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hildur1989 's review for:
Not Quite Dead Yet
by Holly Jackson
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was my first Holly Jackson book. I decided to read it because I found the concept of solving your own murder delightfully camp.
There were some redeeming qualities, particularly in the second half when the main character stopped relying on constant self deprecating humour and began confronting her own mortality. But overall, the mystery at the centre of the story was convoluted without being particularly clever, and several plot points bordered on the absurd. The twists and character choices felt exaggerated, lacking in internal logic and emotional weight. When the reveals finally came, I felt more frustrated than intrigued.
Although this is marketed as Jackson’s first adult novel, the tone and writing style felt distinctly YA and oddly immature. Most of the characters were insufferable. Flat, melodramatic, and at times implausible in their behaviour. I didn't find Jet, the protagonist, particularly nuanced or likeable, which made it hard to stay invested.
While I wouldn’t call it a bad book, it definitely wasn’t a good one either. My friend, who recommended the author, has read her previous work and also found this one to be her weakest by far.
📚 Read if you like:YA-style pacing, high-drama twists, fast reads
There were some redeeming qualities, particularly in the second half when the main character stopped relying on constant self deprecating humour and began confronting her own mortality. But overall, the mystery at the centre of the story was convoluted without being particularly clever, and several plot points bordered on the absurd. The twists and character choices felt exaggerated, lacking in internal logic and emotional weight. When the reveals finally came, I felt more frustrated than intrigued.
Although this is marketed as Jackson’s first adult novel, the tone and writing style felt distinctly YA and oddly immature. Most of the characters were insufferable. Flat, melodramatic, and at times implausible in their behaviour. I didn't find Jet, the protagonist, particularly nuanced or likeable, which made it hard to stay invested.
While I wouldn’t call it a bad book, it definitely wasn’t a good one either. My friend, who recommended the author, has read her previous work and also found this one to be her weakest by far.
📚 Read if you like:YA-style pacing, high-drama twists, fast reads