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Dead Girls Can't Smile
Four angry exes. A masked stalker. A missing sister.
When summer begins, sixteen-year-old Rose Blackwood's life takes a chilling turn. Enigmatic notes appear, and a figure in a black hoodie and mask stalks her every move.
The one-year anniversary of her sister Lily's disappearance only intensifies Rose's torment. Rose holds a dark secret about that fateful night, a secret known to no one except her best friend Spencer—and her stalker.
As Rose races to unmask her tormentor, the line between friend and foe blurs. With the clock ticking, she must depend on Spencer, the one person she can trust.
In this pulse-pounding young adult thriller, secrets and lies collide, forcing Rose to confront her darkest fears. Can she uncover the truth behind her sister's disappearance and stop the relentless pursuit of her past? Or will she become the next victim in a deadly game of secrets and obsession?
Content warnings: kidnapping, child grooming, pedophilia, murder, swearing, underage drinking
When summer begins, sixteen-year-old Rose Blackwood's life takes a chilling turn. Enigmatic notes appear, and a figure in a black hoodie and mask stalks her every move.
The one-year anniversary of her sister Lily's disappearance only intensifies Rose's torment. Rose holds a dark secret about that fateful night, a secret known to no one except her best friend Spencer—and her stalker.
As Rose races to unmask her tormentor, the line between friend and foe blurs. With the clock ticking, she must depend on Spencer, the one person she can trust.
In this pulse-pounding young adult thriller, secrets and lies collide, forcing Rose to confront her darkest fears. Can she uncover the truth behind her sister's disappearance and stop the relentless pursuit of her past? Or will she become the next victim in a deadly game of secrets and obsession?
Content warnings: kidnapping, child grooming, pedophilia, murder, swearing, underage drinking
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2024
12 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Nichole Heydenburg
10 books116 followersNichole Heydenburg is the author of The Shadow Bound Chronicles and other thriller and fantasy books for adults and teens. She also owns Poisoned Ink Press, where she provides editing services to authors. In 2014, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis in writing from Adrian College. When she isn’t writing, Nichole enjoys exploring new cities, reading, and drinking iced mochas. She currently resides near Asheville, NC with her husband Zed and their crazy rescue dog Mr. B.
Be the first to learn about Nichole Heydenburg’s new releases and other thrilling news! Subscribe to her monthly newsletter on www.nicholeheydenburg.com.
You can also follow her on social media: Facebook @NicholeHeydenburg and Instagram @nicholehtheauthor.
Be the first to learn about Nichole Heydenburg’s new releases and other thrilling news! Subscribe to her monthly newsletter on www.nicholeheydenburg.com.
You can also follow her on social media: Facebook @NicholeHeydenburg and Instagram @nicholehtheauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 7, 2024
Another page turner from Nichole Heydenburg!
Heydenburg is a talented writer and storyteller who knows how to keep her readers engaged from beginning to end. I loved the use of multiple POVs throughout the story with dueling timelines. It really added depth to the story and kept me on my toes as I tried to figure out who else was involved in the intricate revenge plot.
However, I must warn that this book is not for the faint of heart. It is definitely Heydenburg's darkest work yet and includes some sensitive content that some readers may find difficult to read. That being said, I highly recommend checking out the content warnings before starting the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Girls Can't Smile and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a well-written, suspenseful thriller with a dose of darkness. If you're a fan of Heydenburg's previous work, then this book is a must-read!
Heydenburg is a talented writer and storyteller who knows how to keep her readers engaged from beginning to end. I loved the use of multiple POVs throughout the story with dueling timelines. It really added depth to the story and kept me on my toes as I tried to figure out who else was involved in the intricate revenge plot.
However, I must warn that this book is not for the faint of heart. It is definitely Heydenburg's darkest work yet and includes some sensitive content that some readers may find difficult to read. That being said, I highly recommend checking out the content warnings before starting the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Girls Can't Smile and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a well-written, suspenseful thriller with a dose of darkness. If you're a fan of Heydenburg's previous work, then this book is a must-read!
April 22, 2024
Yet another great read by Nichole. Fast paced, a real page turner. While you know all along who the "bad guy" is you are never sure how this will all be sorted out. Great twists and turns. This tough subject matter is handled well. Truly love the writing style. I don't mind multiple perspectives and time jumps back and forth, keeps me on my toes.
Definitely would recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Definitely would recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 30, 2024
Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews: “Dead Girls Can’t Smile” by Nichole Heydenburg
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily
One year after the case of her missing younger sister goes cold, Rose Blackwood is doing her best to cope with her guilt and make the most of her Summer with her best friend, Spencer. Rose’s summer takes a turn for the cryptic, however, when she starts bumping into her jilted exes, receiving chilling letters from nowhere, and getting stalked by a mysterious masked figure at every turn! Who is this enigma? Could one of her exes be the mysterious stalker, and could all of these events be connected to her missing sister?
From the author that brought you “These Deadly Words” and “Don’t Look Inside”, “Dead Girls Can’t Smile” acts as yet another twisty, page-turning read from Nichole Heydenburg! The world building within the narrative is engaging as the premise feels like an ingenious combination of “Scream” and “Scott Pilgrim”, offering a Masked menace that will send chills and dread down your spine and a complex protagonist with several complicated exes, each with unique characteristics that help to build the mystery elements and atmosphere of the narrative.
This narrative is also reminiscent of Chris Hanson’s “To Catch a Predator” as it effectively tackles a major issue that is still being discussed in today’s climate; the dangers of Predators! The book pulls no punches, painting a picture of the harmful tactics of those with predatory behaviors and how they brainwash and manipulate the youth through grooming. While this topic is a very dark subject matter and not for the faint of heart, one can argue that the message is definitely important to push in YA novels as the more younger readers are informed of these crimes and the people behind said crimes, the more they can be armed with the knowledge to take the steps to protect themselves from abuse, assault, and other fatal brutalities. If you’re looking for a novel packed with a gripping narrative and strong commentary that is needed more than ever, then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on May 20, 2024!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Tropes to Expect: Psychological Thriller, Masked Stalker Antagonist, Scorned Exes, Missing Person Narrative, Love Triangle, Friends-to-Lovers, “Trust No One”, and Summer Mystery Narrative.
-Trigger Warnings: Discussions of Toxic Relationships, Kidnapping, Implications and Discussions of Predatory Crimes, Verbal/Emotional Abuse, Forced Starvation, Explicit Injuries, Trauma, Implied Stockholm Syndrome, and Implied Assault.
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily
One year after the case of her missing younger sister goes cold, Rose Blackwood is doing her best to cope with her guilt and make the most of her Summer with her best friend, Spencer. Rose’s summer takes a turn for the cryptic, however, when she starts bumping into her jilted exes, receiving chilling letters from nowhere, and getting stalked by a mysterious masked figure at every turn! Who is this enigma? Could one of her exes be the mysterious stalker, and could all of these events be connected to her missing sister?
From the author that brought you “These Deadly Words” and “Don’t Look Inside”, “Dead Girls Can’t Smile” acts as yet another twisty, page-turning read from Nichole Heydenburg! The world building within the narrative is engaging as the premise feels like an ingenious combination of “Scream” and “Scott Pilgrim”, offering a Masked menace that will send chills and dread down your spine and a complex protagonist with several complicated exes, each with unique characteristics that help to build the mystery elements and atmosphere of the narrative.
This narrative is also reminiscent of Chris Hanson’s “To Catch a Predator” as it effectively tackles a major issue that is still being discussed in today’s climate; the dangers of Predators! The book pulls no punches, painting a picture of the harmful tactics of those with predatory behaviors and how they brainwash and manipulate the youth through grooming. While this topic is a very dark subject matter and not for the faint of heart, one can argue that the message is definitely important to push in YA novels as the more younger readers are informed of these crimes and the people behind said crimes, the more they can be armed with the knowledge to take the steps to protect themselves from abuse, assault, and other fatal brutalities. If you’re looking for a novel packed with a gripping narrative and strong commentary that is needed more than ever, then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on May 20, 2024!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Tropes to Expect: Psychological Thriller, Masked Stalker Antagonist, Scorned Exes, Missing Person Narrative, Love Triangle, Friends-to-Lovers, “Trust No One”, and Summer Mystery Narrative.
-Trigger Warnings: Discussions of Toxic Relationships, Kidnapping, Implications and Discussions of Predatory Crimes, Verbal/Emotional Abuse, Forced Starvation, Explicit Injuries, Trauma, Implied Stockholm Syndrome, and Implied Assault.
May 23, 2024
This is a really good YA thriller. It is fast paced, there’s a lot of action, it’s easy to read, and it will keep you guessing. It was hard to know who to trust and who to not trust, which was a great aspect of the book. I especially enjoyed the alternating chapters where one was in the present, and one was in the past but with a timeline that was being brought into the present so that they intertwined together.
There are some heavy topics in this one, so do read the trigger warnings that the author has listed in the beginning of the book. There is predatory behavior by an adult, and it is uneasy to read about at times, though the author didn’t put anything too graphic in the book. However, you could just imagine it.
There is a touch of romance, but it’s high school kids so it doesn’t really feel like romance. At least, I didn’t feel any undying love and connection between the characters.
I will say this – while the ending was good, I wanted just a bit more. I wanted to know what was going to happen between Rose and another one of the characters. I wanted to see more into the future for certain characters (I can’t say anything more because I don’t want to give anything away).
Overall, a good YA thriller and a must read for anyone that likes these types of books!
There are some heavy topics in this one, so do read the trigger warnings that the author has listed in the beginning of the book. There is predatory behavior by an adult, and it is uneasy to read about at times, though the author didn’t put anything too graphic in the book. However, you could just imagine it.
There is a touch of romance, but it’s high school kids so it doesn’t really feel like romance. At least, I didn’t feel any undying love and connection between the characters.
I will say this – while the ending was good, I wanted just a bit more. I wanted to know what was going to happen between Rose and another one of the characters. I wanted to see more into the future for certain characters (I can’t say anything more because I don’t want to give anything away).
Overall, a good YA thriller and a must read for anyone that likes these types of books!
April 16, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book.
Thank you to the author, Nicole Heydenburg, for letting me ARC read your book.
I absolutely loved the premise of the book. It gave me Cruel Summer vibes but even better. I love reading books that have different POVs and different time periods. Part of the book is written in the present and then some of it is written in the past (about a year from the present time). But it is easy to follow.
The reason for the “villains” revenge is a bit juvenile but this is high school we are talking about so, no big complaints there. I still loved it. I read it in less than a day so clearly I found it to be interesting and a fun read.
A bunch of love lost
A bunch of betrayal
Trigger warning:
pedophilia
I will definitely be looking into more of Nicole Heydenburgs books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author, Nicole Heydenburg, for letting me ARC read your book.
I absolutely loved the premise of the book. It gave me Cruel Summer vibes but even better. I love reading books that have different POVs and different time periods. Part of the book is written in the present and then some of it is written in the past (about a year from the present time). But it is easy to follow.
The reason for the “villains” revenge is a bit juvenile but this is high school we are talking about so, no big complaints there. I still loved it. I read it in less than a day so clearly I found it to be interesting and a fun read.
A bunch of love lost
A bunch of betrayal
Trigger warning:
pedophilia
I will definitely be looking into more of Nicole Heydenburgs books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 10, 2024
Review to come!!
June 2, 2024
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 & 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳.”
°˖➴ Rose holds a dark secret about the fateful night her younger sister disappeared, a secret known to no one except her best friend Spencer—and her stalker.
°˖➴ My 2nd book from Nichole! Wow. This was such a great read, I cannot stop reading it! Fast pace book which I love! The story told in Past and Present. I found out the mystery when reading the Past but still a great thriller. I think this could be amazing to see in a movie! It will be a nice thriller movie! 😉
°˖➴ Lily, I feel sad about what happened to her. I keep imagining what would I do if my sister has gone also. But Lily kept strong and so clever on how to survive!
°˖➴ Rosa, sometimes I wanna kick her for her decisions, but well. Just a kid who wants to have fun. But one thing I’m thinking was why she forgot the other Ex that could be crucial on Lily’s case? Nevertheless, I love how she investigates the case for Lily & make up for her.
°˖➴ Spencer, jealous best friend. But still always there for Rosa! He may do some stupid things but that is only to protect Rosa and Lily!
This book has a very dark subject but has an important message for YA Readers to be aware of their surroundings, protecting themselves from abuse, & be open to their parents when something bad happened!
Thank you @nicholehtheauthor for providing me the arc in exchange of my honest review!
°˖➴ Rose holds a dark secret about the fateful night her younger sister disappeared, a secret known to no one except her best friend Spencer—and her stalker.
°˖➴ My 2nd book from Nichole! Wow. This was such a great read, I cannot stop reading it! Fast pace book which I love! The story told in Past and Present. I found out the mystery when reading the Past but still a great thriller. I think this could be amazing to see in a movie! It will be a nice thriller movie! 😉
°˖➴ Lily, I feel sad about what happened to her. I keep imagining what would I do if my sister has gone also. But Lily kept strong and so clever on how to survive!
°˖➴ Rosa, sometimes I wanna kick her for her decisions, but well. Just a kid who wants to have fun. But one thing I’m thinking was why she forgot the other Ex that could be crucial on Lily’s case? Nevertheless, I love how she investigates the case for Lily & make up for her.
°˖➴ Spencer, jealous best friend. But still always there for Rosa! He may do some stupid things but that is only to protect Rosa and Lily!
This book has a very dark subject but has an important message for YA Readers to be aware of their surroundings, protecting themselves from abuse, & be open to their parents when something bad happened!
Thank you @nicholehtheauthor for providing me the arc in exchange of my honest review!
August 23, 2024
After finishing reading Dead Girls Can't Smile by Nichole Heydenburg, all I can say is WOW! What a roller coaster of a story!
Nichole did an amazing job alternating points of view between Rose and her little sister, Lily, who disappeared a year ago. She did a great job giving them both their own distinct personality and going back and forth in the timeline, while having it all make sense. I never found myself wondering who was narrating or what time I was reading. There were so many twists and turns as Rose and Spencer tried to investigate the strange notes that Rose has started receiving. All of the characters were well written, even the ones who were complete jerks that I hated. And the guy that kidnapped Lily was such a disgusting person! But he was so well written! There really are people who think like that! Well done, Nichole. This was the first book I ever read by you and it will not be the last. Also, I really enjoyed the Spartanburg landmarks throughout the story.
Nichole did an amazing job alternating points of view between Rose and her little sister, Lily, who disappeared a year ago. She did a great job giving them both their own distinct personality and going back and forth in the timeline, while having it all make sense. I never found myself wondering who was narrating or what time I was reading. There were so many twists and turns as Rose and Spencer tried to investigate the strange notes that Rose has started receiving. All of the characters were well written, even the ones who were complete jerks that I hated. And the guy that kidnapped Lily was such a disgusting person! But he was so well written! There really are people who think like that! Well done, Nichole. This was the first book I ever read by you and it will not be the last. Also, I really enjoyed the Spartanburg landmarks throughout the story.
May 29, 2024
"Dead Girls Can't Smile" is a pulse-pounding young adult thriller that expertly weaves mystery, suspense, and emotion. The story follows sixteen-year-old Rose Blackwood as she navigates a summer fraught with danger and secrets. A masked stalker and cryptic notes unsettle her already precarious life, which is shadowed by the one-year anniversary of her sister Lily's mysterious disappearance.
The plot is rich with tension and intrigue. Rose's journey to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance and her stalker's identity is gripping. The author masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. The book’s fast pace and numerous twists make it a compelling read from start to finish.
Character development is a highlight. Rose is a relatable and strong protagonist whose internal struggles and determination drive the narrative. Her relationship with her best friend Spencer adds depth to the story, as he is the one person she feels she can trust. The complexity of their bond, coupled with Rose's dark secret about the night Lily disappeared, adds layers to the plot.
The book does an excellent job of blurring the lines between friend and foe, making the reader question who can be trusted. This aspect, combined with the high-stakes scenario and relentless pace, ensures a thrilling reading experience.
However, the story occasionally leans heavily on familiar tropes found in young adult thrillers, which might feel predictable to seasoned readers of the genre. Additionally, some secondary characters could benefit from more development to make the story even richer.
Overall, "Dead Girls Can't Smile" is a standout in the young adult thriller genre. With its blend of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth, it is perfect for fans of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Scream, and Cruel Summer.
The plot is rich with tension and intrigue. Rose's journey to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance and her stalker's identity is gripping. The author masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. The book’s fast pace and numerous twists make it a compelling read from start to finish.
Character development is a highlight. Rose is a relatable and strong protagonist whose internal struggles and determination drive the narrative. Her relationship with her best friend Spencer adds depth to the story, as he is the one person she feels she can trust. The complexity of their bond, coupled with Rose's dark secret about the night Lily disappeared, adds layers to the plot.
The book does an excellent job of blurring the lines between friend and foe, making the reader question who can be trusted. This aspect, combined with the high-stakes scenario and relentless pace, ensures a thrilling reading experience.
However, the story occasionally leans heavily on familiar tropes found in young adult thrillers, which might feel predictable to seasoned readers of the genre. Additionally, some secondary characters could benefit from more development to make the story even richer.
Overall, "Dead Girls Can't Smile" is a standout in the young adult thriller genre. With its blend of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth, it is perfect for fans of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Scream, and Cruel Summer.
May 14, 2024
Title: A Gripping Thriller with Heart: "Dead Girls Can't Smile" by Nichole Heydenburg
As an ARC reader, I had the privilege of diving into "Dead Girls Can't Smile" by Nichole Heydenburg, and I must say, it's a chilling and gripping young adult thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The story follows sixteen-year-old Rose Blackwood as her life takes a sinister turn when she becomes the target of a masked stalker. With enigmatic notes appearing and the anniversary of her sister Lily's disappearance looming, Rose finds herself trapped in a web of secrets and lies. As she races to unmask her tormentor, she must confront her darkest fears and rely on her best friend, Spencer, for support.
Heydenburg crafts a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers guessing with each turn of the page. The tension is palpable as Rose navigates through a maze of twists and turns, unsure of who she can trust. The dynamic between Rose and Spencer is particularly well-developed, adding depth to the story and keeping the emotional stakes high.
The content warnings provided for this book are essential, as Heydenburg fearlessly tackles difficult topics such as kidnapping, child grooming, pedophilia, and murder. While these themes may be unsettling, they are handled with sensitivity and serve to heighten the stakes of the story.
What sets "Dead Girls Can't Smile" apart is its exploration of the blurred lines between friend and foe, truth and deception. Heydenburg skillfully weaves together a narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and heart, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth alongside Rose.
Overall, "Dead Girls Can't Smile" is a must-read for fans of young adult thrillers. With its compelling plot, well-drawn characters, and relentless suspense, it's a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As an ARC reader, I had the privilege of diving into "Dead Girls Can't Smile" by Nichole Heydenburg, and I must say, it's a chilling and gripping young adult thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The story follows sixteen-year-old Rose Blackwood as her life takes a sinister turn when she becomes the target of a masked stalker. With enigmatic notes appearing and the anniversary of her sister Lily's disappearance looming, Rose finds herself trapped in a web of secrets and lies. As she races to unmask her tormentor, she must confront her darkest fears and rely on her best friend, Spencer, for support.
Heydenburg crafts a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers guessing with each turn of the page. The tension is palpable as Rose navigates through a maze of twists and turns, unsure of who she can trust. The dynamic between Rose and Spencer is particularly well-developed, adding depth to the story and keeping the emotional stakes high.
The content warnings provided for this book are essential, as Heydenburg fearlessly tackles difficult topics such as kidnapping, child grooming, pedophilia, and murder. While these themes may be unsettling, they are handled with sensitivity and serve to heighten the stakes of the story.
What sets "Dead Girls Can't Smile" apart is its exploration of the blurred lines between friend and foe, truth and deception. Heydenburg skillfully weaves together a narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and heart, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth alongside Rose.
Overall, "Dead Girls Can't Smile" is a must-read for fans of young adult thrillers. With its compelling plot, well-drawn characters, and relentless suspense, it's a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2024
In ‘Dead Girls Can’t Smile,’ the captivating story of two sisters and their endurance through tragedy sits with readers until the very last page. Rose’s younger sister Lily goes missing one evening, leaving her family and their community devastated by the loss, not knowing if she’s dead or alive. Going back and forth between Rose and Lily’s point of view in their experiences (Lily being the victim of kidnapping, and Rose dealing with the aftermath of losing her sister and trying to lead a normal life), we come to learn many lessons. This book teaches that even those we believe we can trust will somehow betray that trust. Best friends, partners, teachers - people who are meant to protect and guide us can be the ones who ultimately mislead us. I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC, generously provided by author Nichole Heydenburg. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
May 16, 2024
Dead girls can’t smile and Lily will do anything to make sure she can keep smiling.
When reading this book be aware of trigger warnings for kidnap and pedophilia.
Rose and her best friend Spencer have a secret and no one must find out what it is. Does it involve the disappearance of her little sister or is there another secret that they are keeping.
I really enjoyed this young adult thriller, mysterious notes, a masked figure and a missing sister all keep the reader hooked to find out what happens next. I am looking forward to Nichole Heydenburg’s next book now after this fast passed story that kept me so hooked that I read it an a day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When reading this book be aware of trigger warnings for kidnap and pedophilia.
Rose and her best friend Spencer have a secret and no one must find out what it is. Does it involve the disappearance of her little sister or is there another secret that they are keeping.
I really enjoyed this young adult thriller, mysterious notes, a masked figure and a missing sister all keep the reader hooked to find out what happens next. I am looking forward to Nichole Heydenburg’s next book now after this fast passed story that kept me so hooked that I read it an a day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 3, 2024
This is my first book by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the writing style of flipping between the two sisters' points of view and different time periods. I found the book fast-paced with short, easy chapters that maintained my interest and helped to push the story along. While the main bad is known from the very beginning, the book kept me guessing on who, if any, co-conspirators were involved and to what extent until the very end.
My only negative on this book would be that I would have liked to see more insight into the relationships between Rose and her exes to understand why they were so angry.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My only negative on this book would be that I would have liked to see more insight into the relationships between Rose and her exes to understand why they were so angry.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2024
4.5 stars
Dead Girls Can’t Smile is a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. See synopsis for content warnings, as this book will definitely be triggering for some.
Nichole Heydenburg has done it again! I didn’t want to put this down because I constantly wanted to know what happened next. There are so many little twists that made this story so much fun to read and really set it apart from other thrillers I’ve read.
I also love how this explored sisterly love, which I personally haven’t seen a lot of away from the contemporary fiction genre. As an older sister myself, it was very eerie to imagine what I’d do if my own sister disappeared under mysterious circumstances. I definitely don’t think I’d be as courageous as Rose, that’s for sure.
Nichole, thank you so much for the ARC!! I cannot wait for what’s to come!!
Dead Girls Can’t Smile releases May 20.
Dead Girls Can’t Smile is a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. See synopsis for content warnings, as this book will definitely be triggering for some.
Nichole Heydenburg has done it again! I didn’t want to put this down because I constantly wanted to know what happened next. There are so many little twists that made this story so much fun to read and really set it apart from other thrillers I’ve read.
I also love how this explored sisterly love, which I personally haven’t seen a lot of away from the contemporary fiction genre. As an older sister myself, it was very eerie to imagine what I’d do if my own sister disappeared under mysterious circumstances. I definitely don’t think I’d be as courageous as Rose, that’s for sure.
Nichole, thank you so much for the ARC!! I cannot wait for what’s to come!!
Dead Girls Can’t Smile releases May 20.
May 9, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSirens, and this is my honest review.
Okay, here's the thing. I wish goodreads had half ratings because this is better than just a 3, but it's just not *there* for a 4.
This book starts off very slow. I wasn't sure it was something I'd want to get into for the first ~30%.
However, when the going got going, I had a hard time putting it down. Sleep did win the first night I read it, but the next day, I sat down and finished in one go. Very fast-paced.
I did not expect what went down to have gone down. There was some darkness. There was some betrayal. There was high school drama.
This is a great YA thriller if you want a *truly* YA novel.
What I did not like: the romance/dating. I know it was part of the plot, but it seemed a little out of place and silly at times.
Okay, here's the thing. I wish goodreads had half ratings because this is better than just a 3, but it's just not *there* for a 4.
This book starts off very slow. I wasn't sure it was something I'd want to get into for the first ~30%.
However, when the going got going, I had a hard time putting it down. Sleep did win the first night I read it, but the next day, I sat down and finished in one go. Very fast-paced.
I did not expect what went down to have gone down. There was some darkness. There was some betrayal. There was high school drama.
This is a great YA thriller if you want a *truly* YA novel.
What I did not like: the romance/dating. I know it was part of the plot, but it seemed a little out of place and silly at times.
April 26, 2024
This is a YA but it never really felt like one.mosy of the way through it.
Was told by 2 sisters point of views - one was current time, and one was going back a year and then getting closer to the current day.
Was gripped quite early on to be honest - it was one of those storylines that had you constantly wanting to read more and find out what had happened to Lily.
To me personally, towards the end it got a little far fetched for me and dare I say tedious, but because the story up until then had been pretty solid, it didn't affect my opinion of the book too much.
Good read - would still recommend.
Was told by 2 sisters point of views - one was current time, and one was going back a year and then getting closer to the current day.
Was gripped quite early on to be honest - it was one of those storylines that had you constantly wanting to read more and find out what had happened to Lily.
To me personally, towards the end it got a little far fetched for me and dare I say tedious, but because the story up until then had been pretty solid, it didn't affect my opinion of the book too much.
Good read - would still recommend.
May 4, 2024
tw grooming pedophilia
two words.
holy. shit.
the story was absolutely heartbreaking. i felt sick reading some parts. the twists were insane, im usually on top of figuring out twists but this shit had me gasping. my only issue is i wish i knew the fate of one of the characters at the end. it was kinda abrupt and felt rushed BUT the story was so good im not that upset. highly recommend this book, however definitely check the trigger warnings at the beginning bc this subject is hard to read.
i received an arc in return for my review
two words.
holy. shit.
the story was absolutely heartbreaking. i felt sick reading some parts. the twists were insane, im usually on top of figuring out twists but this shit had me gasping. my only issue is i wish i knew the fate of one of the characters at the end. it was kinda abrupt and felt rushed BUT the story was so good im not that upset. highly recommend this book, however definitely check the trigger warnings at the beginning bc this subject is hard to read.
i received an arc in return for my review
May 26, 2024
One Year ago, 16 year old Rose's little sister Lily disappeared. She was inly 12 years old and no signs of her have been since. Now, Rose is receiving mysterious notes from someone claiming to know all her secrets. Including what happened that fateful night. This is a fast placed, YA thriller full of betrayal, lies, secrets, etc. Rose and her best friend Spencer try to discover who this mysterious stalker is but who can they trust? Certainly not Rose's many ex boyfriend/girlfriends.
Please check trigger warnings for this one though before reading.
Please check trigger warnings for this one though before reading.
May 31, 2024
I really enjoyed Dead Girls Can't Smile, as it reminded me of the Point Horror novels that I read as a teenager. If you enjoy movies such as Scream or tv series such as Cruel Summer or Slasher, you will enjoy this young adult thriller. There is one thing that I did find frustrating about the novel, and that was the name that the stalker used to sign their threatening notes with. Personally, I found that it undermined the level of threat and fear that the author was trying to create. However, overall, I look forward to reading more by Nichole Heydenburg.
July 6, 2024
Absolutely loved this thriller! It does have some topics some may not like so check your TW but I couldn’t put it down. I read it in a few hours.
Plenty of plot twists and guessing! I felt so sorry for poor Rose and Lily and as the story unfolds you realise just how things ended up the way they did and it was gut churning but I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
Secrets never stay secrets forever and when your world crumbles, what happens when the people you trust and think you know turn out to be the ones you should be afraid of?
Loved this one, if you love a good thriller then you’ll want to pick this one up 😄
Plenty of plot twists and guessing! I felt so sorry for poor Rose and Lily and as the story unfolds you realise just how things ended up the way they did and it was gut churning but I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
Secrets never stay secrets forever and when your world crumbles, what happens when the people you trust and think you know turn out to be the ones you should be afraid of?
Loved this one, if you love a good thriller then you’ll want to pick this one up 😄
April 21, 2024
This YA thriller was a page-turner from start to finish. The storyline was engaging, and each chapter left me with more questions, making it impossible to put down. I found myself constantly surprised by the twists and turns that I didn't see coming. About halfway through I thought I had it all figured out, but as I kept reading, my mouth dropped open with each twist revealed. I was grateful to receive an advanced reader copy of this book and would highly recommend it to others.
April 30, 2024
Interesting read. I enjoyed how the author had the story going from two point of views. The twist and turns. You knew who the bad guy was from start but as the story went on you learned the tie ins which made it all the more interesting. There were moments that were triggering but thankful that when I received my ARC from BookSirens it included the warnings of such. This is my first book by Nichole Heydenberg but not my last.
May 8, 2024
Nichole does an amazing job pulling me into the worlds she creates. She isn't afraid to touch on some of the taboo topics that people tend to steer away from and use them in her gripping way. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. It continued to pull me deeper into the world as the story continued to unfold and the deceit was discovered between so many different characters. The psychologically curious person in me wishes there was more from Lily's point of view as the end of the book opened up, but it still had a wonderful ending.
May 15, 2024
I was stoked to have been chosen as part of the advanced reader copy tour from verse ventures tours. This was my first read by Nichole Heydenburg and I was not disappointed. This book was a YA thriller. If you’re a fan of Pretty Little Liars, give this book a try! I will say there are some plot holes that were a little silly but the story was really good. I think it went on a little long and maybe went a little far with some things but for a thriller fan I was able to overlook it. Check trigger warnings as this book does deal with some heavy stuff involving teens.
Read
April 24, 2024Gripping.
I read it in a day, and can honestly say I throughly enjoyed the book. In fact I think it would make a great film.
The only downside, if you can call it that, was I thought the cast should have been slightly older.
I will look out for more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read it in a day, and can honestly say I throughly enjoyed the book. In fact I think it would make a great film.
The only downside, if you can call it that, was I thought the cast should have been slightly older.
I will look out for more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2024
My first book by this author and it pulled me in from the start, and didn’t let go. When Rose’s sister, Lily, goes missing, Rose feels guilty for not making sure she got home safe. Lily is stuck with her kidnapper who’s in love with her. Will she ever escape? Fast paced thriller and I liked reading from the two sisters POV.
May 12, 2024
Thank you, Nichole Heydenburg and BookSirens
This story is very suspenseful and chilling. The writing flow is smooth and at a good pacing. I did have a feeling the one character that knew everything about the main character was a mole or very shady. I was engaged in the story.
Crime Fiction
South Carolina
This story is very suspenseful and chilling. The writing flow is smooth and at a good pacing. I did have a feeling the one character that knew everything about the main character was a mole or very shady. I was engaged in the story.
Crime Fiction
South Carolina
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
This book was a very easy read!
It jumped between 2 POVs in multiple different times of period but it was very simple to follow! The story explained everything!
My favorite part of this book was the short chapters. It made it so much easier to read!
I would definitely read more from the author! And thank you for the ARC read ◡̈
It jumped between 2 POVs in multiple different times of period but it was very simple to follow! The story explained everything!
My favorite part of this book was the short chapters. It made it so much easier to read!
I would definitely read more from the author! And thank you for the ARC read ◡̈
April 24, 2024
I’m thankful that I received this as an ARC. This was my first ya thriller and first book by Nichole Heydenburg. Even finding out who the bad guy was I wasn’t sure how it would end. I was definitely surprised at all the twists and turns.
May 24, 2024
I don’t pick up thrillers that often, it’s simply not my go-to genre. But the blurb of this one intrigued me, so did the cover (shallow of me, I know). And let me tell you, I do not regret deviating from my usual romance and fantasy- romance books, because this book was seriously unputdownable.
This well written, thrilling story definitely had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. There are so many twists and turns, so many surprises along the way. It had me whisper-shouting “Wait WHAT!? No way!” quite a few times. The suspense was killing, and I think I might just homeschool my kid from here on out and never let him out of my sights again for as long as I live. 😉
I usually enjoy smutty scenes in a book, but I’m grateful this book wasn’t graphic in that way, it was scary enough as it is. I was scared for Lily throughout the whole story, and eventually for Rose and her friends as well. Both characters are written well, they both have their own personalities and struggles. The character development was really good, especially for Lily. From a shy naïve girl trying to survive, to a strong and determined teenager discovering some harsh truths.
I can recommend this book for thriller bookies, but also when you’re usually not into thrillers. Make sure to read the trigger warnings before you dive in though.
This well written, thrilling story definitely had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. There are so many twists and turns, so many surprises along the way. It had me whisper-shouting “Wait WHAT!? No way!” quite a few times. The suspense was killing, and I think I might just homeschool my kid from here on out and never let him out of my sights again for as long as I live. 😉
I usually enjoy smutty scenes in a book, but I’m grateful this book wasn’t graphic in that way, it was scary enough as it is. I was scared for Lily throughout the whole story, and eventually for Rose and her friends as well. Both characters are written well, they both have their own personalities and struggles. The character development was really good, especially for Lily. From a shy naïve girl trying to survive, to a strong and determined teenager discovering some harsh truths.
I can recommend this book for thriller bookies, but also when you’re usually not into thrillers. Make sure to read the trigger warnings before you dive in though.
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