Not Quite Dead Yet

by Holly Jackson

Good Books rating 3.9

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Hardback • £16.99–£20.00

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ID: 497
Added: 2025-09-13
Updated: 2025-10-19
Formats: 29
Reviews: 3

Reviews

reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23

excellent 4.00

Not Quite Dead Yet is a thrilling murder mystery with a unique twist: the protagonist, Jet, is solving her own murder with only seven days to live. The book maintains a fun and charming tone, making it a refreshing change from darker thrillers.

Not Quite Dead Yet stands out in the murder mystery genre with its unique premise: the protagonist, Jet, is solving her own murder after surviving a violent attack. With only seven days to live due to a catastrophic head injury, Jet is determined to find her attacker. The book maintains a fun and charming tone, thanks to Jet's personality, which makes it a refreshing change from the darker themes often found in adult thrillers. While the story is less heavy, it never strays from the essential tension and anticipation that make thrillers so compelling.

Quick quotes

I love a truly terrifying book, but scary isn’t a requirement for a story to be full of tension and anticipation. Not Quite Dead Yet proves that.

It has all the charm of Jackson’s YA books, with a few more swear words and a couple of mentions of sex.

While the story did feel less heavy at times, the book never strayed from the essential tension.

theeverygirl.com · Unknown · 2025-07-22

engaging 4.20

Not Quite Dead Yet is praised for its unique premise and emotional depth, with readers highlighting the protagonist Jet's witty humor and the book's heart-wrenching elements. The thriller aspect is well-executed, with twists that keep readers engaged, though some found the plot execution lacking.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson is celebrated for its high-concept premise and emotional resonance. The story revolves around Jet, a protagonist who is both witty and complex, dealing with the knowledge of her impending death. Readers appreciate the dark humor and the way the book explores themes of life, love, and grief. The small-town setting adds to the tension, revealing hidden secrets and fraught relationships. The pacing and plotting are commended, with twists that keep the pages turning. However, some readers found certain plot elements unbelievable and the number of twists overwhelming. Overall, the book is seen as a heartbreaking and reflective thriller that leaves a lasting impact.

Quick quotes

Jet’s humor was witty and refreshing albeit sometimes a bit morose given her ultimate demise.

Not Quite Dead Yet brings a high-concept and hooky premise into a beautiful celebration of life and love, even as death looms ever closer.

The premise is incredibly genius, no second thought about that. It's what intrigued me to read this book in the first place.

thebookdutchesses.com · Unknown · 2025-07-17

entertaining 3.50

The reviewer was excited about Not Quite Dead Yet due to the intriguing concept of solving one's own murder, which initially hooked them. However, they felt the book tried to do too much, with family drama slowing down the pacing, and while they appreciated the character of Billy and the emotional ending, they were not as invested as hoped.

The reviewer had high hopes for Not Quite Dead Yet, especially given their love for Holly Jackson's previous work and the compelling premise of a woman solving her own murder before she dies. The beginning of the book was particularly engaging, with Jet's horrific injury and the urgency of her situation. However, the reviewer felt the book tried to cover too many themes, including family drama, which made the pacing feel off at times. Despite this, they found Billy to be a standout character, deeply caring and supportive of Jet. The ending was emotionally impactful and included a surprising twist that the reviewer did not see coming. Overall, while the book was entertaining and had its strengths, it did not fully meet the reviewer's expectations.

Quick quotes

The start of this book really had me hooked. Jet suffered a horrific injury, and I have to say that I’d I would want to see who did it behind bars before I died as well.

I’m conflicted about this one though. While I loved the concept and I kept on wanting to read to find out what happened.

The last 5% really did hit me in all the feels and I can say that I didn’t expect the twist at the end.

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