No Shelf Control

By Joelle Wellington

A cozy fall read, Girls Who Play Dead is a gripping mystery. Told from two perspectives, you’re left guessing. But more answers just bring more questions.

Rating:

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Review:

Erin is gone… murdered. Just a teenage girl. And the story everyone tells about her isn’t one of love. But what if the truth is messier than the legends her classmates whisper?

Kyla lost her best friend. Half of their unstoppable duo…gone. Now she’s changed in ways no one can understand. But is grief the only thing she’s carrying?

Jason lost his sister. He’s focused on surviving school and keeping his cleats on the soccer field. But does he know more than he’s admitting?

Mikky lost his sister’s best friend. In a last-minute decision to support his family, he returns to Prophet Lake for senior year, the school he swore never to see again. As he tries to help his sister cope, he uncovers truths he never expected.

What stuck out to me the most about this book is how natural the topic and impact of race was interweaved throughout the novel. It’s a subtle, sometimes painful factor. The small microaggressions that can easily be brushed over but hurt all the same. The way that race was written into the novel felt so powerful. It’s painfully realistic of the experience people of color experience in places that claim they are not racist. It’s in the subtle discrimination and stereotypes that Kyla and Mikky experience where the underlying commentary on the impact of race are made. This thoughtful, powerful, and oftentimes subtle commentary on race make Girls Who Play Dead more than just a mystery novel, it makes it a book that provides insights into the experiences of people of color around the world.

But beyond the aspects of race, Girls Who Play Dead has wonderful writing and characterization. Told from two perspectives, the novel is gripping and fascinating. Right off the bat, the reader cares about the characters, wanting them to cope with their grief. Furthermore, each character is very multidimensional. With each chapter, the reader learns more about each character, slowly building their understanding of them and their motives. Thus allowing the reader to follow them along the journey the uncover the truth behind Erin’s death. This makes for a page turning read and a real connection to the characters.

Lastly, this is the kind of book that builds empathy and understanding, no matter your background. With the portrayal of each of the characters and the exciting plot, this book offers a chance to build empathy and understanding for those who are struggling while keeping the reader easily entertained.

Girls Who Play Dead is more than just a cozy mystery, it’s a powerful novel about understanding and the search for answers with commentary on how race shapes our experiences.

Out November 4th, go check out Girls Who Play Dead. Available wherever you purchase your books!

Thanks so much to Simon and Schuster for providing me with a complimentary copy of Girls Who Play Dead in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

I closed my book to write this 😉