Somewhat too graphic and not enough remorse for me to put this title in my classroom library. Somewhat too graphic and not enough remorse for me to put this title in my classroom library. Somewhat too graphic and not enough remorse for me to put this title in my classroom library.

The sequel to 2018’s #Murdertrending answers lingering questions and presents a slate of new ones as new characters come into play. The lead characters from the first novel return to continue their effort to understand the whos and hows of Alcatraz 2.0, but they are a B-plot in comparison to the fresh faces. The dual perspective flips between Dee and this novel’s primary MC, Becca. Like the first novel, #Murderfunding includes violence and coarse language. While the violence is not described in intense detail, it is often gruesome and brutal despite the wide brush. The story concludes with a tone that doesn’t quite match the rest of the novel, but questions are tidily answered and justice appears served.
This novel is an option between hi-lo and the standard YA novel. Reluctant readers looking to move to longer novels might have match with this series as the plot regularly drives breathlessly forward after chapters of slow burns. The clear references to the current state of US politics have a flair that politically-inclined teens may enjoy. The use of social media excerpts and news articles gives the novel an immersive touch. Ideally, the novel will have another round of editing before it reaches print: readers may struggle with instance of confusing sentence structure and unclear word choices. There is one FF romance on the page, though it is touched by the novel’s violence. (Another FF romance is off the page and also affected by violence.) One new, developed character is Latinx; however, the remaining fleshed-out characters appear to be white.
The novel will likely not be popular for many years, but its half-life hardly excludes this novel from consideration for purchase. Libraries where the first novel had readers may want to purchase the sequel to have on hand. Libraries that have not yet purchased the first novel or that have seen comparatively low circs on the title may want to present this title to your TAB/book club to see if they are interested in the series/sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-arc copy.
#Murderfunding is a sequel so please read the first one before reading this one. I really enjoyed this book just not as much as the first one. It has a strong story and characters, but is a slow burn rather than a quick flame to read. I like the originality of the first one, but this one reminded me of other books i have read.

I am always wary of sequels to my favorite books (love #murdertrending), but WOW does this one deliver! Great character development (both new and old), intriguing plot, tons of action, and just as creepy and horrific (in the best way possible) as the first in the series. Truly a must-read!

I was very grateful to receive an arc of #MurderFunding. I absolutely adored #MurderTrending and couldn't wait to read this book. This book follows around Becca, the possible daughter of Paniac Molly Mauler.

This book definitely has a lot more character development than the previous book, but boy does it deliver one heck of a story. Just when I figured I knew what would happen next, Ms. McNeil threw me for another loop. I would highly recommend this book. Additionally, I was afraid CInderella Survivor wouldn't show up, but she did with Griselda and Nigel in tow.

Additionally, I love how this book parallels what is currently happening in American politics with the reality star president. It hits very close to home.

I feel like this book is setting up for a third book, and boy do I hope I am right!!! Overall, this was a great read.

I did enjoy this read but it is important to read #murdertrending first. I was confused by a lot of what was going on and has to read the first book to get a backstory

Gretchen McNeil is so deliciously inventive in crafting her stories. #Murderfunding is as mind-bendingly horrific as its predecessor. Intrigue, creative executions, and startling twists transpire at a pace that will prevent you from putting this book down.

#Murdertrending, the first book in this series, was a new and surprising take on the reality tv/24 hour shock news cycle. This follow up to that novel continues in the same vein but stretches belief perhaps a bit too far. We see the after effects of Alcatraz 2.0, with new characters and a version of the serial killer spectacle. McNeil reaches a bit too far in this one and the gimmick grows stale.

I enjoyed the first book probably more than I should have, so I was really curious when I saw there would be a second. It was interesting to see things from the other side of the equation by looking at the killer's families. I think this was a great twist and a way to show they were still human.
I can't wait to see what else this author brings to life with her books.

While this book had a fun concept, it was felt like a teen derivative of shows and films like GLOW and Suicide Squad, but without any of the heart and humour.

World building and character development were completely non-existent, and while it was a quick read, I didn't find it an entertaining one. It was all glitz and glamour, with very little going on under the surface - which is a shame since this could have been an interesting satire of reality television and social media culture.