Not Quite Dead Yet Review | Holly Jackson

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson book cover

Mystery

Thriller

📝 First Impressions

Not Quite Dead Yet reminded me why I keep coming back to Holly Jackson’s books. Having already read and listened to several of her novels, I’ve come to expect clever mysteries, engaging characters, and stories that keep me guessing until the very end. Once again, she delivered exactly that.

I experienced Not Quite Dead Yet as an audiobook, while also owning the beautiful Waterstones Exclusive signed first edition. As someone who loves collecting special editions, seeing that signed copy on my bookshelf made me even more excited to dive into the story.

Without revealing any spoilers, the novel opens with an intriguing premise that immediately grabs your attention. Holly Jackson wastes no time drawing readers into a world of secrets, suspicion, and uncertainty, creating the kind of mystery that makes you constantly question what you think you know.

Rather than relying on constant action or endless plot twists, the story builds its suspense steadily. Each chapter uncovers another piece of the puzzle while raising new questions, making it difficult to stop listening and incredibly satisfying to follow the investigation as it unfolds.

💜 What I Loved

One of the things I enjoyed most about Not Quite Dead Yet was the way Holly Jackson built the mystery. Rather than relying on constant twists or dramatic reveals, she allows the story to unfold naturally, revealing just enough information to keep you questioning every theory you come up with. Every answer seems to lead to another question, making it almost impossible not to keep reading.

The pacing is another of the novel’s greatest strengths. There are very few moments where the story loses momentum, and even the quieter chapters serve a purpose. Whether they’re developing the characters or planting subtle clues, they always feel like part of the bigger picture. I never found myself wanting to skip ahead or feeling that the story was dragging.

I also appreciated how believable the characters felt. Everyone has their own motivations, flaws, and secrets, making it difficult to know who can really be trusted. As the investigation progressed, my suspicions changed more than once, which is exactly what I hope for in a well-written mystery.

Another aspect I enjoyed was Holly Jackson’s writing style. It’s straightforward and accessible without ever feeling too simple. She knows when to reveal information and when to hold it back, allowing the suspense to build gradually instead of relying on shock value alone. The result is a story that feels carefully planned from beginning to end.

Finally, I loved that Not Quite Dead Yet never forgot that the emotional side of the story is just as important as the mystery itself. While the investigation remains at the heart of the novel, the characters’ personal struggles and relationships add enough depth to make the story feel grounded and believable. It creates a satisfying balance between suspense and emotion that kept me fully engaged throughout.

🤔 What Didn’t Quite Work for Me

While I thoroughly enjoyed Not Quite Dead Yet, there were a few reasons why it didn’t become a perfect read for me.

The biggest one was that, although the mystery kept me engaged throughout, it never completely caught me off guard. Holly Jackson is incredibly skilled at building suspense, but this time I found some of the revelations slightly more predictable than I had expected. I was still eager to see how everything would come together, but I never experienced that jaw-dropping moment that completely changed the way I viewed the story.

I also felt that a few of the supporting characters could have been explored in greater depth. They each played an important role in the mystery, but I would have loved to learn a little more about some of them beyond their involvement in the investigation. A stronger emotional connection would have made certain moments even more impactful.

These are relatively minor criticisms, and they certainly didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. Not Quite Dead Yet is still a clever, well-paced thriller that kept me entertained from beginning to end. It simply didn’t leave me with that unforgettable feeling that makes me think about a story long after I’ve finished it.

👥 Who Would Enjoy This Book?

If you enjoy modern murder mysteries, psychological thrillers, and stories that keep you guessing until the very end, Not Quite Dead Yet is well worth your time. Holly Jackson once again delivers a cleverly constructed mystery that’s both accessible and engaging, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy solving the puzzle alongside the characters.

I’d also recommend this book to fans of character-driven thrillers. Rather than relying on constant action or unbelievable plot twists, the story builds suspense through realistic characters, carefully placed clues, and a mystery that unfolds at just the right pace.

Whether you’re already a fan of Holly Jackson or looking for a gripping standalone thriller to pick up next, Not Quite Dead Yet is an excellent addition to any mystery lover’s reading list.

💭 Final Thoughts

Not Quite Dead Yet is another strong reminder of why Holly Jackson has become one of my favourite thriller authors. She has a remarkable ability to create mysteries that feel clever without becoming overly complicated, balancing suspense, believable characters, and well-timed revelations that keep the pages turning.

While this wasn’t a book that completely redefined the genre for me, it delivered exactly what I look for in a great thriller: an intriguing mystery, steady tension, and a satisfying payoff that felt earned. It kept me engaged from beginning to end and reminded me why I continue to pick up Holly Jackson’s books with confidence.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced standalone mystery filled with secrets, twists, and memorable characters, Not Quite Dead Yet is an easy recommendation and a book that’s sure to keep thriller fans entertained.

✨ The BookFairy Verdict