While I enjoyed the summer resort setting of Now She's Dead, I think this book is better suited for a YA audience. The characters felt a bit one-dimensional, especially Sara, who was a bit of a mean girl cliche. The multiple timelines could be a doozy at times since they centered around the same locations and characters. But for many who are looking for a good thriller (and who like the nuance of different timelines), this will probably be a stronger fit.

💥 ┊ " i know sara ellis is dead because of me. ”


3.5 STARS

PLOT

<i>Now She's Dead</i> follows Mandy, who blames herself for the death of her best friend, Sara. Although her death was ruled an accident the previous year, she still can't let go of what happened. Her fears of someone finding out what really happened that night only grow when her younger sister, Kelsey, invites Natalie, a true crime YouTuber, along on their family vacation.

Although I struggled to like some of the characters, the mystery/thriller aspect was never a problem for me! From spray-painted threats to true crime videos being posted, there was always something going on and I appreciated the fast pace. I sort of guessed who the suspicious person they were looking for was at a little past the halfway point, but it was just as nerve-wracking waiting for them the figure out as it would have been trying to solve the mystery.

The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It felt rushed, and I wish we spent a little more time on the 'after' portion, once everything with the culprit was wrapped up. The ending some of the characters got just didn't feel fair, and it felt like some of the things that happened were brushed over way too easily.

CHARACTERS

Even though the book was hinting that Mandy had more to do with the death, I was (almost) always on her side! I assumed she had much less to do with it than was being put into question and that's what made the other characters so frustrating. While I understand her sister was worried and thought Mandy may have did something that night, both she and Natalie made so many stupid choices that could have led to themselves or others being hurt that it's hard to support them. I get that they're both like fifteen and fifteen-year-olds are prone to making stupid decisions, but oh my god.

The parents were similarly annoying and I really hoped there would be a moment where Mandy called them out for how they seemed to care more about their image than their own daughter.

I'm not really sure how I feel about Sara, the character the entire mystery is set around. I feel sorry for her, as she was obviously going through a tough time around the time of her death, but she was just so needlessly cruel.

PROS:

- bisexual protagonist
- engaging mystery
- beautiful setting (a lake resort)
- realistic depiction of grief

CONS:

- rushed ending (ymmv)
- frustrating side characters

Fantastic book for a younger audience. I didn’t personally like it much but I think maybe it just felt a little rushed to me. I did think it was a quick easy read that the younger people will love.

I have very mixed thoughts and emotions when it comes to this book.

I can totally see the younger demographic being into this book (who it is intended for, a YA audience), but I think that is the only audience it works for.

I found myself getting annoyed with every single character and not being the biggest fan of the constant swapping of timelines (we follow three or four in this book and since they all follow the same people, it gets confusing and convoluted).

I did like other aspects of the writing quite a bit though. I especially liked the crossing out of text, showing how the main character really feels but also how she wants to be betrayed. I really liked that insight into that current state of mind for her. That was really cool, clever and effective.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Spoiler alert: this book cannot hit the shelves soon enough! 😍

Mandy isn’t just dealing with the loss of her summer friend Sara; she’s also haunted by the weight of a dark secret. Told through two cleverly interwoven timelines, we slowly uncover what really happened on that fateful night.

What makes this thriller so unique? Mandy isn’t a detective or an outsider piecing together the clues—she’s involved in the crime herself. As an #unreliableNarrator, she pulls us into her guilt- and fear-ridden perspective. You can’t help but swing between sympathy and suspicion. Can we trust her?

The characters are as layered as the plot. Mandy is super relatable—even if her chaotic thoughts can be a bit much at times, she’s still so lovable and easy to root for! Andy, the lifeguard, is charming and sweet, while Sara remains a fascinating yet manipulative enigma.

What really hit me was the exploration of sibling dynamics—past and present. Sara and her brother Finn’s complicated relationship is mirrored by Mandy’s bond with her younger sister.

The suspense is real until the very last page. Who’s threatening Mandy? What actually happened at the lake that night? And how much of Mandy’s memories are true? That twist? Absolutely brilliant!

With an atmospheric writing style and sharp psychological insight, the author perfectly captures the suffocating vibe of Highmark. This book will grip you—it’s emotional and packed with tension from start to finish.

💡
Now She’s Dead is an exceptional YA thriller that shines with its unique perspective, layered characters, and gripping plot. The mix of guilt, fear, and the search for truth makes for an intense reading experience. A must-read for fans of complex, emotional thrillers!