Dead Loud

Dead Girls #2

by Emma Smith

The sequel to Emma Smith's young adult mystery, Dead Fine.

"It's too loud," he says, holding my gaze. "Dead loud..."

Loz is seventeen and single when she plans a holiday with her new best friends to Windermere in Cumbria, under the setting December sun. But things change when Loz realises she might have a stalker... and they're not giving up.

Loz trusts her friends, and knows they would never hurt her... but it does feel as though the stalker knows her every move. When things spiral due to bad weather, leaving them trapped inside the cottage, it seems impossible to know who to trust...

After all, how well does she really know her friends?

A wintery tale of trust and truth, set deep in the Lake District. Though the second book in the Dead Girls trilogy, it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Mystery

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Alicia Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! 5 stars by far!

Before I start I just want to say thank you to Emma for letting me be an ARC reader, it's always a pleasure to read your books as they never disappoint!

Dead Loud is a ya mystery coming of age, it's the sequel to Emma's book Dead Fine which I adored and dare I say is one of my favourite, if not the favourite that Emma has written, Dead Fine has made it onto my favourite books ever list! Dead Loud didn't disappoint. It was just as good as book 1, maybe in some ways better, I couldn't choose though!

This book continues to follow the character Loz, who I adore, she's very realistic and relatable, as a teenager myself Loz was portrayed perfectly! Slightly annoying but deep down lovable and that slightly irritating factor made the character feel so much more developed!

This book follows Loz and her friends who take a new years winter holiday to a cottage in the Lake District. May I add, a setting which I adored and Emma captured so well! The way she describes it always makes me feel like I'm right at home!

We see Loz tackle her parents divorce , how that impacted her, we also see how she attempts to build a relationship with her new stepdad. This was a good addition to the book as for one I always love when books tackle difficult and important topics, and two because I felt it added an extra layer to Loz's character!

The mystery in this book was probably my favourite bit, the way Emma created tension and suspense was brilliant. I loved the stalker mystery and I struggled to guess who it was!

This was an amazing book, written beautifully (as always), the mystery was amazing and the setting made me feel so cosy, especially with the winter vibes. A great edition to books in the UKYA space! If you are reading this, this is your sign to pick up this book. Looking forward to Dead Nice!

[Ania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Smith writing is simple yet engaging making this such a smooth and enjoyable read. The story had a promising start and kept me hooked till the end. I literally finished it in just two sittings. if you love books that mix friendships, romance, holidays, and a spooky vibe then Dead loud is the perfect pick for you

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Smith has done it again🙂‍↕️

Loz was my favourite of the Dead Girls trio in Dead Fine, so I was really looking forward to her book to gain further insight into her life outside of Vibbington, and this book did not disappoint.

Dead Loud follows Loz, who takes a holiday with her friends to the Lake District over the New Year’s break. After some disturbing events, Loz begins to realise she may have a stalker. Stuck in the isolated cottage in Windermere, due to the turning weather, Loz starts to question which of her friends, if any, she can trust.

This is such a perfect winter book for people who love a YA coming-of-age, murder mystery, whodunit, thriller type of story. I’d honestly read this at any time of the year, but I could so imagine reading this over the Christmas/ New Year’s break at a house in the highlands with my family… the vibes would be immaculate.

Loz’s desperate need to fit in no matter who it’s with was something I resonated with. I loved seeing her growth within this feeling and the ways she’s changed from Dead Fine to Dead Loud in order to become more herself. I think this is such a common experience for girls who have grown up in places like Loz and I have; I've seen it in my classmates when I was sixteen/ seventeen, and I see it in my sixteen-year-old family members. It’s an experience none of us can escape. Emma writes this uncomfortable experience of being sixteen turning seventeen so well that it makes you feel unsettled and seen at the same time, in the best way possible. This, paired up with the unease that comes with the possible stalker at the cottage, is such a great pairing for a mystery book.

I also really loved the full introduction of the other five characters who joined her on this trip. They all felt so real as if I had met them in my real life before (I’ve definitely met people like Jeremy and Mandy before). Also, including Betty, the dog, is perfect for a book in this genre. Nothing puts you on edge more than a pet dog being involved in a mystery, thriller book… I’m still on edge, and I finished it hours ago.

Something I love about Emma’s writing is her ability to weave important themes into her stories. For this, I loved the mention of class and Loz’s clear awareness of it whenever she’s with any of her friends, regardless of whether it’s those from Vibbington or her posh friends with her in Windermere. There’s also another aspect I'd love to talk about, but I’m not going to give anything away, so read the book, then I’ll get back to you on that 👀

Dead Loud will be released on the 5th of September 2025. You can preorder it on your Kindle and Emma's other books are included on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased in paperback from Amazon or her Etsy!

Thank you to the author, Emma Smith, for sending me an ARC of Dead Loud. I can't wait for its release ⭐️

[Stxdyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The WHIPLASH and SHOCK this book left me with omgg. I dont think I'll recover and a reread may never hit the same because WOW (though I most likely will at some point anyway). This was such a suspenseful book and I really had no clue where it was going at any point. The slow build up in the otherwise idyllic setting was so enjoyable to read making such an interesting contrast between the serenity of the countryside (beautifully described) and the dangers that come with it (I was actually scared at points by both the events and the..gruesome..descriptions)! The underlying message about Internet safety was also soo perfectly portrayed and a really good message for any younger readers! I just feel like this is such an important book for any reader but especially younger audiences (and forever wish Emma's books were around when I was younger since she really writes UKYA so beautifully). Another 5 star from her and I am just as shocked by the end of this book as I am by the third of its series releasing only weeks apart.

[Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book. and let me tell you i am forever grateful to Emma because every single book she writes is a masterpiece. i started this in a minor book slump, but the mystery, the romance, the suspense, everything about it made it impossible to put down. It has everything you would ever want in a book, perfect cosy vibes, an incredible plot and an ending i never saw coming.

[Alexa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely completely obsessed!!!

“Dead Loud” is without a doubt one of my favorite works by Emma Smith.

My jaw was on the floor with each thing revealed and I never did truly figure it out until the end. The setting, the characters, the plot all fuse together so well, genuinely such a great story.

This is a MUST read if you love crazy mysteries, taylor swift references, and cozy books that make you want to curl up with a coffee!

[Izzy C19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEAD LOUD

The perfect wintery YA coming-of-age mystery book that everyone should have on their shelves this winter

Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Emma smith has done it again! Having read ‘Dead loud’ about a year ago, I was thrilled to be an arc reader for this book.

It’s New Years week and Loz has booked a cottage away with her friends, the perfect holiday to settle into new life with new friends. Until something…or someone turns sour, leaving a trail of bloodstains and terror

“I received a message”

I instantly fell in love with Loz’s character, and related to her struggles navigating her parents divorce and especially trying to understand and build a relationship with her new stepdad. I also really resonated with the fact she constantly dwelled on her past and thought about how stupid the things she’d done were, aiming for a constant instant change, but it never fully happening and her always resorting back to old habits.

“So…yes. I liked Darren. He wasn’t dad, never would be, but he was okay, and that was all that really mattered”

The mystery in this book was incredible, the suspense was killing me and I can honestly say at no point did I have a solid idea of who was causing trouble (and I’m usually pretty good at guessing)

“Something felt…off. I can’t explain it - not really”

I think the reveal at the end was executed beautifully, and wasn’t as rushed as I find a lot of mystery/crime books do rush their endings, but for me, this was perfect.

“You might think it’s easier to hear footsteps on gravel than it is snow. I know I would’ve thought that before”

My only critique for ‘Dead loud’ is that I feel a few of the time jumps were a bit rushed and there were a few scenes I would’ve liked to see play out a little bit more, but that might just be me 🤷‍♀️


⬇️SPOILER WARNING ⬇️


I really liked the relationship between Jeremy and Loz, I felt like they clicked and fell instep with each other in a lovely way. I did feel like the thing with Marcus was a bit rushed and the turnover in relationships happened all too quick. However, it wasn’t completely out of character for Loz and i do think it helped her character development.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so good!! I loved Dead Fine so was really excited to be back in this world and with familiar characters again.

I loved the Windermere in winter setting so much! It was just really cosy and as a big fan of the Lake District, it was described so well. Emma has a real knack for capturing the essence of a place to the point where it feels incredibly tangible.

It also worked very well for a mystery! The beauty but also seclusion of the environment.

I was completely gripped throughout the whole book and it did keep me guessing. It was honestly addictive to read and pretty tense at points!

There was a really good mix of characters. I loved learning more about Loz and her family and background. And the gap Loz feels between her and her new, posher friends. This allows for a real exploration of themes like parent separation, toxic relationships and moving home.

I loved all the small, cosy moments as well as the events of the mystery. There was a very freeing, coming of age feel to it and it felt nostalgic to read.

All in all, the perfect sequel to Dead Fine and I would definitely recommend!

[Emily Scott-Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'dead loud' is one of those books that will be engraved in your mind forever, no matter what age you read it.

We see loz as a insecure girl, trying to find her way in life, masking herself by trying to make an online presence. she is a very relatable character, one teenagers will definitely see themselves in.

During this book we are on the edge of our seats, always guessing 'whats going to happen?', our jaws dropping in shock. Emma smith is a mastermind at keeping us hooked, entertaining us in a way that has us questioning everything.

She writes teenagers in such and understanding way, that you feel seen.

Whilst the story takes its twists and turns one thing that stays consistent is the pit in your stomach and the want to know more.

Everything emma smith writes is surreal and outstanding, but this might have to go at the top of the list for me.

quotes:

"and all the memories came crashing back"

"one i onced trusted"

"you cant really trust anyone"

"together we were powerful. apart, we were nothing more than fragments"

[Alexa_bmn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This book had a slower pacing than some other mystery novels but still had the stressfulness that I love from mysteries. Loz and her (very posh) Nottingham friend group decide to go on Christmas holiday to the Lake District. As someone who loves the lake district and has spent a lot of time around Windermere, the descriptions of the scenery and town felt so realistic. As a winter novel, it had a cosy feel that really juxtaposed the more gruesome aspects of the mystery which were centred around stalking. In some ways Loz (the main character) annoyed me somewhat, especially during the beginning but I also liked the fact that her interests were respected and celebrated, both by the narrative and the other characters. A great winter mystery that really took me back to the Lake District, a setting that is unusual, even in ukya.

[Zoe Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I loved book 1 in this series, Dead Fine, but I loved this one even more.

I loved the cosy winter scene of the book, and the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District, which I particularly enjoyed as it’s an area I know and love. I always find myself completely captivated by Emma’s beautiful descriptions of scenery, it draws you into the book in a really spectacular way.

I think the characters here were really well thought out and well rounded, and I enjoyed the character growth we saw with Mandy in particular. I think Loz might be my favourite character though, and I love her friendship with Sofia.

The story was dark, it was nerve wracking, it was tense and I LOVED it for that. It was a classic case of who do you trust, can anyone be trusted, and I love a book that can make me suspect everyone at different times. Emma captures that so so well.

I think the messages about social media usage in the book are also really important and highlight the importance of protecting yourself, no matter how big or small your online presence may be.

[Faith Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rip my heartstrings, why don’t you, Emma?

When I tell you that this book had me hooked, I read the last 70% so damn quickly! While the setup was slow and cosy, the drama fell apart in a way that had me entirely confused in the best way possible. This is one of those mysteries that you just have to let take control, to wonder where you’ll end up but not know until it happens.

I also really loved Loz as a character. She was so relatable and realistic, presenting so many things that a lot of teenagers go through or think.

My favourite character is Betty though!

If you love a cosy mystery, with Christmas in the Lake District vibes, then I can’t recommend this enough!

[Paula reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I would like to thank Emma for the opportunity of reading the ARC for this book!
I love the way Emma Smith captures the atmosphere of her stories and how she develops her characters. Dead Loud of course has recurring characters from the first novel and shows how they dealt with the events from back then but also how they‘ve changed and grown. While also introducing a range of new and interesting characters in Loz‘ new life.
It definitely feels like the perfect read for the upcoming fall and winter time!

[Aaditi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book so far!!! The moment Loz mentioned posting about her trip with location tags on her new app, that too twice, as a writer myself i instantly felt that yeah this means a stalker is coming. That detail just made me more excited and tbh this is the best august read!!😭

The tension was amazing, the character felt real even the smaller introduction of book1 character.

I've no words for how much i enjoyed it!! Truly hooked by it 🫶🏻

[Amanda Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok wow. how do i even put this into words. emma smith is one of the best authors to ever exist. yes i just said that. i am not at all an emotional person, but this book made me cry my eyes out, and had me on edge the entire time. the twists were crazy and unexpected, the characters were easily likeable, and the entire plot was incredible. easily five stars, yet another increase read by emma smith.

[alyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was a perfect winter escape for those who are stuck at home cuddled up with this book. i loved the fast paced intriguing plot that gripped me from the start and placed me back into emma’s exciting literary world. returning to loz’s character was honestly so fun; i loved her in the first book and delving into her more was so fascinating. she seems like this fake, glam girl who just wants to escape her small town but realistically she’s this deep, thoughtful girl who only wants to fit in despite knowing she has never felt at home anywhere. the group of friends in this was so wholesome and i think every teenage girl needs a friend like sofia. all the other characters provided the necessary comic relief and interesting plot points but weren’t as memorable honestly. i feel like this book represented british youth in a raw and realistic way which is Emma’s aim, and the added thriller was so entertaining. i enjoy how her books are a mix of coming of age but haunting mysteries that make you worry. dead loud was no different and is a perfect way to spend a winter sunday afternoon .

[Iris Hoekstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book alottt, the vibes were impeccable and you were hooked from the beginning. It was so fun trying to figure it out but did not see the ending coming. The characters were also really nice and liked reading about them. Definitely a must read. Not 5 stars because there was a bit too much romance for my liking 🙃

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. This book was amazing!!!

[Adri Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

to say i'm gagged is a MAJOR understatement!!

Emma Smith you've done it again!!! i'm OBSESSED, GOBSMACKED, and itching for the next!!

[Becca 💫 · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a well thought out book! you’ll go through so many emotions, worry, excitement, and you’ll be a little sad! the ending was quite surprising (i like to think im good at guessing the ends of murder mystery books. in the middle i was like imaging it was ____? noo that can’t work!” BUT SHE MADE IT WORK!)

expect twists turns and being in the edge of your seat! read this so quickly, i just couldn’t put it down!

10/10 recommend if you like books with murder, stalking, being in a remote place. i like reading cozy books with suspense AND. THIS. WAS.IT!

a perfect book to read, loved every part 💫

[gelly ༊ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love loz, she may be my new fave emma smith character

[Edan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! i was really hoping for some wheelchair user representation at the end with Loz instead of a "all is fine" type thing but otherwise its such a good, gripping book! it really lures you in and you just want to keep going.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this little collection of characters!!! I did feel this maybe was a tiny bit long but still really enjoyed this!

[Emma Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Loz's world... it's one of frost and geeky posh boys and falling in love in December under exploding fireworks, but also of stolen glances and footsteps in the snow, bloodstains on the carpet. It's creepy and wonderful and totally different to book one... and I hope you enjoy!