Pretty Dead Queens

By Alexa Donne

Book Overview

The new homecoming queen is dead . . . and she's not the first unsolved murder at Seaview High. From the critically acclaimed author of The Ivies comes a nonstop YA thriller about a decades-old mystery, a copycat killer, and the teen who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

"Utterly savage." -Jessica Goodman, New York Times bestselling author of They'll Never Catch Us

"Hand this fast-paced thriller filled with plenty of twists and drama to fans of Holly Jackson or Karen M. McManus." -SLJ

A 2023 Edgar Award Nominee!

After the death of her mom (screw cancer), seventeen-year-old Cecelia Ellis goes to live with her estranged grandmother, a celebrated author whose Victorian mansion is as creepy as the murder mysteries she writes. On the surface, life is utterly ordinary in the California coastal town . . . until the homecoming queen is murdered. And she's not Seaview's first pretty dead queen.

With a copycat killer on the loose, Cecelia throws herself into the investigation, determined to crack the case like the heroines in her grandmother's books. But the more Cecelia digs into the town's secrets, the more she worries that her own mystery might not have a storybook ending.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593479823
• ISBN13: 9780593479827
• Release Date: October 2022
• Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.6" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

Lackluster and Unengaging: Why I’m Not Finishing “Pretty Dead Queens”

I recently picked up "Pretty Dead Queens" and unfortunately, my experience has been less than engaging. Despite reaching page 90 out of 326, I find myself utterly uninvested in the narrative. The plot lacks the hooks needed to captivate my interest, and I struggle to see where the story is heading. The writing, while not terrible, falls into the realm of just okay. It fails to evoke any sense of uniqueness or distinction, leaving the prose feeling mundane and uninspiring. "Pretty Dead Queens" lacks the spark of originality that sets apart memorable stories. The narrative feels formulaic, lacking the fresh and inventive elements that would make it stand out. Unfortunately, I don't feel any connection to the characters. Their development is lacking, making it challenging to muster any interest in their fates or the unfolding events. Considering these aspects, I've decided not to continue with the book as it fails to capture my attention or offer a unique and compelling narrative. I believe a stronger focus on plot innovation, character development, and writing flair could significantly enhance the overall appeal of "Pretty Dead Queens."