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They Want Us Dead
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26In this new mystery from CL Montblanc, the author of Pride or Die, two internet enemies are forced to work together after a true crime meetup turns into a deadly case of its own.
Seventeen-year-old Sam Tombs hopes to get more eyes on the videos they make to raise awareness of crimes against LGBTQ+ teens. A true crime content creator event seems like the perfect opportunity to grow their channel—until the group becomes stranded at an eerie Victorian mansion, and one of them is killed in the night.
Sam’s alibi, and the only person they can trust, happens to be their mean, dorky internet nemesis Dylan. But the two must now put aside their rivalry and use their investigative skills to figure out who among the remaining teens is the killer, before their own deaths become tomorrow’s trending content.
Seventeen-year-old Sam Tombs hopes to get more eyes on the videos they make to raise awareness of crimes against LGBTQ+ teens. A true crime content creator event seems like the perfect opportunity to grow their channel—until the group becomes stranded at an eerie Victorian mansion, and one of them is killed in the night.
Sam’s alibi, and the only person they can trust, happens to be their mean, dorky internet nemesis Dylan. But the two must now put aside their rivalry and use their investigative skills to figure out who among the remaining teens is the killer, before their own deaths become tomorrow’s trending content.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 28, 2026
7 people are currently reading
7946 people want to read
About the author
CL Montblanc
2 books131 followersCL Montblanc is a writer, producer, and escape room enthusiast. Despite hailing from Texas, CL is intimidated by both horses and very large hats. Their debut novel PRIDE OR DIE will release in early 2025, with another book to follow in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 20, 2025
In this book we follow teenagers true crime creators who are invited to a mansion where they can network with other creators. Soon they realize things aren't going as planned and they find themselves in one of the situations they usually talk about.
They want us dead feels like a slasher for people that don't like horror. It's a mystery impossible to put down, with captivating characters and a little bit of romance. I love the representation and it was fun to try to guess who did what.
It went by really quickly, it's an easy but well written story. I enjoyed it.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday books for the ARC.
They want us dead feels like a slasher for people that don't like horror. It's a mystery impossible to put down, with captivating characters and a little bit of romance. I love the representation and it was fun to try to guess who did what.
It went by really quickly, it's an easy but well written story. I enjoyed it.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday books for the ARC.
October 27, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
Having read Pride or Die earlier this year, I knew that I wanted to read this as soon as I saw it. I was so thrilled to get a free ARC copy. As much as I loved Pride and Die, I think I loved this one more. I had absolutely no idea who the murderer was. With mystery books, I always go with The X Files rules, 'trust no one'.
I would love to see a follow-up novel or novella to see how they are dealing with the trauma of everything.
Definitely would recommend this!
Having read Pride or Die earlier this year, I knew that I wanted to read this as soon as I saw it. I was so thrilled to get a free ARC copy. As much as I loved Pride and Die, I think I loved this one more. I had absolutely no idea who the murderer was. With mystery books, I always go with The X Files rules, 'trust no one'.
I would love to see a follow-up novel or novella to see how they are dealing with the trauma of everything.
Definitely would recommend this!
November 28, 2025
3.75⭐️ This story follows a group of true-crime content creators who get stranded in a creepy Victorian mansion during a meetup—only for one of them to wind up murdered. Sam Tombs, who just wants to grow their channel and raise awareness for crimes against LGBTQ+ teens, is suddenly forced to team up with their annoying, dorky internet nemesis Dylan to figure out which of the remaining teens is the killer before they’re next.
I really liked the setup. Locked-door mysteries are my weakness, and this one had the eerie atmosphere and unpredictable twists I was hoping for. Sam and Dylan’s dynamic added a fun, chaotic edge to the story too.
The ending felt rushed and a bit confusing. There’s one specific plot point I’m still not totally sure about, and it seems like the audience is meant to be left wondering—which didn’t fully work for me.
Overall, it’s a unique and modern mystery with a cool premise, even if the conclusion didn’t completely land.
Thank you to netgalley & St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for this ARC!
I really liked the setup. Locked-door mysteries are my weakness, and this one had the eerie atmosphere and unpredictable twists I was hoping for. Sam and Dylan’s dynamic added a fun, chaotic edge to the story too.
The ending felt rushed and a bit confusing. There’s one specific plot point I’m still not totally sure about, and it seems like the audience is meant to be left wondering—which didn’t fully work for me.
Overall, it’s a unique and modern mystery with a cool premise, even if the conclusion didn’t completely land.
Thank you to netgalley & St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for this ARC!
October 22, 2025
A group of true crimes content creators is invited to a week long meeting that quickly turns into a crime scene.
Sam Tombs has to work with their nemesis Dylan, and figure out who’s the killer, and how to survive.
There are so many things I like about this book. A group of people stranded in the same house and somebody is trying to kill them? It reminds me of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, which is one of my favourite book.
I enjoyed the atmosphere, characters, and watching how Sam and Dylan grew closer.
I appreciate the debate about true crime content creators, and if it’s morally ok to film content about
crimes or not.
I wish there was a little bit more tension towards the end of the book.
But overall, I really enjoyed this and definitely can recommend it. It is young adult, but I think even older readers will be able to enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-arc in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sam Tombs has to work with their nemesis Dylan, and figure out who’s the killer, and how to survive.
There are so many things I like about this book. A group of people stranded in the same house and somebody is trying to kill them? It reminds me of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, which is one of my favourite book.
I enjoyed the atmosphere, characters, and watching how Sam and Dylan grew closer.
I appreciate the debate about true crime content creators, and if it’s morally ok to film content about
crimes or not.
I wish there was a little bit more tension towards the end of the book.
But overall, I really enjoyed this and definitely can recommend it. It is young adult, but I think even older readers will be able to enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-arc in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2025
4.75⭐️
If you thought Pride or Die was good, buckle up — CL Montblanc just leveled up in all the best ways with this YA thriller treat.
I was already a fan after their debut earlier this year (which I also read the ARC for), so when I heard about this second book, I was refreshing NetGalley like a hawk. Totally worth it, because this one was the perfect read for thriller season.
While Pride or Die leaned a little younger — perfect for early teens and still fun for adult readers — this one has a much broader reach. Yes, the characters are teens, but the mystery, tension, and pacing will absolutely appeal to older thriller fans too. One of my favorite things about YA thrillers is watching characters make wildly questionable decisions that adults over 25 would never dream of, and this book delivers that chaos in the best way.
I enjoyed this from cover to cover. The queer and gender representation is seamlessly woven into the story — thoughtful, natural, and never forced. It gives younger readers the chance to see themselves reflected on the page, while still offering older readers a fast-paced, engaging mystery full of twists and emotional moments.
CL Montblanc nailed it with this one — sharp, inclusive, and seriously entertaining. Exactly what I wanted for spooky season and then some. 👏
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Wednesday Books via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
If you thought Pride or Die was good, buckle up — CL Montblanc just leveled up in all the best ways with this YA thriller treat.
I was already a fan after their debut earlier this year (which I also read the ARC for), so when I heard about this second book, I was refreshing NetGalley like a hawk. Totally worth it, because this one was the perfect read for thriller season.
While Pride or Die leaned a little younger — perfect for early teens and still fun for adult readers — this one has a much broader reach. Yes, the characters are teens, but the mystery, tension, and pacing will absolutely appeal to older thriller fans too. One of my favorite things about YA thrillers is watching characters make wildly questionable decisions that adults over 25 would never dream of, and this book delivers that chaos in the best way.
I enjoyed this from cover to cover. The queer and gender representation is seamlessly woven into the story — thoughtful, natural, and never forced. It gives younger readers the chance to see themselves reflected on the page, while still offering older readers a fast-paced, engaging mystery full of twists and emotional moments.
CL Montblanc nailed it with this one — sharp, inclusive, and seriously entertaining. Exactly what I wanted for spooky season and then some. 👏
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Wednesday Books via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
December 28, 2025
I love books like this- a creepy Victorian mansion and a whodunnit in a modern spin.
Sam Tombs and Dylan made a good team.
I felt like all of the pieces connected except for one- and I know it wasn’t supposed to and was a think piece but I just feel like it left a small hole.
Thanks to St. Martin’s press for the ARC!
Sam Tombs and Dylan made a good team.
I felt like all of the pieces connected except for one- and I know it wasn’t supposed to and was a think piece but I just feel like it left a small hole.
Thanks to St. Martin’s press for the ARC!
Read
October 9, 2025Autism, gender, and murder and it's like this book was written for me.
November 9, 2025
really good!!!!!! i love dylan and sam and omg i was not expecting this at all! actually very very insane book but soooo good and kept me on my toes !!!!!
September 30, 2025
chaotic gay people, enby rep, autistic boy in night gown rep, rivals to lovers vibes, murder mystery in an eccentric rich person’s castle, thoughtful ideas about true crime “content”, and cl montblanc’s distinct and delightful sense of humor - 5 stars and a kiss on the forehead from me.
October 23, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
C.L. Montblanc’s “They Want Us Dead” is a sharp, fast-paced YA thriller that perfectly balances mystery, humor, and heart. Combining the tension of “And Then There Were None” with the modern chaos of social media culture, this book offers a clever, character-driven take on the classic “locked-room” whodunit, all while exploring identity, morality, and the darker side of true crime fandom.
The story follows seventeen-year-old Sam Tombs (they/them), a true-crime content creator determined to shed light on violence against LGBTQ+ teens. When Sam is invited to a networking event for other creators at a remote Victorian mansion, it seems like a dream opportunity until one of their fellow guests turns up dead. Cut off from the outside world, Sam is forced to team up with their rival Dylan to uncover the killer before the body count rises.
What follows is a tense, addictive combination of mystery and survival, with all the classic slasher energy but tailored for readers who prefer their horror smart, funny, and emotionally grounded. Montblanc crafts an atmosphere of paranoia and isolation that feels cinematic, while keeping the pace brisk and the dialogue razor-sharp. The banter between Sam and Dylan is a particular highlight, providing levity and emotional depth amid the chaos. Their reluctant partnership evolves naturally, and watching their relationship shift from animosity to reluctant trust (and maybe something more) is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Beyond the suspense, “They Want Us Dead” asks meaningful questions about true crime ethics — how creators profit from tragedy, and where empathy ends and exploitation begins. It’s a surprisingly introspective thread that gives the story emotional weight without slowing its momentum.
Montblanc also deserves praise for inclusive and authentic representation. Sam’s nonbinary identity and the book’s broader queer and gender diversity are woven seamlessly into the story; it’s never tokenized or overly explained, simply part of who the characters are. This, combined with the witty narration and snappy pacing, makes the book feel both modern and refreshingly real.
If Montblanc’s debut “Pride or Die” hinted at their talent, “They Want Us Dead” confirms it. The writing is sharper, the mystery more complex, and the emotional beats hit harder. Some readers may wish for a touch more tension toward the end, but the satisfying twists, engaging cast, and addictive “just one more chapter” energy make it hard to put down.
Overall, “They Want Us Dead” is a stylish and inclusive YA thriller. With snappy dialogue, layered social commentary, and a cast you can’t help rooting for, this is the perfect pick for fans of YA thrillers
C.L. Montblanc’s “They Want Us Dead” is a sharp, fast-paced YA thriller that perfectly balances mystery, humor, and heart. Combining the tension of “And Then There Were None” with the modern chaos of social media culture, this book offers a clever, character-driven take on the classic “locked-room” whodunit, all while exploring identity, morality, and the darker side of true crime fandom.
The story follows seventeen-year-old Sam Tombs (they/them), a true-crime content creator determined to shed light on violence against LGBTQ+ teens. When Sam is invited to a networking event for other creators at a remote Victorian mansion, it seems like a dream opportunity until one of their fellow guests turns up dead. Cut off from the outside world, Sam is forced to team up with their rival Dylan to uncover the killer before the body count rises.
What follows is a tense, addictive combination of mystery and survival, with all the classic slasher energy but tailored for readers who prefer their horror smart, funny, and emotionally grounded. Montblanc crafts an atmosphere of paranoia and isolation that feels cinematic, while keeping the pace brisk and the dialogue razor-sharp. The banter between Sam and Dylan is a particular highlight, providing levity and emotional depth amid the chaos. Their reluctant partnership evolves naturally, and watching their relationship shift from animosity to reluctant trust (and maybe something more) is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Beyond the suspense, “They Want Us Dead” asks meaningful questions about true crime ethics — how creators profit from tragedy, and where empathy ends and exploitation begins. It’s a surprisingly introspective thread that gives the story emotional weight without slowing its momentum.
Montblanc also deserves praise for inclusive and authentic representation. Sam’s nonbinary identity and the book’s broader queer and gender diversity are woven seamlessly into the story; it’s never tokenized or overly explained, simply part of who the characters are. This, combined with the witty narration and snappy pacing, makes the book feel both modern and refreshingly real.
If Montblanc’s debut “Pride or Die” hinted at their talent, “They Want Us Dead” confirms it. The writing is sharper, the mystery more complex, and the emotional beats hit harder. Some readers may wish for a touch more tension toward the end, but the satisfying twists, engaging cast, and addictive “just one more chapter” energy make it hard to put down.
Overall, “They Want Us Dead” is a stylish and inclusive YA thriller. With snappy dialogue, layered social commentary, and a cast you can’t help rooting for, this is the perfect pick for fans of YA thrillers
December 7, 2025
They Want Us Dead follows Sam, a content creator who wants to raise awareness of crimes against LGBTQ+ teens. They are invited to an event for teen true crime creators and it seems like the perfect opportunity to grow their channel. But it’s being hosted at an eerie Victorian mansion in the middle of nowhere. When the group is left stranded and one of them is killed their first night, Sam is forced to team up with Dylan, their internet nemesis, to find the killer before it’s too late.
I had a lot of fun with this one! I’m a sucker for any locked door kind of mystery/thriller and the setting in this was so good. The author did a great job at creating this really spooky and eerie Victorian mansion that felt so dangerous. It reminded me a bit of an Agatha Christie novel, which was really fun. The plot was well done and kept me engaged throughout reading. I did not guess who the killer was. I was so wrong. But the twist was really great!
I really enjoyed Sam. They’re a very snarky, clever character. Their perspective was really enjoyable to read from and I enjoyed how passionate they were about true crime and raising awareness for LGBTQ+ crimes. Their reactions felt very realistic and the feud with Dylan was so amusing. It felt like a very real teenager thought process. I also really enjoyed Dylan’s character. He had a lot of heart and the romance between Sam and Dylan was drawn out really well. The other characters were good too. Although I was too suspicious of them of to pick any favourites.
There's also a lot of great representation too and great conversations about identity.
Overall, if you’re looking for a good murder mystery set in a Victorian mansion with spooky vibes, I’d definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the arc!
I had a lot of fun with this one! I’m a sucker for any locked door kind of mystery/thriller and the setting in this was so good. The author did a great job at creating this really spooky and eerie Victorian mansion that felt so dangerous. It reminded me a bit of an Agatha Christie novel, which was really fun. The plot was well done and kept me engaged throughout reading. I did not guess who the killer was. I was so wrong. But the twist was really great!
I really enjoyed Sam. They’re a very snarky, clever character. Their perspective was really enjoyable to read from and I enjoyed how passionate they were about true crime and raising awareness for LGBTQ+ crimes. Their reactions felt very realistic and the feud with Dylan was so amusing. It felt like a very real teenager thought process. I also really enjoyed Dylan’s character. He had a lot of heart and the romance between Sam and Dylan was drawn out really well. The other characters were good too. Although I was too suspicious of them of to pick any favourites.
There's also a lot of great representation too and great conversations about identity.
Overall, if you’re looking for a good murder mystery set in a Victorian mansion with spooky vibes, I’d definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the arc!
October 27, 2025
ARC given by NetGalley, all opinions are my own and freely given. Spoilers ahead.
"There is no 'good' or 'bad', only nuance."
In this book, we follow the narrative of a non-binary teenager, Sam Toombs, as they fall in love with their enemy and fellow content creator, Dylan Lawry. I don't often jump into "romance" per se, but I did enjoy this book for the most part.
The diversity of all the characters made for interesting plot points, as each character gets interrogated at some point in the book while they all face their potential looming death, but I especially appreciated the inclusion of neurodiverse and gender non-conforming characters.
I will say, Sam absolutely drove me nuts in many parts of the book. I found myself frequently annoyed with them as a character, but I think that was more the fact that they are an almost 18 year old who is very much written like an almost 18 year old. The constant back and forth of being annoyed/angry with Dylan while simultaneously falling in love with Dylan made me almost feel bad for Dylan. However, given Dylan's lack of understanding of certain social cues, I'm fairly certain it bothered me more than it ever bothered him.
I tend to gravitate towards mystery/thrillers, and whole I wouldn't classify this as a thriller, it definitely hit the mystery mark for me. It wasn't as predictable as I expected, and I ended up surprised several times. I do wish there would have been more information or even back story on the villain of the story, but given the ending of the book I understand why there wasn't. Now that I've finished it, I'm left somewhere between satisfied and wanting just a little bit more.
"There is no 'good' or 'bad', only nuance."
In this book, we follow the narrative of a non-binary teenager, Sam Toombs, as they fall in love with their enemy and fellow content creator, Dylan Lawry. I don't often jump into "romance" per se, but I did enjoy this book for the most part.
The diversity of all the characters made for interesting plot points, as each character gets interrogated at some point in the book while they all face their potential looming death, but I especially appreciated the inclusion of neurodiverse and gender non-conforming characters.
I will say, Sam absolutely drove me nuts in many parts of the book. I found myself frequently annoyed with them as a character, but I think that was more the fact that they are an almost 18 year old who is very much written like an almost 18 year old. The constant back and forth of being annoyed/angry with Dylan while simultaneously falling in love with Dylan made me almost feel bad for Dylan. However, given Dylan's lack of understanding of certain social cues, I'm fairly certain it bothered me more than it ever bothered him.
I tend to gravitate towards mystery/thrillers, and whole I wouldn't classify this as a thriller, it definitely hit the mystery mark for me. It wasn't as predictable as I expected, and I ended up surprised several times. I do wish there would have been more information or even back story on the villain of the story, but given the ending of the book I understand why there wasn't. Now that I've finished it, I'm left somewhere between satisfied and wanting just a little bit more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75/5 rounded up because I finished this in two days, and it would've been one if I'd had the time.
The main mystery was really compelling, and the fast-paced, straightforward writing style made it easy to read. I also appreciated the thoughts/concerns the protagonist raised about being non-binary, particularly in the true crime field, as it was not only naturally included but also something I'm sure could relate to many people in real life. I was mostly satisfied with ending and how the case wrapped up, although for a lot of the second half I did wonder how they managed to stay clean without showering lol.
However, I was not really a fan of the romance. Sometimes, I wasn't sure about the transition between the romance and murder mystery scenes, but mostly I couldn't really get why the main couple even liked each other besides thinking the other person's cute. Ironically, there were a couple moments that made me think, okay, this must be when they start to like each other, but then they ended up fighting one or two pages later for reasons I personally thought were slightly forced and/or a bit of an overreaction on one of the characters' parts.
Overall, I do recommend since it's not that long and I did have a good time. But I would also recommend reading this in one sitting, if possible, because sometimes I lost track of some of the characters, and it probably didn't help that I was reading in so many different increments.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for the arc!
The main mystery was really compelling, and the fast-paced, straightforward writing style made it easy to read. I also appreciated the thoughts/concerns the protagonist raised about being non-binary, particularly in the true crime field, as it was not only naturally included but also something I'm sure could relate to many people in real life. I was mostly satisfied with ending and how the case wrapped up, although for a lot of the second half I did wonder how they managed to stay clean without showering lol.
However, I was not really a fan of the romance. Sometimes, I wasn't sure about the transition between the romance and murder mystery scenes, but mostly I couldn't really get why the main couple even liked each other besides thinking the other person's cute. Ironically, there were a couple moments that made me think, okay, this must be when they start to like each other, but then they ended up fighting one or two pages later for reasons I personally thought were slightly forced and/or a bit of an overreaction on one of the characters' parts.
Overall, I do recommend since it's not that long and I did have a good time. But I would also recommend reading this in one sitting, if possible, because sometimes I lost track of some of the characters, and it probably didn't help that I was reading in so many different increments.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for the arc!
October 30, 2025
I thought this was an excellent YA thriller with enough action to keep you guessing and a murderer who you will not see coming. I'm a big fan of the high school murder mystery genre, but this had an interesting twist - all of the teens sent on this "retreat" were true crime content creators. Our protagonist, Sam Tombs, focuses on crimes with LGBTQ victims after her best friend went missing, and she has an online feud with AdventureswithDyl, urban explorer, Dylan. Much to her chagrin, Dylan is substituted as a last minute participant after another invitee had a medical mishap. Shortly after arriving, a terrible storm knocks out the bridge to the swanky house where the six retreat participants were staying, so that upped the stakes (they are marooned with a murderer) and also explains why there are no adults handy. Sam and Dylan are rooming together and come to a semi-peaceful detente, but when one of the participants turns up dead at the bottom of the stairs, they don't know who they can trust as they try to unravel the mystery. All of the retreat participants are keeping secrets, and the house itself turns out to be a bit more mysterious than originally anticipated. I eagerly sped through this book, I couldn't put it down, because the pacing is just right to keep the pages turning. I would wholeheartedly recommend to fans of the genre!
November 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Book to be published April 28, 2026.
A Scooby-Doo-esque mystery, with a quirky gang of true crime vloggers that must figure out who the killer is.
Sam is a non-binary true-crime content creator invited to a remote influencer retreat that promises career growth and viral opportunities. But when their longtime online rival, Dylan, unexpectedly joins as a last-minute replacement, things go from awkward to alarming fast. With no Wi-Fi, limited food & water, a storm rolling in, and a body count rising, the line between performance and survival gets thinner by the minute.
There’s a lot this book gets right. The Gen Z language feels natural, the influencer satire is spot-on, and the tension builds in a satisfying, cinematic way. Sam’s perspective is authentic and layered, mixing insecurity, empathy, and the desperate need to be seen. I enjoyed most of the side cast. Every character feels like someone you might actually scroll past online, which adds to the realism and humor amid the thriller.
Where it wavered for me was pacing toward the end. Some of the twists felt rushed, and the “legacy family” element left me unsatisfied considering the locked-room suspense that dominated the first half.
I liked it!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Book to be published April 28, 2026.
A Scooby-Doo-esque mystery, with a quirky gang of true crime vloggers that must figure out who the killer is.
Sam is a non-binary true-crime content creator invited to a remote influencer retreat that promises career growth and viral opportunities. But when their longtime online rival, Dylan, unexpectedly joins as a last-minute replacement, things go from awkward to alarming fast. With no Wi-Fi, limited food & water, a storm rolling in, and a body count rising, the line between performance and survival gets thinner by the minute.
There’s a lot this book gets right. The Gen Z language feels natural, the influencer satire is spot-on, and the tension builds in a satisfying, cinematic way. Sam’s perspective is authentic and layered, mixing insecurity, empathy, and the desperate need to be seen. I enjoyed most of the side cast. Every character feels like someone you might actually scroll past online, which adds to the realism and humor amid the thriller.
Where it wavered for me was pacing toward the end. Some of the twists felt rushed, and the “legacy family” element left me unsatisfied considering the locked-room suspense that dominated the first half.
I liked it!
October 10, 2025
They Want Us Dead by CL Montblanc is a fast-paced and atmospheric YA thriller that had me hooked from the start.
Seventeen-year-old Sam Tombs wants to expand the reach of their videos to shed light on violence targeting LGBTQ+ teens. When Sam attends a true-crime content creator meetup at a Victorian mansion, the night turns deadly after one of the group is murdered. Stranded with no way out, Sam is forced to team up with their irritating rival Dylan to uncover the killer before it’s too late.
The mysterious and secluded setting creates constant tension, and the banter-filled dynamic between Sam and Dylan adds both humour and heart. CL Montblanc weaves in themes of identity, online culture, and the risks of visibility, giving the mystery real depth alongside the suspense.
A sharp and expertly written novel, They Want Us Dead is filled with unexpected twists, well-incorporated humour, and pure suspense and adrenaline on the page. It is perfect for young adult thriller fans.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the availability of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Sam Tombs wants to expand the reach of their videos to shed light on violence targeting LGBTQ+ teens. When Sam attends a true-crime content creator meetup at a Victorian mansion, the night turns deadly after one of the group is murdered. Stranded with no way out, Sam is forced to team up with their irritating rival Dylan to uncover the killer before it’s too late.
The mysterious and secluded setting creates constant tension, and the banter-filled dynamic between Sam and Dylan adds both humour and heart. CL Montblanc weaves in themes of identity, online culture, and the risks of visibility, giving the mystery real depth alongside the suspense.
A sharp and expertly written novel, They Want Us Dead is filled with unexpected twists, well-incorporated humour, and pure suspense and adrenaline on the page. It is perfect for young adult thriller fans.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the availability of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2025
A Young Adult Locked Room Mystery with a touch of romance, They Want Us Dead.
Sam is going to a retreat for content creators that are influencers in the area of true crime. Their online troll/enemy Dylan is also coming as a last-minute substitute. It doesn't take long for them to be stranded with no wi fi or information, just as a dead body happens to fall into their laps (or down the steps).
A lot to like here- a non-binary main character, enemies-to-lovers energy, a cast of characters with foibles and dialogue around their craft. At 320 pages, it is intensely readable. In particular the main character Sam is endearing, and while insecure, I thought their voice was a solid one throughout the novel. The Gen Z/Gen Alpha language was pure and very believable. For me, what didn't work was the pacing and the legacy family storyline. But this book already has really strong reviews so I know others will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC. Book to be published April 28, 2026
Sam is going to a retreat for content creators that are influencers in the area of true crime. Their online troll/enemy Dylan is also coming as a last-minute substitute. It doesn't take long for them to be stranded with no wi fi or information, just as a dead body happens to fall into their laps (or down the steps).
A lot to like here- a non-binary main character, enemies-to-lovers energy, a cast of characters with foibles and dialogue around their craft. At 320 pages, it is intensely readable. In particular the main character Sam is endearing, and while insecure, I thought their voice was a solid one throughout the novel. The Gen Z/Gen Alpha language was pure and very believable. For me, what didn't work was the pacing and the legacy family storyline. But this book already has really strong reviews so I know others will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC. Book to be published April 28, 2026
October 19, 2025
A new mystery by CL Montblanc, They Want Us Dead Eight teens one twisted agenda
Seventenn year old Sam Tombs hopes to get more eyes on the videos they make to raise awareness of crimes against LGBTQ and teens. A true crime meetup turns into a deadly case of its own. Sames hopes to grow their channel until the group becomes stranded at an eerie Victorian mansion and one of them is killed in the night.
Sam's alibi and the only person that can trust, happens to be their mean and dorky internet enemy Dylan. But the two must now put differences aside and use their investigative skills to figure out who among the remaining teens is the killer before their own deaths becomes tomorrow's trending content.
I really enjoyed this book it was a quick read and a well written story.
Thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and CL Montblanc for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
#WednesdayBooks
#CLMontblanc
#TheyWantUsDead
Seventenn year old Sam Tombs hopes to get more eyes on the videos they make to raise awareness of crimes against LGBTQ and teens. A true crime meetup turns into a deadly case of its own. Sames hopes to grow their channel until the group becomes stranded at an eerie Victorian mansion and one of them is killed in the night.
Sam's alibi and the only person that can trust, happens to be their mean and dorky internet enemy Dylan. But the two must now put differences aside and use their investigative skills to figure out who among the remaining teens is the killer before their own deaths becomes tomorrow's trending content.
I really enjoyed this book it was a quick read and a well written story.
Thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and CL Montblanc for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
#WednesdayBooks
#CLMontblanc
#TheyWantUsDead
November 8, 2025
4.75/5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
This was a breath of fresh air for me. I don’t typically read a lot of mysteries but I’m glad I requested this one. Sam was a fun protagonist to follow along with. Their inner monologue paired with how they interacted with everything happening in the house made this a fun read. I never felt like the answers were “right in front of them.” I was guessing right along with them all. The rest of the characters were interesting and made figuring out who did it, even harder (in a good way.) I appreciate how the author brought up the controversy and commentary around “true crime” and gender identity. As both played a pivotal role in the book it’s also important that the real world issues around them were pointed out. I already know a couple friends I’ll be recommending this too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
This was a breath of fresh air for me. I don’t typically read a lot of mysteries but I’m glad I requested this one. Sam was a fun protagonist to follow along with. Their inner monologue paired with how they interacted with everything happening in the house made this a fun read. I never felt like the answers were “right in front of them.” I was guessing right along with them all. The rest of the characters were interesting and made figuring out who did it, even harder (in a good way.) I appreciate how the author brought up the controversy and commentary around “true crime” and gender identity. As both played a pivotal role in the book it’s also important that the real world issues around them were pointed out. I already know a couple friends I’ll be recommending this too.
December 28, 2025
They Want Us Dead completely gripped me—I read it in under 24 hours. The tension is relentless, and the premise is chilling in the best way. From the start, the story throws you into a high-stakes situation where trust is fragile and danger feels constant.
The multiple characters are distinct and compelling, each bringing their own secrets and motivations to the table. I loved how the author balanced fast pacing with emotional depth, making it easy to care about what happens while still racing through the pages. The twists were well timed and genuinely surprising, and the atmosphere stayed dark and unsettling throughout.
This is a sharp, addictive thriller that will absolutely appeal to readers who enjoy intense, twist-heavy stories with a strong sense of urgency. I couldn’t put it down and will definitely be recommending it.
The multiple characters are distinct and compelling, each bringing their own secrets and motivations to the table. I loved how the author balanced fast pacing with emotional depth, making it easy to care about what happens while still racing through the pages. The twists were well timed and genuinely surprising, and the atmosphere stayed dark and unsettling throughout.
This is a sharp, addictive thriller that will absolutely appeal to readers who enjoy intense, twist-heavy stories with a strong sense of urgency. I couldn’t put it down and will definitely be recommending it.
November 6, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and Wednesday Books for this arc for my honest review.
4 of 5 stars(1ST PERSON POV – Sam)
YA Mystery LGBT
Sam Tombs and his internet nemesis both end up at a true crime retreat at an eerie Victorian Mansion. This book is a mix of And then there were none but modern day. Sam comes to the retreat with hopes to grow his channel. They wake in the mansion after the first night to realize that someone was killed. Will Sam and Dylan be able to work together to solve the mystery of the murders because they end up joining them. I love the premise of being trapped on an location and trying to escape and this book does a great job of creating an interesting story by adding in the chaos of social media chaos.
4 of 5 stars(1ST PERSON POV – Sam)
YA Mystery LGBT
Sam Tombs and his internet nemesis both end up at a true crime retreat at an eerie Victorian Mansion. This book is a mix of And then there were none but modern day. Sam comes to the retreat with hopes to grow his channel. They wake in the mansion after the first night to realize that someone was killed. Will Sam and Dylan be able to work together to solve the mystery of the murders because they end up joining them. I love the premise of being trapped on an location and trying to escape and this book does a great job of creating an interesting story by adding in the chaos of social media chaos.
November 16, 2025
This is a story about the importance of vetting workshops before you attend them.
I love a locked room thriller & in always wanting books with trans rep so l was excited to pick this one up... and it was good, but I wanted more suspense and less slow burn romance. This is totally a personal preference- the moments of suspense/conflict were excellent & I could feel the palpable tension! I just wanted that to be the overall tone, because the interactions during "down time" didn't pull me in. That being said, it's a quick, fun read with solid representation & it's totally worth picking up!
3.5 rounded to 4!
Thank you so much @netgalley &@wednesdaybooks for the eArc
I love a locked room thriller & in always wanting books with trans rep so l was excited to pick this one up... and it was good, but I wanted more suspense and less slow burn romance. This is totally a personal preference- the moments of suspense/conflict were excellent & I could feel the palpable tension! I just wanted that to be the overall tone, because the interactions during "down time" didn't pull me in. That being said, it's a quick, fun read with solid representation & it's totally worth picking up!
3.5 rounded to 4!
Thank you so much @netgalley &@wednesdaybooks for the eArc
November 21, 2025
That was unexpected, not the end and the plot twists, but the middle!! How many novels can you say that. Ah!
Great set up right from the start, the tension the LGBTQIA rep and spectrum thank you for that, with a good balance of two who hate each other learning to cooperate for a bigger goal. Fun. Young Adult, teens, and very modern. Loved the reference to Elden Ring, it marks in time which generation these characters are.
Has morally grey characters, great to leave this note here for those who like the type.
I read a copy arc I won in Goodreads Giveaway posting to my socials as therearenobadbooks
Great set up right from the start, the tension the LGBTQIA rep and spectrum thank you for that, with a good balance of two who hate each other learning to cooperate for a bigger goal. Fun. Young Adult, teens, and very modern. Loved the reference to Elden Ring, it marks in time which generation these characters are.
Has morally grey characters, great to leave this note here for those who like the type.
I read a copy arc I won in Goodreads Giveaway posting to my socials as therearenobadbooks
October 9, 2025
One of the best coming-of-age books I've read.
Sam (they/them) is a true-crime content creator who is invited to attend an event with other creators. He finds out that his sworn enemy is also invited. But things take a drastic turn when the group wakes up to find one of their number dead.
This book is filled with great banter and humor amidst a difficult situation.
The best comparison I can make is that "They Want Us Dead" is a modern-day retelling of Clue. I can't recommend this enough!
Sam (they/them) is a true-crime content creator who is invited to attend an event with other creators. He finds out that his sworn enemy is also invited. But things take a drastic turn when the group wakes up to find one of their number dead.
This book is filled with great banter and humor amidst a difficult situation.
The best comparison I can make is that "They Want Us Dead" is a modern-day retelling of Clue. I can't recommend this enough!
October 16, 2025
Sam Tombs is trying to bring awareness to LGBTQ+ crimes. To grow awareness Sam creates an event where someone is killed. People think that Sam had something to do with it. Their alibi? Dylan, their nemesis. Can Sam & Dylan put their differences aside to figure out who the killer is?
This book felt like a quick read while giving suspense that can keep everyone from YA to adult readers engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a quite good YA thriller. More than any of the rest of it I enjoyed the love story between Sam and Dylan. I will say that how this is set up I felt more anxious about them being stuck and running out of resources than I did about the fact that there might be a murderer amongst them. The blurb of the book presented it as being a bit more dark and sinister than the execution and I feel like that did lower my rating some as well as it feeling like the mystery was more of an afterthought. But an overall entertaining read.
October 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and was given an arc for an honest review.
We have crime bloggers - 5, 1 bad guy - and one blogger who likes to go explore vacant old places on youtube.
They get invited to a meet and great - that turns deadly. We have murder, mayhem, romance, suspicions, trying to stay alive to the end of the week.
I am trying not to give to much away when I do these reviews - because I truly want you all to read them :)
But this was a great book!
We have crime bloggers - 5, 1 bad guy - and one blogger who likes to go explore vacant old places on youtube.
They get invited to a meet and great - that turns deadly. We have murder, mayhem, romance, suspicions, trying to stay alive to the end of the week.
I am trying not to give to much away when I do these reviews - because I truly want you all to read them :)
But this was a great book!
December 26, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to the author and the publisher for my copy.
I can see this YA novel appealing to young teens; unfortunately, I don’t think I was the target audience for it. The writing was good, and witty, so it was enjoyable to read, although the mystery fell a bit flat for me at the end.
I can see this YA novel appealing to young teens; unfortunately, I don’t think I was the target audience for it. The writing was good, and witty, so it was enjoyable to read, although the mystery fell a bit flat for me at the end.
December 30, 2025
Thank you to Netgallery and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to opportunity to pre-read this book !
This was a good mystery book ! I honestly thought it was going to go a different way the whole time , and was so sad with that outcome !!! So I’m glad it went the later. It read a lot like other mystery mansion murders read , but it kept me on edge the whole time .
This was a good mystery book ! I honestly thought it was going to go a different way the whole time , and was so sad with that outcome !!! So I’m glad it went the later. It read a lot like other mystery mansion murders read , but it kept me on edge the whole time .
Want to read
June 26, 2025"In this new mystery, two internet enemies are forced to work together after a true crime meetup turns into a deadly case of its own."
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