Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Lisa Springer’s “Who’s All Going (to Die)?” is a sharp, fast-paced YA horror thriller that combines The White Lotus vibes with cultish creepiness and a dose of social commentary. The story is set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic luxury wellness retreat. With sinister spa treatments, charismatic manipulators, and secrets bubbling beneath the surface, this is a perfect pick for readers who like their thrillers with a side of satire.

Ariana, a teen volleyball star recovering from a serious injury, jumps at the chance to escape the icy New York winter and her looming uncertainty by heading to a tropical resort with her new friend Oakley. The Dream Island Wellness Retreat off the coast of Barbados promises peace, pampering, and the illusion of control. But paradise quickly curdles into something far darker.

The early chapters introduce a large cast of characters—friends, fellow guests, spa employees—which can be a bit confusing to track at first. But once you get your footing, the story quickly takes a deliciously twisted turn. Right from the start, there’s a sense that something is... off. Suspicious spa treatments (psychedelic mushroom tea ceremonies? bee venom facials?), missing guests, staff members who clearly know more than they let on—every element builds a mounting sense of dread. The resort, like a character itself, shifts from utopia to nightmare as the story unfolds.

Springer doesn’t shy away from body horror or cult-like dynamics. The retreat's guru, Juniper-Moon, is a glossy and unnerving presence, peddling dubious “wellness” in exchange for loyalty, valuables, and blind faith. While her villainy borders on stereotypical at times (as well as another villain revealed at the end of the book who could be developed more), her influence over the guests and the terrifying lengths the retreat will go to maintain control make for compelling horror. There’s a real undercurrent of critique here about exploitation, the commodification of wellness, and how privilege can blind people to danger until it’s far too late.

Despite the spiraling chaos, Ariana remains a grounded and sympathetic lead. Her struggles with identity, injury, and anxiety add depth to the story. There's also a sweet, understated romance that offers emotional balance without hijacking the plot.

The tension ramps up with a steady drip of “accidents” and disappearances, building to a climax that’s equal parts shocking and satisfying. Twists abound, and while the ending wraps most threads neatly, it leaves just enough open to hint at a possible sequel—without frustrating readers.

Bonus for sensitive readers: Yes, the dogs are safe. Priorities, right?

Overall, “Who’s All Going (to Die)?: is a slick, gripping, and darkly entertaining YA horror that skewers the dark side of the wellness industry while delivering thrills, chills, and enough twists to keep you flipping pages well past bedtime.