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Dead Girls #1

Dead Fine

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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.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

89 people are currently reading
3085 people want to read

About the author

Emma Smith

14 books563 followers
Emma 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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5 stars
114 (33%)
4 stars
119 (34%)
3 stars
71 (20%)
2 stars
24 (7%)
1 star
13 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for sophie.
177 reviews85 followers
Want to read
December 23, 2023
Murder mystery and a toxic romance and set in Yorkshire which is where I’m from *immediately added to my tbr*
Profile Image for lynds library.
312 reviews2 followers
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
Profile Image for Milly Neve.
81 reviews2 followers
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.
Profile Image for Remy Medway.
169 reviews7 followers
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
Profile Image for Bethany West.
3 reviews
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!
Profile Image for Kiera.
86 reviews2 followers
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.
Profile Image for bridget c.
43 reviews1 follower
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.
Profile Image for Francesca.
48 reviews
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!
Profile Image for Izzy C19.
9 reviews
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.
Profile Image for gelly ༊.
31 reviews5 followers
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
Profile Image for Alicia Lloyd.
Author 7 books32 followers
January 14, 2025
I read this so quickly and in my opinion this is Emma’s best book I’ve read so far. I am OBSESSED. As a mystery thriller reader this kept me on my toes.

10/10 Amazing.
Profile Image for Kenzie Leckie ✨.
221 reviews3 followers
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.
Profile Image for Kaylee ✨.
127 reviews10 followers
November 26, 2025
Emma's writing has an affect on me I can't quite explain. Whenever I finish reading one of her books I am left constantly thinking about it. I initially rated this book 3 stars, but after digesting I came back and changed it to 4. 3 stars is my normal rating for most books, certain aspects raise or lower it. For me, the ending sold it. I was genuinely surprised and I couldn't stop thinking that I wanted Lily to demolish Owen completely.

I went into this super excited as I loved Eden by this author, and also this is compared to A Good Girls Guide To Murder. It definitely has similar vibes, but I think the pacing of this one was slightly slower. I liked the fact we got a glimpse of what was to come in the first couple of chapters. I also liked the mixed media elements, I thought they were so fun. Emma's writing was so detailed, so coupled with the mixed media, the imagery was all there. Some moments were slightly predictable, but I hadn't expected the reveal at the end which was fun.

I wasn't as connected to the characters in this book as I was with Eden but I still reading about them. Again, the author has done an outstanding job creating so many diverse characters. From looks to sexual orientation, each character was their own person. I enjoyed the friendship development between Lily and Zoe. I hoped for a more romantic connection, but I can understand why that wasn't explored in this book. I would absolutely read another book focusing on what happened to them both after everything.

I have nearly all of Emma's other books on my shelf and I cannot wait to read them. I highly recommend checking them all out. For my AGGGTM lovers, this'll definitely be a book for you.
Profile Image for Annie.
4 reviews
August 17, 2025
This was the first Emma Smith book that and woah was it a shocker to start with. I had a suspicious feeling towards the middle of the book what happened might happen but I never really thought it was actual option.

A slight trigger warning is gore so keep that in mind when you read this book!!

Dead fine is a story of betrayal and toxic love so if this sounds like something you might enjoy, definitely get it!

I can’t wait to read the others!!
1 review
April 8, 2025
Such a good book!! I haven't read a murder-ey book in a while, and this was the perfect book to read. So gripping, and my jaw was on the floor with the plot twists!
Profile Image for Morgan Conroy.
117 reviews1 follower
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 :)
17 reviews1 follower
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
Profile Image for Chloë.
342 reviews49 followers
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.
Profile Image for Tegan.
6 reviews
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
Profile Image for Cris.
78 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Immi.
8 reviews
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
Profile Image for Elizabeth Savage.
7 reviews
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!
1 review2 followers
May 12, 2024
This was the most amazing book I’ve ever read. Although I knew that Owen and Lilz were a toxic couple it felt like they were so perfect together at the start..

SPOILER ALERT!! 🚨🚨🚨🚨‼️⚠️‼️⚠️
The plot twist at the end was so crazy!!! I can’t believe that lilz killed Judy.. it never even crossed my mind but I still don’t blame her for it because I think she was just in love and felt like he was suffering
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chelsea .
353 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2024
I READ THIS BOOK IN ONE SITTING. IM OBSESSED!
The way the characters were so toxic and manipulative was done in such a clever way i felt as if i was getting manipulated and angry at the characters that aren’t EVEN REAL the mind games this book makes you go through is insane. Truly a masterpiece of a book and i loved the story and characters it was done in a way i loved each character but in a way that makes you question them as a character like do i like you or not you are smart but manipulative and crazy ughh I LOVE THIS BOOK PLS READ THIS BOOK AND ITS ON KU…
Profile Image for sana.
45 reviews2 followers
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…
Profile Image for via green.
1 review
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!!!
Profile Image for Emma.
190 reviews6 followers
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.
Profile Image for Olivia.
29 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Scarlett°~☆.
90 reviews
August 1, 2024
4.5☆~would reccomend
I've read all of Emma Smith's books and they never disappoint! This book was well written, and the characters were perfectly created, easy to imagine and to understand. Im still trying to wrap my head around the plot twist at the end, perfectly executed and unpredictable! This book is a perfect mystery, with an unpredictable plot twist and toxic relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews

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