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Dead Girls First
In this twisty psychological thriller, a young woman still haunted by her brother’s murder is forced to question everything she thought she knew when the killer’s brother claims the wrong man went to prison.
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.
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.
Audible Audio
First published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
July 9, 2026
The story was okay until the ending. It was so far fetched. I listen to the audiobook and the narration was okay except the accents were terrible.
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 3, 2026
Love love love. Another fantastic read with characters you just can't help but love. Bring on the next one!!
August 2, 2026
I loved Dead Girls Book Club so much that I couldn’t wait for Dead Girls First to be released.
This book took me on such an emotional journey, exploring grief, friendship, love, and betrayal in a heartfelt and meaningful way. Getting to know the characters on a deeper level made their stories even more impactful, and I loved every moment of it.
The only reason I gave this 4.7 stars instead of a full 5 was that the ending felt just a little rushed. Other than that, I truly enjoyed every moment of this book .
This book took me on such an emotional journey, exploring grief, friendship, love, and betrayal in a heartfelt and meaningful way. Getting to know the characters on a deeper level made their stories even more impactful, and I loved every moment of it.
The only reason I gave this 4.7 stars instead of a full 5 was that the ending felt just a little rushed. Other than that, I truly enjoyed every moment of this book .
July 11, 2026
After reading two books by the same author, it’s safe to say I’m officially a fan. The suspense kept me hooked & the twists landed perfectly.
What made this one even more special was the ending. Beyond the mystery, it beautifully highlighted the importance of true friendship and sisterhood—having people you can trust, stand beside, and lean on when everything falls apart. It was the perfect emotional finish to an unforgettable thriller.
What made this one even more special was the ending. Beyond the mystery, it beautifully highlighted the importance of true friendship and sisterhood—having people you can trust, stand beside, and lean on when everything falls apart. It was the perfect emotional finish to an unforgettable thriller.
April 11, 2026
I know this book is meant to be a thriller, and while I absolutely devoured it, there’s also a raw, emotional depth to Jessica’s grief that I found incredibly relatable. Theresa also tugged at my heartstrings throughout the entire story.
I’ve read every book by Zia, and she never disappoints. I was not expecting Theresa to be inspired by a real woman who was taken from this world far too soon. If she was anything like her portrayal in the book, then the world lost such a vibrant and funny soul.
This was my favorite Zia book so far 💖 SOOOOOOO good. Did not disappoint
I’ve read every book by Zia, and she never disappoints. I was not expecting Theresa to be inspired by a real woman who was taken from this world far too soon. If she was anything like her portrayal in the book, then the world lost such a vibrant and funny soul.
This was my favorite Zia book so far 💖 SOOOOOOO good. Did not disappoint
June 28, 2026
A new favorite author 💕 . Now I have to wait way too long for the third book to come out.
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.
May 5, 2026
Wow!! So good!!! This story goes back to the main character how she finds her tribe, plus finds out what really happened to her brother and bestie
April 10, 2026
This book is fast paced and soooo good. It tells you how all of our favorites come together in the first place. How the Dead Girls Book Club starts and solved some murder questions along the way. So good! Worth the read!
April 7, 2026
Another 10/10, excellent follow up to The Dead Girls Book Club!! Looking forward to book #3!!
May 10, 2026
I thought I loved the first book…until I read this one. Loved that this was a prequel!! Amazing writing, so many gasps, and a great explanation why the DGBC are who they are. Can’t wait for 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.
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
May 13, 2026
Loved this!!!! The perfect follow up to the dead girls book club. I want to read the first again now having a better understanding of the backstory. The storytelling between Jessica & Theresa was raw & emotional. The story between the girls all coming together was the best part.
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!!
May 14, 2026
⭐️ a solid 3.75 (rounded to four stars) ⭐️
Happy tears at the ending and letter 🥹
*cheers* to your tribe.. DEAD GIRLS FIRST 🥂
Happy tears at the ending and letter 🥹
*cheers* to your tribe.. DEAD GIRLS FIRST 🥂
April 1, 2026
Zia has smashed it out of the park, yet again. Read in 2 sittings. Amazing!!!!
April 20, 2026
So damn good!!! I can’t wait for the third!!!
May 14, 2026
Love this book
People aren't always what they seem on the outside. Some people are capable of horrible things, this book will have you looking at people in a different light
People aren't always what they seem on the outside. Some people are capable of horrible things, this book will have you looking at people in a different light
May 14, 2026
I DEVOURED THIS BOOK! Excuse me while i go read every book that Zia Rayyan has written.
May 4, 2026
I actually like this a little bit more than the first book. Looking forward to reading the third one.
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 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
August 2, 2026
BLURB:
Haunted by the murders of her brother Marco and best friend Theresa, Jessica Marquez uncovers long-buried secrets after learning the wrong man may have been convicted.
REVIEW:
After reading and loving The Dead Girls Book Club just over a month ago, I knew I had to pick up Dead Girls First. This is the second book in the Dead Girls Book Club interconnected series, and while this story takes place at a different point in time, there are intersecting characters that connect both books. You can read this one as a standalone, but you’ll find it much more immersive if you read the first book beforehand, and you’ll have a few fun "a-ha" moments! Like book one, the pacing is relentless, and the story explores similar themes of grief, trauma, guilt, revenge, friendship, and healing. The mental health representation is even more pronounced in this book, as the FMC experiences intense survivor’s guilt, intrusive thoughts, and a fractured mind with hallucinations. There are also some great tropes—cold case mystery, wrongful conviction, amateur sleuthing, dark secrets, found family, and more!
This book is told from the first-person POV of Jessica Marquez. It begins with a dramatic prologue that shows you her fractured state of mind before jumping back three weeks to reveal how everything got to that point. Five years earlier, Jessica found her brother Marco and her best friend Theresa dead, and you can feel the guilt she carries after ignoring a phone call from Theresa on that fatal night. Every year on the anniversary of their deaths, she’s tried to visit the convicted killer in prison, but her requests are always denied. This year, though, she’s determined to get revenge. Without giving too much away, when a shocking event occurs, Jessica questions everything she’s believed for years and becomes a relentless amateur sleuth determined to uncover what really happened to Theresa and Marco. Along the way, she connects with Mandy and Sam from her trauma support group, who become unlikely allies. Their strong female friendship has some major found family vibes, but I did have to suspend my disbelief with how quickly they were willing to put themselves in danger and potentially face serious consequences for someone they barely knew.
Jessica is a complex, frustrating, and reckless character, but I admired her vigilante-style refusal to stop until she got to the truth. One of the most compelling parts of the story is Jessica’s ongoing conversations with Theresa. Theresa isn’t a ghost but a manifestation of Jessica’s grief and fractured mind, and there are some very emotional scenes between them. Again, I had to suspend my disbelief at how often she spoke to Theresa, especially in front of others, with such detailed conversations and during moments filled with action—it’s far-fetched but still very compelling!
The short chapters, many ending on mini cliff hangers, intense dialogue, and lots of action scenes make this extremely bingeable, especially with the audiobook being just over seven hours. In the second half, I had no idea where the story was heading, and Jessica is so unpredictable that a few of her actions completely shocked me. The ending is satisfying and gave me the same vibes as the original The Dead Girls Book Club—again, I recommend reading the books in order! I’ll be reading future books in this series and am curious which character will take center stage next!
If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with mental health representation, strong female friendships, and fierce female leads, you’ll probably love this book and series! Zia is a really underrated gem of an author!
Haunted by the murders of her brother Marco and best friend Theresa, Jessica Marquez uncovers long-buried secrets after learning the wrong man may have been convicted.
REVIEW:
After reading and loving The Dead Girls Book Club just over a month ago, I knew I had to pick up Dead Girls First. This is the second book in the Dead Girls Book Club interconnected series, and while this story takes place at a different point in time, there are intersecting characters that connect both books. You can read this one as a standalone, but you’ll find it much more immersive if you read the first book beforehand, and you’ll have a few fun "a-ha" moments! Like book one, the pacing is relentless, and the story explores similar themes of grief, trauma, guilt, revenge, friendship, and healing. The mental health representation is even more pronounced in this book, as the FMC experiences intense survivor’s guilt, intrusive thoughts, and a fractured mind with hallucinations. There are also some great tropes—cold case mystery, wrongful conviction, amateur sleuthing, dark secrets, found family, and more!
This book is told from the first-person POV of Jessica Marquez. It begins with a dramatic prologue that shows you her fractured state of mind before jumping back three weeks to reveal how everything got to that point. Five years earlier, Jessica found her brother Marco and her best friend Theresa dead, and you can feel the guilt she carries after ignoring a phone call from Theresa on that fatal night. Every year on the anniversary of their deaths, she’s tried to visit the convicted killer in prison, but her requests are always denied. This year, though, she’s determined to get revenge. Without giving too much away, when a shocking event occurs, Jessica questions everything she’s believed for years and becomes a relentless amateur sleuth determined to uncover what really happened to Theresa and Marco. Along the way, she connects with Mandy and Sam from her trauma support group, who become unlikely allies. Their strong female friendship has some major found family vibes, but I did have to suspend my disbelief with how quickly they were willing to put themselves in danger and potentially face serious consequences for someone they barely knew.
Jessica is a complex, frustrating, and reckless character, but I admired her vigilante-style refusal to stop until she got to the truth. One of the most compelling parts of the story is Jessica’s ongoing conversations with Theresa. Theresa isn’t a ghost but a manifestation of Jessica’s grief and fractured mind, and there are some very emotional scenes between them. Again, I had to suspend my disbelief at how often she spoke to Theresa, especially in front of others, with such detailed conversations and during moments filled with action—it’s far-fetched but still very compelling!
The short chapters, many ending on mini cliff hangers, intense dialogue, and lots of action scenes make this extremely bingeable, especially with the audiobook being just over seven hours. In the second half, I had no idea where the story was heading, and Jessica is so unpredictable that a few of her actions completely shocked me. The ending is satisfying and gave me the same vibes as the original The Dead Girls Book Club—again, I recommend reading the books in order! I’ll be reading future books in this series and am curious which character will take center stage next!
If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with mental health representation, strong female friendships, and fierce female leads, you’ll probably love this book and series! Zia is a really underrated gem of an author!
April 10, 2026
This book was so good. We get to see how the Dead girls book club originated. I didn’t know it was based off a real book club and murder. The acknowledgment in the end choked me up a bit. The line about giving Theresa her voice back, one that can’t be taken from her again 💔😭
Jessica is still grieving the loss of her best friend and brother who were murdered in their home 5 years ago, leaving behind a daughter Dalia. Her life has never been the same. Racked with guilt over missing the call from Theresa that very night, she visits their graves on a daily basis and speaks to an apparition whom she truly knows is more a reflection of her own mind than Theresa herself. Jessica has concocted a plan to get revenge on the killer who’s been in prison since his confession, but when her plan is thrown off, it changes everything she thought she knew about the case. Finding unlikely friends at her grief support group, they team up together to investigate the deaths further. Dead girls first 🫶🏽
Jessica is still grieving the loss of her best friend and brother who were murdered in their home 5 years ago, leaving behind a daughter Dalia. Her life has never been the same. Racked with guilt over missing the call from Theresa that very night, she visits their graves on a daily basis and speaks to an apparition whom she truly knows is more a reflection of her own mind than Theresa herself. Jessica has concocted a plan to get revenge on the killer who’s been in prison since his confession, but when her plan is thrown off, it changes everything she thought she knew about the case. Finding unlikely friends at her grief support group, they team up together to investigate the deaths further. Dead girls first 🫶🏽
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews