ccreadsss 's review for:

Dead Girls Don't Talk by Sandra J. Paul, Sandra J. Paul

3.25

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Release: July 29, 2025

Author: Sandra J. Paul 

Publisher: Skyscape

Rating: 3.25 ★ 

In the quiet town of Love Hill, two girls—Syl Jameson and Viola Harrison—shared a friendship that ran deep but was far from perfect. Syl, drawn to the warmth of Viola’s family, often felt lost in her own cold, distant home. Viola, on the other hand, had her own secrets and a toxic edge that slowly chipped away at what they had. As the cracks in their bond grew, jealousy, neediness, and hidden truths pushed them toward a breaking point.

Then everything falls apart.

Syl is discovered dead in Viola’s car. Viola has vanished without a trace. What really happened that night? In this psychological thriller, the story unfolds from two perspectives—Syl’s and Viola’s—and it’s up to the reader to decide which to follow first. Each girl tells her own version of events, but only one truth lies at the end.

Dead Girls Don’t Talk starts with a brilliant concept: two perspectives—Syl and Viola—each telling their own version of the same story, leading readers toward one shared truth. The idea that you can choose which character to follow first is engaging and adds a unique, interactive layer to the reading experience.

That said, the execution didn’t fully live up to the promise for me. While the dual-narrative structure was intriguing, it didn’t offer the depth or new insight I expected. Reading both perspectives felt somewhat repetitive, and I found myself hoping for bigger revelations or a stronger payoff. The emotional stakes between the two girls, built around a toxic and intense friendship, came off as overly dramatic at times, and I struggled to connect with either character. Neither felt especially likable or reliable, which made it difficult to root for—or even care deeply about—either side.

The story occasionally dips into compelling territory, particularly in scenes involving the girls’ parents. These moments brought some emotional weight and context that helped explain the characters’ behavior. But unfortunately, inconsistencies in plot details (especially around the central accident scene) pulled me out of the story. And while the mystery held my attention, the final twist didn’t hit as hard as it should have—it felt underwhelming after so much buildup.

This book will likely appeal more to younger readers who can relate to the intensity of teenage friendships and emotions. For others, it might come across as a good idea that didn’t quite stick the landing. Still, it’s a quick, compelling read with an original structure that’s worth a try for fans of character-driven YA thrillers.

Favorite Quote: 

"the dead may be silent, but their stories are never truly over."