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Valencia Lamb #1
Good Girl, Dead Girl
Everybody in Hacienda has heard the story of that night.
Intrepid high school journalist Gracia Cuoco was murdered. The last person to see her alive? Valencia Lamb’s father--the town’s respected sheriff. Who disappeared after visiting the crime scene.
Six months later, Valencia can’t let it go. There has to be something crucial she’s missing.
Tired of waiting for the interim sheriff to crack the case, Valencia starts her own investigation. But the deeper in she gets, the murkier the waters. Someone in Hacienda doesn’t want Valencia to know what really happened, and they won’t hesitate to make her disappear, too.
Intrepid high school journalist Gracia Cuoco was murdered. The last person to see her alive? Valencia Lamb’s father--the town’s respected sheriff. Who disappeared after visiting the crime scene.
Six months later, Valencia can’t let it go. There has to be something crucial she’s missing.
Tired of waiting for the interim sheriff to crack the case, Valencia starts her own investigation. But the deeper in she gets, the murkier the waters. Someone in Hacienda doesn’t want Valencia to know what really happened, and they won’t hesitate to make her disappear, too.
- GenresYoung Adult
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
45 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kazmierski
24 books99 followersEmily lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and two daughters. When she's not in her book dragon form devouring books, she can be found in the kitchen making homemade ice cream or baking something delicious. In addition to reading and writing, Emily loves watching police procedurals, playing with makeup, and cuddling with her two long-haired dachshunds Nestlé and Kiefer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 23, 2025
I'd like to start off by thanking Emily for sending me a free copy in exchange for my review on her book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Good Girl, Dead Girl is a fun thriller that you can read in about 24 hours (I did, anyway), and it held my attention throughout the whole book. I never in a million years would've guessed who did it, even though I was so certain I had it! There were a whole lot of twists and turns.
This book follows Valencia Lamb as she tries to find her missing dad and figure out who murdered one of her best friends, Gracia Cuoco. I loved following her investigation, and as I said above, I would never have guessed who killed her. When we finally figure out the murderer, I tried super hard to think back and find the clues, but I couldn't find anything hinting towards it - but the reasoning the character gave us at the end was solid. Sure, it was...a little convenient, but it it was solid. No spoilers, but know this: no one is who they claim to be.
The writing was one of my bigger issues with the book. There were quite a few grammatical errors, and the words used were huge, to say the least. Some of them I had to use a dictionary for! For example, this is how the book starts:
"I enter the classroom balanced on the bladed edge of a hush, and then the whispers and dirty looks begin. My classmates are backlit by the morning sun brushed over the windows, pressing closer as if keen to hear their muffled palaver. Heady glances cut my way, lambent eyes drawn toward a vulnerable member of the herd."
Palaver? Lambent? Why not use regular words that are easier to read and understand? Sometimes simpler is better. Some sentences also didn't make sense. I can't pull up a specific one, as it was halfway through the book, but I read it no less than five times and it didn't make any sense whatsoever. Some sentences were either choppy or wordy, so I think Emily should work on finding that balance.
The grammar was okay most of the time, but there were quotation marks missing, and when someone was saying something, the wrong quotation mark was used (as in the one meant for the beginning of the speech was used at the end, or the other way around. I understand this isn't the author's fault, but how did no one catch that?) There were some spelling errors - not so bad that one can't understand what's meant, but occasionally I found duplicate letters (aas, for example). I did get an ARC, however, so this may be why. Hopefully, this will be fixed in the final copy!
The characters were okay. They spoke kind of formally ('I am going to...' as opposed to 'I'm going to'. It doesn't sound like how teenagers speak.) Same thing with texting. There was no 'gonna', 'k, brb', etc. These are random examples off the top of my head, but it sounded like an older person trying to text/sound like a teen and not doing a great job of it. Also, can you use the letter 'k' when someone is talking? As in "I'll see you later, k?" Or is that wrong? Because I have no clue.
I also didn't like how one character, Janice (I think that was her name?), didn't like our MC right from the start. I would've liked to see more backstory on what happened between Janice and Veronica because the book literally starts off with Janice tripping Veronica! What did she ever do to deserve that?
I felt like all the characters were kind of the same. There's no real depth to any of the characters - they were explored just enough for us to understand them, but I didn't feel like I really connected to any of them.
Veronica was a frustrating character. She made some dumb decisions, but I guess one could say that's what makes the book so interesting. I didn't really like how she used her friends and talked to them only when it suited her. She keeps claiming they're 'best friends', but we never really see any scenes of them hanging out together as real friends would - and when Gloria dies, she doesn't check in with them. She says it's because her dad went missing, but hello, one of your best friend's girlfriend just died? You can talk to him and make sure he's okay, instead of retreating into your own little self-absorbed shell.
The beginning was a little slow, but it picks up around the halfway point. There was no LGBTQ representation, and there was literally no romance besides kissing (and that romance ends in a disappointing way. I wish it would've ended in a more interesting way. After the romantic drama that was spoilerized, I would've loved to see her end up with Rock (enemies-to-lovers), but I was disappointed there.
Overall, Good Girl, Dead Girl was a fun and quick read with some amazing plot twists, but I did wish the characters were a bit more developed, and that the book had been edited a *little* better (but that could be because it's an ARC), and that the romance wasn't quite so...undeveloped. I would recommend this one for the experience of being in the dark about the murderer throughout the whole book, but unfortunately, not much else. If you're not going to nitpick at every little detail and want something fun and simple, this might be a better read for you. The other reviews say that this can be read as part of the "Don’t Look Behind You" series, so I thought I'd include that here.
Thank you again to Emily for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review (the book comes out on January 9th, by the way). I have an interview scheduled with her for this Friday, so check it out on my blog!
Good Girl, Dead Girl is a fun thriller that you can read in about 24 hours (I did, anyway), and it held my attention throughout the whole book. I never in a million years would've guessed who did it, even though I was so certain I had it! There were a whole lot of twists and turns.
This book follows Valencia Lamb as she tries to find her missing dad and figure out who murdered one of her best friends, Gracia Cuoco. I loved following her investigation, and as I said above, I would never have guessed who killed her. When we finally figure out the murderer, I tried super hard to think back and find the clues, but I couldn't find anything hinting towards it - but the reasoning the character gave us at the end was solid. Sure, it was...a little convenient, but it it was solid. No spoilers, but know this: no one is who they claim to be.
The writing was one of my bigger issues with the book. There were quite a few grammatical errors, and the words used were huge, to say the least. Some of them I had to use a dictionary for! For example, this is how the book starts:
"I enter the classroom balanced on the bladed edge of a hush, and then the whispers and dirty looks begin. My classmates are backlit by the morning sun brushed over the windows, pressing closer as if keen to hear their muffled palaver. Heady glances cut my way, lambent eyes drawn toward a vulnerable member of the herd."
Palaver? Lambent? Why not use regular words that are easier to read and understand? Sometimes simpler is better. Some sentences also didn't make sense. I can't pull up a specific one, as it was halfway through the book, but I read it no less than five times and it didn't make any sense whatsoever. Some sentences were either choppy or wordy, so I think Emily should work on finding that balance.
The grammar was okay most of the time, but there were quotation marks missing, and when someone was saying something, the wrong quotation mark was used (as in the one meant for the beginning of the speech was used at the end, or the other way around. I understand this isn't the author's fault, but how did no one catch that?) There were some spelling errors - not so bad that one can't understand what's meant, but occasionally I found duplicate letters (aas, for example). I did get an ARC, however, so this may be why. Hopefully, this will be fixed in the final copy!
The characters were okay. They spoke kind of formally ('I am going to...' as opposed to 'I'm going to'. It doesn't sound like how teenagers speak.) Same thing with texting. There was no 'gonna', 'k, brb', etc. These are random examples off the top of my head, but it sounded like an older person trying to text/sound like a teen and not doing a great job of it. Also, can you use the letter 'k' when someone is talking? As in "I'll see you later, k?" Or is that wrong? Because I have no clue.
I also didn't like how one character, Janice (I think that was her name?), didn't like our MC right from the start. I would've liked to see more backstory on what happened between Janice and Veronica because the book literally starts off with Janice tripping Veronica! What did she ever do to deserve that?
I felt like all the characters were kind of the same. There's no real depth to any of the characters - they were explored just enough for us to understand them, but I didn't feel like I really connected to any of them.
Veronica was a frustrating character. She made some dumb decisions, but I guess one could say that's what makes the book so interesting. I didn't really like how she used her friends and talked to them only when it suited her. She keeps claiming they're 'best friends', but we never really see any scenes of them hanging out together as real friends would - and when Gloria dies, she doesn't check in with them. She says it's because her dad went missing, but hello, one of your best friend's girlfriend just died? You can talk to him and make sure he's okay, instead of retreating into your own little self-absorbed shell.
The beginning was a little slow, but it picks up around the halfway point. There was no LGBTQ representation, and there was literally no romance besides kissing (and that romance ends in a disappointing way. I wish it would've ended in a more interesting way. After the romantic drama that was spoilerized, I would've loved to see her end up with Rock (enemies-to-lovers), but I was disappointed there.
Overall, Good Girl, Dead Girl was a fun and quick read with some amazing plot twists, but I did wish the characters were a bit more developed, and that the book had been edited a *little* better (but that could be because it's an ARC), and that the romance wasn't quite so...undeveloped. I would recommend this one for the experience of being in the dark about the murderer throughout the whole book, but unfortunately, not much else. If you're not going to nitpick at every little detail and want something fun and simple, this might be a better read for you. The other reviews say that this can be read as part of the "Don’t Look Behind You" series, so I thought I'd include that here.
Thank you again to Emily for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review (the book comes out on January 9th, by the way). I have an interview scheduled with her for this Friday, so check it out on my blog!
December 8, 2022
This is a fantastic mystery which can be read as a stand alone, or as a companion book to the author’s “Don’t Look Behind You” series.
Every time I read a book by Emily Kazmierski I try to guess the twists and who is the murderer. No matter what, I always get most of it COMPLETELY wrong!!! I love reading mysteries and thrillers and the fact that her stories continue to surprise me is amazing! If you enjoy YA mysteries, I highly recommend this book!
Every time I read a book by Emily Kazmierski I try to guess the twists and who is the murderer. No matter what, I always get most of it COMPLETELY wrong!!! I love reading mysteries and thrillers and the fact that her stories continue to surprise me is amazing! If you enjoy YA mysteries, I highly recommend this book!
February 24, 2023
I loved this read! I don't typically read mysteries or thrillers but this made me think maybe I should. It was quick paced, well plotted, and, most importantly, full of twists. Also, the book itself is so beautiful. It has a hidden cover!!
February 26, 2025
Good Girl, Dead Girl by Emily Kazmierski introduces Valencia Lamb, a compelling protagonist navigating the murky waters of small-town secrets and a chilling murder. Kazmierski crafts a tightly woven mystery that immediately pulls the reader into the unsettling atmosphere of the town. The narrative focuses on the investigation of a seemingly perfect "good girl" whose death reveals a web of hidden relationships and dark motives. Valencia, with her sharp wit and determination, proves to be a captivating lead, driven by a personal connection to the victim and a relentless pursuit of the truth. The author effectively balances the investigative elements with the emotional weight of loss, creating a story that's both suspenseful and emotionally resonant.
The book excels in its atmospheric portrayal of the town and its inhabitants, each harboring their own secrets. Kazmierski skillfully builds suspense through well-placed clues and red herrings, keeping the reader guessing until the final reveal. While the story treads familiar ground within the thriller genre, the unique voice of Valencia and the compelling mystery at its core elevate the narrative. The book establishes a strong foundation for the Valencia Lamb series, leaving readers eager to see what mysteries she will uncover next. It is a solid read for those who enjoy a well-paced mystery with a strong female lead.
The book excels in its atmospheric portrayal of the town and its inhabitants, each harboring their own secrets. Kazmierski skillfully builds suspense through well-placed clues and red herrings, keeping the reader guessing until the final reveal. While the story treads familiar ground within the thriller genre, the unique voice of Valencia and the compelling mystery at its core elevate the narrative. The book establishes a strong foundation for the Valencia Lamb series, leaving readers eager to see what mysteries she will uncover next. It is a solid read for those who enjoy a well-paced mystery with a strong female lead.
January 4, 2023
A wonderfully well-conceived story in which a teenage girl tries to find out who murdered her friend and why her father disappeared the same night.
Everyone in the town where she lives is convinced that her father has something to do with the murder and has fled. After six months the murder is still unsolved and Valencia searches for information, tries to organize her thoughts with the help of her friends Destin and Portia. She ends up in dangerous situations in her quest. Slowly but surely the mystery surrounding the death of her girlfriend unravels. And when she thinks the true killers have been captured by the police, an unexpected, unsavory, unseen-coming story awaits her.
The denouement is so bizarre that I can't think of where in the story I could have found a hint of that! It's great that you, as a reader, feel so left in the dark until the very end.
Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Everyone in the town where she lives is convinced that her father has something to do with the murder and has fled. After six months the murder is still unsolved and Valencia searches for information, tries to organize her thoughts with the help of her friends Destin and Portia. She ends up in dangerous situations in her quest. Slowly but surely the mystery surrounding the death of her girlfriend unravels. And when she thinks the true killers have been captured by the police, an unexpected, unsavory, unseen-coming story awaits her.
The denouement is so bizarre that I can't think of where in the story I could have found a hint of that! It's great that you, as a reader, feel so left in the dark until the very end.
Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2023
This book is awesome in characters and plot! It starts out with the aftermath of a murder/dissappearance and after a whole lot of twists and turns everything gets explained, but not after taking you on a rollercoaster rides of suspects and scenario's. Can't wait to find other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2024
I immediately couldn't take anything serious because of the character names. They're all real names but their combinations though...they sounded like bad character names in a subpar crime tv show. The plot itself was just immensely underdeveloped, a ton of grammar issues, and ultimately just not good.
December 21, 2022
Good Girl, Dead Girl is the first book I've read by Emily Kazmierski, and it definitely won't be the last! This is an entertaining young adult thriller book. I enjoyed following Valencia's story as she tried to solve the murder of her friend and the disappearance of her father.
After the halfway point, I didn't want to put this book down! It was engrossing and entertaining. In addition, I didn't guess several of the plot twists that came at the end of the book.
I was SHOCKED by who was involved in the murder. I won't give any spoilers, but everyone is a suspect, and no one is who they appear to be.
Good Girl, Dead Girl publishes on January 9th, so pre-order it now if you enjoy YA thrillers!
*Thank you to Emily Kazmierski for the free eBook ARC in exchange for leaving an honest review.
After the halfway point, I didn't want to put this book down! It was engrossing and entertaining. In addition, I didn't guess several of the plot twists that came at the end of the book.
I was SHOCKED by who was involved in the murder. I won't give any spoilers, but everyone is a suspect, and no one is who they appear to be.
Good Girl, Dead Girl publishes on January 9th, so pre-order it now if you enjoy YA thrillers!
*Thank you to Emily Kazmierski for the free eBook ARC in exchange for leaving an honest review.
January 10, 2023
This is the first book of this author I have read and I am so glad I got the chance to read this as an ARC.
A missing Dad
A dead friend
A town that judges
This was such a great mystery story, with so many twists a turns, you don't know which way is up. Friends turn into enemies, enemies turn into friends, secrets are no longer secrets and some you will wish stayed secrets.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A missing Dad
A dead friend
A town that judges
This was such a great mystery story, with so many twists a turns, you don't know which way is up. Friends turn into enemies, enemies turn into friends, secrets are no longer secrets and some you will wish stayed secrets.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2023
Well written, exciting mystery story., Nice pace, good build up When her father, the sheriff, disappears on the same night that a peer of hers is murdered, Valencia wants to find out what happened at all costs and goes to investigate. Intriguing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2023
I still cannot believe this is my 14th book. How did that happen?
This book is for fans of tough-talking girls who secretly just want to cuddle. For fans of long-lost friends calling a truce and discovering there is so much more between them than memories. For fans of golden-hearted guys and skateboarding dogs and mean girls who maybe aren't so mean after all. And murder. That too.
This book is for fans of tough-talking girls who secretly just want to cuddle. For fans of long-lost friends calling a truce and discovering there is so much more between them than memories. For fans of golden-hearted guys and skateboarding dogs and mean girls who maybe aren't so mean after all. And murder. That too.
February 17, 2023
I picked this up because it gave me Veronica Mars vibes and I was not disappointed! I ended up reading it all in one sitting, and adored Val and all the characters. The story was engaging from the first page, and as it dived deeper and deeper into the events of six months ago, I couldn’t help but keep guessing to try and work out who the killer was and how it was all going to end. Kazmierski has a way of pulling you into the story and making you forget everything else because you’re desperate to know how it all comes together and how it’ll end. Highly, highly recommended!
February 13, 2023
This was a very good book. Had me hooked from the beginning. The mystery was great and so were the characters. I am very excited for book 2!
The only critique I have was there was not always a clear indicator when time was changing. (I was reading the kindle book so I am not sure if the physical book is different.) But the very next paragraph would be several hours to several days later and I couldn’t tell until I read further along. But that is a minor detail and didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
The only critique I have was there was not always a clear indicator when time was changing. (I was reading the kindle book so I am not sure if the physical book is different.) But the very next paragraph would be several hours to several days later and I couldn’t tell until I read further along. But that is a minor detail and didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
January 24, 2023
I can be a bit of a slow reader but when I got halfway through this book I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up until 4:30a reading it. Not a lie.
I LOVED Kazmierski’s writing style. This is the first book I’ve read of hers and her level of description added emotional elements without being too dense and without making the book boring. The plot was also extremely interesting and propelling - I was always wondering what was going to happen next!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a teen mystery read. I will be rereading this in the near future myself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I LOVED Kazmierski’s writing style. This is the first book I’ve read of hers and her level of description added emotional elements without being too dense and without making the book boring. The plot was also extremely interesting and propelling - I was always wondering what was going to happen next!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a teen mystery read. I will be rereading this in the near future myself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2023
This was an interesting read. I’m giving it a solid three stars because while it engrossed me and threw some twists I didn’t see coming, I didn’t fall in love with the characters. Valencia at first was a fun POV to read through, I thought her internal musings were entertaining and reminded me a bit of Pip from a Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, although Valencia is admittedly more adventurous and not quite as rigid. However as the book went on, I found some of her internal speech and reasons for doing things to be a bit unrealistic for teenagers. But hey, this is YA mystery so it didn’t bother me too much.
The plot of this book itself was definitely the biggest plus for me. I had an idea as to what happened to Valencia’s father by chapter 3, but was quickly disproven. After that I really had no idea what happened to him or Gracia, who is Valencia’s friend and which the mystery began with. The world building of the town Hacienda was great, I could picture everything clearly, which I find is sometimes lacking in YA mystery. This was a super twisty, intriguing read but the reason I knocked off two stars was for some actions from Valencia that made me step back and question what kind of teenager did this sort of investigating. That’s an issue I have with a lot of YA mystery but I noticed it a bit more in this novel, especially on the dialogue. Don’t let that discourage you from reading this though - it was a fun read!
I received this book as an ARC through booksprout.
The plot of this book itself was definitely the biggest plus for me. I had an idea as to what happened to Valencia’s father by chapter 3, but was quickly disproven. After that I really had no idea what happened to him or Gracia, who is Valencia’s friend and which the mystery began with. The world building of the town Hacienda was great, I could picture everything clearly, which I find is sometimes lacking in YA mystery. This was a super twisty, intriguing read but the reason I knocked off two stars was for some actions from Valencia that made me step back and question what kind of teenager did this sort of investigating. That’s an issue I have with a lot of YA mystery but I noticed it a bit more in this novel, especially on the dialogue. Don’t let that discourage you from reading this though - it was a fun read!
I received this book as an ARC through booksprout.
November 24, 2024
Good Girl, Dead Girl by Emily Kazmierski is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat mystery that kept me hooked from the very first page. This gripping YA crime novel has it all—suspense, twists, and a strong-willed protagonist you can’t help but root for.
The story follows Valencia Lamb, a determined high school student whose life is forever changed when her father, the respected town sheriff, becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a fellow student, Gracia Cuoco. Gracia’s death has haunted the town of Hacienda for months, and when the investigation goes cold, Valencia takes matters into her own hands. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers chilling secrets, and the more she learns, the more dangerous the investigation becomes.
Kazmierski’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and keeps the tension high throughout. Valencia is a compelling and brave protagonist, and her determination to uncover the truth, despite the personal risks, is both admirable and relatable. The mystery unfolds in layers, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, the story twists in unexpected ways. The pacing is perfect, and the ending left me stunned.
This is my first book by Emily Kazmierski, and it definitely won’t be my last! A huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this fantastic novel. Good Girl, Dead Girl is a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries with complex characters and a gripping plot.
The story follows Valencia Lamb, a determined high school student whose life is forever changed when her father, the respected town sheriff, becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a fellow student, Gracia Cuoco. Gracia’s death has haunted the town of Hacienda for months, and when the investigation goes cold, Valencia takes matters into her own hands. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers chilling secrets, and the more she learns, the more dangerous the investigation becomes.
Kazmierski’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and keeps the tension high throughout. Valencia is a compelling and brave protagonist, and her determination to uncover the truth, despite the personal risks, is both admirable and relatable. The mystery unfolds in layers, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, the story twists in unexpected ways. The pacing is perfect, and the ending left me stunned.
This is my first book by Emily Kazmierski, and it definitely won’t be my last! A huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this fantastic novel. Good Girl, Dead Girl is a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries with complex characters and a gripping plot.
December 24, 2022
A mix of Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew – Valencia begins the journey to find out what happened that fateful day her dad disappeared, and her friend was found murdered.
In this book there is a lot of twist and turns, some you anticipate and some you don’t – I must say that the ending surprised med in a good way. I liked to read this book, but occasionally I thought that Valencia uses her friends and non-friends a lot without giving back – but overall, a good book.
I received an ARC, and I am leaving a voluntary review, but everything I write is my own opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this book there is a lot of twist and turns, some you anticipate and some you don’t – I must say that the ending surprised med in a good way. I liked to read this book, but occasionally I thought that Valencia uses her friends and non-friends a lot without giving back – but overall, a good book.
I received an ARC, and I am leaving a voluntary review, but everything I write is my own opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2022
A great YA mystery that has you guessing "who done it" until the very end. Every time you think you know what happened the Author Emily Kazmierski throws another twist your way. I became invested in Valencia and her journey early on - I really feel for her and what she is going through. She is frustrating and makes some not so great decisions - but that's what makes ia a better read. Plenty of suspense and twists makes this a must read for all YA Mystery fans. I look forward to more by this author
January 9, 2023
EXCITING YA THRILLER!! If you enjoy mystery thrillers, this book is for you!
Val’s high school friend has been murdered, and when her dad, the town’s sheriff, visits the crime scene, he disappears! Who wouldn’t want to investigate??
This book was so exciting to read! This is not one of those mysteries where you know the killer from the get-go. This book keeps you on your toes. There are many twists throughout the story, and the ending will definitely surprise you! I highly recommend it!!
*This can be read as a standalone, or as a companion book to the author’s “Don’t Look Behind You” series. (Another series you should definitely check out!)
Val’s high school friend has been murdered, and when her dad, the town’s sheriff, visits the crime scene, he disappears! Who wouldn’t want to investigate??
This book was so exciting to read! This is not one of those mysteries where you know the killer from the get-go. This book keeps you on your toes. There are many twists throughout the story, and the ending will definitely surprise you! I highly recommend it!!
*This can be read as a standalone, or as a companion book to the author’s “Don’t Look Behind You” series. (Another series you should definitely check out!)
January 8, 2023
Valencia attempts to find her missing dad, and clear his name of suspected murder. But as Valencia investigates, she uncovers truths she never considered, but maintains her belief of her dad's innocence. The story starts off slow, but picks up the pace near the end of the book. The book is very detailed and is a good YA book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2023
This is a gripping read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 8, 2025
I loved how you made Hacienda itself a character: its quiet streets, its whispered rumors, the weight of expectation on Valencia and especially on her father, the sheriff. The tension was never overdone, but always there, simmering under everyday life. I felt every burden Valencia carried, every moment she wondered if she was alone in this. This isn’t just a murder mystery, it’s a story about justice, betrayal, and what we give up when we don’t speak. You made me root so hard for Valencia.
January 8, 2023
Good Girl, Dead Girl by Emily Kazmierski.
Book 1 of Valencia Lamb.
Small town darling Gracia Cuoco was murdered. The last person to see her alive? Valencia Lamb’s father--the town’s respected sheriff. Who disappeared on his way to the crime scene.
Great read. I did enjoy this book. Can't wait for next book. 4*.
Book 1 of Valencia Lamb.
Small town darling Gracia Cuoco was murdered. The last person to see her alive? Valencia Lamb’s father--the town’s respected sheriff. Who disappeared on his way to the crime scene.
Great read. I did enjoy this book. Can't wait for next book. 4*.
December 22, 2024
hated how many grammar errors i picked up on. disappointed she didn't end up with rock they literally would've been so good together.
writing was also kinda bland and it just felt super boring and slow to get through. would never have predicted the twist but it was a strange explanation for all of it
writing was also kinda bland and it just felt super boring and slow to get through. would never have predicted the twist but it was a strange explanation for all of it
September 11, 2024
Book was good, however, felt like something was missing. While that did not detract from the enjoyment it was enough to make it a four star read for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2023
A new to me author. Had a lot of Twisted and turns. Was a good read.
August 18, 2024
Hooked me in right from the start!! It’s wonderfully written and bitingly funny as well. Plot twists galore as well!
December 3, 2023
I really enjoyed Good Girl, Dead Girl, it’s a great murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. It’s centered around the murder of an 18 year old girl named Gracia Cuoco and the disappearance of the sheriff on the same night. Valencia Lamb is the sheriff’s daughter and one of Gracia’s friends.
The police investigation isn’t going anywhere so Val decides to do some investigating of her own because she can’t move on until she knows what happened. I thought the plot progression went really nicely as Val digs into what happened and begins uncovering secrets. She’s desperate for closure but also afraid of what else she might find out.
Val wants to believe that her father is innocent and her friend was a good person but as her investigation continues, she begins to doubt both of those things. As it turns out, just about everyone she thought she knew has secrets, each one worse than the last. Val thought she knew the people she grew up around but one of them is a killer.
The identity of the killer and the circumstances surrounding the murder were genuinely shocking. I did not see it coming at all, though there was a very plausible explanation. As far as the mystery and suspense went, it was flawless. The twists, turns, and revelations were worked in very nicely.
While the story was developed really well, the characters were not so much. They weren’t very well-rounded and the relationships between them were even less so. There wasn’t much character growth in Val either, she continuously gives very emotional responses and impulsive actions but never learns from her past mistakes.
Janice and Rock were the more complex characters and honestly Janice was the most well-rounded of all of them. I feel like we never really get to know Rock, we just get glimpses which sets up well for the sequel but leaves something to be desired in this book. Also, some of the descriptive language was just not working for me, it felt a little over done.
Overall, Good Girl, Dead Girl is a great twisty read for lovers of mystery and suspense. It will keep you guessing and wondering who can be trusted. The major developments are gasp worthy. I hope the sequel will develop the characters better and I really hope that Val will experience some personal growth.
The police investigation isn’t going anywhere so Val decides to do some investigating of her own because she can’t move on until she knows what happened. I thought the plot progression went really nicely as Val digs into what happened and begins uncovering secrets. She’s desperate for closure but also afraid of what else she might find out.
Val wants to believe that her father is innocent and her friend was a good person but as her investigation continues, she begins to doubt both of those things. As it turns out, just about everyone she thought she knew has secrets, each one worse than the last. Val thought she knew the people she grew up around but one of them is a killer.
The identity of the killer and the circumstances surrounding the murder were genuinely shocking. I did not see it coming at all, though there was a very plausible explanation. As far as the mystery and suspense went, it was flawless. The twists, turns, and revelations were worked in very nicely.
While the story was developed really well, the characters were not so much. They weren’t very well-rounded and the relationships between them were even less so. There wasn’t much character growth in Val either, she continuously gives very emotional responses and impulsive actions but never learns from her past mistakes.
Janice and Rock were the more complex characters and honestly Janice was the most well-rounded of all of them. I feel like we never really get to know Rock, we just get glimpses which sets up well for the sequel but leaves something to be desired in this book. Also, some of the descriptive language was just not working for me, it felt a little over done.
Overall, Good Girl, Dead Girl is a great twisty read for lovers of mystery and suspense. It will keep you guessing and wondering who can be trusted. The major developments are gasp worthy. I hope the sequel will develop the characters better and I really hope that Val will experience some personal growth.
February 5, 2025
I feel like the story Line was a bit slow and then the last few chapter picked up the pace. Overall a good book, loved the plot twist. Easy read.
January 7, 2023
This book was very engrossing right till the end I had no idea who was guilty of the murder and if the disappearance was related to the murder or not.
The main character is the daughter of the missing sheriff and her life at school is absolute hell. Not only is she worried about her father and mother but she worries about her friend who was the boyfriend of the murdered girl. I shall not give spoilers but as Val decides to delve into the past many untoward elements come to light............... and she puts herself in danger. Right till the end I was gripped and the end was very interesting - read this book as it is very well plotted and the characters are totally believable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The main character is the daughter of the missing sheriff and her life at school is absolute hell. Not only is she worried about her father and mother but she worries about her friend who was the boyfriend of the murdered girl. I shall not give spoilers but as Val decides to delve into the past many untoward elements come to light............... and she puts herself in danger. Right till the end I was gripped and the end was very interesting - read this book as it is very well plotted and the characters are totally believable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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