I was so excited to get to read this early and I enjoyed it even more than I expected that I would. The premise of Jet having one week to solve her own murder had me so interested, even if the book hadn't been by Holly Jackson. She really outdid herself with this one and I struggled to put it down when I needed to. This was definitely felt adult than her other works, but I liked it even better. The characters and world were so well fleshed out and interesting. I love a murder mystery where all of the characters have depth and are easy to keep track of and tell apart. While I predicted some parts, there were plenty of twists and turns and layers to keep me guessing and wanting to read more. I'm going to be thinking about this one for a while.

She’s been murdered. She’s got one week to live. She’s not wasting it being polite.

Holly Jackson’s Not Quite Dead Yet is part murder mystery, part emotional reckoning, and part chaotic gallows humor, and I devoured it like I had seven days to live. Jet, our dearly-not-quite-departed heroine, doesn’t just want justice; she wants answers, closure, and maybe to burn a few bridges on her way out.

Jet is the kind of protagonist you’d want to haunt your local coffee shop: snarky, whip-smart, and fully aware she’s running out of time, but still cracking deadpan jokes about it. Think Veronica Mars meets Final Destination, with a side of grief, smalltown secrets, and buried family truths that refuse to stay six feet under.

And then there’s Billy. Sweet, sincere, total green flag Billy. If Jet is the fire, he’s the steady flame. Their chemistry crackles, not in a cliché YA swoony way, but in a deeply earned, emotionally intimate slow burn that makes your chest ache a little.

Now, real talk: I clocked Jet and Billy in their late twenties, so I went in expecting something a little more mature in tone; maybe a deeper, darker emotional current to match the subject matter. But the vibe sits more squarely in upper YA territory, which isn’t a flaw, just a mismatch with my expectations. That said, it’s an easy, bingeable read with wide appeal- perfect for a weekend escape or beach day devour. In the end, it didn’t quite elevate the way I’d hoped, but it’s still a solid, clever, and emotionally charged thriller.

Twisty, tense, and surprisingly tender, Not Quite Dead Yet is for anyone who loves their thrillers with a pulse, a plot that won’t quit, and a heroine who refuses to go quietly.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #PenguinRandomHouse for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Book- Not Quite Dead Yet
Author- Holly Jackson
Release Date- July 22nd, 2025

2⭐️

Ok… I think I need to stop reading thrillers for a while 🤣😭. Yet another incredibly predictable book with zero shock value when it came to the killer. Is it me? Am I the problem?? Maybe my brain is just too dark for these kinds of plots…

If anyone else reads this, please let me know what you think. I’ve seen reviews saying the ending was so shocking and people were crying?! I genuinely don’t get it. I cannot relate.

Now onto the book. Man, I really wanted to like this one. Holly Jackson has a big fan base from A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. I read it, found it predictable, and wayyy too YA for my taste. So when I saw this was her adult debut, I got excited.

But honestly? It didn’t read like an adult book. The only “adult” parts were that there was swearing and the FMC was older—but even then, she acted incredibly immature. Jet was insufferable. She was rude to everyone (except Billy), and there were so many cringe moments that felt more middle school than adult fiction. Like… a 27-year-old making a “do-do” joke because someone said “do” twice in a row? What are we doing here.

As mentioned, I had no connection to Jet. She was just mean for no reason—including to a poor construction worker who literally did nothing wrong. I like to think I’m a pretty nice person, and reading about someone that abrasive was just… gross. Not enjoyable.

That said, I do think people who don’t read a ton of dark, twisted thrillers—or even watch those kinds of shows—might enjoy this more. But for me? I’m realizing I need a solid shock factor to get excited about a thriller, and this just didn’t come close.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Let me begin this review by letting everyone know that Not Quite Dead Yet finally broke my three months reading slump and also that I finished this book on a weekday at 1:30 AM sobbing to my pillow, Did i finish this book or did this book finish ME?

The writing was just like Holly's other books, so fast paced and engaging, and after just a few chapters I found myself getting attached to Jet and wanting the outcome of the book to change. The ending? Diabolical. I knew Holly would never chicken out and change the outcome but AT WHAT COST??????? I mean, kudos to you woman for sticking to it, but ouch. It got way worse than I expected. The way I couldn't see my kindle screen the last 5% of the book because of my tears. Holly Jackson when I catch you—

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) | Doubleday Canada and NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this enjoyable mystery/ thriller by Holly Jackson. This was my first book by the author, and I found the premise so interesting and original that I will look forward got her next books. It is scheduled to be published on July 22/2025. The premise was intriguing and original, and kept me captivated. The main characters were well-described and believable. The story was action-packed, suspenseful, with twists I hadn't anticipated, involving a desperate unravelling of secrets and lies.

The story begins slowly at a Halloween gathering where many of the characters are present. The narration reflects the words and behaviour of the main character, Jet Mason. She is ably supported by her longtime friend, Billy, who is likeable and the son of a police officer. Jet is the daughter of a wealthy Vermont family that owns the Mason construction business. She was rude, sarcastic, and frequently used profanity. She is twenty-seven but waiting for her life to begin. She uses the excuse that she will do something 'later', meaning that she has plenty of time to comply with the request, or it may never get done. She has avoided any significant personal commitments, has never been in love, a. concept she barely understands. There is always 'later'. Billy, a childhood friend, is always available to provide emotional support and help. He loves her, but she uses and manipulates him into dangerous situations.

On returning home from the Halloween gathering, Jet is alone in the Mason residence when violently attacked by an unknown intruder. Blows to her head cause a catastrophic brain injury. Doctors predict that in a week, she will be dead from a fatal aneurysm. As she realizes that whoever wielded the weapon caused her murder. She realizes that she wants to follow through and complete something for the first time. This involves identifying her killer and solving the crime in the short time that remains. The police have arrested her ex-boyfriend on circumstantial evidence, and neither Jet nor Billy believe him to be guilty. The murder weapon, a specific type of hammer, is missing. Billy diligently helps her sort out the possible suspects by reviewing timelines on a smartphone, conducting internet research, and consulting an old diary. Jets' family is dysfunctional, with a pushy, annoying mother. Her father seems kind, but is a non-entity. At dinner, her mother tries to persuade her to choose between a coffin and a burial urn, and she flees, moving in with Billy.

Jet's sister, Emily, died in what appeared to be a tragic accident, but was it murder? Some thought her brother, Luke, may have been involved. Luke has a temper and had been under the impression that he would inherit the Mason business. Jet and Billy discover that Luke has been committing financial fraud within the company. Luke's wife, Sophie, was once Jet's best friend. They learn that she is using illegal tactics to ensure her husband's success. A young man, who had been close to Jet, has been badly injured in a work-related accident, but he lies about the cause. They discover he is not listed in any of Mason's employee records, and so, not on their medical plans and is unable to afford the treatment needed to recover. It appears that sinister deceptions occurred within the Mason business. Many of the employees are suspects in the attack on Jet.

Is Jet, with Billy's assistance, able to carry on her investigation? She has the will and determination, but does she have the stamina to carry out her amateur procedural detective investigation? Within the week, she endures dizzy spells, double vision, and has lost the use of her right hand. Can Jet sort out the clues in the week and identify her attacker? Could her condition be the result of a misdiagnosis? Will a cure be found to prolong her life? Why does the pleasant and kind-hearted Billy stick around when she lacks the capacity to return his love? Although somewhat far-fetched, I was held in suspense throughout the book and was unprepared for the twists and secrets revealed at the end.
Recommended for fans of the author and those who appreciate a unique, intense story with plenty of twists and turns.

I really loved this book and I'm a huge Holly Jackson fan. This one shocked me with the content and the ending, but it was nice to have a book that didn't end the way you thought it would!

A big thank you to Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) | Doubleday Canada and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of an honest review,

I DNF'd this one at 20%.
I really wanted to love this, as I'm sur a fan of her YA work.
Unfortunately the problem with this one (for me) was that it's written like a YA book, with a 27yo main character.
My brain couldn't get passed that unfortunately.
Of and saying "fuck" shouldn't be a character trait.

I'm sure the book as as fun and action pack as her other one, but I just couldn't do it.
So sad.

I love holly Jackson and was really excited to get my hands on this. It was like nothing I’ve read before which is rare for thrillers. I just found the MC a little bit unlikable.

Wow! The premise of this book was incredibly interesting and unique and usually when a book as such a great summary it isn’t executed well but I can’t say the same for not quite dead yet from the pacing to characters and the twists and turns everything about this book was to love. I was definitely in a reading slump and picking this books up got me right out easy 5 stars and will recommend.

Imagine solving your own murder. Most people are obviously not around to do that, but Jet knows she is going to die and is determined to find out who attacked her before she does. But that is tied up in so many secrets, many going back years and a police force that just want to close the case with an easy suspect.

It seems like it would be hard to connect with what Jet is going through but it is well written and you feel for her struggle to get answers while time ticks away and her health starts to fail. From leaving home because of family issues when many of us would just want to spend time with our loved ones (although I get that pressure, my sister passed as a young adult and it makes my mum act similarly).

I loved her sarcasm, the fact that she didn't just stay home, cuddle Reggie and eat chocolate (because I would 100% be cuddled up with my cats and chocolate) and that she found some time to live between investigating. But maybe a little less of the strenuous stuff. Not a doctor but it seems like it would have been super dangerous.

I wish things ended differently for Jet. That the police would be right, the person would confess and she could risk the surgery knowing she had answers and go on to actually do something with her life for her. But that ending? The letters? Bawling.

I would have loved to see a little more of the fallout as everyone picks of the pieces of their lives and the secrets all come out. The killer was on my shortlist but I had expected another twist because it is Holly Jackson, so it did keep me guessing.

MY GIRL!! Holly Jackson has done it again! Not Quite Dead Yet is a masterclass in tension, delivering a propulsive narrative that will seize you from the very first page and refuse to let go.

This book is a five-star triumph that will leave you breathless and desperate for more. The characters are as complex as the interwoven mysteries, each one feeling incredibly real and contributing to a truly immersive experience. Jet…

Without giving anything away, prepare for a relentless psychological ride that is both unsettling and utterly brilliant. Jackson expertly crafts a story that is rich with atmosphere and packed with unexpected turns, proving why she's a powerhouse in the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, Doubleday Canada, and Penguin Random House Canada for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I will read anything Holly Jackson writes; she hasn’t let me down yet and doesn’t start here.

Jet is attacked in her home on Halloween night but thankfully she survives. Or so they think. Unfortunately there was some damage that WILL lead to a fatal brain aneurysm in a week. Yup jet is going to die in a week but she is determined to solve her own murder first.

Obviously this is so unique and you do have to suspend belief a little bit. While I’m sure Jackson did her research there were times that left me pondering if jet could really do such things with a brain leak. The other downside was there were some past events I wish I had more clarity on earlier. They do get their explanation but I felt like I was missing something prior to that knowledge. With that being said, I loved the story and Jet will forever be one of my favourite characters. I absolutely loved her morbid sense of humour and the witty one liners she had. I also loved her best friend Billy. Move over Pip and Ravi there’s a new duo in town.

With twists, turns and a fast moving countdown you won’t want to put this down. I could 100% see this on screen someday

This is exactly what a summer read should be!! Fast paced, gripping, intense and leaving you so grateful you went on the ride! This was my first Holly Jackson book and will not be my last. Ms. Jackson can sure craft a tale! While I really had to suspend some disbelief early on in the story - not sure all the medical pieces were entirely accurate - once I ditched that part of my brain - I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I wasn’t overly surprised by the ending but loved how it was done. It did feel a bit “YA” to me with the messaging etc at the end but it fit and we all need an enduring love story. Big thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House and Holly Jackson for the opportunity to review this ARC. Can’t wait to see what Holly Jackson writes next! This will be the book everyone is reading and talking about this summer! Join in on the “fun”! 4.5 stars

📖4.5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC of Holly Jackon’s next thriller Not Quite Dead Yet.

Dare I saw this is Holly Jackson’s best book yet? The grit, the drama, the plot.. everything was executed so well, I really don’t think she’ll be able to top this one. The story delivers a  bread crumb trail from start to finish as the reader is rushing against the clock with Jet to try and solve her murder.

I absolutely LOVED Jet as the main character, she’s edgy, witty and absolutely bad ass!! And please don’t get me started on Billy. What an angel. These characters were perfectly crafted to make it impossible not to fall in love with.

Although I did have this one figured out before the big reveal, I enjoyed every minute of the story coming together.

This one hits shelves July 22nd and if you, like me, are an adult who enjoyed Holly Jackson’s YA thrillers, you’re going to want to pick this one up.

Jet has been murdered. After the brutal attack she is left with two choices, agree to a surgery she surely will not survive or search for her murderer as the clock ticks down to the aneurysm doctors say could be days away. For Jet there is no question, she's going to find her murder if it kills her.

Jackson has crafted a tense, clever mystery that explores regret and trauma in this well paced propulsive novel that is sure to be on everyone's list

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy of this book.
First off, Holly I do not forgive you for this. I am in shambles.
Holly put such a interesting twist on the classic murder mystery book. Between the absolutely loveable characters and having the main character trying to solve her own murder? I was sold the minute I started.

Like most Holly Jackson books this one was just as tense, hilarious, and heartbreaking.

In this propulsive, bingeable thriller, Margaret 'Jet' Mason is trying to solve a murder... her own. When a vicious head injury leaves Jet with seven days to live, she tasks herself with doing one last important task- finding her killer. Jet's family owns a construction company is one of the wealthiest families- but Jet soon learns there are many secrets buried beneath the dirt.

Jet herself is a prickly character and not extremely likeable- she's sarcastic and witty and callous, rebels against her parents and her upbringing, and has no direction or close ties. As the story progresses, however, layers of Jet's life are peeled away and we start to learn more about her dysfunctional family.

As for the suspects? The list is 50 people long. Everyone is shady. Everyone- including Jet's ex, her brother Luke and even his wife- seem to be hiding something.

While I didn't love this as much as Jackson's prior YA mysteries, the short chapters and fast pacing definitely kept my interest. Though Jet is projected to be in her early 20s, the book still felt very YA to me, including Jet's personality. However, I do really like Jackson's brand of YA thrillers. I did not see the twist at the end coming- this was definitely a wild ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC. I’ve read all of Jackson’s other books, so I wasn’t surprised that I loved this one too.

The main character’s personality wasn’t exactly my favorite, but that’s what made her stand out from the typical “nice” girl you usually see in murder mystery stories — and honestly, that was kind of refreshing. Just a heads-up: she definitely loves to drop a lot of F-bombs.

As for the plot, I genuinely didn’t know who the killer was — even near the final chapters, I couldn’t have guessed it right. I really enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to reading more of Jackson’s work!

The story is about a 27 year old woman named Jet who was violently attacked on Halloween night, an attack she shouldn’t have survived. She ends up getting a prognosis of seven days to live and she’s determined to solve her murder before her time is up with the help of her childhood best friend Billy.

I loved everything about this book, it was a suspenseful and emotional journey, I could not put the book down! I really felt invested in Jet and Billy’s characters I loved them so much🥲, the flow and pace of the book was wonderful and the story is something new I haven’t read before. This is my first book by Holly Jackson and I really did enjoy the writing style and I hope she writes more adult books because I will be reading them.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
Publication date: July 22, 2025

Not Quite Dead Yet marks Holly Jackson’s gripping debut into adult thrillers, and it doesn’t disappoint. With her trademark twists and fast-paced storytelling, Jackson delivers an intense, emotionally charged mystery that will keep readers hooked from the first page.

The story follows Jet Mason, a 27-year-old woman who wakes up after a brutal attack to devastating news—she has just seven days to live due to a fatal brain injury. As her condition worsens, Jet sets out to solve her own attempted murder before it’s too late. It’s a high-stakes, race-against-time thriller packed with secrets, betrayal, and plenty of suspects.

Jackson excels at creating a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere where every character feels suspicious, and every revelation raises the stakes. The novel blends suspense with emotional depth, exploring themes of mortality, friendship, and trust. Jet is a sharp, compelling protagonist whose voice is laced with both dark humor and vulnerability.

What really stands out is the ticking-clock element—Jet’s physical and mental decline adds urgency and emotional weight to the mystery, making it more than just a typical whodunit.

In short: Not Quite Dead Yet is a tense, twisty thriller with heart. Holly Jackson proves she can masterfully deliver in the adult market, offering a dark, clever, and gripping story about survival, betrayal, and the lengths we’ll go for the truth.