A review by natashaleighton_
Good Girls Don't Die by Christina Henry

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Plot twisty and dripping with social commentary (on toxic masculinity, misogyny and elitism) Christina Henry’s newest release was a nail-bitingly pacy, locked room thriller that kept me up all night! 

Following the POVs of three unconnected women (Celia, Allie and  Maggie) each perspective serves as its own short story which eventually overlaps as each woman unravels the mystery behind their (nightmare-induced) experiences that  are seemingly linked. 

I really enjoyed this and thought it was such an intriguing, genre bending concept —with a mashup I never thought could work cohesively in one novel. But Henry’s skilled blending of cosy mystery, YA Thriller and (Black Mirror-esque) Dystopian Horror was spectacularly well done. I loved how compelling each perspective was, giving us a level of intimacy into each of our protagonists’ thoughts and emotions that had me emotionally invested (and on the edge of my seat) from the get go. The way in which each POV builds up tension in slightly whilst still adhering to the specific conventions of each genre was also really clever. 

We start with Celia’s story which revolves around a cosy, small town mystery-style plot so the pace is a little slow to start but gradually gets pacier as the mystery surrounding Celia (and her missing memories) are revealed. Allie and Maggies’ stories however, were far more action oriented (and violent) from the start. Allie’s very much reads like a conventional teen slasher and Maggies’ a cross between The Hunger Games and Saw, which I found really intriguing.

The one thing all three women have in common is how smart, savvy and fierce determination to survive. I loved that, despite the horrifying circumstances they find themselves in, they refuse to tolerate the misogynistic attitudes (and actions) of the men around them. 

One of the most surprising things however, was how startlingly realistic a lot of the female characters’ experiences were in regards to sexism and misogyny. From online exchanges involving threats and sexist rhetoric, to the objectification of women’s bodies— we explore the insidiousness of day-to day misogyny and the harmful effects that toxic masculinity can actually have if left unchecked. 

Though as much as I loved our protagonists, I do think some of the supporting/ antagonistic characters did let me down a bit, in that they felt a little too caricaturist inside our MCs and vividly detailed settings.

Other than that, this was a flawlessly executed and suspenseful read that Thriller/Horror lovers are bound to enjoy. 

Also, a massive thank you to Charlotte over at Titan for the finished copy. 
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