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Dead Girls #1
Dead Fine
A young adult mystery novel by Emma Smith, perfect for fans of Cynthia Murphy and Holly Jackson.
"I'm fine," I tell him with a shudder. "Dead fine..."
Lilz and Owen have been together since... forever. Growing up on the same estate has led them here, to their final summer, and they couldn't be more in love. Until Lilz receives a phonecall one day in June. A phonecall which leads to the hiding of a body in Owen's bath.
Lilz will do anything for Owen, even if it means covering up a murder she had nothing to do with. But as the summer continues in a haze of guilt and manipulation, her trust in her boyfriend is tested. She might have grown up with Owen... but does she really know him?
And when loyalties are tested, is love ever enough?
A young adult mystery novel about first love and lies, from the Emma Literary Universe. Suitable for ages 13 and above.
"I'm fine," I tell him with a shudder. "Dead fine..."
Lilz and Owen have been together since... forever. Growing up on the same estate has led them here, to their final summer, and they couldn't be more in love. Until Lilz receives a phonecall one day in June. A phonecall which leads to the hiding of a body in Owen's bath.
Lilz will do anything for Owen, even if it means covering up a murder she had nothing to do with. But as the summer continues in a haze of guilt and manipulation, her trust in her boyfriend is tested. She might have grown up with Owen... but does she really know him?
And when loyalties are tested, is love ever enough?
A young adult mystery novel about first love and lies, from the Emma Literary Universe. Suitable for ages 13 and above.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
94 people are currently reading
3068 people want to read
About the author
Emma Smith
14 books566 followersEmma Smith is a young adult and children's author from Yorkshire. She wrote and illustrated her first “book” when she was seven years old and hasn’t stopped writing since. When she’s not walking on the beach or drinking an iced coffee with a crumpet and some chocolate, you’ll probably find her reading something dark and mysterious… and most certainly YA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
tbr-interested
December 23, 2023Murder mystery and a toxic romance and set in Yorkshire which is where I’m from *immediately added to my tbr*
September 3, 2024
If you love AGGTM please read this I’m literally BEGGING.
This is like if AGGTM and a contemporary romance were mixed together. It’s dark, creepy and just straight up weird in some places.
I absolutely ate this up! I think I read it in 3 days which is literally unheard of recently because I’ve been too busy, I literally MADE time for this book.
I cannot wait to read more from Emma and I’m so excited to dive into her other books. :) x
This is like if AGGTM and a contemporary romance were mixed together. It’s dark, creepy and just straight up weird in some places.
I absolutely ate this up! I think I read it in 3 days which is literally unheard of recently because I’ve been too busy, I literally MADE time for this book.
I cannot wait to read more from Emma and I’m so excited to dive into her other books. :) x
December 24, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book! The twists hurt my head and the toxic romance hurt my heart, one of my favourite reads of the year.
January 3, 2024
So good!!! This was such a good plot and such a well written book.
The characters were so realistic and I really connected to them all and I love an unreliable narrator and Lilz absolutely killed it.
Such a fun toxic YA murder mystery set in a British northern council estate absolute incredible vibes and the ENDING!!!! Incredible
The characters were so realistic and I really connected to them all and I love an unreliable narrator and Lilz absolutely killed it.
Such a fun toxic YA murder mystery set in a British northern council estate absolute incredible vibes and the ENDING!!!! Incredible
January 3, 2024
Did NOT expect that ending at all. Not 5 stars because I felt some parts were just a bit too cringe and trying to keep on trend and relevant to ‘teens’, but still a really good read!
January 6, 2024
Lilz was stupid, Owen was a dick
August 13, 2023
Every single time I finish one of Emma Smith's books I am reminded of why I fell in love with this author in the first place. Dead Fine, the latest edition to the ELU (Emma Literary Universe, a phrase that I came up with thank you very much), is no exception. It's the natural progression of Emma's writing. It really pushes the boundaries of the YA genre and as unnerving and at some points downright disturbing as this book could be I just could not put it down. I started reading Dead Fine on a Saturday night and finished reading it on Sunday afternoon, probably setting a record for myself as the fastest I have ever finished a book.
This book is probably the darkest that I've read from Emma. It deals with themes much more mature than Midnight Sherbet and even Guided and it really took me for a ride. This book is a sweaty, shuddering, blood-streaked highlight of Emma's writing abilities, taking the things I loved about her other works and making something that I ADORED.
This book delved into deeper themes than Emma's other books, asking questions and forcing the reader to think about concepts such as first love, emotional manipulation and what actions justify a violent and brutal retaliation. Emma shows you two characters who seem so in love with each other and then perfectly and masterfully tear them apart, showcasing how terrible for each other both of them really were, putting on display the flaws of not knowing about your relationship. Not knowing the person you're with and not knowing anything else.
This book also did a fantastic job of showcasing female friendships with both Lilz's friendship with Loz (who I adore so much), to her developing relationship with Zoe (who I might adore even more). We get to see Lilz blossom with Zoe taking her away from her life with Owen and forcing her to come face to face with the realization that there is more to life than her first love- really showing Lilz that she's stagnant and could be doing so much more. (Also the scene when Loz showed up at Dizzy's party made me want to call my best friends and tell them how much I love them).
To conclude, Dead Fine is... probably Emma's best book. While the cotton candy skies and aquarium dates of Midnight Sherbet made my stone-cold heart oh so happy I think this is what this author is best at. Messy teens in messy situations, teenage relationships and all the drama and emotions that come along with it. Blood, murder and artful explorations of guilt, secrets and despite it all trying to make it out fine... dead fine.
This book is probably the darkest that I've read from Emma. It deals with themes much more mature than Midnight Sherbet and even Guided and it really took me for a ride. This book is a sweaty, shuddering, blood-streaked highlight of Emma's writing abilities, taking the things I loved about her other works and making something that I ADORED.
This book delved into deeper themes than Emma's other books, asking questions and forcing the reader to think about concepts such as first love, emotional manipulation and what actions justify a violent and brutal retaliation. Emma shows you two characters who seem so in love with each other and then perfectly and masterfully tear them apart, showcasing how terrible for each other both of them really were, putting on display the flaws of not knowing about your relationship. Not knowing the person you're with and not knowing anything else.
This book also did a fantastic job of showcasing female friendships with both Lilz's friendship with Loz (who I adore so much), to her developing relationship with Zoe (who I might adore even more). We get to see Lilz blossom with Zoe taking her away from her life with Owen and forcing her to come face to face with the realization that there is more to life than her first love- really showing Lilz that she's stagnant and could be doing so much more. (Also the scene when Loz showed up at Dizzy's party made me want to call my best friends and tell them how much I love them).
To conclude, Dead Fine is... probably Emma's best book. While the cotton candy skies and aquarium dates of Midnight Sherbet made my stone-cold heart oh so happy I think this is what this author is best at. Messy teens in messy situations, teenage relationships and all the drama and emotions that come along with it. Blood, murder and artful explorations of guilt, secrets and despite it all trying to make it out fine... dead fine.
August 14, 2023
I'm struggling to put into words how much I loved this book - from the first chapter I was completely hooked, finishing reading in just a few days. Emma Smith is so talented when it comes to creating characters that feel so real that their relationships really make her books come to life. After reading Midnight Sherbet and Guided, I was familiar with her writing style and the setting of these books, but Dead Fine was quite different, while still keeping the fundamentals that make Emma's books so special. Dead Fine is about a murder, a hot british summer, and a seemingly perfect relationship that starts to fall apart.
I loved the graphics added to the paperback version - they really brought the story to life, and were such a nice and well thought-out addition to the book. However, my favourite thing was the ending. I think I still need to take some time to let it sink in, it was so clever, so well-written, and totally unexpected.
This was definitely a 5 star read, and I highly recommend to any fans of YA and murder mystery books!
I loved the graphics added to the paperback version - they really brought the story to life, and were such a nice and well thought-out addition to the book. However, my favourite thing was the ending. I think I still need to take some time to let it sink in, it was so clever, so well-written, and totally unexpected.
This was definitely a 5 star read, and I highly recommend to any fans of YA and murder mystery books!
January 2, 2024
I’ve read 2 of Emma’s books now and they are so good, the plot twists are so good and genuinely shock me, I still can’t get over how it ended. I love how it’s not just a murder mystery like every other book bough because it shows lilz trying to comprehend what’s happened and how to move on, how she needs to pull her life together now, but then she also starts to see what a monster this has turned owen into, my jaw dropped when he was saying that she didn’t have a choice. I’m so glad it worked out for lilz and I loved it so much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
I was so so excited to start reading Emma Smith's books and after this I'm even more excited to read her other books. This book sort of felt like an episode of skins (idk) in a good way? For me, I think the story peaked when Lilz (mc) met a new friend and I also adored her friendship with her bestie Loz. However, I felt the ending was a tiny bit rushed and maybeee I would've liked an epilogue but that's just me being selfish. Can't wait to read midnight sherbet <3 x
January 12, 2024
I discovered Emma on TikTok and I’m so glad I did! This was a great read and Emma’s writing style is like an art, which makes for beautiful imagery and easy reading. Everything is described in minute detail and almost makes death poetic.
My only reason for losing a star was that there were a few writing errors that kept catching my eye but it didn’t take anything away from the story itself.
Definitely adding more books from this author to my TBR and would HIGHLY recommend given this one a good go as it’s one of the fastest books I’ve read over the last few months after being in a slump.
My only reason for losing a star was that there were a few writing errors that kept catching my eye but it didn’t take anything away from the story itself.
Definitely adding more books from this author to my TBR and would HIGHLY recommend given this one a good go as it’s one of the fastest books I’ve read over the last few months after being in a slump.
July 8, 2025
One of my favourite things about Emma’s writing and her stories is how real they feel. This book feels like it could’ve been set where I grew up and that’s something I don’t feel a lot when I’m reading. I also loved how even though it’s a book with the central plot being murder it was never the main focus, the focus is first love and the things we do for people we’ve dedicated our lives to and have grown up with in such an intertwined way that you can’t be separated from them. Emma Smith can do no wrong.
January 27, 2024
4 ⭐️
I actually came across this book via Emma Smith’s own tik tok page and was immediately intrigued. It’s safe to say I wasn’t disappointed!
The funny thing is, even after finishing, i’m still not sure what to believe is true. I did kind of have a feeling that the plot twist would happen, mainly because Lilz stated how much she lies right at the beginning, but I wasn’t sure how exactly it was all going to play out so it was still a massive surprise! Now i’m second guessing every single thing Lilz ever says happened…
I thought the characters were very well developed. Owen was absolutely infuriating to read about, which to me means the author has done her job well! I really wanted to jump in there and give him a right royal slap at times. As a Yorkshire lass myself I LOVED the fact it took place in Yorkshire. I found it really easy to visualise all the settings and relate to the lifestyle of the characters. A personal favourite quote of mine was “Let’s have another cup of tea” whilst trying to discuss how to dispose of the body. It really is just so realistic.
The only reason this remains 4 stars and not a 5 is that it felt slightly too long for me. Although I thought the pace of the story was great and I loved how quickly it jumped into the murder without a stupidly long build up, I felt like some of the middle of the book didn’t add a great deal to the overall story. Mostly just the parts where Lilz kept discussing the history of her and Owen’s relationship. I would’ve liked an epilogue too just to find out how Lilz moved on after the whole ordeal and also the reaction from other characters such a Loz and Kara. However I do totally understand why it was left the way it was.
This was a really great, exciting read and I am super excited to read some of Emma Smith’s other books after this :)
I actually came across this book via Emma Smith’s own tik tok page and was immediately intrigued. It’s safe to say I wasn’t disappointed!
The funny thing is, even after finishing, i’m still not sure what to believe is true. I did kind of have a feeling that the plot twist would happen, mainly because Lilz stated how much she lies right at the beginning, but I wasn’t sure how exactly it was all going to play out so it was still a massive surprise! Now i’m second guessing every single thing Lilz ever says happened…
I thought the characters were very well developed. Owen was absolutely infuriating to read about, which to me means the author has done her job well! I really wanted to jump in there and give him a right royal slap at times. As a Yorkshire lass myself I LOVED the fact it took place in Yorkshire. I found it really easy to visualise all the settings and relate to the lifestyle of the characters. A personal favourite quote of mine was “Let’s have another cup of tea” whilst trying to discuss how to dispose of the body. It really is just so realistic.
The only reason this remains 4 stars and not a 5 is that it felt slightly too long for me. Although I thought the pace of the story was great and I loved how quickly it jumped into the murder without a stupidly long build up, I felt like some of the middle of the book didn’t add a great deal to the overall story. Mostly just the parts where Lilz kept discussing the history of her and Owen’s relationship. I would’ve liked an epilogue too just to find out how Lilz moved on after the whole ordeal and also the reaction from other characters such a Loz and Kara. However I do totally understand why it was left the way it was.
This was a really great, exciting read and I am super excited to read some of Emma Smith’s other books after this :)
September 23, 2023
4.5 stars
Woah. I’ve read all of Emma’s books and this was by far and away her best. Every piece of the plot was intricately linked, every character vividly depicted. I started reading this at 8pm and read through the night because I just couldn’t stop. Without giving anything away, the ending was so unexpected that I kept rereading the last pages because I couldn’t believe what I had read.
Reading this at the end of summer made me reminisce over my own summer and I felt like I was experiencing the summer with the characters.
The print edition also contained many graphics which whilst not essential to the plot added extra an extra element to the story
Please read this!
If you want to read UKYA crime especially set it the north of England this is a must- add to your TBR
Woah. I’ve read all of Emma’s books and this was by far and away her best. Every piece of the plot was intricately linked, every character vividly depicted. I started reading this at 8pm and read through the night because I just couldn’t stop. Without giving anything away, the ending was so unexpected that I kept rereading the last pages because I couldn’t believe what I had read.
Reading this at the end of summer made me reminisce over my own summer and I felt like I was experiencing the summer with the characters.
The print edition also contained many graphics which whilst not essential to the plot added extra an extra element to the story
Please read this!
If you want to read UKYA crime especially set it the north of England this is a must- add to your TBR
January 1, 2024
this was INSANE!!! dark, twisted, gory, heart-pounding…everything you’d want when you read a blurb like this one.
set in a dingy council estate, a toxic first-love, a hot, sticky summer and a dead body…it’s honestly such a vibe.
Lilz’s character development was really really good, I’ve never felt such anger/hatred/strong emotions towards book characters before!! I was SO conflicted on how I felt about Lilz especially - at some points she’s just not a pleasant person..but at others I felt so badly for her.
It just perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be a teen in the UK, ESPECIALLY a small town, with the same people, same drama, same teenage problems…and then there’s a body added to the mix. Just SO good!! Will definitely be reading more from Emma ASAP.
set in a dingy council estate, a toxic first-love, a hot, sticky summer and a dead body…it’s honestly such a vibe.
Lilz’s character development was really really good, I’ve never felt such anger/hatred/strong emotions towards book characters before!! I was SO conflicted on how I felt about Lilz especially - at some points she’s just not a pleasant person..but at others I felt so badly for her.
It just perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be a teen in the UK, ESPECIALLY a small town, with the same people, same drama, same teenage problems…and then there’s a body added to the mix. Just SO good!! Will definitely be reading more from Emma ASAP.
January 3, 2024
May contain spoilers
This book weaves a gripping tale showcasing first love and deception. Emma perfectly narrates Lilz and Owen's seemingly idyllic relationship takes a dark turn when a chilling phone call leads to the concealment of a body by delving into themes of guilt, manipulation, and trust, questioning the depth of Lilz's connection with Owen. She portrays manipulation and guilt through nuanced character dynamics and psychological tension, with Lilz's internal struggles and conflicting emotions as she grapples with the aftermath of the murder create a palpable sense of unease.
Emma crafted this book that keeps readers on the edge, blending elements of romance and mystery which resulting me finishing this book within 2 days. Would recommend for fans of Holly Jackson
This book weaves a gripping tale showcasing first love and deception. Emma perfectly narrates Lilz and Owen's seemingly idyllic relationship takes a dark turn when a chilling phone call leads to the concealment of a body by delving into themes of guilt, manipulation, and trust, questioning the depth of Lilz's connection with Owen. She portrays manipulation and guilt through nuanced character dynamics and psychological tension, with Lilz's internal struggles and conflicting emotions as she grapples with the aftermath of the murder create a palpable sense of unease.
Emma crafted this book that keeps readers on the edge, blending elements of romance and mystery which resulting me finishing this book within 2 days. Would recommend for fans of Holly Jackson
August 10, 2023
Emma does it again with another ELU masterpiece, but this is different. It's darker and so vivid and very much suits the cover (I'll warn you now so you don't make my mistake - don't read this during meals). There's blood and murder and fantastic characters that slowly unravel and leave you unable to stop reading. And just when I thought I knew them, the truth I thought I had figured out is flipped on its head. I can't recommend it enough.
August 12, 2023
I’ve loved all of Emma’s books so far, and this was no exception. Thrillers/mysteries are some of my favourite genres, so when she published this I was very eager to read. It didn’t disappoint! I feel like this was written amazingly, both the plot and the writing style. The ending left me staring at the ceiling for ages (like any good book) and I might reread it again now I know it. Overall this was an amazing book, and you should definitely write another like this! <33
August 27, 2023
I did like this book. I thought the beginning was fast paced and you were sucked into the characters problems straight away, I also really liked the reference to the characters in Emma Smith's first book, 'Guided'. Although I did feel that around 30% of the way through the story that it wasn't as enthralling as I had hoped. My favourite part of this book though had to be the end, Emma does it again by making a suspenseful and surprising ending, that I for one did not see coming!
June 14, 2023
hazy, bloody summer. dark first love. a body in the bath. is there anything more you could want from a dark summer murder mystery? probably my favourite ELU book (watch me say this about them all), lilz’s story is so captivating and easy to get obsessed with. it’s the perfect late summer read with murder and toxic relationships and did i mention a body in the bath!! but it’s all fine, dead fine…
August 28, 2023
A beautifully written book all about a murder, toxic relationship and finding out what really happened that June night. Emma Smith is truly an amazing young author who has a bright future ahead of her, couldn’t recommend this book enough.
Guided and Midnight sherbet are waiting on my shelf to be read next!!!
Guided and Midnight sherbet are waiting on my shelf to be read next!!!
December 10, 2023
4.25/5
what the (insert choice expletive)
Emma Smith is litteraly an evil mastermind (in the best way possible). this entire book was so well written, her writing voice is really incredible. BUT THE ENDING?!
I don’t want to spoil but I feel manipulated (again in the best way possible), the plot twist was insane.
Thank you Emma for a copy of this book, I need a couple days to recover.
what the (insert choice expletive)
Emma Smith is litteraly an evil mastermind (in the best way possible). this entire book was so well written, her writing voice is really incredible. BUT THE ENDING?!
I don’t want to spoil but I feel manipulated (again in the best way possible), the plot twist was insane.
Thank you Emma for a copy of this book, I need a couple days to recover.
January 1, 2024
My first read of the year, and I could not put it down! It truly shows all the highs and lows of having your first love so young and the toxicity that can occur. It was a beautifully written book. As I read more and more, I felt like I truly knew Lily, until, of course, the twist at the end absolutely shocked me. If you’re going to read one book this year, let it be this.
September 13, 2023
this book made me throw up a little in my mouth. i thought my first relationship was bad, at least we didn't kill and hide a body as a bonding experience. note to self: paint your bedroom sage green when in denial.
December 11, 2023
Wow its been a long time since I finished a book in one weekend, so I'm very glad this fixed the rut I've been in. I only wish that maybe there was more subtle manipulation and that we got to see more of lilz's new friendship. This book was fantastic!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE! I got it for Christmas and read it by the end of the day I just couldn't put it down. The characters are relatable and what my favourite part is that no character is entirely perfect. The LGBTQ representation too is wonderful just as much. I love the murder mystery twist at the end that brings the case together. I think I'm a lilz defender forever!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
completed my emma smith backlog and once again just can’t explain the feeling every single one of her books has given me. i cant wait for these characters to join the emma smith universe that constantly plays on my mind!
January 11, 2024
Oh my god when I say this book to me on a wild ride 🫣 this was spectacular and so well written I genuinely am still absolutely shook over what I read
This was so much darker than I thought it would be! Absolutely brutal and most of the time my mouth was left wide open thinking what the actual fuck???
I couldn’t get enough of this, absolutely sensational - one of the best thrillers I have read 🙌🏻
This was so much darker than I thought it would be! Absolutely brutal and most of the time my mouth was left wide open thinking what the actual fuck???
I couldn’t get enough of this, absolutely sensational - one of the best thrillers I have read 🙌🏻
January 16, 2024
I could not put this book down. I think this is the first book in a long time that I was gripped to, every chapter just pulled you in more.
And then the twist at the very end was something I did not expect. Definitely a read I would recommend.
And then the twist at the very end was something I did not expect. Definitely a read I would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2024
To say that my jaw was ON THE FLOOR for the last chapters is an absolute understatement HOLY SHIT. I’m obsessed with this book and I 100% did not see that plot twist coming. My friends just got spammed with videos of me reacting to that ending LMFAO, definitely my favourite Emma Smith book for sure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews