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corinneschapterchatter 's review for:
Girls Who Play Dead
by Joelle Wellington
I’m giving this one 5 stars, though I do think it could have benefited from a slightly heavier edit—there were a few scenes that didn’t move the story forward.
That said, I absolutely loved it. Joelle Wellington has such a knack for writing YA characters who live outside the typical mold, and her storytelling is both engaging and layered. I especially appreciate how she weaves in social commentary—thought-provoking without ever feeling forced or preachy.
This one is quite different from A Vicious Game. While it still touches on themes of classism and wealth disparity, the tone shifts toward a small-town murder mystery. And let’s be honest—small towns gripped by the influence of a glossy lifestyle brand are having a moment right now, and Wellington executes it brilliantly.
Mark your calendars—this releases November 4, 2025. Preorder it now so you can dive in the moment it lands.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Simon and Schuster Children’s through NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
That said, I absolutely loved it. Joelle Wellington has such a knack for writing YA characters who live outside the typical mold, and her storytelling is both engaging and layered. I especially appreciate how she weaves in social commentary—thought-provoking without ever feeling forced or preachy.
This one is quite different from A Vicious Game. While it still touches on themes of classism and wealth disparity, the tone shifts toward a small-town murder mystery. And let’s be honest—small towns gripped by the influence of a glossy lifestyle brand are having a moment right now, and Wellington executes it brilliantly.
Mark your calendars—this releases November 4, 2025. Preorder it now so you can dive in the moment it lands.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Simon and Schuster Children’s through NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.