Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson.

 Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson (SOME SPOILERS)

A story of a girl starting on Halloween, the night she is murdered. The detail her killer fails to realize is that Jet isn't quite dead yet, and she instead has a week before a deadly aneurysm takes her. In this week, Jet resolves to find her killer, and the novel follows her as she attempts to complete this mission. 

I have read a few Holly Jackson novels, namely the first 2.5 books in the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series. I found the first one interesting, the second one fell a little flat, and the third one was difficult to stay engaged in given that it was spoiled for me. This one, in my opinion, was far better than the others. Maybe it was just more adult, or maybe the writing actually was superior, but I devoured this novel in under a week, quite like Jet's lifespan in this book. 

Something about the dark humor coupled with the thrilling search for the family secrets of the Mason house make this an unforgettable mystery. Although I thoroughly enjoyed this story, though, there were a few aspects left unresolved for me. I think the ending, with Luke turning on his father, felt a little flat for me, because it just felt unnecessary to add more action into the falling action. I also did not enjoy Jet's death before she could figure out the murder. Yes, I understand why the author did that, and there was no real need for her to stay alive because it did add to the story; however, in my opinion, the story would have been just as complete given she stayed alive. The ending would have felt much more satisfying and enjoyable if she did not die before the ending, though, once again, I understand why she did.

Overall I really would recommend this novel. Its conclusion is similar to the other Holly Jackson books I have read thus far, but I would not use that as a deterrent against this novel. I still had trouble predicting the ending, even if I guessed some details correctly, quite like Good Girl, Bad Blood. So, no matter your opinion on Holly Jackson's earlier books, I would definitely recommend this one. 

It comes out July 22nd, but I personally would recommend reading it during Halloween just for maximum vibes. Halloween into November in Vermont with Stick Season references? Absolutely. 

Best Books For Young Teens

 Book Recommendations for Younger Teenagers (13-15)

Today Tonight Tomorrow

This book follows two high school seniors on their last rendezvous of high school. They must complete a twenty-four hour scavenger hunt, and the competition is fierce. The two main characters have competed throughout the entirety of high school, and this bitter feud has caused each to detest the other; however, the scavenger hunt has other plans, as the two must team up to complete it. This slow-burn academic rivals-to-lovers love story is perfect for younger audiences, while still remaining entertaining. 

Caraval

A thrilling fantasy comparable to The Greatest Showman, Caraval is a perfect pick for younger audiences looking for an adventure. The story follows Scarlett, a girl on a quest to save her older sister, and resist the marriage her father chose for her. As she embarks on the adventure that is Caraval, she fights obstacles in the picturesque arena, and struggles with trust in a game where nobody is trustworthy. 

The Inheritance Games

Though heavily recommended, this option for younger teenage audiences is perfect. The mind-boggling puzzles combined with the twisty trills of the book cement this story as one suitable for all ages. Without losing any entertainment value, The Inheritance Games rejects the typical gory aspects of modern thrillers, and instead places teenagers against each other on the fight for one family's fortune. 

Anatomy: A Love Story

For teens interested in STEM, Anatomy: A Love Story combines a tale of female empowerment with romance and mystery in order to add a new, innovative twist on typical young adult romances. Although the story is set in a world like our own, it adds twists and fantastical elements along the way without losing its core historical aspects. For enjoyers of The Artful Dodger, or even Gray's Anatomy, Anatomy: A Love Story will satisfy the medicinal yet entertaining craving. 

I Hope This Doesn't Find You

Another academic rivals love story, I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang remains one of my favorite romances of all time. A story catalyzed by the mysterious sending of over fifty hate-emails, Sadie Wen must desperately try to repair her "perfect student" image with her peers, who now understand that she is much more than her positive attitude she holds in school. Her rival, Julius, bears the brunt of these emails, yet still appears to feel more than just apprehension towards Sadie. A perfect back-to-school read, I Hope This Doesn't Find You is bound to both make you giddy, and motivate you for the upcoming school year, no matter which one that is.