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Now She's Dead
Last summer, Sara Ellis was found dead by the lake, and only Mandy knows what really happened.
This summer, she's desperate to keep it a secret.
For a few weeks every summer, Sara was Mandy's best friend. At Highmark, the lake resort where their families vacationed, the two were in a world of their own. Or at least Mandy got to be part of Sara's world.
But now Sara’s dead. The police ruled her death an accident; a tragic mistake after a night of impaired judgment. For the past year, Mandy's coped by escaping: leaving home and barely keeping it together at school. The last thing she wants to do is return to Highmark this summer—even if she does need "closure." As soon as she's back, though, she hears the whispers: someone killed Sara Ellis.
And if she’s not careful, they'll figure out it's all her fault.
As evidence resurfaces and anonymous accusations are scrawled in angry red spray paint, Mandy must confront the truths she's been avoiding about last summer. Because someone wants to make her pay for what happened to Sara that night.
This summer, she's desperate to keep it a secret.
For a few weeks every summer, Sara was Mandy's best friend. At Highmark, the lake resort where their families vacationed, the two were in a world of their own. Or at least Mandy got to be part of Sara's world.
But now Sara’s dead. The police ruled her death an accident; a tragic mistake after a night of impaired judgment. For the past year, Mandy's coped by escaping: leaving home and barely keeping it together at school. The last thing she wants to do is return to Highmark this summer—even if she does need "closure." As soon as she's back, though, she hears the whispers: someone killed Sara Ellis.
And if she’s not careful, they'll figure out it's all her fault.
As evidence resurfaces and anonymous accusations are scrawled in angry red spray paint, Mandy must confront the truths she's been avoiding about last summer. Because someone wants to make her pay for what happened to Sara that night.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2025
91 people are currently reading
9984 people want to read
About the author
Roselyn Clarke
2 books70 followersRoselyn Clarke writes YA thrillers and adult fantasy about the things that haunt us—relationships, mistakes, monsters. Her next YA thriller, I'VE GOT PLANS FOR YOU is coming out October 2026 from Sourcebooks Fire. Her debut novel, NOW SHE'S DEAD, was published summer 2025.
She studied psychology and lives in the D.C. area, where she works in communications. When she’s not writing, she’s buying plants that may or may not survive and daydreaming about future travels.
You can connect with her on Instagram and TikTok @roselynclarkebooks for bookish content and life updates. If you want a behind-the-curtain look at her writing process or craft advice, you can sign up for her newsletter on her website, roselynclarke.com
She studied psychology and lives in the D.C. area, where she works in communications. When she’s not writing, she’s buying plants that may or may not survive and daydreaming about future travels.
You can connect with her on Instagram and TikTok @roselynclarkebooks for bookish content and life updates. If you want a behind-the-curtain look at her writing process or craft advice, you can sign up for her newsletter on her website, roselynclarke.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 19, 2024
It's an unbelievable dream come true that you're here, interested in a book I wrote. How did this happen?! UNREAL!! This is my first published book and (predictably) I'm a big fan of it. You'll like this book too if you enjoy: dual timelines, murder, and girls who are friends but probably shouldn't be. Also, having anxiety. (Thank you to my agent for this hilariously accurate pitch.)
On that note, not-so-sweet Mandy (our MC) is an anxious bi disaster. This book has two very messy girls at its heart; however, for those who may be wondering, the romance isn't f/f. The question "do I want to kiss her, kill her, or be her" is answered, and the answer is not "kiss her." 🫣 For romance, if you like cute lifeguards and lying to the cops, Alex has got you covered!
For anyone wanting content warnings, here they are: This book features a main character with severe anxiety, struggling with the death of someone with whom she had a toxic friendship. There is blood and violence typical to the genre, as well as some slight disordered eating, alcohol consumption, and cursing.
Thank you thank you thank you for being here! ✌️🖤
-Roselyn
On that note, not-so-sweet Mandy (our MC) is an anxious bi disaster. This book has two very messy girls at its heart; however, for those who may be wondering, the romance isn't f/f. The question "do I want to kiss her, kill her, or be her" is answered, and the answer is not "kiss her." 🫣 For romance, if you like cute lifeguards and lying to the cops, Alex has got you covered!
For anyone wanting content warnings, here they are: This book features a main character with severe anxiety, struggling with the death of someone with whom she had a toxic friendship. There is blood and violence typical to the genre, as well as some slight disordered eating, alcohol consumption, and cursing.
Thank you thank you thank you for being here! ✌️🖤
-Roselyn
June 15, 2025
this was an alright thriller, fast paced and kept me interested but not out of this world yk
🌊┆⋆˙⟡ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
this sounds interesting...
takes place in the summer & a ya thriller?! sign me upppp
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 june 13
thank you to raincoast and the publisher for a physical arc!!
🌊┆⋆˙⟡ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
this sounds interesting...
takes place in the summer & a ya thriller?! sign me upppp
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 june 13
thank you to raincoast and the publisher for a physical arc!!
May 30, 2025
"What isn’t normal is the way my heart still patters erratically and the way Sara’s short, final scream lingers in my mind like a nightmare after waking."
Let’s get this Memorial Day weekend party started with fun in the sun, an icy cold drink, and a little blood-soaked murder. Who says the lake wouldn’t be killer?
Lately, Midnight Reads by Sourcebooks Fire has been reinvigorating my love for young adult horror/thrillers. These adult ones I’ve been reading have been real letdowns. I’m glad this publisher has my back with some gory, twisty, fun reads.
This book was hard to put down. The story was thrilling, with traveling back to before and after Sara. I thought I had it all figured out, and then the author comes back with a knockout punch. Left me dazed for sure. Those four hundred pages flew by as if they were nothing and I was craving more afterwards. What a wicked and twisted ride. ♥
Let’s get this Memorial Day weekend party started with fun in the sun, an icy cold drink, and a little blood-soaked murder. Who says the lake wouldn’t be killer?
Lately, Midnight Reads by Sourcebooks Fire has been reinvigorating my love for young adult horror/thrillers. These adult ones I’ve been reading have been real letdowns. I’m glad this publisher has my back with some gory, twisty, fun reads.
This book was hard to put down. The story was thrilling, with traveling back to before and after Sara. I thought I had it all figured out, and then the author comes back with a knockout punch. Left me dazed for sure. Those four hundred pages flew by as if they were nothing and I was craving more afterwards. What a wicked and twisted ride. ♥
July 11, 2025
➶ 3.5 semi-anticlimactic
July 17, 2025
⊹ this summertime mystery has a juicy premise, fast-paced story, effective use of alternating timelines, and an excellent twist!
⊹ it also has nuanced takes on complicated & unhealthy friendships, guilt, and internal redemption.
⊹ the tone is very young YA, skewing immature. i typically enjoy YA thrillers, but the MC's inner monologue is hugely tiresome. the secondary characters are also irritating and superficial.
⊹ lots of tortured anxiety, bile, silent internal freakouts, teenage drinking, complacent wealthy adults, and some gore. the climax has a particularly gnarly moment of retribution that i was not expecting!
⊹ the subtle bi rep is appreciated!
⊹ this is a decent mystery, but i just didn't enjoy the reading experience very much. the audiobook narrator's frenzied tone might have been a contributing factor. nevertheless, i'm bumping this up a star because the twist did surprise me (surprisingly)!
⊹ i do wish there was more reflection on the implications of the big reveal. it's all wrapped up quickly, and it would have been interesting if the narrative took the time to explore more deeply.
⊹ it also has nuanced takes on complicated & unhealthy friendships, guilt, and internal redemption.
⊹ the tone is very young YA, skewing immature. i typically enjoy YA thrillers, but the MC's inner monologue is hugely tiresome. the secondary characters are also irritating and superficial.
⊹ lots of tortured anxiety, bile, silent internal freakouts, teenage drinking, complacent wealthy adults, and some gore. the climax has a particularly gnarly moment of retribution that i was not expecting!
⊹ the subtle bi rep is appreciated!
⊹ this is a decent mystery, but i just didn't enjoy the reading experience very much. the audiobook narrator's frenzied tone might have been a contributing factor. nevertheless, i'm bumping this up a star because the twist did surprise me (surprisingly)!
⊹ i do wish there was more reflection on the implications of the big reveal. it's all wrapped up quickly, and it would have been interesting if the narrative took the time to explore more deeply.
dropped
December 30, 2025Dropped it - just too juvenile.
The protagonist's sister + friend are steamrolling her into revisiting the murder to an extent that's simply ridiculous, with everyone else seemingly finding that normal so the plot can move forward. It was too unbelievable and protracted to suspend disbelief... or maybe I was less willing to do so because, in addition, I already could see coming that our MC was not going to actually be guilty of anything. I'd wager she's just declaring herself a murderer out of teenage's flair for dramatic posturing and guilt of having been a subpar friend (though there again, it's going to be excused by the fact her friend was herself a toxic asshole, it seems). It's fine, but given the blurb, I was not in this for something so saccharine... It seems this book and I will both be better off parting ways.
The protagonist's sister + friend are steamrolling her into revisiting the murder to an extent that's simply ridiculous, with everyone else seemingly finding that normal so the plot can move forward. It was too unbelievable and protracted to suspend disbelief... or maybe I was less willing to do so because, in addition, I already could see coming that our MC was not going to actually be guilty of anything. I'd wager she's just declaring herself a murderer out of teenage's flair for dramatic posturing and guilt of having been a subpar friend (though there again, it's going to be excused by the fact her friend was herself a toxic asshole, it seems). It's fine, but given the blurb, I was not in this for something so saccharine... It seems this book and I will both be better off parting ways.
January 8, 2025
I have very mixed thoughts and emotions when it comes to this book.
I can totally see the younger demographic being into this book (who it is intended for, a YA audience), but I think that is the only audience it works for.
I found myself getting annoyed with every single character and not being the biggest fan of the constant swapping of timelines (we follow three or four in this book and since they all follow the same people, it gets confusing and convoluted).
I did like other aspects of the writing quite a bit though. I especially liked the crossing out of text, showing how the main character really feels but also how she wants to be betrayed. I really liked that insight into that current state of mind for her. That was really cool, clever and effective.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I can totally see the younger demographic being into this book (who it is intended for, a YA audience), but I think that is the only audience it works for.
I found myself getting annoyed with every single character and not being the biggest fan of the constant swapping of timelines (we follow three or four in this book and since they all follow the same people, it gets confusing and convoluted).
I did like other aspects of the writing quite a bit though. I especially liked the crossing out of text, showing how the main character really feels but also how she wants to be betrayed. I really liked that insight into that current state of mind for her. That was really cool, clever and effective.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
June 8, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
I have mixed feelings about this book honestly, the back and forth between the two time periods got confusing at times, but the concept did work for this book, it followed Mandy through, the present time, the process of grieving the loss of her summer best friend, Sara, but also facing her fears that she was the one who killed Sara. It then will flashback to the time period of before Sara died, and the days of her and Mandy arguing and their friendship having it's downside.
We also get the side story of her sister Kelsey and her sister's friend Natalie going around asking questions about Sara's death since no one seems to believe it was an accident like the police finally concluded.
Throughout the book you are going back and forth thinking oh god did Mandy really killed Sara or was it really someone else like Mandy is remembering? The ending was for sure a massive plot twist.
I have mixed feelings about this book honestly, the back and forth between the two time periods got confusing at times, but the concept did work for this book, it followed Mandy through, the present time, the process of grieving the loss of her summer best friend, Sara, but also facing her fears that she was the one who killed Sara. It then will flashback to the time period of before Sara died, and the days of her and Mandy arguing and their friendship having it's downside.
We also get the side story of her sister Kelsey and her sister's friend Natalie going around asking questions about Sara's death since no one seems to believe it was an accident like the police finally concluded.
Throughout the book you are going back and forth thinking oh god did Mandy really killed Sara or was it really someone else like Mandy is remembering? The ending was for sure a massive plot twist.
February 2, 2026
I like how she isn't the bad guy, as some books make it seem like the main character isn't the bad guy and then BAM she actually is, so that was definately refreshing, especially since it wasn't like she was super innocent, like she and her bestie werent happy, and stuff did happen, but that doesn't make her a killer and it was well written, yk?
July 2, 2025
As I started this book, I thought about how it was going to be impossible to give an unbiased review with the author being a family member of a friend. That thought was soon replaced by absolute awe at how genuinely GOOD this book was written and how deep into its clutches I already was. I often think of authors as mythical creatures, intelligent, and eloquent in a way that separates them from mere mortals like us. Knowing this author as a living, breathing human who was able to not only come up with the idea for this story but make the journey from thought, to writing, to the hard copy sitting in my hand, is truly mind-blowing. This book belongs on shelves proudly displayed next to Gillian Flynn and Liane Moriarty. I am not exaggerating when I say I could not put this book down, and eagerly await more from Roselyn Clarke.
June 18, 2025
Roselyn Clarke's debut novel Now She's Dead plunges readers into the murky waters of teenage guilt, friendship toxicity, and the crushing weight of keeping deadly secrets. Set against the deceptively idyllic backdrop of Highmark Inn & Resort, this young adult mystery thriller weaves a complex narrative that examines how far someone will go to protect themselves—and others—from the truth.
The story follows eighteen-year-old Mandy Jenkins as she reluctantly returns to the lake resort where her complicated friendship with Sara Ellis ended in tragedy one year prior. What begins as a family vacation quickly transforms into a psychological nightmare as anonymous accusations surface and Mandy must confront the reality that someone knows more about Sara's death than the official "accident" ruling suggests.
Character Development: Flawed Protagonists and Authentic Relationships
Mandy Jenkins: A Protagonist Worth Root For
Clarke excels in crafting Mandy as an authentically flawed narrator whose guilt and trauma feel viscerally real. Rather than presenting a typical unreliable narrator, Mandy's withholding of information stems from genuine psychological defense mechanisms. Her year-long struggle with panic attacks, academic decline, and social withdrawal paints a realistic portrait of someone drowning in unprocessed grief and guilt.
The author skillfully develops Mandy's relationship with her younger sister Kelsey, transforming what could have been a simple sibling dynamic into the emotional core of the novel. Kelsey's own trauma—having witnessed what she believed was her sister committing murder—adds layers of complexity that elevate the family dynamics beyond typical YA fare.
Sara Ellis: The Absent Presence
Though Sara appears only in flashbacks, Clarke manages to create a fully realized character whose presence haunts every page. Sara emerges as neither villain nor saint, but as a deeply troubled teenager whose toxic behaviors stem from her own pain and abandonment issues. The revelation that Sara had been systematically abandoned by friends and romantic partners adds tragic depth to her increasingly manipulative and controlling behavior toward Mandy.
Plot Structure: A Masterful Balance of Past and Present
Dual Timeline Excellence
Clarke employs a sophisticated dual timeline structure that gradually reveals the truth about that fateful night. The alternating chapters between "Now" and "Then" create mounting tension as readers piece together the complex web of relationships and motivations that led to Sara's death. This structural choice allows for natural character development while maintaining the mystery's momentum.
The pacing demonstrates remarkable control for a debut novel. Clarke resists the temptation to rush toward revelations, instead allowing tension to build organically through small discoveries and mounting threats. The resort setting becomes almost a character itself, with its facade of wholesome family fun masking darker undercurrents of class tensions, dysfunctional relationships, and hidden desires.
Mystery Elements That Satisfy
The mystery unfolds with genuine surprises that feel earned rather than contrived. The revelation of Alicia Miller as Sara's killer, motivated by her inappropriate relationship with seventeen-year-old Finn, provides both shock value and logical consistency. Clarke plants subtle clues throughout—Hannah's perfume, Mrs. Miller's desperate need for acceptance, Finn's suspicious behavior—that reward careful readers while never feeling heavy-handed.
Thematic Depth: More Than Just a Mystery
The Toxicity of Codependent Friendships
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its unflinching examination of unhealthy friendships. The Sara-Mandy dynamic illustrates how relationships can become toxic when built on inequality, manipulation, and desperate need for validation. Clarke doesn't shy away from showing how both girls contributed to their destructive dynamic, avoiding the trap of painting either as purely victim or villain.
Guilt, Trauma, and the Weight of Secrets
The psychological exploration of guilt forms the novel's emotional backbone. Mandy's year-long deterioration following Sara's death feels authentic in its messiness—there's no neat resolution or easy healing. The novel acknowledges that some wounds require professional help and extended time to heal, presenting a mature perspective on trauma recovery.
Class Dynamics and Social Hierarchies
Subtle but effective commentary on class differences permeates the resort setting. The tensions between long-term guests, staff members, and the Miller family's awkward position as owners highlight how economic disparities affect personal relationships and social dynamics.
Writing Style: A Natural Voice with Literary Ambitions
Clarke's prose strikes an effective balance between accessibility and sophistication. Her writing captures authentic teenage voice without resorting to forced slang or dated references. The internal monologue passages, particularly Mandy's anxiety-driven flower naming exercises, feel genuine and heartbreaking.
The author demonstrates particular skill in writing dialogue that reveals character while advancing plot. Conversations feel natural while serving multiple narrative purposes—a difficult balance many debut authors struggle to achieve.
Areas for Growth: Minor Criticisms of an Otherwise Strong Debut
While Now She's Dead succeeds on multiple levels, certain elements could have been stronger. The true crime subplot, while relevant to contemporary YA interests, occasionally feels forced rather than organic to the story. Natalie's character, though serving important plot functions, sometimes reads more as a device than a fully realized person.
Some readers may find the resolution slightly rushed, with several major revelations compressed into the final chapters. While the pacing builds effectively throughout most of the novel, the climactic scenes at the honeymoon cabin and old dock feel somewhat hurried compared to the measured development of earlier chapters.
Cultural Relevance and Contemporary Connections
The novel's incorporation of social media and true crime culture feels authentic and relevant without becoming dated. Clarke captures the current fascination with amateur investigation and the potential dangers of turning real tragedies into entertainment. The exploration of online personas versus authentic identity adds contemporary relevance to timeless themes of friendship and betrayal.
Conclusion: A Promising Debut with Lasting Impact
Now She's Dead announces Roselyn Clarke as a talent worth watching in the YA thriller space. The novel succeeds in creating genuine psychological complexity while delivering the suspenseful elements genre readers expect. Most importantly, it treats its teenage characters with respect, acknowledging their capacity for both terrible mistakes and profound growth.
Clarke has crafted a story that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven mysteries with emotional depth. While this appears to be her debut novel, the sophistication of the writing suggests significant potential for future works.
The story follows eighteen-year-old Mandy Jenkins as she reluctantly returns to the lake resort where her complicated friendship with Sara Ellis ended in tragedy one year prior. What begins as a family vacation quickly transforms into a psychological nightmare as anonymous accusations surface and Mandy must confront the reality that someone knows more about Sara's death than the official "accident" ruling suggests.
Character Development: Flawed Protagonists and Authentic Relationships
Mandy Jenkins: A Protagonist Worth Root For
Clarke excels in crafting Mandy as an authentically flawed narrator whose guilt and trauma feel viscerally real. Rather than presenting a typical unreliable narrator, Mandy's withholding of information stems from genuine psychological defense mechanisms. Her year-long struggle with panic attacks, academic decline, and social withdrawal paints a realistic portrait of someone drowning in unprocessed grief and guilt.
The author skillfully develops Mandy's relationship with her younger sister Kelsey, transforming what could have been a simple sibling dynamic into the emotional core of the novel. Kelsey's own trauma—having witnessed what she believed was her sister committing murder—adds layers of complexity that elevate the family dynamics beyond typical YA fare.
Sara Ellis: The Absent Presence
Though Sara appears only in flashbacks, Clarke manages to create a fully realized character whose presence haunts every page. Sara emerges as neither villain nor saint, but as a deeply troubled teenager whose toxic behaviors stem from her own pain and abandonment issues. The revelation that Sara had been systematically abandoned by friends and romantic partners adds tragic depth to her increasingly manipulative and controlling behavior toward Mandy.
Plot Structure: A Masterful Balance of Past and Present
Dual Timeline Excellence
Clarke employs a sophisticated dual timeline structure that gradually reveals the truth about that fateful night. The alternating chapters between "Now" and "Then" create mounting tension as readers piece together the complex web of relationships and motivations that led to Sara's death. This structural choice allows for natural character development while maintaining the mystery's momentum.
The pacing demonstrates remarkable control for a debut novel. Clarke resists the temptation to rush toward revelations, instead allowing tension to build organically through small discoveries and mounting threats. The resort setting becomes almost a character itself, with its facade of wholesome family fun masking darker undercurrents of class tensions, dysfunctional relationships, and hidden desires.
Mystery Elements That Satisfy
The mystery unfolds with genuine surprises that feel earned rather than contrived. The revelation of Alicia Miller as Sara's killer, motivated by her inappropriate relationship with seventeen-year-old Finn, provides both shock value and logical consistency. Clarke plants subtle clues throughout—Hannah's perfume, Mrs. Miller's desperate need for acceptance, Finn's suspicious behavior—that reward careful readers while never feeling heavy-handed.
Thematic Depth: More Than Just a Mystery
The Toxicity of Codependent Friendships
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its unflinching examination of unhealthy friendships. The Sara-Mandy dynamic illustrates how relationships can become toxic when built on inequality, manipulation, and desperate need for validation. Clarke doesn't shy away from showing how both girls contributed to their destructive dynamic, avoiding the trap of painting either as purely victim or villain.
Guilt, Trauma, and the Weight of Secrets
The psychological exploration of guilt forms the novel's emotional backbone. Mandy's year-long deterioration following Sara's death feels authentic in its messiness—there's no neat resolution or easy healing. The novel acknowledges that some wounds require professional help and extended time to heal, presenting a mature perspective on trauma recovery.
Class Dynamics and Social Hierarchies
Subtle but effective commentary on class differences permeates the resort setting. The tensions between long-term guests, staff members, and the Miller family's awkward position as owners highlight how economic disparities affect personal relationships and social dynamics.
Writing Style: A Natural Voice with Literary Ambitions
Clarke's prose strikes an effective balance between accessibility and sophistication. Her writing captures authentic teenage voice without resorting to forced slang or dated references. The internal monologue passages, particularly Mandy's anxiety-driven flower naming exercises, feel genuine and heartbreaking.
The author demonstrates particular skill in writing dialogue that reveals character while advancing plot. Conversations feel natural while serving multiple narrative purposes—a difficult balance many debut authors struggle to achieve.
Areas for Growth: Minor Criticisms of an Otherwise Strong Debut
While Now She's Dead succeeds on multiple levels, certain elements could have been stronger. The true crime subplot, while relevant to contemporary YA interests, occasionally feels forced rather than organic to the story. Natalie's character, though serving important plot functions, sometimes reads more as a device than a fully realized person.
Some readers may find the resolution slightly rushed, with several major revelations compressed into the final chapters. While the pacing builds effectively throughout most of the novel, the climactic scenes at the honeymoon cabin and old dock feel somewhat hurried compared to the measured development of earlier chapters.
Cultural Relevance and Contemporary Connections
The novel's incorporation of social media and true crime culture feels authentic and relevant without becoming dated. Clarke captures the current fascination with amateur investigation and the potential dangers of turning real tragedies into entertainment. The exploration of online personas versus authentic identity adds contemporary relevance to timeless themes of friendship and betrayal.
Conclusion: A Promising Debut with Lasting Impact
Now She's Dead announces Roselyn Clarke as a talent worth watching in the YA thriller space. The novel succeeds in creating genuine psychological complexity while delivering the suspenseful elements genre readers expect. Most importantly, it treats its teenage characters with respect, acknowledging their capacity for both terrible mistakes and profound growth.
Clarke has crafted a story that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven mysteries with emotional depth. While this appears to be her debut novel, the sophistication of the writing suggests significant potential for future works.
January 24, 2025
NOW SHE'S DEAD by Roselyn Clarke
Thank you Netgalley and SourcebooksFire for the earc (Jun3)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sara Ellis is dead, and Mandy knows what happened in this multi-timeline that follows Mandy in present day (reeling from what happened, grappling with keeping her secret, and facing a new threat) and Mandy over the years (meeting Sara up to her death).
Originally, the title drew me in. The first page honed in on that and kept me there. I devoured this, and it's safe to say that readers won't know what hit them as they weave through the storylines and try to make sense of it all.
I really appreciated how easy this was to read. The mixed in short chapters were a chefs kiss. They were the perfect amount of thrilling, chilling, and action packed---bringing something new with each chapter.
This book doesn't start out as your typical mystery. Someone's dead and someone knows what happened. But everything isn't as it seems as this book progresses. I was intrigued by the way the story was told, and it built up to something magnanimous. That's really the only way to describe the turn the book took. With all this shock, though, there were easy to guess pieces. I did cal one of the plot twists, but it was just two chapters before it happened. However. Let me repeat that: However, the final twist left me gobsmacked.
NOW SHE'S DEAD is a thrilling debut from Clarke. It is riddled with threats, mysteries, and drama. 10/10 would recommend.
Thank you Netgalley and SourcebooksFire for the earc (Jun3)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sara Ellis is dead, and Mandy knows what happened in this multi-timeline that follows Mandy in present day (reeling from what happened, grappling with keeping her secret, and facing a new threat) and Mandy over the years (meeting Sara up to her death).
Originally, the title drew me in. The first page honed in on that and kept me there. I devoured this, and it's safe to say that readers won't know what hit them as they weave through the storylines and try to make sense of it all.
I really appreciated how easy this was to read. The mixed in short chapters were a chefs kiss. They were the perfect amount of thrilling, chilling, and action packed---bringing something new with each chapter.
This book doesn't start out as your typical mystery. Someone's dead and someone knows what happened. But everything isn't as it seems as this book progresses. I was intrigued by the way the story was told, and it built up to something magnanimous. That's really the only way to describe the turn the book took. With all this shock, though, there were easy to guess pieces. I did cal one of the plot twists, but it was just two chapters before it happened. However. Let me repeat that: However, the final twist left me gobsmacked.
NOW SHE'S DEAD is a thrilling debut from Clarke. It is riddled with threats, mysteries, and drama. 10/10 would recommend.
June 19, 2025
This was a really fun summer YA thriller. I loved the alternating timelines in trying to piece together what happened and all of twists in this story!
May 23, 2025
very good suspenseful thriller for memorial day weekend.
June 3, 2025
As a big fan of YA thrillers, this book had a premise that immediately grabbed me—but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
The story itself is compelling, and the ending was genuinely surprising (perfect for readers who love a good twist). I thought the use of crossed-out text was such a cool way to show what the main character was really thinking—it added a lot of emotion and made her voice feel super real and raw. That element stood out and was one of my favorite parts.
That said, the writing style didn’t fully pull me in, and the multiple timelines made it tough to stay on track. The present-day timeline was definitely the strongest—I found myself wishing the whole story had stuck with that thread.
This book has some really creative things going on, especially if you're into twisty plots and characters dealing with a lot emotionally. It just didn’t fully land for me, but I can definitely see it hitting the mark for other readers.
The story itself is compelling, and the ending was genuinely surprising (perfect for readers who love a good twist). I thought the use of crossed-out text was such a cool way to show what the main character was really thinking—it added a lot of emotion and made her voice feel super real and raw. That element stood out and was one of my favorite parts.
That said, the writing style didn’t fully pull me in, and the multiple timelines made it tough to stay on track. The present-day timeline was definitely the strongest—I found myself wishing the whole story had stuck with that thread.
This book has some really creative things going on, especially if you're into twisty plots and characters dealing with a lot emotionally. It just didn’t fully land for me, but I can definitely see it hitting the mark for other readers.
June 5, 2025
While the format, timeline, and creative use of strikethrough text was a fresh way to tell a mysetery story (even though it wasnt much of a mystery), this book feels like it has been done before and does not stand out in a world saturated with YA thrillers. The characters were not lovable and I did not care what happened. I do think the nuanced depiction of teenage female relationships was genius.
July 15, 2025
there were too many characters and none of them were that likable
i also hate when a mystery spends like 85% of the book basically getting nowhere and then everything happens in the last 15% so nothing really makes that much sense
i also hate when a mystery spends like 85% of the book basically getting nowhere and then everything happens in the last 15% so nothing really makes that much sense
March 8, 2024
One of my most anticipated reads of 2025! This book can't come soon enough!
October 4, 2025
A year after her friend Sara was found dead, Mandy has to face the aftermath. Sara’s death was ruled accidental but there are some who think Mandy killed her best friend. Although Mandy knows more than she’s let on she is reluctant to admit the truth.
This thriller is fairly pacy and quite entertaining.
Mandy is a tough character to like. We know she’s hiding things, and when we learn the truth it’s hard to not judge her harshly. Although the story really kicks off with Sara’s memorial we don’t really have this character fleshed out for us until quite late on, by which time it’s hard not to judge her harshly for her role in events.
This thriller is fairly pacy and quite entertaining.
Mandy is a tough character to like. We know she’s hiding things, and when we learn the truth it’s hard to not judge her harshly. Although the story really kicks off with Sara’s memorial we don’t really have this character fleshed out for us until quite late on, by which time it’s hard not to judge her harshly for her role in events.
December 21, 2025
"I tell them what happened. I tell them a version of what happened. One where I'm not a monster."
I loved the way the past and present timelines were woven together, revealing new complications and calling into question the reliability of Mandy's memories. Highmark, the isolated lake resort where it all happened, is a delightfull atmospheric and a creepy setting. The relationship between Mandy and Sara is so complelling and heartbreaking, so magnetic and that toxic codependency is so alive in every page and every word Mandy speaks about her.
The characters felt real, and the twists were well done. A solid, fast paced and engaging read from start to finish.
I loved the way the past and present timelines were woven together, revealing new complications and calling into question the reliability of Mandy's memories. Highmark, the isolated lake resort where it all happened, is a delightfull atmospheric and a creepy setting. The relationship between Mandy and Sara is so complelling and heartbreaking, so magnetic and that toxic codependency is so alive in every page and every word Mandy speaks about her.
The characters felt real, and the twists were well done. A solid, fast paced and engaging read from start to finish.
Read
May 23, 2025Mandy is struggling with the death of her best friend Sara at the lake resort where their families always vacation. Now Mandy is back at the lake a year after Sara's death and is crushed by her feeling that she's responsible for what happened to her friend.
Thought I love a YA mystery, I struggled a lot with all the timelines in this story, and I thought the ending felt a bit too compressed. I did like the epistolary elements. There's bisexual rep in the story, which is great as many of the YA mysteries of the 2010s were a little homogenous, focusing around teen stereotypes.
Thanks Sourcebooks for letting me try this one!
Thought I love a YA mystery, I struggled a lot with all the timelines in this story, and I thought the ending felt a bit too compressed. I did like the epistolary elements. There's bisexual rep in the story, which is great as many of the YA mysteries of the 2010s were a little homogenous, focusing around teen stereotypes.
Thanks Sourcebooks for letting me try this one!
June 30, 2025
Jenna and I are co-rating this after buddy-listening during our commute to the ALA conference this weekend. Best part of the read was pausing every 7 minutes either to pose a new theory or share in our confusion. Ultimately theorized correctly. Wish we hadn’t.
Natalie’s so real though #storytime rest up girly pop
Natalie’s so real though #storytime rest up girly pop
August 23, 2025
bit annoying with all the crossouts and time jumps. the characters weren’t really developed at all and she didn’t really have any relationships outside of hers with sara so there wasn’t a lot going on besides her horrible attempt at figuring this out.
June 10, 2025
3.75
😶 🤔 😒
"Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive, stayin' alive..." 😶
I need to think of this one before a full review.
😶 🤔 😒
"Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive, stayin' alive..." 😶
I need to think of this one before a full review.
June 30, 2025
Immediately no. Buddy listened with Ashley and the best part of this book was conjecturing better plot points and fretting over the sudden use of y’all halfway through 🤐 anyways, HAPPY ALA!
July 24, 2025
A little cheesy, nothing too deep. But good thriller
January 28, 2026
YA mystery/thriller.
I thought this was very well written as a young adult mystery/thriller. Not my typical read.
It reminded me of Jenna Satterthwaite’s writing.
I thought this was very well written as a young adult mystery/thriller. Not my typical read.
It reminded me of Jenna Satterthwaite’s writing.
January 18, 2026
i saw this book at my local library, and decided to read it. the cover and title looked very interesting, however, i felt really let down.
i feel like now she's dead had so much potential to be 4 or 5 stars for me, but i felt like the story was sort of being dragged out and too repetitive. i still enjoyed the book, which why i gave it 3 stars, but it could have been flush out more.
i felt like there were key elements missing from the book that i was told about, and never shown.
3 stars
i feel like now she's dead had so much potential to be 4 or 5 stars for me, but i felt like the story was sort of being dragged out and too repetitive. i still enjoyed the book, which why i gave it 3 stars, but it could have been flush out more.
i felt like there were key elements missing from the book that i was told about, and never shown.
3 stars
July 7, 2025
I picked this one up with a bit of bias, knowing the author, but was quickly pulled into the story on its own merits. It was an easy, fast-paced read that kept me turning pages. I especially appreciated the side stories and how they added depth without distracting from the main plot. I was shocked by the dark and twisty ending. Definitely a solid debut— looking forward to what she writes next.
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