They Want Us Dead

by CL Montblanc

In 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.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller, LGBT, Mystery Thriller, Queer, Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

CL 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.

Reviews

[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Mia 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Niki.reads.rainbow · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jean Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. While I was excited about the premise, I felt that the plot was all over the place and didn't make sense in quite a few areas. I found the last 75+ pages to be somewhat confusing, rushed, and illogical, like the author was trying to incorporate too many different themes and conspiracies into one story in a way that just didn't work. I found the 'reveal' to be lacking, and the final pages to be disappointing.

[Christina Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Chloe]

Autism, gender, and murder and it's like this book was written for me.

[Brooke! · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 !!!!!

[Jamie D'Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the Goodreads Giveaway of an advanced copy!

I think there’s people who will enjoy this one, but unfortunately, I just wasn’t a fan... I work as a teen librarian, so I try to read a variety of YA books when I can to stay up to date on what’s available and what’s trending. Mysteries and thrillers are really popular at my library, and so is true crime, so I was excited for the chance to preview this one to see if I wanted to order it.

I think this had an interesting concept - take teens who make true crime content and bring them together to hone their skills, then throw them in a true crime situation, all while using Sam’s videos to bring attention to the real life fact that there is a lack of awareness and justice for LGBTQ+ victims of crimes, as well as including discussions about the responsibility and ethics of making and consuming true crime content. I just don’t think it was executed well.

I found the overuse of Gen Z (Gen Alpha? I don’t know) language to be incredibly distracting from the story and its underlying messages. There is so much stereotypical “teen talk” that the internal monologue and dialogue is cringey, and at times laughable, even if it’s meant to be serious. I’ve worked with thousands of teens of all different personalities and backgrounds for around 10 years, and I think the vast majority of them would find this overuse of slang and pop culture references to be off putting. Even my former middle schoolers from my teaching days, who would hop onto a trend and cling to it with their dying breath, would most likely find the language in this “cringe.” At a certain point, trying too hard to connect with the audience can actually keep them from connecting with the story, and that’s what happened here for me. There’s also SO MUCH swearing. Don’t get me wrong, I swear a lot too, but for a YA book, this felt like an insane amount. For example, in the first 10 pages, there are 10 uses of the words “shit” and “fuck.” It was so noticeable that after I finished the first chapter, I went back and counted. I thought no way there’s this much in the rest of the book. But there is. In this barely 300 page book, there’s over 200 instances of those two words alone being used, and that’s not even counting other swear words, like bitch, asshole, goddamn, etc. Was me counting every use of those two words excessive? Yes, but it’s also excessive that they’re used that much. Seriously, flip to any page, and there’s a 70% chance you’ll find one of those words. Teens swear, I get that. But this just comes across as trying too hard to be cool and edgy.

Getting past the wording, I felt like the plot was kind of weak, particularly explaining how and why they’re isolated for a week. Storms knocking out cell towers is not uncommon, and I find it hard to believe that in and around LA, it would take a week for a cell tower to be fixed. I didn’t fully grasp the location of the mansion, but I would think that even with intense terrain and the driveway’s bridge being destroyed, that the group could still hang out where the bridge was and shout or wave to the road, or make some type of SOS sign or something to ask for help from people passing by? I also don’t understand why none of the staff (who were staying offsite) pushed for help for the group. They had to bring food for dinner and breakfast because there was none in the mansion, so they would have known, hey, there’s several people up there with basically no food, maybe someone should help them? The ending also felt kind of rushed and was confusing at times. But, circling back to my point in the paragraph above, there was so much “fucking shit” being said that it was hard to stay focused on the actual substance of the story.

While it’s my opinion that the depth and impact of the story was diminished by the writing style and word choices, it was ultimately a fairly quick and easy read. I think teens or adults who aren’t put off by the language will enjoy it and find it easier to connect with than I did. This might be a good one for reluctant readers or teens who dislike or struggle to read. Based on other early reviews, there’s clearly several people who really enjoy it! I’ve read a couple of other mysteries and thrillers and, in hindsight, wasn’t really a fan of any of them either, so unfortunately I think I just don’t like this genre.

[Carmen Marin · Rating 1 out of 5]

The summary indicated we'd get a "locked room" murder mystery staring young social media influencers who report about true crime. Well, there were young social media influencers. And there was murder, a few of them. And True Crime was talked about, but that's as far as it went.

Thank you to my agent, Natalie Lakosil, and my editor, Tiffany Shelton, for helping to shape what was once a plotless rom-com into something coherent.

Uh, it was just a plotless rom-"com" with nothing coherent about it. So maybe get a new agent or editor.

Both of CL Montblanc's books have such wonderful covers and interesting plot descriptions! Too bad that's as far is goes. It's rather clear, now having read both books (not back to back, but within a few months of each other) that this author wants to write contemporary queer romance with teens, and doesn't know how to make it interesting.

It's also VERY clear that this author has never visited California or the LA area yet attempts to write about LA teens, and manages to make them more fake than actual people from LA who do act fake a lot of times.

The queer narrative was only okay, but it again felt like a lot of soapboxing and telling to an audience as if they don't have some understanding. However, of course, every queer experience is different and we can't be all put into a box. Aside from that, we get a very lackluster murder mystery plot that attempts to be as twisty and confusing as a Knives Out plot, but fails in every attempt. There's lots of muddling clues that go no where, and then when they're put together at the very end, it barely makes any sense.

It's another feeling of a scooby doo murder mystery, except the masked culprit is actually the good person and we have all incompetents adults who can only rely on these teens, who are supposedly smarter and more intuitive and creative than them. Yet it takes a whole week to get rescued or get the plot going at all, cause apparently these teens don't know how to do anything but play on their phone. If i was stranded on an island or isolated plot of land because of a storm, I'd be spending ALL HOURS searching the house, hacking down doors that were locked, or scaling a cliff down, not spending half the time 'woe is me'-ing or chasing down crushes or again, blaming each other for no reason.

Multiple red herrings in this book pointing at everyone. But of course, except the protagonist, NEVER suspects their roommate. Their cyber rival/bully that happened to get booked last minute to this gig. That they never met before except on the uber ride to the house. No, that person that they have this 'enemies to lovers' vibe with, where even our protagonist thinks is being dicked around emotionally with half the book, clearly never ever could be a suspect.

But you know who is? One of their closest online friends that arrives half a day late to the gig and therefore is in the suspected time area of maybe doing a random murder. That girl? She's sussed out till the end, and our protagonist never actually tries to hang out with them, you know the one they've talked to every day online up until now? Until the end.

This book was so damned frustrating and pointless and boring. The actual bad guys were cartoon level of villainy and stupidity that conveniently only showed their hand at the end. I've read quite a few enemies or rivals to lovers books where there was no real qualities of either enemies/rivals but this one took the cake.

Second to worst book I read all year. One of the only saving graces, was some interesting views of autism that we don't see often, but it is from the perspective of an outsider. There were good lines about it that I've heard from other autistic friends (and my partner) have echoed in the past. I, having not been diagnosed with it, so as an outsider myself can't tell you if it's good rep or not. Seems like it, but not really worth reading this book to see.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a copy of this to review.

The cover for this book is gorgeous. A great ominous looking mansion with the backdrop of a seemingly LA landscape and sunset like colors. The cover feels more LA/California than the entire book. Great typesetting and so eye-catching. I'd want it as a poster (without the tagline or the author name on it).

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Lisa Ahlstedt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sam Tombs is a gender neutral teen living at home with their parents. Sam has a true crime channel online that investigates crimes and disappearances of other marginalized youth. Sam is thrilled to be chosen as one of eight young true crime creators invited to a networking event by a group called Teens of True Crime. The event is held, predictably, in a large, isolated manor house outside of LA. When the car arrives to pick up Sam, they are horrified to discover the other passenger in the car is a creator known as AdventuresWithDyl who delights in spamming and antagonizing Sam. Things get even worse when they are assigned to share a room at the event. Things turn strange the first night when Sam wakes up to find someone in their room rummaging through their belongings. Soon, one of the eight is found dead at the bottom of a staircase -- an accident or something more sinister? Even more terrible things happen, and the group gets cut off from the outside world as the bridge connecting them to civilization gets destroyed in a storm (or perhaps by sabotage). The wifi also doesn't work, and before long, the water is also shut off. It's going to be nearly a week before anyone comes looking for them (when the event was supposed to end), so how many will survive until then?

The story has all the makings of a spooky "and then there were none" story for the modern age. Sam's depression and sadness at not being accepted is clearly a big part of the story. There were just a lot of other things that didn't make a lot of sense. The biggest, glaring example was the constant reference to the lack of water and how the little drinking water they had soon dwindled to nothing. There were several problems with this: it was mentioned that they had no water, then not referred to as at least a day went by, and they all ran around looking for clues about what was happening. Also, early on they stash the body in a walk-in cooler that is filled almost to capacity with various forms of liquor and wines. Yet after stashing the body there, it apparently never occurs to any of the dehydrated teens that they have plenty of liquid in the cooler. It's never mentioned again. The "investigation" was very tedious with everyone suspecting everyone else around and around with not much advance to the action. People were apparently aware that the teens were stranded for all those days and yet didn't try to come to their rescue until the originally appointed time? The final resolution was also a bit unclear, with the explanation not making a whole lot of sense.

I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.

[james · Rating 4 out of 5]

[thank you to netgalley and st. martin's press for providing the e-arc for honest review]

This novel involves a group of teens in the online true crime space being invited to a retreat in an old mansion in California, where one of them is found dead.

This novel was written with a fresh and enticing narrative voice that kept me engaged throughout the entire story. Despite dealing with some more serious themes, the tone tended towards being light-hearted which is perfect for the intended audience, and allows queer characters some happiness.

I appreciated that the protagonist Sam was fun and sarcastic while still dealing with depression, which made them a nuanced and relatable character. The nonbinary rep was great.

I also enjoyed Sam's love interest, Dylan, who was good autistic rep. Of their relationship, I loved their banter. There were so many times I laughed at both of their quips. Their enmity towards each other in the beginning was believable but not so serious that them being together would keep me thinking of how they wronged each other. Their relationship was well-developed.

I really loved the characters Arya and Jen specifically; all of the characters had unique personalities that worked perfectly in a murder mystery setting, though I do wish Sam and Arya spent a bit more time together as established close friends.

The novel also does not uncritically include true crime in the narrative, and I appreciated that there was discussion of its ethics included, allowing readers to form their own opinions.

While I think the mystery was compelling, the pacing of it seemed off to me, as too many clues and reveals were relegated to the very end.

Though I personally enjoyed the humour, there were a couple times I wondered if the targeted teen audience would appreciate the references and jokes.

Overall, I think this was a fun young adult murder mystery, especially for queer teens.
I'm looking forward to reading more from the author!

[♡ A ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lauren Bayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very fun take on the locked-room mystery, though it gets bogged down by some plot issues. The characters are real winners, especially the budding romance between Dylan and Sam. The humor is also top tier, with quips that made me snort-laugh. Montblanc writes in a very engaging way for the Gen Z/Gen Alpha audience.

Perhaps the biggest issue for me was the strained social commentary. One of the things that made Pride or Die, Montblanc's first book, a winner in my book was how it tackled topical issues in a realistic way without it distracting from the central mystery. There is still some social commentary in here, particularly about transphobia and ableism against neurodiverse people, but the way it is written ends up feeling like an aside rather than a part of the story. When there are the scenes about social issues, they are written in a stilted manner, almost "very special episode" esque. The best aspects of social commentary come in the smaller asides, like Dylan's nightgown. This book is important for representation, but not when it distracts from some of the common beats a thriller needs to hit. Example of that: The final villain confrontation gets swept away far too quickly - we don't even get a villain monologue! I will also say that the title itself doesn't really relate, though I'm sure that is on the publisher and not the author.

High school librarians, I still think this should be on the shelves, but maybe not with a shelf talker, if that makes sense? It's solid, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Intriguing! Sam has spent the last three years making content on unsolved crimes, missing persons, etc. Particularly those having to due with LGBTQ+ teens. They have a small following and with that comes the haters, their biggest being a content creator named Dylan. But whatever, forget him right? When they get invited to attend an event for true crime creators, they feel it’s a great way to network and grow their following. They quickly discover that this trip isn’t quick to be so fun, first because it turns out Dylan is there as well. What’s he doing there he doesn’t even do true crime content? But then at the event, which is hosted at a remote Victorian mansion, someone ends up dead. The remaining quests quickly realize they are all in danger. Unfortunately for Sam the only other guest that they can trust and be sure isn’t the murderer is Dylan. They are each other’s alibis. So they’ll be forced to work together to figure out who among the others is capable of murder, especially as it soon becomes apparent that they are trapped and no one is coming to help them. Can they figure it out before anyone else gets hurt? Can Sam really trust Dylan, after all what is he even doing there? A fast paced queer mystery that I consumed! CL Montblanc weaves a compelling mystery that had me hooked, that’s also equal parts romance, witty, and an honest look at the complexities of being non-binary!

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[kaleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes:
- YA mystery
- content creator retreat in a Victorian mansion
- group of teen content creators
- LGBTQIA+ rep with a gender nonconforming main character
- autism rep
- romance subplot
- internet enemies to reluctant allies/friends to lovers


Sam, our protagonist, followed by our main group of characters, are all teen content creators attending an in-person meet up/retreat, when they become stranded. Over time, a few people taking up residence at the house the retreat is at begin dropping dead and disappearing into thin air.

Sam not only has to navigate his newfound feelings for Dylan, his online/content creator enemy, but also work together with the rest of the team to solve the mysteries.

I enjoyed how the author set up and executed the setting of the story! It was enticing and the romance subplot (although, this was a large part of the story) was interesting to follow. Also, the mystery clues were laid out well! They weren’t spaced too far apart, and similarly not placed too closed together to where one felt overwhelmed. Well, aside from the “big” reveal at the end.

Although, I’m kind of conflicted about this one😭 I enjoyed the characters and the romance aspect, but it wasn’t a satisfying ending regarding the mystery plot. We uncover the truth behind certain plot points, but one of them remains unsolved.

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you @wednesdaybooks #partner for the gifted copy of this book.

They Want Us Dead by C.L. Montblanc was an intriguing read even if it ultimately wasn’t quite my jam—and that’s okay.

The writing itself pulled me in right away and I appreciated how realistic that Gen Z voice really felt. The author clearly has a strong grasp on voice and atmosphere. That said, the heavy focus on Gen Z mentality and verbiage sometimes pulled me out of the story. That voice in this book just felt authentic so I absolutely give credit where it’s due. If I had to put my finger on it I just think maybe this “voice” or tone in this book just made me feel old. I think it took away from the plot rather than enhanced it for me because it just felt like it over powered the book. I know this is a flaw in my own personal taste however.

The pacing also felt a bit rushed in places especially toward the end. I think I was expecting a bigger wow and even though it was interesting I wasn’t completely blown away. It just felt a little lackluster.

That said, the characters were easily the highlight for me. There was plenty of representation in this book, the characters were engaging and felt genuine. Sam really stood out and was my favorite to follow.

Overall, while I am not screaming from the rooftops about this book I can absolutely see it resonating with the audience it’s written for. I will say I am completely loving the cover art because she is soooo gorgeous! Overall I feel like this was just a case of “sometimes a book just isn’t meant for me” vs the book itself. I know other thriller lovers will eat this one up, so I say give it a try!

[Aaron Todd Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

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!

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kellie Windsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[RStanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.