On July 22, 2025 Holly Jackson, #1 New York Times best selling author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, released her new book, Not Quite Dead Yet, which is her first adult novel. If your cup of tea is reading murder mystery and reading books then Not Quite Dead yet would be a great book to add to your to read list. 

This book centers around Jet Mason who is 27 years old, who hasn’t accomplished anything. She has a habit of saying “I will do it later, I have time”. However, everything changed on Halloween when she was fatally wounded. Although she survived the attack, she has a severe brain injury and will die in a week. With limited lifespan and the desire to accomplish something, she seeks to solve her own murder. Allying herself with her childhood best friend, Billy, she is trying to solve the case.

I have read a lot of murder mysteries – not recommended for anyone’s sanity —and up until Not Quite Dead Yet I have never come across a concept where the main character solves her own murder. Normally, the main character solves a murder case about a relative, friend or murder that happens way before they were born. I think having this new concept and the adrenaline about how it will end made it where you can’t drop the book.  

There is some speculation on whether this is really an adult book. One reviewer on Goodreads mentioned how”Now Quite Dead Yet doesn’t feel any more adult than her previous books.” I agree that the characters and their development are similar to her other books. However, in my opinion it makes more sense as an adult book because of the layers and depth in the book.  This book isn’t just about Jet trying to solve her murder; its about family relationships, proving yourself to others, finding love, and finding a way to move on and forgive. 

Whenever I read her books I end up questioning life and reality. To ensure that I don’t get destroyed and traumatized when reading, Not Quite Dead Yet, I mentally prepare myself for any plot twists. While I was reading I was looking for any clues and plot holes and in the end I got traumatized and never in a million years would I have expected who killed her. 

As we are taken on Jet’s final days, I gained a sense of empathy for her. I could relate how at times she feels like the black sheep of the family or could not live up to people’s expectations. I also felt bad for her. She found out all the secrets about her family and town right before she died -this is what made her death heartbreaking. Though I knew from the beginning, it still shattered me. 

I give this book five stars. I loved the concept, characters- will defend Jet and Billy till I die-  and Holly Jackson’s writing doesn’t disappoint. If you are looking for murder mystery book that is well written and a bit traumatizing then you should read Not Quite Dead Yet.