For teens grappling with dark secrets and the chilling consequences of past actions, this book explores the fear of the unknown and the struggle for survival.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen craves a high-stakes thriller that delves into the dark side of friendship and past mistakes. Five years after her best friend was murdered, Ella discovers that a killer is targeting people from a "dead list" she and her friends made as a joke. Now, she must unmask the murderer before she's next. The book is a tense exploration of fear, anxiety, and loyalty, questioning how far someone will go for justice or revenge. Best suited for mature teens (14-18) due to violence and suspense, it's a compelling choice for readers who enjoy a fast-paced mystery that also sparks discussion about bullying, accountability, and the serious consequences of seemingly harmless actions.
The book relies on suspense, jump scares, and a pervasive sense of being stalked.
LanguageModerate
Contains profanity typical for the YA genre and characters of this age.
Romantic ContentMild
A romantic subplot exists but is not graphic.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and graphically with murder and violence. The approach is secular and focused on the psychological and physical horror of the events. There are descriptions of crime scenes and attacks. The resolution is realistic within the genre's context: the killer is stopped, but the trauma for the survivors remains. The central theme of bullying and its consequences is also explored directly.
Ideal Reader
A high schooler, 15-18, who loves slasher films and "whodunit" mysteries like the Scream franchise. This reader isn't looking for deep literary themes but wants a fast-paced, high-stakes plot with a romantic subplot. They are mature enough to handle depictions of violence and murder without being overly disturbed.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of the violence. There are multiple on-page murders and descriptions of the aftermath. Key scenes to preview include the opening murder and the final confrontation, which are particularly intense. The book can be read cold by a teen who enjoys the genre, but parents may want to discuss the themes of bullying and consequence afterward. A parent hears their teen talking about a book where high schoolers are being murdered one by one, or sees their child reading something with a dark, foreboding cover. They might worry it's too graphic or sensationalized.
Age Experience
A 14-year-old might focus more on the "whodunit" aspect and the romantic tension between Ella and Jensen and might be more shocked by the violence. A 17 or 18-year-old is more likely to appreciate the psychological tension and the commentary on how past actions, even seemingly trivial ones like making a list, can have unforeseen, deadly consequences.
What Makes It Special
While many YA thrillers exist, this one's hook is particularly relatable: the idea of a list, a casual expression of dislike, becoming a real-life hit list. It directly ties teenage social dynamics and casual cruelty to life-or-death stakes, making the horror feel more grounded in the high school experience than supernatural or purely external threats.
Read plot summary
Ella's high school life is upended when a killer begins murdering people from a "dead list" she and her friends created five years ago, shortly before her best friend was killed. As the body count rises, Ella, whose name is also on the list, partners with Jensen, the brother of the original murder victim, to solve the mystery. The plot involves classic thriller elements: red herrings, escalating tension, and a final, violent confrontation with the killer who is systematically targeting them.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The "dead list" started as a joke among friends. At what point do you think a joke crosses the line and becomes something harmful, even if you don't expect it to have real-world consequences?
2
Ella feels a lot of guilt about the list and her friend's death. Do you think her guilt was justified? Why or why not?
3
Throughout the book, many characters are suspected of being the killer. Who was your top suspect and why? Did the author's use of red herrings fool you?
4
After the killer is revealed, do you feel any sympathy for them, given their backstory and motivations? Discuss the difference between understanding someone's reasons and excusing their actions.
