Dead Girls Talking

Publication Date: June 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A fast-paced thriller with an interesting crime solving duo, but that may not leave readers fully satisfied.

3/5

Book Summary: Bettina has grown up in the spotlight, since her father was convicted of murdering her mother. The town of Wolf Ridge gets turned upside down however, when years later more murders that match too many similarities to her mothers case begin happening. Bett is forced to question her fathers innocence with these additional murders. Teaming up with an unlikely ally, the morticians daughter Eugenia, they work towards discovering the truth and questioning the motives of people that live in their small town.

My Analysis: This novel definitely moves quickly, with a fast-paced narrative. A little mystery and a little thriller with some (perhaps unsurprising to some) twists I can see YA readers going for this one. I did NOT care for Bert’s attitude a majority of the time- like, I get it she’s a teenager with past issues- but come on. It was a little annoying to read sometimes. I liked the relationship that was built between Bett and Eugenia, however. The unlikely friendship angle worked for this novel and I appreciated their banter. Suspending disbelief that these two are working on solving a crime outside the police, I still found it a little too convenient sometimes what they were able to uncover. That aspect aside, it was interesting enough to keep me wondering what the truth was going to be. I did find the overall wrap up a little unsatisfying, but that could be me just being a little overly critical and wanting more out of the story. If you’re looking for a quick YA thriller, check this one out.