3.5 ⭐️

This was a fun, albeit predictable, YA thriller . . The mystery itself was meh but I always like reading stories that feature friendships and I enjoyed that aspect of this story - three old friends reconnecting and solving a murder together

Similar to Ferris Bueller's Day Off but with a murder mystery, this book brings back together 3 middle school friends who decide to skip a day of high school. They accidentally stumble upon a murder scene and quickly events get out of hand. The characters have both winning and flawed qualities, and it makes for a page-turner in the form of a YA thriller.

I always have to force myself to read through McManus's books, for some reason they are slow starters for me. But once I get over that initial hump boy am I in for a ride.
It is a reminder that pushes me through it so I can enjoy the twists and turns of a very well written mystery
I love that nothing is ever as it seems with these books and they often keep me guessing.

This was a good read from Karen McManus. Her writing style really hooks in young readers and keeps you guessing until the end.

I don't think I will be reading more from this author in the future. None of it is good enough to write home about. DNF.

I fabulous read that I enjoyed! Highly recommend and will purchase several physical and digital copies for library collections. Thank you!!

Three high school seniors get sucked into a murder mystery when they stumble upon the body of a dead classmate at a Boston art studio. Karen McManus keeps the interest of readers with dynamic characters, believable situations, and the ability to tap into the minds of young adults and the bad decisions that they would make during stressful situations.

Three high schoolers reunite in Boston for a nostalgic adventure, reliving "The Greatest Day Ever" from their middle school days. But this time, their mission is more than just skipping class. Gossip swirls around a recent murder, and one of them is considered a suspect. Can they navigate hurt feelings, years of distance, and their tangled history to unearth the truth? Or will their fractured friendship fall apart completely?

For fans of Karen McManus and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, this heartwarming and suspenseful story proves that sometimes the greatest adventures involve facing the past.

Note: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book to be a fun, quick, easy read. I couldn't put it down and read it over a weekend. It kept me intrigued and kept me guessing.

This was An okay read. At some point, her books start to get a little predictable, so the plot doesn’t feel all that different from her other books.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

As a librarian deeply invested in young adult literature, "You'll Be the Death of Me" by Karen McManus has left an indelible mark on my reading experience. This gripping novel seamlessly blends mystery, suspense, and the complexities of teenage friendships, making it an absolute must-read for both teens and adults alike.

McManus, known for her mastery in crafting suspenseful narratives, doesn't disappoint with this latest addition to her repertoire. The story kicks off with a bang – literally – as three friends find themselves entangled in a web of lies, secrets, and a murder mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. McManus has a knack for creating relatable protagonists, and in this case, the trio of friends feels like individuals you might encounter in any high school. The dynamics between them are authentic, with dialogues that capture the essence of teenage friendships, complete with humor, loyalty, and occasional misunderstandings.

The plot twists are executed with precision, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think you've figured it out, McManus throws in another curveball that adds depth to the storyline. The pacing is excellent, ensuring that the tension builds gradually without sacrificing character development.

Moreover, the novel explores relevant themes such as trust, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. McManus skillfully weaves these elements into the narrative, making it not only an engaging mystery but also a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by today's youth.

In terms of writing style, McManus's prose is clear, concise, and immersive. The story flows seamlessly, making it easy for readers to become absorbed in the world she has created. The balance between descriptive passages and dialogue is well-maintained, enhancing the overall reading experience.

"You'll Be the Death of Me" is a testament to Karen McManus's ability to captivate readers with her storytelling prowess. Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply appreciate well-crafted young adult fiction, this book is a standout in its genre. I highly recommend it.

Is there anything Karen McManus can't do? The answer is absolutely not because she can do anything she wants to! Her young adult novels are staples for a reason, they're compelling they're well written and the pacing is outstanding

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Unfortunately, this was not for me. I was unable to get past the first few chapters. I believe this is just an issue of my taste not aligning with the story. I recommend others try it!

Cal, Ivy, & Mateo were best friends all through middle school and in 6th grade, they all skipped out on a field trip together, and labeled that day of adventure as "the best day ever." Now the 3 are seniors in high school, and their friendships have all fallen apart.
The day after Ivy loses the election for student body president, she walks out of school only to find Cal and Mateo in the parking lot, and the three decide to skip once again and call this day the "worst day ever." The day goes from bad to worse when they witness fellow student, Boney, walk into an abandoned building but never come out. When the three go to investigate, they discover Boney's dead body and realize that they not only need to help find out what happened to Boney, they also need to prove that it wasn't one of them that committed the crime.

While this one wasn't for me, it certainly would appeal to fans of the edge of your seat drama kinds of YA. As a mom of two young adults and a teacher myself, I was too bogged down in the right and wrong to really enjoy the growth journey aspect to the plot. But I definitely recommend it to others!

Unfortunately was not able to get to this one to read on NetGalley before publishing, but I listened to the audiobook when it came out and enjoyed it. Karen McManus is another one where I seldom see the plot twist coming.

Karen McManus is truly a modern day Agatha Christie and her work speaks for itself. I love the rollercoaster ride that her stories take us readers on!

Three former friends team up for an adventure in Boston to recreate “The Greatest Day Ever” in middle school when they skipped a class field trip. Since getting to high school, these students have grown apart, but a murder investigation - with one of them as prime suspect according to gossip - brings these three back together. With hurt feelings, a lot of history, and a few years apart, these friends have much to catch up on, but will they reconnect or fall apart completely. Fans of McManus' other titles will love this Ferris Bueller's Day Off read alike.

This isn't my first Karen McManus novel, but it might be my last. I think I'm just out of her target demographic.
I do believe that younger readers will enjoy this, but it just wasn't for me.

You'll Be The Death Of Me by Karen M McManus is another nail biting thriller! I don't know how she continues to create such dynamic characters and plots that keep you on the edge of your seat! Wow! Happy Reading!