, EVERYONE is listening… Pip Fitz-Amobi is not a detective any more. Her true-crime podcast about the murder case she solved last year has gone viral. Yet Pip insists her investigating days are behind her. But she will have to go back on her word when someone close to her goes missing and the police can’t do anything about it. If they won’t investigate, then Pip will, uncovering more of her town’s dark secrets along the way. But will she find the answers before time runs out?”

What is the book about?

After many articles, podcasts and more were released about Andie and Sal’s killer, Pip noticed that most people were telling the story incorrectly and so she decided to make her own true crime podcast about her investigation, leaving nothing out and telling the whole truth – not the one that people wanted to hear. But after her podcast went viral and everyone was asking for a season 2, Pip decided to not be a detective anymore and that this would be the end. She didn’t want to risk everything like she did last time and she knew that any more trouble wasn’t necessary. However, when Jamie Reynolds, her friend Connor’s brother, Pip decides that she will break that promise and start her investigation. The police aren’t doing anything about it as it is a low-risk case, so she must take the reins and find the truth about what happened to Jamie and won’t stop until he is home safe – no matter how many dark secrets she discovers along the way. But will she get to him before his time runs out? Or will this all end with another murderer in Little Kilton?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Since I had just read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (the first book in the series) and absolutely loved it, I was obviously extremely excited to start reading Good Girl, Bad Blood. Initially, I was very convinced that I was going to love reading this book just as much as I did the first and I had no doubt that it was going to be a very enjoyable, easy read. When I read the blurb, I was even more intrigued about the book and was soon desperate to start discovering more about what was going to happen in the book. As soon as I started reading the book, I immediately knew that my initial assumptions were correct and that I was definitely going to find the book incredible in all aspects. From the very first page I felt completely at home and found it so easy to just forget about everything that was around me and just read and really live the story. The book immediately grabbed my attention and its clear to me that I loved the book from the very start. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Just like in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this decision was pretty easy and my favourite character is definitely Pippa Fitz-Amobi. The main reason I liked her was because Pip was so intelligent, studious, independent and not like most teens – meaning she was just like me! I loved that I saw little things in her that I know I also have and it just made the book so much more relatable and just easier to read. However, she was also extremely confident in herself and was always willing to take a leap of faith and risk everything. I know I am definitely not like this and I prefer to live inside my own little world, but it did make me think that maybe I should try to be more open minded and have confidence in myself. There was also something new about Pip in Good Girl, Bad Blood – a new, deep, fiery anger inside her which wasn’t really present in the first book. I should’ve hated this angry, mean side of her, but in reality I actually liked it because it made me feel less alone. For the past 18 years Pip has tried to be the perfect daughter, sister, student, which is evident from her grades and the way she behaves. She has probably spent her entire life bottling up her emotions, trying not to burden anyone else, and now she has reached her limit where the smallest thing (though in her case it might’ve been a relatively big thing) can make the biggest change to her attitude and emotions. I am sure a few people found this sudden change in her odd, but I understood it because I also try to be perfect and sometimes I just snap at the smallest things because I have too much on my plate. I loved that Pip was also like this and I was so happy to see that I am not the only one, even if she is just a fictional character.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This was very hard decision for me because I loved the whole book but I think my favourite part of Good Girl, Bad Blood would have to be when Pip realised the real gravity of the situation and that time was running out. She had always known that she was running on a timer and that if she didn’t work fast that time would end with Jamie dead, never to return home again. However, it wasn’t until this moment when she realised just how serious it was and that she was given a chance to save Jamie and help Connor and she had to really work hard to achieve what she had promised. This part of the book started of really tense and dark, because the characters and I were on edge, not knowing if time had run out and there would be no happy ending to the investigation. Then, everyone was happy because they realised that there was still a chance, however the ending was what really stuck with me. The determination Pip had to solve this mystery and save Jamie was clear and strong and I knew that soon this book would end with Pip discovering the truth, for better or for worse. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I loved Good Girl, Bad Blood and found that it was perfect in every way. One thing that I loved about the book was how easy I found reading it. I finished the whole book quicker than I have ever been able to in a school week and I knew that there was only one explanation: the incredible writing and plot. It was so easy to read that while I was reading I completely forgot that that wasn’t actually my own reality and was able to fully allow myself to experience the book as if I was one of the main characters, helping Pip find Jamie. I love this feeling because it makes me feel like anything is possible because someone words on paper have been able to transport me to another world, just like magic. Another thing that I really loved about the book was that it rekindled my love for murder mystery in a way I never thought it could. When I was little, murder mystery books were the first books that made me feel like I was part of the world that I was reading about. That incredible feeling where you aren’t quite on Earth is something that I will never forget and I still remember reading underneath the covers, later questioning my idea as I was trembling from fear because it was past midnight and I wasn’t sure whether or not there was going to be a murderer coming for me or not. This series has been able to really make me remember why I have always considered murder mysteries to be my favourite sort of novels and I just can’t wait to read on. One last thing that I really liked about the book that really stood out to me was the fact that there were clues in the first book that were used in the second book. I really enjoyed this because I think it was a very realistic representation of what it is like to working on something, like a case, in real life because not everything is going to be clear and organised and sometimes you have to look to places that you wouldn’t even consider and look back to something from months ago in order to make sense of a situation. It also made it clear to me that this was what Holly Jackson had been planning all along and it made me truly think about what I was going to encounter in the last book. Good Girl, Bad Blood was an incredible second and I just can’t wait to see what’s in store for me with the final book in the series. 

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Although I definitely loved both books and wouldn’t trade reading them for the first time for anything, I think personally I liked A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder a little more than Good Girl, Bad Blood. There wasn’t really anything that I found was better in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and mainly I think that the only reason I liked it better was that the whole experience was a lot newer and more shocking and interesting. However, there was one minor thing that I found I enjoyed more in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder than the second book: the plot. Both plots were incredible and I loved the whole Jamie’s disappearance thing and both books had the same amount of shocking plot twists, but I just liked the plot from the first book more because I could actually predicted the killer if I had just paid a lot more attention. All the clues were there and once everything was explained at the end I knew what I had missed. In contrast, in Good Girl, Bad Blood there were no clues at all that would’ve been able to point to the real bad guy in the end and I found that slightly disappointing. I also enjoyed the whole closed murder situation that was going on in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and the fact that there was not just one bad guy, but several, just like there is in real life because not everything can be clean and simple. However, I definitely enjoyed reading both books and I know I will love the third and final novel too. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend reading this book; however you do need to read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder before. I think it is a particularly great read for those who are over 14 and enjoy some crime, drama and mystery.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A shocking mystery novel with twists and turns that no one could’ve ever seen coming.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

A GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER by Holly Jackson

“The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it. But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for their final-year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?”

What is the book about?

Five years ago, teenager Andie Bell disappeared and was presumed dead and allegedly murdered by Sal Singh. Everyone in town, including the police, are confident that he did it and in their minds there is no ‘allegedly’ – Sal Singh was the murderer, which he clearly stated in his last message, where he confessed to the murder before killing himself. However, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure and her gut is telling her that Sal didn’t do it and the real killer is still running free in their small town. So, when she has to decide on a topic for her EPQ (the project completed alongside A-Levels), she realises that this is the perfect opportunity to discover the truth of what happened that night 5 years ago. As she starts to uncover more secrets than she could have ever thought Little Kilton could hold, it is made clear that there is someone in town who is desperate to keep these secrets hidden and that they may stop at nothing to stop Pip from uncovering the truth. The real killer may actually be out there, roaming the same streets as Pip and watching her every move and it may be possible that Pip has taken on more than she can handle. Will she get to the truth before the killer gets to her?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first heard of these books about a year ago I knew that I needed to have them and, after several months of sitting on my book wish-list, I finally decided it was time to purchase them and add them to the many unread books still on my shelf. This probably wasn’t not the best decision I could have made money and space wise, however, when I finally decided to pick up the book only a couple days ago, I knew that reading A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was going to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Once I finally started reading I found that the book was impossible to put down. After reading only a couple of chapters I was fully engrossed in the book and I actually finished in only a day. It was intriguing and full of mystery from the very beginning and, even though I had known from before even reading it, it was an incredible book and I loved it from the second I held in in my hands. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This decision wasn’t as difficult as it usually is for me and I was actually able to choose my favourite character in less than a minute. My favourite character in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is definitely Pippa Fitz-Amobi. I really liked her for many reasons. One reason was because Pip was so intelligent and actually reminded me a lot of myself. She was very studious, did her homework right away and was always working independently in her room. She wasn’t like other teens and didn’t really like going to parties, just like me. These weren’t the only similarities between Pip and me, her parents also acted similarly with her as mine act with me – they’d tell her to study less and go out to parties or spend time with friends, unlike how all other parents act with their normal kids. Another reason was because she was so fearless. She was so confident in herself and was able to pursue her investigation without worrying too much about the risks that came with uncovering new secrets. However, although she appeared fearless, she wasn’t without any fears and common sense. She knew that there was a huge risk of her or her family being hurt and when the time came she put her foot down and stopped the investigation because she didn’t want to let anyone get hurt. Pip was a great character and I loved that she was the main character because she made the book that much better. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

Making this decision was a lot harder than choosing my favourite character, however I was about to decide my favourite part of the book. My favourite part of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was when the pieces finally came together near the end of the book. I loved following Pip’s investigation and I found it so much fun trying to piece together the clues, as I always love to do. However, the best part of the book was when the clues that I had initially missed started to actually make sense and all the pieces fell into place, pointing to the real killer and the truth finally made sense. I loved being able to finally discover the truth and it was my favourite part because, as I felt like I was part of the story and the investigation, it felt great to finally solve the mystery of who was actually to blame for the deaths of Andie Bell and Sal Singh. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was an absolutely amazing read and I loved every second of it. One thing that I loved about the book was how easy I found reading it. I literally finished the whole thing in one sitting and got from front to back so quickly. It flowed so well and I found that I was completely immersed in the world that Holly Jackson created when she wrote the book. I completely forgot that I was reading and was able to fully allow myself to experience the book as if I was one of the main characters, helping Pip uncover the truth. I love this feeling because it makes me feel like anything is possible because someone words on paper have been able to transport me to another world, just like magic. Another thing that I really loved about the book was that it was one of the first books I have ever read that was actually set in England. This made the book and the characters so much more relatable. I usually find it so hard to understand the school system in America (where books tend to be set) and I always have to look up which out of Junior Year or Sophomore Year comes after Freshman Year (and I still don’t know). However, in this case Pip and her friends were in sixth form doing their A-Levels in their last year of school (AKA Year 13), which I found very easy to understand and relate to as I am only a year below. I loved this and it was so entertaining how often they drank tea, as all British people do. One last thing that I really loved about the book was that, although it was written in the third person, there were sections of Pip’s EPQ also included in the book, which were written in the first person as a bit of a diary showing Pip’s inner thoughts and her research. I loved this because it really helped me feel involved in the investigation and I love being able to feel as though I am part of the story. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was an incredible book and I think it is definitely making it into my favourite books list. I just can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 10000000% recommend reading A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, especially for over 14 year olds who are a fan of a well-written murder mystery novel. It is perfect for mystery, crime, drama and thriller lovers. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling, secret filled murder mystery novel that is impossible to put down.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

WISH YOU WERE DEAD by Peter James

“Roy Grace and is family have left Sussex behind for a week’s holiday in France. The website promised a grand house, but when they arrive the place is very different from the pictures. And it soon becomes clear that their holiday nightmare is only just beginning. An old enemy of Roy, a lowlife criminal he had put behind bars, is now out of jail – and out for revenge. He knows where Roy and his family have gone on holiday. Of course he does. He’s been hacking their emails – and they are in the perfect spot for him to pay Roy back…”

What is the book about?

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is always working, and always puts 110% into his job. He knows he needs to work more on making time for his family, so he thought that they would finally get a chance to relax and be together on a holiday in France. He found a grand house online and was promised a luxurious week’s holiday with his wife and kids. All he wanted was a chance to finally get away from his work and really enjoy his holiday, but, as soon as the house comes into view, it becomes clear that this holiday is not going to be anything like he had imagined. The place is so different from the photos on the website, and, if that wasn’t enough of a clue of this holiday nightmare, there is something clearly wrong with the hostess. Someone who hates Roy and wants nothing more than him to suffer has put in a lot of effort to get Roy to this isolated holiday location and now that he is out of jail and free, he is ready to get his revenge. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first looked at the book I didn’t really have any idea about whether or not I would like it. It seemed like it was similar to some of the books that I have loved in the past and I knew that I used to love murder mysteries and that this was one, so I was hoping that I would enjoy it. I had not read any thrilling murder mystery books in a while and I always missed them because they used to be my favourite, so I was actually very excited to see what this one was like. Once I read the blurb, I knew immediately that I needed to read the book, because after reading that short paragraph I already had too many questions to leave unanswered and I was so intrigued to find out what it was about, so I decided it was time to dive into it and give it a go. Once I started reading it, I knew that I had made the right choice and within what felt like seconds I was already reaching the end, shocked and excited. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don’t really think I have a favourite character in this book. It was a really short book and I don’t think I had enough time to really have a good idea of what each character was really like. In this book, none of the characters really stood out to me. I did kind of like some of the characters, like Roy Grace, who was an incredible detective and was very impressive in the way that he was able to handle two criminals with ease. However, I didn’t really find that any character was particularly impressive and I decided in the end that I didn’t have a favourite character and I liked all the characters equally. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was when everything fell into place and all the clues leading to the truth started to make sense. Before this part, I had so many questions and it was so frustrating that I didn’t have any answers for them. However, once things started to get more interesting, I started to really fully enjoy the book and I loved getting the chance to experience reading a mystery book again. I had forgotten how much I loved trying to uncover the truth before the characters and then the feeling of shock when there is finally a plot twist that you weren’t able to see coming. This was actually what I loved most about the book – when everything started to get so interesting and finally the house was not just creepy but the story actually began and the real horrors started. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I thought the book was quite good and I really enjoyed reading it. One thing that I really enjoyed was the plot of the book. It was very fast-paced and full of so much mystery. I loved when the real story began and the criminal finally started messing with the characters property. It was so tense and I was constantly on the edge of my seat, not knowing what was going to happen to the characters and if they were going to make it through the night. Another thing that I loved about the book was that I got to revisit my childhood and got to read a mystery book, which used to be my absolute favourite type of books. I had missed the feeling of being a detective and the happiness when you figure something out before the character. This book was great and I just loved how quickly I read it and how much fun it was to be on the edge of my seat while reading it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this book. I think it is best for readers over 16, who enjoy some murder, horror, mystery and action. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling, dramatic and quick read filled with mystery.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

NOTHING MORE TO TELL by Karen M. McManus

“True crime can leave a false trail… Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favourite teacher. The case was never solved, but she’s sure that the three kids who found Mr Larkin’s body know more than they’re telling, especially her ex-best friend Tripp Talbot. He’s definitely hiding something. When Brynn gets an internship working on a popular true-crime show, she decides to investigate what really happened that day in the woods. But the further she dives into the past, the more secrets she finds. Four years ago, someone got away with murder. Now it’s time to uncover the truth…”

What is the book about?

Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favourite teacher, Mr. William Larkin. The case was cleanly solved, with a random drifter thought to be to blame for the murder, though actually the murder was never truly solved. When Brynn is heading back to her home town, she is not sure if she is ready to face her classmates again, but she is determined to stay apart from everyone and suffer through the next few months until she can leave again. When an opportunity presents itself, Brynn decides to go for a once in a lifetime internship, and in order to appear more interesting to the true crime TV show, Brynn brings up the unsolved murder at her interview. She believes that the 3 kids from her year group that discovered the body know more than they are telling, so she decides to investigate further. But some secrets are better left alone, and, even though she goes into school determined to keep her internship secret and stay away from everyone else, she ends up in a tangled web of lies and it turns out the murder is a lot more complicated than she initially thought...

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

As soon as I discovered that Karen M. McManus was writing another book, I immediately searched for it on Amazon and pre-ordered it. I had been waiting for this book for so long when it finally arrived and, as soon as I got it, I was already bursting with excitement at the thought of reading it. I have always loved Karen M. McManus' books but as soon as I laid eyes on Nothing More To Tell I realised, and I don't really know how I knew this, that this book was going to be better than any other book I have read by her so far. As soon as I read the blurb and got into the book, I was completely sure that Nothing More To Tell was going to be an incredible read that I was never going to forget. Then, after reading only the first chapter of the book, I had already been completely absorbed into the mystery and soon I was looking up completely confused at the fact that I was in my room at home and not solving a murder. The whole time I was reading I was wishing to reach the end and find out the truth, but also I was hoping the book would never end and I could just keep reading more about the mystery. This was one of my favourite books (which you can probably tell from the lengthy review below).

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This truly was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made because for some reason this is one of the books that had 2 main characters that weren’t annoying. The main character is usually some whiny person that constantly thinks themselves the best and that they are the most important in the whole book (although this is all true). . Brynn was an extremely likeable main character, always striving for perfection in every story she wrote and she wouldn’t give up until she was able to figure out the truth, no matter what happened. At the end, although I was glad that she continued and never stopped replaying the facts of the story, I did think it was a little hypocritical of her to blame herself for everything and then continue doing the same thing that got her into the mess in the first place. But she wasn’t annoying at all, and did things logically and strategically. Tripp, however, was different. At the beginning of the book, I thought that he was going to be like any other high school hot jerk and the fact that he was a scholarship kid and was still considered elite really confirmed that for me at the start – a rich boy wannabe. But when I got to know his story a little more, I started to like him a bit more. I truly felt sorry for the burden he had had to carry for years, especially at such a young age. He had to cope with so much and, hearing his story fully, I realised just how brave and strong he had to be to pull off everything he had, and in the end I really ended up liking him (it also didn’t help that he was good looking!). Interestingly both Tripp and Brynn were most likable characters the author ever created and it was also perfect that the romance in the book was between them. Despite the incredibly well written main characters, I think that my favourite character was probably Brynn’s little sister, Ellie, who I think was the one who actually solved the mystery and without her they wouldn’t have been able to do it. It was kind of embarrassing for Brynn and Tripp that they would probably not have figured it out without her trap, at least not for a lot longer. Ellie was such a great character, fun and charismatic (the friendlier, more social and more exciting sister) and I would love more of her in the future, so I really hope that the sequel stars her (like how the sequel of One of Us is Lying stars Bronwyn’s sister) or her own mystery to solve. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

The whole book was absolutely incredible and I really enjoyed every single part, so this decision is really difficult for me. It was actually so difficult that this is the first time that I actually cannot choose a favourite part; however one thing that I can tell you for sure is that it is definitely not the ending! But thankfully, now that I have nothing more to tell (pun intended) about my favourite part, there is more room for my overall impression of the book (which I have lots to say about).

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Nothing More To Tell was a marvellous read and I truly adored everything about it (except one tiny detail that stopped it from being a true 10/10). One thing that made this an absolutely incredible book is the fact that the story was told from the perspectives of two likable characters, and this made it better than Karen M. McManus’ previous works. I was so grateful for this because it wasn’t at all confusing to have multiple points of view and, as I liked both characters and they both led very interesting sides of the story, I didn’t (not even once) wish for it to switch back to either of the characters. Another thing that I will never ever stop thinking about is the fact that all of the books covers are the exact same style and this is the main reason why Karen M. McManus’ books are my absolute favourite. They just look so beautiful and organised on my bookshelf and I am a little bit (a lot!) of a perfectionist with a bit of OCD and these books satisfy me so much with how clean and perfect they are. I just cannot get over the smooth, identical perfection! One thing that I also cannot get over, which is not a good thing, is how abrupt the ending was. I was so shocked at the fact that the book ended so quickly summarising everything so quickly and just moving on. I was just so confused and it was almost like Karen M. McManus had a word limit or something and she was just trying hr hardest to fit everything in. This book had so much potential and the plot was incredible, but I think she should have changed the epilogue completely and just made a second book. But, when it came to the real epilogue I was in shock at the fact that, rather than the killer showing up, I turned the page to see that it was the epilogue, where everything should sweetly end with the characters in their lovely lives 5 years later. I was so confused and seriously believed I had skipped pages. It didn’t make any sense and I didn’t understand how we could just end up with such a rough and horrible explanation of who the killer was. Also, the biggest shock to me was the fact that Brynn was just willing to let all of this go and leave the killer to walk free when she had put in so much more before and nothing and no one had been able to stop her. However, I still suspect a follow-up to this book, even though we know who the killer was (at least I think so??) because of the shocking epilogue twist that occurred right at the last second, and I do think this could be very good if well planned and written, but we’ll just have to wait and see. But, if a sequel isn’t written I will be very angry as there are many things left unsolved and some plot holes. One last thing I would like to mention is the fact that the plot was just so incredible and you can really tell that the author put a lot of work into it, so much work that she included references to all the previous mystery cases, which I really loved and cannot stop thinking about. All of Karen M. McManus’ books are absolutely incredible and I really loved them all, but Nothing More To Tell is definitely my favourite because it had everything – amazing character development, an incredibly well written academia mystery and a dual narrated story; it completely blew my mind! This book is definitely in my top 10!!

Would you recommend this book?  

I absolutely adored Nothing More To Tell and would 100000% recommend it to anyone. Particularly, I think that you will most enjoy the book if you are over 13 and enjoy murder mysteries, crime novels, thrillers and a bit of romance. It is an amazing book and I think everyone who reads it will love it.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A shocking and thrilling mystery with a sprinkling of romance.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

YOU’LL BE THE DEATH OF ME by Karen M. McManus

“Skipping school is fun – until someone gets murdered. Ivy, Mateo and Cal used to be close – best friends back in middle school. So, when Cal pulls into campus late for class and runs into Ivy and Mateo, they decide to ditch school. Just like old times. But they’re not the only ones skipping school that day. When the trio spot class mate Brian ‘Boney’ Mahoney acting suspiciously downtown, they follow him into an empty building, and walk straight into a murder scene. Now that their day of freedom has turned deadly, it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out…”

What is the book about?

Ivy, Mateo and Cal used to be the best of friends, an unbreakable trio – or at least that was what they thought. Despite their close friendship, they grew apart when they went into high school, but still had some dormant feelings between each other. So, when they run into each other in the school car park and Cal suggests they skip school, they are all happy to ditch for their own reasons. Completely unaware of the day that they have ahead of them, they believe it is just like old times and they will be able to recreate the Greatest Day Ever, from when they first ditched together in middle school. But, they aren’t the only ones with the idea of ditching school and they end up spotting their classmate Brian ‘Boney’ Mahoney acting suspiciously. They follow him into an empty building and accidentally walk into a murder scene. Now they are all involved with the murder whether they like it or not and they must try the truth before all of them end up in more trouble than they thought they would be. Their day of freedom has turned deadly and they know that it’s only a matter of time before all comes out and everyone knows what really happened…or what they want to believe.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

As I have already read the other 4 Karen M. McManus books, as soon as I found out that You’ll Be the Death of Me was available for pre-ordering on Amazon, I knew that I needed. My friend, who has also read all the Karen M. McManus, had also pre-ordered You’ll Be the Death of Me, so we decided that we would read the book at the same time so we could discuss what had happened and our thoughts so far. Unfortunately, the book was actually released when we were both revising for our GCSE exams, so we had to make the choice to leave this book until after our exams. So, by the time the exams ended, I was dying to read the book (no pun intended). As soon as I laid eyes on the pristine white cover with the gorgeous purple lettering and paper edges, I knew that I was going to love the book just as much as the others. What I love the most about Karen M. McManus books is that all of them are designed in the same style and have the same covers and lettering, which really satisfies my strange OCD where everything has to be matching. The blurb only encouraged my ultimate love for the book and my friend agreed that she was very excited to start reading the book. We had both finished it in 3 days and both agreed that the book was just as incredible as we thought, with a few minor comments. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

When I first started the book in Ivy’s point of view, I thought that I was going to come out thinking that Ivy was my favourite character because she seemed organised and prepared like I always am, but after the first couple of chapters I began to think that Ivy was a bit too jealous, spoilt and annoying to be my favourite character. My friend then told me that, after reading the first chapter in Cal’s perspective, she thought Cal was going to be her favourite character because he seemed to have a very good sense of humour and the most chill out of the bunch. However, we ended up both agreeing that Mateo was probably the best one and he was our favourite. Mateo seemed to be the most normal at one point and the one who could be sympathised with the most and whose problems weren’t petty and pathetic. He had really suffered but he chose not to give up and instead he got 3 different jobs to help his family. He took responsibility and grew up; while Cal and Ivy probably never had to work to help their family and probably had their parents buy most of their things. One thing he could have been better at was asking for help when he needed it, but I understand that he was stubborn and didn’t want to seem desperate and preferred to prove that he could do it by himself. He was never selfish and did all he could to help his family and friends no matter what.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

Strangely there wasn’t really any part that actually stood out to me as my favourite part as the book was so hectic and crazy and full of death and mystery. However, if I had to pick, my favourite part would probably be near the end when some of my questions started to get answered and the truth was beginning to be uncovered. I chose this part because one of the things that Karen M. McManus has always done really well in all of her books so far is the way she uses the different points of view to build tension and keep her readers on edge and You’ll Be the Death of Me was no exception. The book bounced back and forth between characters and kept me on the edge of my seat for the majority of the last third of the book. I found it completely exhilarating and my friend completely agreed with me. This is definitely one of the things that I love the most about Karen M. McManus books and I hope to find that she continues to use this in her next books. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, the book really was absolutely incredible and I loved the majority of it. One of the things that I adored (which I mentioned above) was how Karen M. McManus used the different points of view to build tension and keep her readers on edge. My friend completely agreed with me and said that she was flipping through perspectives so fast. The reason I loved it so much was because all of a sudden the character narrating would change just as one of the characters was going to uncover a new clue that would help uncover the truth. This meant that it was always just there but out of reach and it kept me desperate to read on. It was a very good technique to keep the readers hooked and Karen M. McManus used it perfectly in You’ll Be the Death of Me. Another thing that I really enjoyed about the book was how all of the main characters were relatable in different ways and, despite their differences; they were all able to work together. I liked all three of them (Ivy, Mateo and Cal) for different reasons, but what I liked best was how easily they got back to talking after being apart for so long. Although it seemed very unrealistic, I thought that it was sweet and it gives me hope that, even if I lose contact with some of my friends as we are going to different colleges, we will still be able to reconnect, as all of my friends mean the world to me and I wouldn’t want to lose our strong friendship. One last thing that I want to mention is the ending and how it could have been a bit better. The truth was uncovered and everything seemed to be in order, however, the way that the book ended left me with some questions that – unless another book is written – will remain unanswered. My friend was actually the first one of us to mention it and the way she put it was that the ending should have been more drawn out and with that I completely agree because I felt like we weren’t given enough closure. However, in conclusion, I adored the book and I am quite glad that I waited until after my exams because I wouldn’t have wanted to read it with the stress of them looming over me. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 100% recommend this book to absolutely anyone who wants to dive into a standalone murder mystery that you can devour in one sitting. I particularly recommend it to readers over 12 who love reading murder mysteries and books filled with action and adventure. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A mysterious standalone novel that will keep you on your toes. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego 

THIS LIE WILL KILL YOU by Chelsea Pitcher

“You are cordially invited to tell the truth, or face the consequences… One year ago, there was a party. At the party, someone died. Until now no one has told the truth about what happened. Tonight, the five survivors arrive at an isolated mansion expecting to compete in a contest with a $50,000 prize. Nobody questions the odd, rather exclusive invitation until it’s too late… Five arrived, but not all can leave. Will the truth set them free? Or will their lies destroy them all?”

What is the book about?

One year ago, there was a party and at that party somebody died. The people involved thought this person deserved it, that he had done something cruel enough to deserve such a horrible and torturous death, but no one really knows the truth. Everyone has their secrets, everyone is trying to protect someone, and until now no one has told the truth about what really happened at that party. Tonight, the five classmates who have been suspected to be involved in some way in the murder arrive at an isolate mansion expecting to compete for a $50,000 scholarship but end up getting involved in a game that none of them want to play. Nobody questions anything about the odd, exclusive invitation or the strange competition until it’s too late. Now the five survivors are trapped. Five arrived, but how many will leave? Will the truth help them escape? Or will their lies be their downfall? 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

This Lie Will Kill You wasn’t a book that I had had on my wish list at all but as soon as I saw it when I was looking on Amazon I knew that I would enjoy reading it. I have always enjoyed reading murder mystery books and getting to play the detective solving a crime; it was like I was living my own adventure. Once I read the blurb, I already had tons of questions and was even more interested in reading the book. When I started to read, I was incredibly surprised at how quickly I got into the story and how quickly I had read the first few chapters. Even from the start I already really loved the book and I was intrigued at how the mystery would end. Obviously, like in most mystery books, the further I got in the book, the more questions I had and the more desperate I got for the answers. I was hooked from the very start and enjoyed every word of the book.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I found it impossible to choose a favourite character because I really liked both Ruby and Juniper and I don’t think that I would like them as much as I do if the other didn’t exist. The two girls had the friendship that most people dream of having: staying together even after being separated for so long. Even though Ruby and Juniper had stopped being friends after what happened at the party a year ago, they still had that spark that just needs a bit more kindling to light the fire again. They helped each other and without the other, they would both be very different people. The girls were so close that they would have jumped in front of a bullet to save each other because they wouldn’t want to live in a world where the other didn’t exist, and that was true friendship. Ruby was brave and was confident and always wanted to make sure everyone knew how amazing she was, and while Juniper didn’t show off all her good personality traits she was also brave and kind wanting to help other people whenever she could. Together they made the other even better and they were the only people who truly knew each other, sharing everything and keeping each other safe.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part would definitely have to be the end because, even though it left me wanting more, it was also happy. In most murder mystery books, the best part is usually the ending because the murder is solved and the characters can get closure and feel safe and happy again, and this was exactly the same in This Lie Will Kill You. At the end of the book, all the characters have learnt what really happened at the party and can understand the truth and move on with their lives without felling guilt for something that wasn’t completely their fault. Most of the characters get to have happy or kind of happy endings and can now look towards the future instead of living in the past. The ending didn’t really give a lot of information about what would happen to the characters later on but I like to believe that they will happy together for a very long time. I also think that all the characters involved will now have a friendship that can’t be broken because they have all been through something together and will be there for each other making sure that no one is ever alone.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, This Lie Will Kill You was a really amazing book and I loved everything about it. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the flashbacks to the year before. They were very interesting and I really loved learning about what happened, even if it was in little pieces, because it helped me put together the puzzle and understand the truth a lot better. Another thing that I liked about the book was that all the characters had very different personalities and it showed that even though people have different backgrounds or personalities, they can all get along if they look past that and see the people they truly are. The ending of the book was a lot like the one from One of Us is Lying, and pretty much all of the books by Karen M. McManus, leaving me wanting to learn more but not actually leaving any of my questions unanswered. Even though the ending was a bit annoying, I still enjoyed the end because I know that I won’t forget the feeling of finishing the book and feeling the need to keep reading and learning more about the characters, even if their lives aren’t going to be that interesting with the mystery solved. I really loved reading This Lie Will Kill You and I’m sad that the book is finished but I really enjoyed reading it and I am very glad that I chose to try out the book.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this book, particularly if you have read One of Us is Lying or any other murder mystery novel. I think that This Lie Will Kill You is best for readers over 14 but if you have read similar books and don’t mind a bit of death then I am sure you will enjoy it.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An incredible and mysterious novel full of love, friendship and crazy plot twists.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego