You Should've Stayed Dead

by M.A. Savino, T. C. Wheatley, Frina Art (Illustrator)

This book is the third in the You Should've Series. If you haven't read books one and Two, please do so first.



Chaos…
Death…
Darkness…
That’s what follows Ari.
After fighting to escape the clutches of human traffickers, Ari will do anything to protect her friends and others from suffering the same fate.
Often lost in the darkness of her mind, she struggles to focus on what matters most.
But when the unexpected occurs, Ari will face the most formidable adversary she’s ever encountered.
Herself.
Can she maintain her sanity, or will she spiral so far into the darkness that she can never find her way back?

Genres: Horror

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2025

Reviews

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a wild ass ride!!!

[Carly Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ari’s thoughts never rest. Nightmares bleed into daylight as she and Odie continue their crusade against traffickers. When a ghost from their past rises, Ari must confront her rawest enemy: the chaos inside her own head. The mission turns personal and survival rests on her ability to outfight both the real threat and the one in the mirror.

Spillin’ the Book Tea:
If you haven't read books one and two, start there. While this review doesn't contain spoilers for this book, it might for the previous two. This third installment hands the mic to Ari and she screams into it. From page one the action kicks. Ari grapples with fractured sanity while still slicing through villains. The tension never lifts. New allies arrive, familiar faces return, and someone presumed dead might breathe again. I simultaneously never wanted it to end and couldn't finish quick enough because I needed to know what happens.

Though there is less spicy scenes in this one, what is there is *chef's kiss*. It just hits with precision. Every scene crackles with tension, and you might just get a new book boyfriend by the end. I tore through chapters because I had to know who’d still be standing. If this is the end of the road, I’m not ready and yes, I’d absolutely beg for a book four.

The Vibes It Brings:
🧠 mind versus memory
⚔️ nonstop mission mode
🌪️ trauma fueled fury
👻 back from the grave twist
💔 loyalty under fire
🍷 low spice high stakes

TL;DR:
Ari owns the spotlight with raw emotion and ruthless drive. Thrilling, gritty, and impossible to set aside, this book dares you to breathe.

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, if you haven't read You Should've Kept Driving and You Should've Stayed Home, go read those first.

While the first book is still my favorite with its mix of vengeance, violence, erotica, and dark humor, I enjoyed You Should've Stayed Dead on a different level. This book was much more emotional for me for reasons I can't state without disclosing spoilers.

I dearly miss having the character of Odie in this book. I think she's my favorite. With Ari having to largely act on her own, she had to grow up and I missed her naivete. However, she still has a good heart and will disrupt traffic to save a turtle on the highway! I also appreciate that Henry had a larger part in this book. He deserved a bigger role!

Thank you to M.A. Savino and TC Wheatley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Should’ve Stayed Dead is a 10-star read—no doubt about it. Grotesquely good in all the best ways, this book is a shining example of storytelling done right, blending dark humor, psychological depth, and heart-pounding suspense.
Ari’s journey in this installment is raw and emotionally intense, as she battles not only the threats around her but also the war within her own mind.
The character development is top-tier. The humor adds the perfect touch of levity, keeping the tone sharp even in its darkest moments.
The pacing, the flow, the emotional payoff—every piece of this story clicks into place. It’s a powerful, wild, unforgettable ride.
It’s a perfect continuation of the series—compelling, fearless, and completely addictive.

[Mandy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd installment of the "You Should've Kept Driving" series delivers those 5 stars just like the other two. This story is full of TW, so check those first... now on the good stuff. the MEAT of the story if you will...

We pick up right where we left off, Ari being sassy and farting away. The funeral went awry, and explosions happened, but revenge was not done! Ari sets on a destruction course, a course to end it all! The way Savino mixes violence and gore with comedy and heartwarming relationships reminds me of a female Tarantino! I never thought a dark, erotic thriller with a ton of TWs could make me cry... but here we are!

I found myself cheering on the death and destruction that follows in Ari's wake. I wanted revenge, too! These are the kind of books where you cheer for the morally gray... okay, morally darkest gray there is character! You want them to hurt the people who have hurt them. I found myself enjoying those scenes a little too much!

The minor characters stand out, bring some quirky humor to the story and add to the fun. The shout out to the 80s movie "Mannequin" hit me in my heart!! Love that movie!

Great read if you are looking for some dark sh*t!!

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooks you, wrenches your heart out and stares at you; in the best way. The rollercoaster of emotions that it invokes, not to mention the anxiety! I have utterly loved this series! Savino has a way to catapult you into Odie and Ari’s world without remorse. The character development and writing style with have you absofuckinglutely obsessed with it. Read the first 2 and get ready for the release at the end of this month! It’s dark, rage-filled and unapologetically fierce.

[Bethany Eckard · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. If you have not read the first two books, Get on with it! Odie and Ari are back, like never before! I adore these characters, and it was such a page turner to get more backstory and story in general from Ari. I DO NOT think Melissa Savino can write anything but 5 star reads! TC Wheatley was a new author for me, but this was a great book! Action, love, I laughed so many times. The sarcasm is right down my alley. Read it. You will not regret it! Great book y’all, GREAT BOOK!!! I loved every page!

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for a little crazy in your lives? If not, then You Should've Stayed Dead! This being the 3rd installment in the trilogy, I highly recommend that you read the first two, "You Should've's", in order to get full enjoyment and understanding of the story and characters in here. I have to warn you, this is a very emotional roller coaster. A lot of trauma. A lot of seeking due vengeance for that trauma. Some for themselves, some for others, others they don't even know. We know our girls in here, they look out for one another, and each alike! Just as it should be. Test your courage today. See what you would do when faced with horrific situations and unbearable conditions, how true would your heart be to you, to keep you alive??

[Kim that.bookish.mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing is going to knock Book 1 out of its #1 spot but this book is a close close second!!!

I loved getting to watch each of them heal and take their power back!! Even though poor Ari completely lost all the tiny marbles she had in the beginning! 👀👀

The unhingedness <- yes that is a word!!
It was unmatched!!! There were multiple times I was laughing out loud, gasping, and gagging all on the same page!!

I absolutely ate this book up and I don’t know what that says about me but honestly I don’t even care!!!

Check your triggers, read books 1 & 2 first and remember….
Save Animals, Eat People!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the lucky ones to revive the Beta copy of this book and it did not disapoint. I really enjoyed it. Like honestly Ari is just every bit of female rage we all wished we could get away with 😂😂😂.

Perfectly written, the shock, horror, belly laughs, gore and it was just sick. Perfect in my opinion. After speaking with the author I asked questions and got more of an insight of what she was thinking at certain points and for me this book is certainly a 5 star read... I cannot wait for what happens next ❤️🌟

[Bob Fendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of Beta reading,

You Should've Stayed Dead

By Melissa Savino and M C Wheatley

Planned release date July 25th
Rate it at ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The third book in the series and again I ask what the hell have I just read!
An ultra fast-paced pitch black horror of a tense and emotional rollercoaster, with plenty of dark humour.

Again I was totally drawn from the start into the continuing mission of Odie and Ari to rid the world of Femi and his organised crime and trafficking gangs.

Ari is struggling with the battles within her mind and of her Sanity with the voices in her head and fearing she is losing control of her objectives, then she comes up against someone that may have good intentions or have something more sinister in mind.

The character development by Melissa is amazing allowing the reader to see the characters evolve.

I was eagerly awaiting for book 3 after reading and thoroughly enjoying You Should've Kept Driving and You Should've Stayed Home hoping it would be as riveting and gripping, and I certainly was not disappointed.
This is one shocking series I would highly recommend, but is not for the faint-hearted, comes with many triggers.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh! It's OVER! 😭 The You Should've Kept Driving trilogy has come to a close! (I think)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I'll be thinking of this story for years to come still. It's been over a year since I read the first book and it's never been far from my thoughts. 🙈 Seriously, starting from book one, I was absolutely HOOKED. YSKD was definitely the most alarming/triggering/shocking of the three. The "trauma" decreases with each book, but dont worry, the series never becomes gore free. 😆

When I say I was hooked... I mean it. I could NOT put it down, I read it so fast. Lol. I looooooved the characters. At first I loved Willow and everything she represented... her strength and craziness and determination. Then came Ari. She was a bit much at first. I mean, there was a LOT happening and she definitely brought the light ✨️ to the room, but she also brought her own level of crazy. 😅 And I'll be damned if she didnt GROW ON ME! Like, she's just absofuckinglutely embedded herself right in to my heart. 🫶

If you enjoy a good "human traffickers get what they deserve" premise, you should DEFINITELY check this out. The characters are hilarious, the banter is bantering, there are countless shocking moments, there are fart jokes and gastrointestinal issues.... it's got everything to make you gag and make you giggle.

Book 1, YSKD, I would label as a pretty hardcore horror/erotica.
Book 2, YSSH, is more horror and a scoche erotica 🤏
Book 3, YSSD, is just straight up horror/revenge, forget the rest

I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity Melissa gave me to beta read book 3 for her. It's was so fun and I love how much feedback she gave ME about the feedback I gave to HER. 😅

[Jaime Tragesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Melissa for the opportunity to BETA read for You Should've Stayed Dead.

I don't even know what to say about this book. I have never had a book make me feel the way this one has. The emotions from a life full of trauma and the gruesome details made me feel like I was living the events from the book. I don't want to give anything away but if you have not read You Should've Kept Driving and You Should've Stayed Home make sure to check them out so you are ready for this amazing read.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! Ari has officially gone full beast mode. She’s not just hunting down the worst of the worst—she’s wrestling with her own mind like it owes her rent. You Should’ve Stayed Dead throws you into pure chaos and refuses to let up. Think: emotional landmines, moral gray zones, and oh yeah—maybe someone’s not as dead as we thought? (GASP.)

Savino’s writing? Razor-sharp. Quick punches of emotion, perfectly timed humor, and a rhythm that feels like sprinting through a thunderstorm with a knife in your teeth. The pacing is relentless—in the BEST way. It’s like chugging espresso shots and emotional trauma at the same time.

Ari’s development? Whew. She’s unraveling, rebuilding, and taking names, all while somehow making me wanna hug her and duck for cover. Odie’s ride-or-die loyalty makes me want to launch a fan club. And don’t even get me started on the surprise returns—my eyebrows still haven’t recovered from how high they flew.

Less spice, more stakes—but what’s there sizzles. Quality over quantity, baby. And trust me, there’s one scene that will live rent-free in your brain forever.

Bottom line: If this is the last book, I am NOT okay. M.A. Savino, I will start a petition, bake cookies, or offer emotional blackmail for a book four. Whatever it takes.

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Holy. Fucking. Shit. 🫣

This was amazing, I ATE it all up in under one day. Nom nom. 😋

Full of heartbreak, horror, gore, torture, revenge, twists and turns, a lil smutty smut time and a happy ending. 🥺
Did I have my hopes up the first half or more? Of course. Did I get them crushed? Maybe I had something in my eye and that's why they watered. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ari reminds me of them toddlers you see on leashes, being menaces to society and having to be contained for the safety of others. 💀😂

Check your triggers before reading, because this has them all. And for the love of god, read books one and two first, if you can stomach it. 😏🖤

[C.A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Should’ve Stayed Dead is a whirlwind of vengeance, trauma, and raw, unfiltered chaos—and Ari is its beating heart. She’s spiraling fast, snark sharp and fists flying, but this time, the real enemy is herself. Melissa doesn’t just tell a story—she arms it. Her writing is fearless, razor-edged, and emotionally brutal in all the right ways.

Each chapter crackles with urgency, introspection, and those signature Melissa gut punches. Her ability to let Ari unravel while never losing the pulse of the action? Masterful.

There’s something deeply visceral about watching a character implode—clawing through the wreckage of her own mind while still throwing punches at the world around her. You want her to heal, sure—but let’s be honest, you live for her fire. Her rage isn’t just reaction—it’s survival. And when it turns inward? That’s when the story really digs in its claws.

Melissa doesn’t flinch. She lets her characters be messy, volatile, human. That kind of honesty hits hard—and it lingers.

This story—co-written with TC Wheatley—emerged like a whisper from the wreckage. A shared unraveling. TC’s hand in this piece lends a shadowed clarity, a quiet reckoning that lingers long after the final blow.

Honestly? If you’re not wrecked by the end, you weren’t paying attention.

No doubt, You Should’ve Stayed Dead is brilliant—but Melissa? She’s the storm behind the story. And we’re all just standing in the downpour, willingly.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

!!!!!!Fanfuckingtastic!!!!!!!!!

M.A.Savino and T.C.Wheatley did NOT disappoint!!!!

Okay,....this series just keeps getting darker and deeper, and I’m honestly obsessed with all 3 of these books!

Ari is really going through it in this one. Her mind is loud, messy, and honestly terrifying at times. You can feel how lost she is, and it’s written in such a raw, real way that you just want to reach into the book and hug her, or at least get her some sleep and therapy

And then there’s Odie—ride or die, always. The bond between Ari and Odie is one of my favorite parts of this whole series. It’s not perfect. It’s not cute all the time, but it’s real. They’re both trying to hold each other up while the world around them and inside them falls apart.

The human trafficking plot adds serious weight to the story, but honestly, the scariest thing Ari faces in this book is herself. That inner war? Brutal. But so well done!!!

Huge shoutout to the authors for not shying away from the heavy stuff. The way the trauma, friendship, and mental health are delivered, intense but authentic. If you've read the first two books, you know what kind of storm you're stepping into, and book 3 does not disappoint. This installment was perfectly done!

if you have not read the first 2 in the series to read this one..... what are you waiting for!?!?!?!?!

This is Not for the faint of heart, but absofuckinlutley worth it!!!!!

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Should’ve Stayed Dead by M.A. Savino
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!
Ari is back in action in this 3rd book of a kickass series! This book is filled with twists, suspense, murders, and lots of intense action.
Ari is out for revenge and isn’t holding back in this story! She’s a killer and she’s seeking justice!
Ari teams up with her “crew” and they are on a serious mission. She has a lot going on in her mind and is all over the place trying to find people, keep her friends safe and solve different crazy dilemmas.
The story is filled with darkness, passion, strong emotions and wild excitement!

This book is very well written and M.A. Savino wrapped up this trilogy in an awesome way!

If you haven’t read these books yet, they are an absolute must read!! Best to read in order!

1) You Should’ve Kept Driving- 5🌟
2) You Should’ve Stayed Home-5🌟
3) You Should’ve Stayed Dead -5 🌟

Thank you to M.A. Savino for letting me Beta read this amazing story!!

*Keep your eyes open for this one!! You don’t want to miss this book and the entire series!*

[Marena Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You Should’ve Stayed Dead” by M.A. Savino & T.C. Wheatley

This finale did NOT hold back. You Should’ve Stayed Dead is the wild, jaw-dropping conclusion to the You Should’ve trilogy—and it’s as unhinged, graphic, and emotionally explosive as you’d hope. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Savino and Wheatley pull the rug out from under you one last time.

Ari’s descent is haunting, gripping, and completely unrelenting. Fueled by betrayal and vengeance, her character arc will make you question everything you thought you knew. And with Odie at her side, this book is one wickedly chaotic ride from start to finish.

Every twist shocked me. Every scene pushed boundaries. And somehow, I loved every depraved, thrilling moment. M.A. Savino doesn’t just tell a story—she drags you through it, bruised, breathless, and begging for more.

Ari is my forever ride or die

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Should’ve Stayed Dead by M.A. Savino, co-written by T.C. Wheatley, is an emotional gut-punch from beginning to end. It’s dark, raw, and fearless in a way that few books dare to be.

Ari’s journey is brutal, heartbreaking, and painfully real. The trauma she faces isn’t just background noise—it’s front and center, unflinching and unapologetic. The heavy triggers? They make the story. Because this book doesn’t hide from the truth—it exposes it. And somehow, within all the chaos, there’s still strength, still fire, still fight.

Savino has once again delivered a masterclass in emotional storytelling. You Should’ve Stayed Dead doesn’t just demand your attention—it owns it. Dark, messy, and powerful beyond words.

Huge thanks to M.A. Savino for letting me beta read this fantastic story!

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! boy what a ride this book was. it picks up directly from where we left off at book 2, and just does not relent in the action, humor and feels.

Ari really struggles in this book with emotions around what happened to her in the past, and sometimes Odie does not really help with those emotions. There is alot of inner monolog that gives the reader way more character depth for Ati, and she is more of a main focus in this book as our FMC.

I really can not say enough good things about this book, it is everything I loved from the first two books and more. the pacing and character development are on point, and there are turns in the book that like the first two - i never saw coming.

10/10 ypu have to read this one!

[Heather Desmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s start with…. READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. If you’re a pansy don’t pick this book up, if you’re easily offended, grossed out, TRIGGERED. Better keep moving cuz this author deserves the best readers EVER…

Now onto the review. This is the 3rd book in the YSHKD series. And what a fucking roller coaster it was. This book follows Ari on her journey of revenge for her and her friends. She is unhinged and on a mission and you already know… she’s unstoppable. This book gives you all the emotions? YES. Did I get my hopes up in the first half of the book?! YES!! Did I cry?! Absofuckinglutely. Will I read it again?! Absofuckinglutely. I devoured this book (nom nom), could NOT put it down. The growth of Ari thru this book is amazing and some of the restraint she shows I was so proud.

This book is a 10/5 stars. And the series is beyond that. There aren’t enough stars in the world to give. If you haven’t read this series yet DOOOO IT.

[Shelly Stradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Should’ve Stayed Dead by Melissa Savino and T.C. Wheatley is the third book in this amazing series. This storyline focuses on Ari and her need to seek revenge on those who have wronged her and her friends. You Should’ve Stayed Dead is a masterpiece of twists and turns that keep you forever guessing what Ari will do next! It is usually Ari being up to no good! I beyond recommend reading this whole series but it’s not for the faint of hearts! Watch your trigger warnings! This whole series is truly one of a kind!

[Brittany Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God!! My heart shattered and unravels with Ari in this unputtdownable page turner. Ari is breaking loose and is not at all sorry about it in YSSD. The harrowing journey she is on to right all those who've done wrong and the worst of the worst is captivating and will put an ear to ear smile on your face. I'm pretty sure my pulse raced right along with Ari and the crew, I laughed and damn near cried with her along the way. I absolutely cannot wait to add book 3 to my shelf at home and share this current trilogy with everyone.
Beyond grateful to have been a BETA reader for M.A Savino. Such an amazing book.

[Olivia Konradt · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - I did not want to put this book down! If you have not read You Should’ve Kept Driving and You Should’ve Stayed Home please stop and read those first. If you have read those then the minute this book is available run don’t walk to read it! Ari was an absolute riot, as usual, while taking us on another emotional rollercoaster through this book. She is truly unhinged, but I’ve never rooted for a character more. This is a series I will be reading again :)

[Kierston Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start. This has been my favorite unhinged series ever! I want to just gush about all the things, but I don’t want to spoil the plot. I never thought I would root for the cannibal serial killer, but here I am!

Can we just agree that this book is the best of the series? That everything I thought might happen…no it didn’t! I was prepared for some of the things, but can you really be prepared for a book like this? No, no you can’t.

#SaveAnimalsEatPeople
#WillowAcademy
#abso-effing-lutely

[Patricia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah, Melissa had me asking myself what did I just read?
Book 3 took me on one heck of a ride, I was a passenger for Ari’s journey. Ari was really struggling with her sanity. The emotions were so raw while she lived some of her darkest moments.
This book was full of dark humor and edge of your seat suspense. Loved every moment of it.

[Myrna O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Ari! This as a beautiful end to the trilogy. It was wickedly good, violent and funny. Can people really be saved when they are traumatized and hurt? I would say no but there are ways to make it better. Those ways aren’t always good. Or are they?

This is a must read, careful if you’re easily triggered.

[Carla Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.A. Savino has done it again!! If I could rate this book 10 stars I would. I absolutely love this series and it’s one of my faves. This book had me going through so many emotions. My heart was ripped out but then I was happy to see Ari find happiness. This book is an emotional rollercoaster and it is quite grotesque and I loved every second of it. Don’t hesitate to pick this one up

[Angelica Arenal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa did it again. Loved this complete series but YSSD holds a special place in my heart. Watching each character come to their own and learning to heal from trauma (in a non conventional way lol). I do hope she continues the MFCs story bc it’s getting good. Highly recommend