Not Quite Dead Yet Review | Holly Jackson

First Impressions

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson proves that not every thriller needs shocking twists on every page to keep you turning the pages. Sometimes a well-crafted mystery, believable characters, and steadily building tension are more than enough.

Having already read and listened to several of Holly Jackson’s books, I’ve come to expect a consistently enjoyable reading experience from her. This novel was no exception. From the beginning, the story drew me in, maintaining a sense of suspense that made it difficult to stop reading. While it didn’t quite reach my rare five-fairy rating, it delivered exactly what I hoped for: a clever, engaging thriller that kept me guessing until the end.

I also had the pleasure of reading the Waterstones Exclusive signed first edition, which made the experience even more special. As a collector of beautiful editions, owning a signed copy always adds an extra layer of excitement before I’ve even turned the first page.

What Is Not Quite Dead Yet About?

Without revealing any spoilers, Not Quite Dead Yet is a gripping mystery that begins with an unsettling premise and quickly pulls you into a story filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected discoveries. Holly Jackson has a talent for creating mysteries that immediately spark your curiosity, and this novel is no exception.

Rather than relying solely on shocking twists, the story builds suspense gradually. Every chapter uncovers another piece of the puzzle while introducing fresh questions that keep the reader guessing. Just when you think you’ve worked everything out, another revelation changes your perspective, making it almost impossible to predict where the investigation will ultimately lead.

Like Holly Jackson’s previous novels, Not Quite Dead Yet combines a cleverly constructed mystery with believable characters whose motivations feel realistic. The tension grows naturally throughout the story, creating that irresistible “just one more chapter” feeling that thriller fans know so well.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, modern murder mysteries, and fast-paced suspense with plenty of surprises, this book is well worth adding to your reading list.

What I Loved About Not Quite Dead Yet

One of the things I appreciate most about Holly Jackson as an author is her consistency. I’ve now read and listened to several of her books, and they’ve all earned the same four-fairy rating from me. That’s not because they’re identical, but because she consistently delivers engaging mysteries that are well planned, entertaining, and incredibly difficult to put down.

Her writing style is straightforward without ever feeling simplistic. She knows exactly how much information to reveal and when to hold something back, allowing the mystery to unfold at just the right pace. I never felt overwhelmed by unnecessary detail or lengthy explanations; instead, every chapter moved the story forward while increasing the suspense.

The pacing is another major strength. There are very few quiet moments where the story loses momentum. Even scenes that appear calm often contain subtle clues or hints that become significant later, rewarding readers who pay close attention.

The mystery itself is cleverly constructed. Holly Jackson excels at planting small details that seem insignificant at first but later prove to be important pieces of the larger puzzle. That careful plotting makes the eventual revelations feel earned rather than forced.

I also enjoyed the characters. They felt believable, each with their own motivations, flaws, and secrets. Nobody seemed completely straightforward, which added another layer of uncertainty to the investigation. As the story progressed, my suspicions shifted several times—a sign of a well-written thriller.

Finally, I loved the constant sense of tension. Even when I thought I had figured things out, the story found new ways to surprise me without relying on twists that felt unrealistic. It’s exactly the kind of suspense I’ve come to expect from Holly Jackson, and once again she delivered.

Why It Wasn’t Quite a Five-Fairy Read

This is another excellent thriller from Holly Jackson, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. However, my five-fairy rating is reserved for books that completely blow me away and stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page. Not Quite Dead Yet is an incredibly strong mystery and an easy recommendation, but it didn’t quite reach that unforgettable, all-time favourite status for me. That’s why it earns four fairies—a rating I still consider excellent.

Collector’s Corner

I read the Waterstones Exclusive signed first edition of Not Quite Dead Yet, and as someone who loves collecting beautiful books, it made the experience even more enjoyable. Beautiful editions always add a little extra magic before I even reach the first chapter.

✨ The BookFairy Verdict