I didn’t realize when I started reading that this was not going to be Holly Jackson’s typical tween angst mystery. Filled with a lot of suspects to choose from and a few twists, I found this to be a great read. Very refreshing to read a murder mystery/thriller from the perspective of the person who should be dead already, but is instead granted an extra week. A few of the storylines were quite predictable, but overall, I really enjoyed this book.

5/5 stars

suspenseful and surprising. Jet actually dying was so surprising because we really didn't dwell too much on the premise. I wanted more of her normal self to showcased before the incident so the comparison would have been more noticeable. I like how her spontaneity and ambition was explained later to be a product of her people pleasing nature because of her sister. I liked the unraveling of the mystery and how her family is involved. I didn't like the pacing, the beginning was too slow and the entire reveal was in the last chapter. Holly Jackson's tropes are most relevant here.

I found the premise of this book intriguing, and the actual story did not disappoint. Jackson created a complex, prickly character that by the end, I was hoping a miracle would save.

A review that is a bit hard for me to write.

Things I liked:
I absolutely adored how fast paced this book was.
I loved the twist ending that actually made sense <spoiler>I would have never guessed it was Billy's father but hearing the explanation actually made a lot of sense.</spoiler>.
An overall interesting concept of seeing someone solve their own murder which is definitely a plus since the thriller genre can become a bit stagnant.

Things I disliked:
Jet felt very much like a YA character, not someone who was supposed to be 27.
And while I loved the twist at the end, I hated the resolution from that twist <spoiler>Luke going crazy and shooting Billy's dad. Like is JJ going to even be able to get out of prison since there still really isn't evidence that he didn't kill Jet?</spoiler>.

This book? Pure emotional chaos in the best way possible. It reached into my chest and gave my heart a good squeeze (in a good, book-lover kind of way!). Jet? At first, I didn't know how to feel about her. But as the story unfolded, she quickly became my spirit animal. If sarcasm and a knack for getting into trouble were Olympic sports, she'd win gold. And Billy? Bless his patient soul. Their bestie dynamic is the kind of ride-or-die I aspire to have in my life.

The twists in this book had me questioning my own sanity. I swear my jaw dropped so many times, I think it might be permanently dislocated. You are strapped in for a wild, and surprisingly poignant journey that doesn't let up until the final page. Prepare for all emotions. I laughed, cried, and even yelled at the book like it could actually hear me. Honestly, "Not Quite Dead Yet" wasn't just great, it was chef's kiss perfection! I had a blasty blast.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: July 22, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House/Ballantine and Holly Jackson for this advanced reader copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam and Holly Jackson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.8 Stars Rounded to 4

"It's Halloween. Jet comes home from the fair and gets murdered, well, almost and yet now her days are numbered. She has about a week to live due to a brain aneurism she acquired from the attack and the only surgical option has her dead on the table 9 out of 10 times. She chooses the 7 days, after all she has her own murder to solve."

Funny! Thrilling! Tragic!
Jet's story feels so real. Maybe not every aspect but her journey, but her personality, her family drama, her messy love life, the small town where everyone knows someone's business, it all feels so real (a lot like my hometown tbh) and tragic and I think that's what really elevates the novel to the next level. We all know someone like Jet (or more than one someone), maybe not all the circumstances are the same, but we've all had people in our lives who are destroyed by their expectations, or who haven't done the conventional thing, or who have perpetually bad luck or have mental illness and ADHD.

It was really nice to see someone who felt raw and vulnerable but also not annoying or absolutely hateful, her emotions make sense for both her history and her current circumstances.

The bulk chunk of this book is murder mystery sleuthing. Which is great but nothing new and I don't want to give away any spoilers. It was well written, enough red herrings to be interesting, and the drama! Ugh the small-town drama was absolutely delicious!

The Ending is what killed me though (in a good absolutely devastating way). We all know what the books about and yet still the ending was done in a way I wasn't expecting and I was a mess, tissues highly recommended.

If tragic stories or whodunit murder mysteries are your thing I would definitely give this one a shot.

This was so good. Jet is given a fatal blow to the head, but she has a week before it kills her. She spends that time with childhood best friend and neighbor Billy trying to to find her killer. Such a great read as both a murder mystery but also a story of finding yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Well. Fuck. 1:51 am, crying and snotting everywhere, trying to be quiet so I don’t wake up my husband. Holly Jackson has done it again. I honestly think Jet is my favorite protagonist she has written thus far, and the ticking time-bomb in her brain made for such an engrossing, fast-paced story. My one tiny minuscule microscopic complaint and the reasoning behind taking off half a star is that I was able to put the pieces together before they were “revealed”; HOWEVER, I managed this around the 91% mark, so like it was still a good twist. Figuring out the plot twist THAT late in the book is not something I usually would mark off for, but I hold Holly Jackson to a higher standard seeing as she has had my jaw on the floor with every other reveal so far. Basically, @Holly Jackson you have my heart and my wallet, I trust you with my life, thank you for yet another banger.

4.5/5 stars

Not Quiet Dead Yet was my most anticipated summer release, and it completely delivered. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, but I’m still counting down to July 22 so I can finally talk to everyone about this twisty, heart-pounding mystery!

🕰️ Seven days to live. One chance to solve her own murder.

Margaret “Jet” Mason is the kind of character who stays with you. Known for putting things off—“I’ll do it later”—Jet suddenly finds herself with only a week left to live after a brutal Halloween night attack leaves her with a fatal brain injury. With her time ticking away, she turns detective, determined to find out who wants her dead. Paranoia, betrayal, and desperation set in as she tries to trust no one but her loyal childhood friend. It’s haunting, emotional, and impossible to put down.

If you loved A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this is a must-read. Jet is smart, stubborn, sarcastic, and so easy to root for. Her best friend gives off total Ravi vibes—loyal, grounded, and the perfect emotional anchor to Jet’s chaos. I tore through this book in under 24 hours (responsible adult-ing was the only thing that slowed me down).

The premise is so original—I honestly can’t think of anything quite like it. If you know of a similar book, please let me know!

From the unforgettable characters to the perfect Vermont setting, to the relentless pacing and gripping plot—this was a five-star read all the way. 💀

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This was amazing. Holly Jackson's best book by far. I loved the way we got jet's perspective on new information, it felt like I was solving the mystery with her. The book was super fast paced and interesting, and I love how there were bits included that you wouldn't pay much attention to but if you did it was awfully sad. The ending had a nice touch with the letters, and I enjoyed there being a sort of "epilogue" with more information. This was devastating and I loved it. The characters felt well developed and rounded. The writing itself was also very flowy, and it never had me confused as to what was happening. Overall, I loved this as it is the most devastating yet best book I've read this year. Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for allowing me this arc!

Jet is violently attacked by an unseen intruder on Halloween night and suffers a deadly head injury. Her doctor is certain that within a week, the injury will trigger a deadly aneurysm. Along with the help
Of her childhood friend Billy, Jet uses the last seven days of her life trying to solve her own murder!
What a concept! I love the idea and I appreciate Holly Jackson’s attempt here but certain aspects did fall a bit flat for me. The concept was great, I like the mystery and feel that it was solid. My main issue was that I know this was supposed to be an adult novel but read far more like one of her YA books. There is nothing wrong with that but I felt the main character of Jet felt far more 17 than 27. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good mystery novel as soon as it comes out. 4 ⭐️ thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rounding up from 3.5

This was a very easy to read thriller that I was able to read very quickly. I didn't connect with or particularly like the protagonist Jet but she was surrounded by other characters who I connected to far more. The last chapter was full of twists and turns, I was shocked.
Would recommend this book to fans of previous books by Holly Jackson and people who enjoy easy to read thrillers.

Oh my stars! Holly Jackson has done it again! I finished this book in two days! Tugging at all those heart strings and tears rolling down my cheeks. Jet, always the procrastinator, has been living in the shadow of her sister for the past 17 years. Given seven days to live after an attack, she sets out to solve her own murder with her childhood best friend Billy. Uncovering deep secrets of those around her and finally figuring out she’s living now, not later. Can she finally finish something before she dies? Will her mom be proud of her? Will her dad finally retire and give her brother the family business!?

I went into this book not knowing what to expect other then it was a thriller and I love Holly Jackson other thrillers so I should like this one. Based on the title I could maybe guess some stuff but really i didn’t know. But wow was it so good! The whole time I was on the edge on my seat and read it in 2 sittings it was just that good. Plot twist after plot twist, but the good kind that flow very nicely. And it was actually kinda an emotionally book as well.




Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for and advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

Holly Jackson has done it again! Her first adult thriller is utterly captivating and I couldn’t put it down (seriously finished it in 2 days). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

Summary:
Jet Mason was brutally attacked on Halloween night, suffering 3 blunt force head traumas, but survives. However, she’s only expected to live for another week due to an impending and inoperable aneurysm. Teaming up with her childhood best friend Billy, Jet sets out to solve her own murder before time runs out. But now everyone around her is suspicious, from her ex-boyfriend to her sister-in-law to her own brother…

My Review 🔨
I love love loved this adult debut!! It feels the same as her YA books but darker and grittier. Her characters are of course, adults, but between the constant cursing and grown-up struggles, they also feel more adult.

The plot moves quickly and is so interesting! Imagine surviving your own murder just to know you’re going to die again within a week… so you set out to find your killer?? Insanity. I loved how Jet’s symptoms evolved over the week and how she adapted to survive with her new mental and physical changes. I sort of did, sort of didn’t expect Holly Jackson to commit to the ending but I’m so glad she did bc it hit sooo much harder. *SPOILER* Jet actually ends up dying. The letters she left behind?? Immediate tears.

As far as characters go, I didn’t love Jet. Her tendency to procrastinate and give up on everything didn’t endear her to me, but that made her all the more realistic. And I guess that’s kinda the point of the book, to take hold of life by the reins because you never know what’s going to happen. Don’t wait for your life to be over to start living. BILLY. That man is so sweet he’d do anything for her. He literally continued the case on without her to finally find the murderer, not the mention he was willing to take the blame so that she felt like she solved her murder before she died.

In short, pls read this book. It is gold, just like everything else Holly Jackson has written. Jackson writes compelling, incredibly well thought-out mystery thrillers with a fantastic pace. Even when I finished the book or took breaks, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I don’t understand how her mind comes up with these stories but I beg her to never stop. She’s an instant buy author for me and I promise this one won’t disappoint. Publishes on July 22, 2025 and preorders are open now!!

🔪Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine - Bantam for the ARC!! All opinions are my own. 🔪

Goodreads Review published on Monday, May 26 (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7600062302)
Instagram Review posted Tuesday, May 27 (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKKx2iPPXf9/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==)

Thank you to Random House - Ballentine | Bantam & NetGalley for this ARC!

I loved Holly Jackson's AGGGTM YA series and her YA standalone, The Reappearance of Rachel Price, so when I saw this book available to request I had to try!

This book follows Margaret (Jet) Mason, who is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. She gets attacked on Halloween night which leads to a deadly injury that will be triggered by a deadly aneursym. Jet has seven days to push through and solve her own murder.

I enjoyed this book a lot! Holly always has a great story/plot line and I never really knew who did it. I will say I wasn't super connected to the main character and the story seemed slow in the beginning until you hit a certain point. It's definitely worth a read if you enjoyed her other books!

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be: WOW!

As a longtime Holly Jackson fan, I couldn’t wait to read her first-ever adult novel, Not Quite Dead Yet. To say that this book had me hooked would be an understatement—from the very first page, I couldn’t put it down.

From the fast pacing to Jet’s life-threatening deadline to solve her own murder, Not Quite Dead Yet stands out among Jackson’s past works and takes readers on a journey where they feel every emotion.

With the cast of characters we got to meet, one thing that truly stood out to me was how uniquely different each of them was. The contrast between Jet's and Billy’s personalities was such a great dynamic. I loved that, no matter what, Billy was always there for Jet—even when no one else was.

By the last 5%, I could barely keep it together. I still haven’t recovered from the rollercoaster of emotions from the final two chapters. While the overall story centers on solving Jet’s murder, the deeper messages about time and love are ones I’ll carry with me long after finishing the book.

It’s safe to say that Holly Jackson has written yet another hit that will grip readers until the very end. I can confidently say this is one of my favorite reads of 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Holly Jackson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This written review was published on my Goodreads on Tuesday, May 27th
(https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7599512209)

Wow, Holly Jackson. 4.5 stars! Back in prime form. Ms. Jackson's last book, The Reappearance of Rachel Price, was a letdown for me from an author who usually delivers in every way. Not Quite Dead Yet is a return to the reason I love this lady's writing so much. Slick, funny (and this is a hard topic to make even a bit funny), twisty, and just smart. I ate this baby up in one day. Half a star off (I guess we will never have the ability to half star on Goodreads) for some parts that were a bit repetitive and drug but definitely one of my top reads of the year so far. Brava! Thank you NetGalley and Bantam for the arc.

Holly I know you’re probably reading this and idk if I can forgive you for this TRAUMA.

Blame aside, this was her best book yet and I’ve been here since the beginning. Seriously, I won’t shut up about this one.

Funny. Intense. Twisty (seriously I was taking HELLA notes). Difficult family. Small town drama set in spooky szn. Best friends to…? The goodest boy. Frogs! Solving your own murder. Something for everyone, trauma for all.

Cannot recommend this one enough. You KNOW it’s good when you’re taking notes and making string boards a la Pip in the notes app.

amazing book and very mysterious. had me hooked and I had to know who did it. I loved the ending and the truths revealed.