You’re So Dead by Ash Parsons Review

I am always here for a locked-room murder mystery. So, an Agatha Christie-inspired YA thriller about a fake festival, a group of influencers stranded on an island with a killer among them, is just my kind of jam.

Plum Winter is a little insecure and feels a little bit unseen. Next to older sister Peach (an influencer who wears billionaires like candy bracelets), her life just doesn’t compare. So it’s an easy decision when a chance presents itself to attend a hot new music and art festival on a Caribbean island over spring break with best friends Sofia Torres and Marlowe Blake. Not that the fancy invite and first-class ticket were for Plum. But really, it’s not like Peach will miss one measly invite. And the festival promises a crowd of people for the three girls to fade into. But nothing (absolutely nothing) is as advertised once Plum, Sofia, and Marlowe arrive on the surprisingly Wi-Fi-less island of Little Esau. Instead of a crush of celebs, they’re stuck with a handful of D-list influencers. Instead of yachts and luxury yurts, they’ll be crashing in a decrepit villa. Instead of five-star catering, they’ll be feasting on tinned franks and beans to be heated by the guest themselves because…

They are alone on the island. And someone in the group is out to kill — everyone.

Parsons spins an intriguing murder mystery that has the feel of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, yet sadly with few of the layers and complexities. The romantic tension between (bisexual) Plum and best friend Marlowe adds some heat to the plot but not enough to elevate this from a straightforward murder mystery. You’re So Dead is on the lighter side of reads but not without its merit, especially for those who love a whodunnit. Bonus: the social media commentary is great — impossible beauty standards, trolling, animal cruelty, content theft, it all gets addressed.

Book: You’re So Dead
Published: Philomel Books
Pages: 416
Publication Date: June 15th, 2021
Age Range: 13-18
Stars: 4/5

Penguin Teen kindly sent me a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion, rating, or the content of my review.