4 stars – A thrilling ride through secrets, friendships, and Florida’s eerie swamps

You’re Dead to Me by Amy Christine Parker offers a compelling blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and personal growth. The novel’s unique setting in an old Florida-style alligator park adds an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the story’s creepy undertones.

Ruby’s journey from the anonymous gossip behind the ReputationKiller account to a young woman confronting her own flaws is both engaging and thought-provoking. Her character development is well-crafted, allowing readers to empathize with her mistakes and cheer for her redemption. The inclusion of her loyal friends, Xavier and Anton, brings depth to the narrative, showcasing the importance of genuine connections amidst turmoil.

The plot weaves together ghostly apparitions and a lurking serial killer, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. While some twists are predictable, the overall execution maintains interest and delivers a satisfying experience.

Parker’s ability to intertwine personal growth with thrilling elements makes You’re Dead to Me a noteworthy addition to the YA horror genre. It’s a story that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the impact of our actions on others.

This book claims it is a “ Gossip Girl meets Happy Death Day” style book, and I think that is actually the perfect representation. It’s got the characters that you love and hate, with enough storyline and suspense to keep you reading.

Main character Ruby encounters her own ghost blood soaked in a prom dress. At first she doesn’t take it serious, but as deaths start to happen around her, she worries that her own ghost is representative of her fate come prom night. Ruby is outed as the one behind the local anonymous gossip blog and secrets meant to stay secret are out. Ruby races around to figure out the truth about her ghost and what is going on around her, but someone will do whatever they can to stop her.

While a little juvenile, I certainly enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read and very suspenseful. Would recommend to friends.

This was a really fun read! I enjoyed it a lot. I was kept in suspense and it all culminated in an intense and exciting climax. Would recommend to fans of YA thrillers for sure.

If you're looking for an interesting YA supernatural thriller, this will fit! You're Dead to Me is an interesting mix of ghosts, murder suspects, and teenage drama. There were a lot of plates to juggle here, and in the end the author did a good job of bringing them all together. There was a point early on that I was questioning what I was reading, but please push past that.
There were some elements that were strange to me... like why does Ruby not live with her mother? Instead it's like all of these high school kids are living on their own or in hotels?!

Overall it was a good mix. I give it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for this early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pub Date: 10 December 2024

I had high hopes for this one, but it felt like it dragged on and gave waaay to much gossip girl vibes. i was not a fan of that aspect.. and oddly enough gossip girl is one of my favorite shows.

Gritty and addicting. The setting of Florida sold this for me as it is a state known to have a lot of crazy individuals (and for them to get away with just as much). Ruby seeing her bloodied corpse which also warns her of the sudden danger was a fun twist just as much as her getting the guy in the end.
Minus a star because I thought the ending was slightly unbelievable (coming from a book whose premise is about seeing her dead self in the flesh) when I thought it easily could have been left alone. But that's merely a taste thing.

I would say this book is Gossip Girl, Tiger King, Florida Man, a serial killer, and a horror film all rolled into one. Ruby, a private school senior from the poorer side of town, is on a mission to take down the elites by exposing their secrets. When she is exposed things really start to happen. I had a hard time getting into it at first, but then it picked up and I almost had to cancel plans for the evening so I could finish the book. If you are looking for a quick read thriller, I would check this out. Thank you NetGalley for the preview!

This was a good read i enjoyed majority of the book it gave gossip girl and a little bit of pretty little liars... But that's just my opinion. The only thing i did not like was how much it dragged but other than that i did enjoy this book.

This was definitely a fun read, but it was a bit too Gossip Girl for my liking. The story constantly kept my attention, but I was not quite impressed with how everything unfolded.

The main characters were likeable, but I could not stand the secondary characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Delacorte Press for sharing andigital review copy with me.

Amy Christine Parker delivers an intriguing blend of mystery, suspense, and high school drama in You're Dead to Me. With its fast-paced plot and a protagonist who refuses to back down, this novel keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Ruby is a bold and complex main character—flawed, sharp-tongued, and unapologetically determined. Her transformation from the notorious ReputationKiller to a girl fighting for her life adds a compelling layer to the story. The small-town setting of Oleander Bay is filled with secrets, scandals, and plenty of suspects, making the mystery element thoroughly entertaining.

The pacing is strong, with enough twists and red herrings to keep readers guessing. The supernatural twist—Ruby’s terrifying vision of her own ghost—adds an eerie touch that enhances the tension. However, some plot points feel rushed, and certain character motivations could have been explored more deeply.

Despite a few predictable moments, You're Dead to Me is an enjoyable thriller with plenty of drama, suspense, and high-stakes tension. Fans of YA mysteries like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or Pretty Little Liars will find this a fun, if not groundbreaking, addition to the genre.

I liked the mystery and humor throughout the book. I liked the relationship between Ruby and her two friends. I didn't love the paranormal aspect of the book.
I would read another book by this author for sure!

Amy Christine Parker’s You’re Dead to Me is a captivating and suspenseful story that tackles themes highly relevant to high school students today, including identity, family conflict, grief, and the complexities of friendship. Ruby, the novel’s teenage protagonist, is thrust into a tangled web of secrets and lies after the death of her estranged father. Parker’s writing is rich and atmospheric, perfectly capturing Ruby’s emotional journey while keeping readers on edge with twists and turns.

This book is particularly relatable for teens because it doesn’t shy away from the messy and sometimes uncomfortable realities of growing up. Ruby’s struggle to uncover the truth about her father and her family’s past reflects a broader theme of self-discovery and learning to reconcile with life’s uncertainties—an experience many high school students can identify with. Fans of television shows like 13 Reasons Why or Outer Banks will likely be drawn to this novel, as it combines mystery, family drama, and deeply emotional moments.

Parents, however, should be aware that You’re Dead to Me delves into heavier topics such as grief, estrangement, betrayal, and some risky behavior by the characters. While these elements are handled thoughtfully and enhance the story’s authenticity, they could raise concerns depending on the age and maturity of the reader. The novel also explores the impact of family secrets and dishonesty, which could be an excellent springboard for discussions about trust and communication.

In sum, You’re Dead to Me by Amy Christine Parker is a masterful mix of mystery and emotional storytelling, making it a compelling read for today’s teens. Whether read for entertainment or as part of a discussion on identity and relationships, this book offers powerful insights and an unforgettable story.

this young adult novel gives you the vibes of gossip girl with a twist of violence and mystery now that the women Ruby has starts seeing herself as a ghost, maimed and murdered. One week before prom will she be able to figure out who killed her, why is she in a prom dress? My thoughts on this read is that it is very high on the suspense side, it will keep you guessing and I also was left with so many other questions.

I loved the characters and the premise so much! Also making me mourn for a bear was diabolical, but the author did it so well.

My one thing is the pacing at the end was so fast but, considering it was life or death situations for a good several chapters I think it makes sense.

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for granting me an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!

ARC Review- 4.5 ⭐ (Rounded down)
Publication Date- 12/10/2024

WOW--I could not put this book down. This was such a fun and campy read I loved it. This is a YA novel, but as a woman in my 30s I still loved it.

I got very much Gossip Girl vibes from this book as it follows Ruby who is known as the #reputationkiller among her high school and the fallouts that her posts cause. There is however a serial killer, the Mannequin Man running around town too. Ruby is also haunted by her ghost so there are supernatural elements to the story as well. I really enjoyed the guessing game of who the killer is and all of the sleuthing down to figure it out. Very twisty and good.

I was a little skeptical about this one, but I ended up enjoying it! I felt the beginning was a little slow but it began to pick up and I could not put it down!

I thought this was really good book. I liked the characters and the story. But some parts fall flat for me.

❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️

Ruby Toller, a high school Senior, lives in Florida with her single-Mom and her Mom's annoying boyfriend, Hunter. They reside at and run at a small Nature Park, that was passed down to Ruby's Mom from her parents. Ruby loves working at the Park, taking care of the animals. It's her home and she plans to always be there. Unfortunately, demand for these types of attractions isn't what it once was, and they struggle to stay afloat.

Thanks to a generous scholarship, Ruby is able to attend the very prestigious Oleander High School, a private school full of richy-rich teens. Just because she attends though, doesn't mean she fits in, or is accepted and Ruby has grown a bit of a chip on her shoulder. One thing she has been successful at though is her thriving anonymous-local gossip blog, ReputationKiller.

Ruby digs up dirt on the most elite families and community members and blasts them on her blog. Thus, aptly doing just as the blog title states, killing reputations. When Ruby is outed as the force behind ReputationKiller, the whole town turns against her, except for her best friends, Anton and Xavier, and shockingly, an attractive rich boy named Alexander.

More of an outcast now than ever, Ruby feels isolated and like her life is out of control, but at least she has a life. Even that comes into question however, when Ruby starts being haunted by her own ghost. That's right, she's being visited by her dead self, in a horrible state of decay, clad in a tattered prom dress. It's clear from the ghost's appearance, she didn't get that way due to natural causes. With the prom just days away, Ruby and her friends must figure out who is going to murder Ruby, and stop them, before it's too late.

You're Dead to Me was a super fun reading experience for me. I haven't read a YA Horror-Thriller with such successful Supernatural aspects in a long time. I found the story to be fast-paced and engaging, with some great Horror imagery. It kept me wanting more and guessing. There were some truly intense moments.

I also loved the way the Florida setting was used and the stark contrast between the 'Haves' and 'Have-Nots' within this community. It felt realistic. It is super-dramatic, as you would expect from a Teen Scream, but all that drama was really well-executed in my opinion. It had me reaching for my popcorn, versus rolling my eyes, which is always a good sign. I appreciated the way the author steadily built the intensity throughout. The stakes keep getting higher and higher as the days tick down until the prom.

I also liked the relationships between Ruby and her best friends, as well as her budding relationship with cute boy, Alexander. The friends supported each other very well, even through all the crazy things they go through in this book. Ruby's relationship with her Mom was rather complicated and I did like the exploration of that as well. Families are messy, you know?

Overall, I thought this was a super solid YA Horror-Thriller. If you love a Teen Scream, full of drama and danger, you should absolutely check this one out. Thank you to the publisher, Delacorte Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!

I didn’t love this book. It had an interesting premise, and I was surprised by who all was involved in the end, but the writing fell a little flat for me.