Ren returns to her old high school now as a teacher. She still feels guilty that her sister died and she imagines her sisters presence and talks to her. This added such an creepy element to the story and hooked me. Ren feels like history is repeating itself as the teacher across the hall is a little too friendly with the students. He reminds her of Mr Henry and her past. She was always in her sister Margo's shadow as she was the pretty, popular cheerleader who everyone loved.

Two students end up dead and both have ties to Mr Lewis. Ren is determined this time to make a difference and protect the students.

This leads her down a dark path of following Mr Lewis and reliving her past trauma.

You think you know where this is going when it takes a turn you never expected. This was a fast paced thriller you don't want to miss.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen for a complimentary early release copy of Whispers of Dead Girls by Marlee Bush.

Whispers of Dead Girls has a decent story premise but unfortunately this one just doesn’t really stand out to me. I didn’t particularly like the characters. I found Ren to be a bit average, nothing really sticks out to me about her. I did like the haunting aspect with Margo though. That has to be my favorite element of the storyline but aside from that compared to When She Was Me this story feels like it’s lacking the suspense/mystery. There were thrilling moments but I didn’t find any of the reveals to be shocking.

The timeline during the start of the novel skipped around mid chapter sometime making it hard to keep track of what is happening in the story. This changes towards the middle where we get actual flashback chapters which I found to be more preferable. The ending of the book fell flat for me even though I hadn’t really suspected anything until the last couple of chapters. Overall rating 2.5 rounding up to a three because I found some of the quotes/messaging to be thought provoking.

Absolutely ate this book up!!!! Such a good thriller with jaw dropping twists and turns!!! Mind blowing plot!

I was a BIG fan of Marlee's debut novel, "When She Was Me," so I was thrilled to read her second novel, "Whispers of Dead Girls" - and it did not disappoint. I love how how Marlee writes emotionally complex characters that you simultaneously love and hate, often at the same time. I empathized with Ren while often thinking to myself, "I can't believe she just did that!" It's why I love those morally gray characters so much as I found myself questioning whether I would do what Ren did in certain situations.

Marlee is easily solidifying herself as a standout author and I can't wait to see what she does next!

I thought this book had a fantastic premise and an atmospheric setting that really drew me in. I loved the eerie tone and the way the story explored Ren’s return to her old high school, haunted by the memories of her sister’s tragic death. The small-town dynamics and the lingering scandal added a layer of tension that kept the atmosphere compelling. That said, I found the story itself rather boring. While the setup was intriguing, the plot didn’t deliver the level of suspense or excitement I was hoping for. I felt like the pacing was slow, and some parts dragged on without adding much to the overall narrative. The mystery surrounding Bryson Lewis and his connection to the student felt predictable, and I wanted more twists or surprises to keep me engaged.

Overall, I thought the book had a strong foundation with its premise and atmosphere, but it didn’t quite live up to its potential. It might appeal to readers who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with a moody setting, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.

When I received a publisher email offering me the ARC of this novel, I was super excited because I absolutely LOVED When She Was Me. Devoured it! Recommend it frequently. I was looking forward to another thrilling, twisty, psychological read to break up my fantasies.

This one fell short for me.

I went in blind because I sometimes find thrillers more thrilling when I’m completely clueless; harder for me to guess the twists. I should have read the blurb because out of all the dark romance books I’ve read, it was Freida McFadden’s The Teacher that gave me the absolute biggest ick. Apparently, my line in the sand for fiction is teacher/student relations. This, uh, gave me the same ick.

I’m giving it 3 stars because I’m choosing not to rate the premise since it’s not the authors fault that I didn’t check the content before diving in. The 3 stars are due to everything else.

1. The FMC is immature. She’s still stuck in a high school mindset.

2. Honestly, this story would be bomb if it went through the FMC’s crimes against men while gradually revealing her teenage experiences that led there without the focus on teacher/student relationships.

3. The relationships she had with students was okay but not the MMC because he was a male? Although her focus was gaining trust from these girls, her entire method was inappropriate too.

4. You’re telling me she was questioned about the murder of one unfaithful man, but that investigation fizzled out after her fellow coworker who was now known to have multiple teen relationships was murdered? She wasn’t suspected of both? The investigation didn’t turn up what actually happened? This town needs new cops.

5. Her immaturity resurfaces during the ending revelations. She feels no remorse.

6. Don’t get me started on her parents. They didn’t even check the sister’s phone records to discover what really happened? And she was really so angry over not being the one chosen that she just let him go to prison with false charges?

I’m just struggling to wrap my head around this one. I kept putting it down because it was a battle to connect with the characters. I’m glad I couldn’t, but I do like to have someone to connect with.

Marlee Bush delivers again! I remember reading her first novel When She Was Me and couldn't put the book down, this was just the same, literally read in one sitting!
This was an amazing psychological of a Biology teacher that comes back to her old high school and uncovers alot of things going on. And her unalive sister popping up with her. I cannot wait to be able to get my physical copy to add to my shelf!
Thank you again NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this opportunity!

This is a dark book with a lot plot twists.

The story follows Ren, a newly-divorced teacher who returns to her hometown and old high school — and scene of a formative tragedy — following her divorce. Ren’s sister Margo died in a tragic accident when they were teenagers, and even now, years later, Ren lives in the shadow of her dead sister. Ren is somewhat estranged from her parents because they can’t bear to have a relationship with her, as it’s a painful reminder of Margo’s passing. Ren herself is haunted by Margo, with Margo seeming to have taken up residence as an inner voice in Ren’s head.

After what happened to her sister, Ren is understandably triggered by predatory men and suspicious of men in general, leading her to develop suspicions about a colleague having inappropriate relationships with a student. Her hunches are solidified when she finds out said colleague transferred from a different school amidst allegations of inappropriate relationships with a student…a student that ends up dead.

Unable to go back in time and save her sister, Ren takes it upon herself to investigate (and seek vigilante justice in other situations as well), but she’s completely unprepared for what she uncovers. Has Ren met her match?

The book has surprising plot twists and ends with a cliffhanger. It does an excellent job at exploring morally grey areas and is deeply unsettling. Sometimes there’s a fine line between a hero and a villain….sometimes it’s simply a matter of perspective that says more about you, dear reader, than the characters you’re judging. Hero or villain….you decide.

3.5-Star Review: "Whispers of Dead Girls" by Marlee Bush. Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!

"Whispers of Dead Girls" is a slow burn at first, but once it finds its stride, it really pulls you in. The eerie mystery builds gradually, and while the pacing felt a bit sluggish in the beginning, the payoff is worth the wait.

One of the standout elements for me was the high school setting—it adds a layer of nostalgia and relatability, while also making the story’s darker twists hit harder. The characters are another strong point; they’re well-written, layered, and feel authentic, which helps ground the more supernatural elements of the plot.

It’s not without a few pacing issues, but overall, this was an intriguing read with a moody atmosphere and characters you care about. If you're into YA thrillers with a touch of the paranormal, this one's worth checking out.

Release: May 27, 2025
Author: Marlee Bush
Publisher: poisoned pen press

Rating: 4.25 ★ 

The Whispers of Dead Girls by Marlee Bush is an intense and captivating thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story centers around Ren, who returns to her old high school as a teacher, hoping to move past the tragic events that led to the death of her younger sister, Margo. As Ren confronts her grief and the lingering scandal that has haunted her town, she begins to notice something unsettling: the history of Margo’s death might be repeating itself.
Ren becomes suspicious of Bryson Lewis, a charismatic and well-liked physics teacher, especially when she sees him growing closer to one of his students—a girl who reminds her of Margo. As Ren delves deeper into her past and the mysterious dynamics of her small town, she finds herself determined to stop history from repeating itself and protect the girls from falling into the same dangerous patterns.
What makes this book stand out is the perfect mix of suspense, emotional depth, and a gripping plot. The emotional weight of Ren’s grief and the trauma she carries from her sister's death is beautifully balanced with the heart-pounding mystery of the present. The twists and turns in the story are unexpected, and the writing style keeps you hooked from the first page. The small-town setting, with its secrets and gossip, creates a compelling atmosphere that draws readers in, making it hard to put the book down.
Ren is a relatable and well-developed character, and her journey of unraveling the truth behind her sister’s death while battling her own distrust of authority makes for an engaging read. However, the book does touch on sensitive topics, including grooming, which might be triggering for some readers. Despite this, the author handles the subject matter thoughtfully, creating a story that is both emotionally impactful and thrilling.
While there are some transitions between past and present tense that can be a bit confusing at first, once you get used to the writing style, the story flows smoothly. The unexpected twist at the end is particularly satisfying, leaving readers with plenty to think about long after the last page.
If you enjoy a fast-paced, emotional thriller with twists that keep you guessing, The Whispers of Dead Girls is definitely worth picking up. It’s a haunting and powerful tale of grief, suspense, and the lengths we go to in order to protect those we love.

Summary

The Whispers of Dead Girls follows Ren Taylor, who returns to her old high school ten years after her sister’s tragic murder. Though she hoped to find peace with her past, the town still remembers her sister's death, and Ren is haunted by the memories that won’t fade. She’s also still reeling from the scandal that destroyed her childhood.
Ren’s world shifts when she meets Bryson Lewis, a charming and attractive physics teacher who seems to captivate everyone around him. Despite his outward appeal, Ren is deeply suspicious of him, especially after noticing his growing closeness with a student who reminds her of her late sister. As Ren becomes more paranoid, she fears that history is about to repeat itself, and another young girl may fall victim to the same fate.
Determined not to let this happen again, Ren decides to take matters into her own hands, even if it means confronting her own dark secrets. As she digs deeper, Ren is forced to face her past head-on, risking everything to protect the girl and stop history from repeating itself.

Favorite Quote:
"some ghosts don't haunt you from beyond the grave. They live in the spaces between our thoughts, whispering when we least expect it."

I liked this book until the last few chapters, but it completely fell apart.

SPOILERS
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The author made a very bad choice when she decided that a teenage girl lied about being sexually assaulted by her teacher. As if it’s not difficult enough for women to speak out without someone helping perpetuate the idea that they’re liars who just want to take men down. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

solid, well-written, thriller which has some slow starts but some strong vibes as it goes on. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

I really enjoyed this one overall. I read Marlees debut novel last year and when I saw she was releasing another one, I jumped at the chance to read it. Again, she did not disappoint. This was such a gripping read from the first pages. First, you want to know about Ren & what happened with her sister, Margo. But then you're sucked into another web of complexity as we are fast forwarded years later to Ren teaching at her old high school, and trying to solve another tragedy involving a teacher and students, 2 of which passed. I liked the jumping back and forth, and I liked how what happened to Ren as a teen affected her as an adult and how she handles things, specifically men, in her life.

The ending of this story had me absolutely floored and that's why I can't give his a full 5 stars like I was intending. I feel like the ending just didn't give true justice to the victims in this story, and that kinda irked me a bit. But overall, a solid thriller. Gripping, slow paced mostly until the last half of the book, and lots of secrets and twists - you truly won't see the ending coming.

One of my favorite reads of the year. This was so good and twisty. I loved every minute of getting to read this book. This is my second book by this author and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

This book was absolutely addictive and gripping. I seriously WOULD NOT even start this book unless you have cleared your schedule because you will not be able to put it down!!!

I absolutely flew through it in one sitting and it genuinely was unputdownable! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller.

I finally turned the last page at 1am. Yes. this book is that good!!! A definite MUST READ!!!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!

This is a very good book for YA and a short read due to the short chapters, for an adult reading a thriller though it does lack in the thriller aspect. Am I giving this a bad review no, because it's meant to be more YA and I believe YA would adore this book if they want to try the thriller aspect.

I was eager to read Whispers of Dead Girls by Marlee Bush, because I greatly enjoyed her debut When She Was Me. I dove into Whispers of Dead Girls with a positive attitude and an open mind.

Ultimately, I am not recommending this book because of the twist. I feel it does not do justice to victims and it is actively damaging to propel stories like this into people's consciousness, even when presented as fiction.

Things I enjoyed:
-The main character and the steady reveal of her secrets
-The high school setting
-The tension between the MC and her primary suspect

Three and a half stars rounded up. Marlee Bush’s “Whispers of Dead Girls’ is the second book she’s had published. It’s a standalone from her debut novel.

Ren Taylor has returned to her hometown to teach biology at her old high school. It has been 10 years since the death of her older sister, who was a senior and had almost graduated. On Ren’s first day in her new job, she meets Bryson Lewis, a physics teacher whose classroom is across the hall from hers. Based on what happened when she and her sister were in high school, Ren is immediately suspicious of Bryson and his intentions/interactions/behavior towards his female students.

When she notices he seems to have taken an interest in one particular female student, she begins watching him closer and “investigating” him. Early on, I found most of Ren’s behavior to be unrealistic and felt she reached her conclusions based on faulty assumptions/hypotheses. Later on in the book, things leveled out for me and the storyline seemed to have been tightened up by the author.

I will say, I realized partway through the book that I had read her first book and enjoyed it. To be honest, I enjoyed her debut novel slightly more than this one. Both books, though, have (good) aspects to their plots and writing style that most authors I’ve read don’t explore.

Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

Well, I loved this the first book, When She Was Me! Gave it 5 stars. This one is good too. Had fun reading this one. It's not the typical fast-paced thriller but more a mystery you want to solve. It grabbed me and I knew there was something more behind this than you first think.
The story is about Ren and her sister Margo. You get to know the story about the death of Margo but also what is happening on this school, in their hometown. But that's not all. There is also something dark about Ren and the bond between her and her sister Margo.
It kept me going and read this one in two days. I loved it!

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for my advanced copy.

I think most teenage girls at some point end up having a crush on that one high school teacher. You know the one, everyone likes him, he's easy to talk to, makes jokes in class and when he smiles you just know it's for you. You start to get all dreamy and planning your future but what if that one teacher and that one crush haunts you forever? That's when you hear the whispers, The Whispers of Dead Girls pushing you to do what is right, to protect these young girls, find the answers, keep them safe and from making that same mistake. You know how they feel, you know what the others are saying about them, you know the grief, the guilt but you don't know the twist so you have to read this book!
The author does a great job of telling Ren's story, a teacher who is suspicious of a student's crush on another teacher along with the her own crush from the past and all the guilt, grief and danger that comes along with it all with an unexpected twist. It has a great combination of suspense, emotions and what's going to happen next thrill.