An action-packed, suspenseful whodunit for readers of The Girl Who Lived, Two Can Keep A Secret, and The Cheerleaders.Seventeen-year-old Janie Davis was found wandering a Maine beach with second-degree burns on her arms and no memory of what happened. An accident on her family’s rented yacht caused it to sink, taking her parents and best friend down with it. Recovering, Janie returns home under … it. Recovering, Janie returns home under the watchful gaze of her new guardian–an aunt who had been ostracized by Janie’s family.
Snooping uncovers the accident report. Horrified to learn the deaths could be murder, Janie’s determined to solve the crime. Selective breaking and entering leads her to two suspects: her father’s shady business partner who profited from Dad’s death and her aunt, a woman with a sketchy past she’s eager to hide.
Her investigation leads her to crash a party where she uncovers more evidence in the homeowner’s office. Then her brake lines are cut and only a quick plunge to the floor keeps an overhead lamp from impaling her. This, and the warning, You’re Next, proves she’s getting closer.
If she doesn’t expose the murderer, Janie could be the next victim.
Dead Girls Don’t Lie is a complete, standalone, young adult novel filled with twisty suspense, a shocking conclusion, and flirty romance.
This book is 78,000 words.
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DEAD GIRLS DON’T LIE is the first book in the Janie Davis Mystery series. Each will be a complete YA stand-alone cozy mystery – a modern Nancy Drew, but I recommend reading this one first as it establishes the characters and their relationship.
Let’s start with the characters. Janine, who prefers to be called Janie, is at times whiny, but that could be dismissed as the antics of an overindulged child of wealth. Luckily, she’s not a complete snob. Her friends are quality people, no matter their background.
The story is powerful with plenty of twisting to keep me engaged and guessing. I was stomping my foot and clenching my fists, laughing a few times, crying, and holding my breath as the characters ran from task to task in their race to find the murderer.
Some of the writing was stiff and repetitive – I’ll never see my parents and Brianna again – but I understand it was to show the despair of loss; I’ve felt that despair.
I liked the ending; it was fair and believable. I look forward to more from this series.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: DEAD GIRLS DON’T LIE
Series: Janie Davis Mystery #1
Category /Genre: YA suspense
Recommended for: 14+ due to suspense/fear factor
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Marlie May
Janie lost both her parents and her best girlfriend in a boating accident. She is found wondering down the beach with 2nd degree burns and has no recollection of exactly what happened. She is sent to live with an Aunt that she barely knows. While snooping she finds a report that states that the accident might not have been an accident after all. Now for the cruncher, who killed her parents and best friend? Who can she trust? What else has she got to lose?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 4th book I’ve read written by Marlie May; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a fabulous read with nonstop action and wonderful characters. I loved the ending! It is an amazing story and will be an amazing series if this first book is to be the example of what is to come. I highly recommend this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was great. It drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. The author did a wonderful job on this book and I want to read more by this author. This book is a good read for anyone and I highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Janie Davis is found wandering on a beach with second-degree burns and no memory of what happened. All she knows is that she, her parents, and her best friend were yachting when an explosion occurred and she is the only survivor. Now she is back at home and living with her guardian, an aunt that she barely knows and who seems to be keeping secrets.
As Janie’s memories start coming back to her and she uncovers the police report that states the accident could have been murdered, she doesn’t really know who to trust. All she knows is that she wants to get to the bottom things before she becomes the final casualty to the murderer at large.
This is listed as a young adult suspense novel but found that it is perfect for anyone that loves a mystery that is filled with suspense, intrigue, and lots of twists and turns. I found myself unable to put the book down as I wanted to know who killed Janie’s parents and best friend and why.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries and loved them. With Dead Girls Don’t Lie, I felt like I was reading a modern day Nancy Drew mystery. This book is the first book in the Janie Davis Mystery Series and is a wonderful start to this series. This story has plenty of twists and turns, grabs your attention from page one and will have you on the edge of your seat as you read and waiting to see who did it. The story is well written and has plenty of suspense and intrigue!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Janie is found wandering with second degree burns on her arms and NO idea what happened.
You eventually figure out she’s lost her best friend AND parents in an accident.
She’s sent to live with an aunt she barely knows and learn to live with her new life.
While snooping around a little, she finds a report stating the accident may not have been an accident afterall…. so who killed her parents and friend?!
this book has a few twists and turns.. it was an easy read for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Janie lost both her parents and her best girlfriend in a boating accident of some kind. She has no recollection of exactly what happened. Her best guy friend Sean sat by her side in the hospital, walked with her down the school hallways, and buoyed her up – until..,. Then Janie found out what else she had left to lose.
Friendships and betrayals take on new and different meaning. Family might be someone she can maybe trust, a little- or perhaps totally not.
What is left ? What might still be to hope for? So hard to hang onto.
Intense edge of your seat KU read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.