I was excited to read this book and to discover the truth behind the murder of Bettina's mother and the copy cat killers.

It was an enjoyable book. The plot is the most interesting part of the novel, I did very much like it. It was full of suspense and mysteries. The main character was a little bit unlikeable at times, she could be unnecessarily rude. But her background was intriguing. However, I loved Eugenia. She’s by far my favorite character.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you NetGalley & Holiday House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dead Girls Talking is a sleepy-creepy small town mystery about Bettina's mother, who was murdered by her father a decade earlier - right? The truth Bett thought she knew her whole life is suddenly in question as more bodies killed in the same way are turning up. Along with the daughter of the town's mortician, Bett is racing against the killer's clock to find the truth, once and for all.

This book surprised me. I wasn't sure how I felt about it for the first couple of pages, and worried it wouldn't be for me based on the first chapter, but I soon found myself flying through it.

Bettina is a complicated, complex character that is messy and funny and hard to like, but simultaneously hard to dislike. She isn't a perfect girl, and she isn't a perfect victim by any means, and I love her unwillingness to bend herself into another shape just for other people to like her.

Eugenia is interesting in a different way. From first glance, she may seem weird or cold or indifferent, but I appreciated her ability to separate facts from emotions, and I loved that even when it was uncomfortable, she stood up for herself and what she belied in. More than that, I related to her drive to find answers for the forgotten women of Wolf's Ridge.

I did guess the killer fairly early on, but that did not stop me from enjoying every page of this book.

Dead Girls Talking is a fun, interesting mystery that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys seeing girls protect each other and fight the system together.

This novel definitely moves quickly, with a fast-paced narrative. A little mystery and a little thriller with some (perhaps unsurprising to some) twists I can see YA readers going for this one. I did NOT care for Bert’s attitude a majority of the time- like, I get it she’s a teenager with past issues- but come on. It was a little annoying to read sometimes. I liked the relationship that was built between Bett and Eugenia, however. The unlikely friendship angle worked for this novel and I appreciated their banter. Suspending disbelief that these two are working on solving a crime outside the police, I still found it a little too convenient sometimes what they were able to uncover. That aspect aside, it was interesting enough to keep me wondering what the truth was going to be. I did find the overall wrap up a little unsatisfying, but that could be me just being a little overly critical and wanting more out of the story. If you’re looking for a quick YA thriller, check this one out.

Dead Girls Talking is a YA mystery/thriller set in the small town Wolf Ridge. Bett's mother was brutally murdered by her father when she was 6 years old. Now, there are similar murders happening in Wolf Ridge but her father is still in jail... Is there a copycat killer? Or is her father really innocent, as he had claimed all these years?

I liked this book! The story was fast-paced and had a great amount of suspense. I was always interested in what would happen next and I was totally not expecting the big reveal. Even though the mystery aspect was great, what I loved the most in this book was the blooming friendship between Beth and Eugenia, who are both outcasts at school (Beth because of her murdered mother, Eugenia because her parents are morticians). The relationships in this story felt realistic and complex.

I would totally recommend this book if you're interested in a YA mystery/thriller with a surprising twist, great characters and complex relationships.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Holiday House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Dead Girls Talking" by Megan Cooley Peterson is a gripping and dark thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. I definitely recommend this book for fans of YA thrillers, especially since the mystery in this book is actually quite unpredictable, which I enjoyed. Also, the cover for this book is absolutely beautiful and captivating; I definitely need to buy a physical copy for my bookshelf.

Set in the small town of Wolf Ridge, the story follows Bettina Holland, whose life has been overshadowed by the gruesome murder of her mother by her own father, dubbed the Smile Face Killer. But when Bettina stumbles upon another victim with the same M.O. as her mother's murder, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her father's guilt. With the help of Eugenia, the mortician's daughter and a fellow outcast at school, Bettina embarks on a relentless quest for justice and truth. As they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the murders, they uncover dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly peaceful town.

Peterson's writing is captivating and fast-paced, drawing you in with its compelling characters and intricate plot twists. From the complexities of family relationships to the harsh realities of violence against women, the book tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and depth. I really like how Bettina teamed up with the school outcast and was able to learn more about her and become close friends despite their differences. Not too many books tackle the “popular rich girl with the school outcast” troupe, but I think Peterson handled their developing friendship very well.

The dynamic duo of Bettina and Eugenia shines as they navigate through the darkness, facing their own demons along the way. Their friendship and determination to uncover the truth make them compelling protagonists who will resonate with you long after the final page. I also liked the relationship between Bettina and her grandparents where her grandparents were just trying to protect her in misguided ways when Bettina simply wanted the truth.

The mystery aspect of this book was filled with twists, and I honestly did not expect the truth at the end of the book. I definitely hadn’t predicted the major twist, and I consider this a major success, especially since many YA mystery books struggle with this aspect. I will say that I found some of the dialogue to be stilted in the book, and it took me a bit to get invested in the story, but once I did, I found myself engaged and turning the pages as fast as I could.

Overall, "Dead Girls Talking" is a fun ride filled with mystery, deception, and unexpected twists. With its gripping storyline, this book is a must-read for fans of mysteries and thrillers.

"Dead Girls Talking is a teen thriller written by Megan Cooley Peterson.
I loved the plot, when I read the synopsis of this book I wanted to read it because it brings together all the elements I like.
The novel is a mix of mystery, suspense and drama, with a strong protagonist and a plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the end. The author explores themes of family, friendship, forgiveness and the search for truth amidst secrets and lies.
In short, "Dead Girls Talking" is a young adult thriller that combines elements of mystery and drama, and introduces us to a strong and determined protagonist in her search for the truth.
I really enjoyed this read.
Thank you Holiday House and Netgalley for this eARC

"Dead Girls Talking" is a ya thriller novel written by Megan Cooley Peterson.

Dark, intriguing and compelling book that absorbed me completely! The captivating writing, fast pace and short chapters made it almost impossible for me to tear myself away from the pages, prompting me to finish it in less than a day. "Dead Girls Talking" is a story about serial killers, murders, violence against women, complicated family relationships and bullying, but it is also a story of friendship, hope and justice. A dynamic, gritty and powerful thriller full of mysteries, deceptions, lies and secrets. I was fascinated by the small town of Wolf Ridge, a seemingly placid and peaceful place, where everyone knows everyone and knows everything about everyone, that in reality hides a deep darkness.  Most of all, I loved Bett (with her only first person pov) and Eugenia, the novel's protagonists. Two complex and tormented girls, marked by their respective demons, portrayed beautifully. Seriously, I loved everything about this book, and I cannot express anything but kudos!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Holiday House and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Bettina lost her mother at a young age, worse her father killed her mother. Not only did he kill her but he carved a smile into after she was dead, labeling him the Smile Face Killer. It’s been ten years since then and on a walk back from visiting her mom’s grave she stumbles a crossed another dead body. Same M.O. as her mother. Only this couldn’t have been her father because he’s locked up. Though he has always maintained his innocence. Considering Bett was the key witness to her father’s crime, is she misremembering what happened? The only person who shows interest in figure out what’s going on is the funeral director’s daughter Eugenia. Together the two will investigate what happened to this latest victim and simultaneously learn more about what happened to Bett’s mother. But will she be able to show that it was her father that killed her? Or is her world about to be shattered? In a small town that doesn’t seem to value women very much the two will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. I’ll admit that it took a little bit for me to get fully into this one but only because I couldn’t understand the utter conviction that she had, especially had there was some doubt, convenient doubt, but still doubt. But then I understood! It’s full of twists and will keep you guessing and eager to find out if her dad is innocent! The ending was shocking, even know there are things that could lead you there, but they never quite seemed likely so your still shocked! Megan Cooley Peterson tells a fast paced story that’ll keep you hooked! Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for the copy of Dead Girls Talking by Megan Cooley Peterson. Copycat killer stories are common, but this one feels unique in Peterson’s skillful hands. You will fall in love with Bett who lives with her grandparents ever since her father was jailed for killing her mother. I loved how she teamed up with the school outcast Eugenia to try to solve the murders. The reveal was a shocker. Don’t miss this propulsive thriller!