What do you think?
Rate this book
Dead Girls First
Jessica will never forgive herself.
Five years ago, her brother and best friend were murdered. She found the bodies. The killer confessed. But what haunts her most from that night is that she ignored a call from her best friend.
Then the killer’s brother shows up at her door, insisting the wrong person went to prison.
And she’s about to find out…
Some truths are better left buried.
The Dead Girls Book Club series are stand alones, interconnected by the characters that fans know and love. These twisty, domestic psychological thrillers can be read independently, and are perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, and Kiersten Modglin.
Five years ago, her brother and best friend were murdered. She found the bodies. The killer confessed. But what haunts her most from that night is that she ignored a call from her best friend.
Then the killer’s brother shows up at her door, insisting the wrong person went to prison.
And she’s about to find out…
Some truths are better left buried.
The Dead Girls Book Club series are stand alones, interconnected by the characters that fans know and love. These twisty, domestic psychological thrillers can be read independently, and are perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, and Kiersten Modglin.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 6, 2026
This was SUCH a great follow up to The Dead Girls Book Club!! I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!!
This story gave insight into the history and personalities of those who were in the first book. It enabled the reader to understand how the characters had evolved over time. If you liked the first book you will love this one!!
The inscription at the end of the book brought so much personal meaning to the story for me. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us…
Read and Enjoy 😊😊!!
This story gave insight into the history and personalities of those who were in the first book. It enabled the reader to understand how the characters had evolved over time. If you liked the first book you will love this one!!
The inscription at the end of the book brought so much personal meaning to the story for me. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us…
Read and Enjoy 😊😊!!
April 1, 2026
emotionally freeing.
This book has been a transformative experience for me, and I'll be forever grateful. Like many, I've struggled with the weight of past hurts, but through this book and the DGBC community, I've found a sense of peace and healing. Theresa, Jessica, Joe, and the entire DGBC Girls are truly inspiring individuals who have made profound impact on my life.
Because I am a Dead Girl too 🖤
Zia Rayyan, you've outdone yourself - this book is a testament to the power of storytelling and healing.
This book has been a transformative experience for me, and I'll be forever grateful. Like many, I've struggled with the weight of past hurts, but through this book and the DGBC community, I've found a sense of peace and healing. Theresa, Jessica, Joe, and the entire DGBC Girls are truly inspiring individuals who have made profound impact on my life.
Because I am a Dead Girl too 🖤
Zia Rayyan, you've outdone yourself - this book is a testament to the power of storytelling and healing.
April 3, 2026
Love love love. Another fantastic read with characters you just can't help but love. Bring on the next one!!
March 12, 2026
OMG—I’ve read every book by this author, and to say he’s improved with each one is truly an understatement. Every time I finish one of his books, I think it can’t possibly get any better… and then he proves me wrong. This is, without a doubt, his best book yet.
I was completely hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down until the end. The twists were brilliantly done—I never saw them coming, which made the reading experience even more thrilling. His writing continues to get stronger with every release, and the way he weaves in subtle references to other authors is such a fun touch for readers.
The pacing, suspense, and storytelling were all spot on, making this an absolute page-turner. Now I’m (very impatiently!) counting down the days until the next installment in the Dead Girls series. If his track record is anything to go by, it’s going to be incredible.
I was completely hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down until the end. The twists were brilliantly done—I never saw them coming, which made the reading experience even more thrilling. His writing continues to get stronger with every release, and the way he weaves in subtle references to other authors is such a fun touch for readers.
The pacing, suspense, and storytelling were all spot on, making this an absolute page-turner. Now I’m (very impatiently!) counting down the days until the next installment in the Dead Girls series. If his track record is anything to go by, it’s going to be incredible.
April 2, 2026
I didn’t expect to feel this much. This book is heartbreaking, raw, and beautifully written.
The story pulled me in from the very first page, and I was completely invested in every twist and turn.
Chapter 42 hit me like a gut punch—I haven’t cried over a book in years, and this one left me shaking and emotional for hours. The characters, the tension, the heartbreak - it all comes together in a way that stays with you long after the last page.
This isn’t just a book; it’s an experience.
The story pulled me in from the very first page, and I was completely invested in every twist and turn.
Chapter 42 hit me like a gut punch—I haven’t cried over a book in years, and this one left me shaking and emotional for hours. The characters, the tension, the heartbreak - it all comes together in a way that stays with you long after the last page.
This isn’t just a book; it’s an experience.
April 3, 2026
Loved this book, Zia did it again!! His books just get better and better, you are completely sucked in to the characters and fit really hits you in the feels! Best quote from the book, and one that we all need to take to heart - "Pain is temporary. Blink, and it will all be over."
March 31, 2026
DGBC
I love everything this author writes! Once again he delivered a 5 star read. I didn’t put this book down until I had read every word! Thanks Zia!!
I love everything this author writes! Once again he delivered a 5 star read. I didn’t put this book down until I had read every word! Thanks Zia!!
April 7, 2026
Another 10/10, excellent follow up to The Dead Girls Book Club!! Looking forward to book #3!!
April 1, 2026
Zia has smashed it out of the park, yet again. Read in 2 sittings. Amazing!!!!
March 14, 2026
This is another blinder from Zia Rayyan. First and foremost, most importantly for any good psychological thriller, there is a crime, there is violence, mystery and there are twists galore. You will not see the final bit coming.
If you love a book that opens with a bang, you’ll love this.
This can be read as a stand alone, as its a prequel story to some of the characters in the brilliant The Dead Girls Book Club, but I would highly recommend you read it after that one because in my opinion, you will appreciate it a bit more.
The story centres around Jessica, whose life is shattered when her brother & best friend are murdered, leaving behind their baby daughter. Jessica ends up on a journey to uncover the truth and what she finds along the way are a group of friends she didn’t know she needed, an inner strength she didn’t know she had and and a penchant for hitting people with a baseball bat!
Just like the other books in the ‘series’, the author truly captures the bond between these women in such a way that you will be rooting for them the entire time, even through the sometimes morally grey areas, you will find them relatable.
It’s really quite deep, often touching towards the end compared to the other books written by Zia but that should do the absolute opposite of put you off. It is still jam packed with excitement, violence, lies and betrayal and the mixture of hard and soft is perfect. The pacing is spot on, with short chapters, this is one of those books where you keep saying ‘one more chapter’ but it never is and you finish it in one sitting!
The Dead Girls of the book club are not pathetic, boring, nicey nice girly girls girls, they are real, flawed, fallible humans and whether you are already part of a close friendship group or if you havent yet found your tribe, you will love them just the same. The Dead Girls Book Club books really aren’t like anything i’ve read before.
Zia Rayyan very quickly became one of those authors that I will go in to a book blindly, no blurb needed and ive never been let down
If you love a book that opens with a bang, you’ll love this.
This can be read as a stand alone, as its a prequel story to some of the characters in the brilliant The Dead Girls Book Club, but I would highly recommend you read it after that one because in my opinion, you will appreciate it a bit more.
The story centres around Jessica, whose life is shattered when her brother & best friend are murdered, leaving behind their baby daughter. Jessica ends up on a journey to uncover the truth and what she finds along the way are a group of friends she didn’t know she needed, an inner strength she didn’t know she had and and a penchant for hitting people with a baseball bat!
Just like the other books in the ‘series’, the author truly captures the bond between these women in such a way that you will be rooting for them the entire time, even through the sometimes morally grey areas, you will find them relatable.
It’s really quite deep, often touching towards the end compared to the other books written by Zia but that should do the absolute opposite of put you off. It is still jam packed with excitement, violence, lies and betrayal and the mixture of hard and soft is perfect. The pacing is spot on, with short chapters, this is one of those books where you keep saying ‘one more chapter’ but it never is and you finish it in one sitting!
The Dead Girls of the book club are not pathetic, boring, nicey nice girly girls girls, they are real, flawed, fallible humans and whether you are already part of a close friendship group or if you havent yet found your tribe, you will love them just the same. The Dead Girls Book Club books really aren’t like anything i’ve read before.
Zia Rayyan very quickly became one of those authors that I will go in to a book blindly, no blurb needed and ive never been let down
April 1, 2026
The twists keep twisting!
I was so excited for this book to come out after reading The Dead Girls Book Club. I didn’t see how Zia could possibly top that story, but my eyes were opened wide. WOW is all I have. I devoured this book in less than a day. I could not put it down- I had to keep reading to see what was happening next, if I had the twists figured out (I did not), and to get answers to my burning questions. Do not sleep on this amazing tale of grief, revenge, unlikely love, and sheer thrills!
I was so excited for this book to come out after reading The Dead Girls Book Club. I didn’t see how Zia could possibly top that story, but my eyes were opened wide. WOW is all I have. I devoured this book in less than a day. I could not put it down- I had to keep reading to see what was happening next, if I had the twists figured out (I did not), and to get answers to my burning questions. Do not sleep on this amazing tale of grief, revenge, unlikely love, and sheer thrills!
April 3, 2026
•first person
I knew from chapter one this book would easily be my favorite of Zia's. Now, I love Zia's books but this one qas different. It was raw, emotional, but yet thrilling and exciting. Zia's books are definition of "you cannot put this down". make sure you have a few hours of spare time because this tops all of his books and you'll be ready to finish this book right as you start.
I knew from chapter one this book would easily be my favorite of Zia's. Now, I love Zia's books but this one qas different. It was raw, emotional, but yet thrilling and exciting. Zia's books are definition of "you cannot put this down". make sure you have a few hours of spare time because this tops all of his books and you'll be ready to finish this book right as you start.
April 1, 2026
Loved
Read it in 2 days and couldn't put it down! It's as good as the first and I loved hearing Jessica story. It's easy to read, fast paced and bits of humor. Great author and highly recommend this and the first book! I can't wait for the next story
Read it in 2 days and couldn't put it down! It's as good as the first and I loved hearing Jessica story. It's easy to read, fast paced and bits of humor. Great author and highly recommend this and the first book! I can't wait for the next story
April 2, 2026
Loved this book!!
Everything I was hoping for from a Dead Girls Book Club novel. I adore the Dead Girls love and loyalty for each other true friendship. This book is one of the best I have.
Everything I was hoping for from a Dead Girls Book Club novel. I adore the Dead Girls love and loyalty for each other true friendship. This book is one of the best I have.
April 3, 2026
Don’t miss this book or the bonus read at the end! awesome
Definitely a great read that you cannot anticipate! Thriller readers are in for a treat! I ignored all my planned tasks and read this straight through. I hope you all enjoy it too.
Definitely a great read that you cannot anticipate! Thriller readers are in for a treat! I ignored all my planned tasks and read this straight through. I hope you all enjoy it too.
April 4, 2026
This book is a raw, wild, and emotional journey! I am not sure that I have ever loved and mourned a character then absolutely hated and despised them by the end of the book! Definitely recommend but be warned you may end up reading it in just 1 day
April 6, 2026
kept me wanting more!
I just couldn’t put it down. I loved both books and waiting till August is going to be torturous. Definitely worth the read! This should be turned into a mini series!!
I just couldn’t put it down. I loved both books and waiting till August is going to be torturous. Definitely worth the read! This should be turned into a mini series!!
April 7, 2026
The ending
Zia you continue to outdo yourself! I cried at the ending. This is a tribe that I have been looking for. Dead girls for life 🫶🏻
Zia you continue to outdo yourself! I cried at the ending. This is a tribe that I have been looking for. Dead girls for life 🫶🏻
April 3, 2026
Oh.My.Goodness! This is one brilliant book!
Dead Girls First is the second book in the Dead Girls Book series, but a Prequel to The Dead Girls Book Club, and it can actually be read as a standalone. But everyone needs to read BOTH of these books!
Zia Rayyan knows how to write strong female main characters better than any male out there! And this one might be my new favourite Zia book. And that is saying a lot because I have read ALL of Zia's books and they are all absolutely brilliant. So just read them all!
I can't wait for more Dead Girls Books! And there better be more than 3 of them, because I have so many more questions that need to be answered before we are done with these Girls!
P.S. The letter from the real life Jessica we all know and love is absolutely heart-breaking. What a beautiful friendship Zia amd Jessica have. This book series is a beautiful tribute to their friendship and to a best friend taken before her time 💔
Dead Girls First is the second book in the Dead Girls Book series, but a Prequel to The Dead Girls Book Club, and it can actually be read as a standalone. But everyone needs to read BOTH of these books!
Zia Rayyan knows how to write strong female main characters better than any male out there! And this one might be my new favourite Zia book. And that is saying a lot because I have read ALL of Zia's books and they are all absolutely brilliant. So just read them all!
I can't wait for more Dead Girls Books! And there better be more than 3 of them, because I have so many more questions that need to be answered before we are done with these Girls!
P.S. The letter from the real life Jessica we all know and love is absolutely heart-breaking. What a beautiful friendship Zia amd Jessica have. This book series is a beautiful tribute to their friendship and to a best friend taken before her time 💔
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being a big Zaya Rayyan fan I won't hesitate to say this is one of his best! It has twists and turns, even I didn't see coming, and, most of the time, my predictions are quite accurate!
It begins with Jessica's best friend,and brother being murdered. She finds their bodies, and is quite overwhelmed with guilt, having ignored a call, while enjoying a tryst with a handsome man.
The story goes from there, keeping one glued to their seat. This is the prequel,is the birth of The Dead Girls' Book Club, and book club comes first,always!
They invite. a new member ,who has no idea what's to come . No spoilers here ; you must read on to find out. You will not be disappointed! I promise.
I'm already waiting, anxiously, for the next one
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It begins with Jessica's best friend,and brother being murdered. She finds their bodies, and is quite overwhelmed with guilt, having ignored a call, while enjoying a tryst with a handsome man.
The story goes from there, keeping one glued to their seat. This is the prequel,is the birth of The Dead Girls' Book Club, and book club comes first,always!
They invite. a new member ,who has no idea what's to come . No spoilers here ; you must read on to find out. You will not be disappointed! I promise.
I'm already waiting, anxiously, for the next one
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2026
Thank you to the real life Dead Girls Book Club for trusting Zia with your stories. This book contained a beautiful love story…a kind of love so powerful that it will always live on in the hearts of those who experienced it. A love between two sisters, who end up finding two more sisters that become bonded by their love for one another. I, for one, am in love with this series, and I cannot wait for the next story to release! Zia continues to deliver ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reads! I give this one 4.5 stars rounded up to 5…only .5 deduction, because the denouement felt a tad rushed. I might of liked to a few more red herrings spread throughout the novel, but all in all, this was a fun read that left me laughing, crying, biting my nails at times, and thankful for the opportunity to experience this wonderful book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another amazing read from Zia! Seeing a friendship blossom that I already loved from DGBC made me so excited for this read. They each have their own form of trauma, and seeing Jessica’s “origin story” helped you understand why she is the way she is. The crime, the character development and the way you question everything you think you know made this such a good read!
April 2, 2026
I absolutely love the Dead Girls Book Club. The story had so many twist and turns I couldn’t stop reading. It was so great. Made my mind explode. I did not expect the ending. A really cool added bonus. It’s about somebody who passed away and it brings back her memory and that was just awesome. What a great book.
April 3, 2026
1000000000/5
I never leave a review for any book but I definitely feel like this one deserved one. It’s definitely 10000000/5. This book literally grippes you and puts you in a chokehold until the very ending. It’s like you can feel the pain, sorrow, sadness and even rage that the main character goes through In the book. Zia you have done absolutely amazing!!!!!
I never leave a review for any book but I definitely feel like this one deserved one. It’s definitely 10000000/5. This book literally grippes you and puts you in a chokehold until the very ending. It’s like you can feel the pain, sorrow, sadness and even rage that the main character goes through In the book. Zia you have done absolutely amazing!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another amazing read by this author!!! Absolutely entranced. I recommend reading Dead Girls Book Club first, but it isn’t 100% necessary. This had me in tears, laughter, shock, all of the above. So well written and this author truly knows how to captivate his audience. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
April 3, 2026
AMAZING 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Zia has done it again!!!
Superb is the only way to describe this book.
Fast paced, shocking, heartbreaking and redemption all in one place.
Go read this right now!!!
Zia has done it again!!!
Superb is the only way to describe this book.
Fast paced, shocking, heartbreaking and redemption all in one place.
Go read this right now!!!
April 3, 2026
I have officially found my tribe, reading these books have made me realize how I much I need in my life. Hiding away, dealing with emotions, just surviving each day hits hard. Dead Girls First and always.
April 8, 2026
Dead Girls First!!!
After reading Dead Girls Book club, this prequel is so freaking good! The reason it is so good because it takes your through so many emotions and twists. It is gives a voice to grief, friendship, love, betrayals.
I absolutely hope everyone read's Dead Girl's Book Club novels! And may I say, I have read most of Zia's books at this point (still working on his catalog) and I have loved each and every book!
After reading Dead Girls Book club, this prequel is so freaking good! The reason it is so good because it takes your through so many emotions and twists. It is gives a voice to grief, friendship, love, betrayals.
I absolutely hope everyone read's Dead Girl's Book Club novels! And may I say, I have read most of Zia's books at this point (still working on his catalog) and I have loved each and every book!
April 2, 2026
wish I'd read this first
April 2, 2026
Zia does it again!! 🤬 Writes a book so phenomenal, that I can't stop reading it. Do not start to read this book if you have things to do today. 🙄
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews