I wish I had buddy read this with someone. I needed to talk things through. It was dark and I kept wondering if I was going to finish. It left me with a feeling I can’t describe. Loved other books by the author more.

HUGE SPOILERS AHEAD: BEWARE!

I have read every single book Holly Jackson has blessed the world with, and I have devoured every single one!

This one is just as high stakes as you'd expect from a Jackson novel. It's her first adult novel, but it's still easy to read like her YA fiction. This was definitely a fun read!

My issue lies with the ending. This is the first Holly Jackson book I've read where I actually guessed the ending. By chapter 3, I had a hunch I knew whodunnit. So I was happy that I guessed right, but also a bit saddened by it. I love being proven wrong and it being someone I never would've expected! Also....HUGE SPOILER ALERT!!!!
I dislike that Jet died before solving it. Like, yes, I understand she was going to die. But it still made me sad :(
I hate that she passed RIGHT AFTER thinking Billy did it. I know she realized at the end that it wasn't him, but dang it. I wish she had solved it, not Billy.

Overall, it was still a super fun read and I blasted through it. Her writing style is always so quick to read through! I just wish Jet got her happy ending <3

Thank you Netgalley for the E-Arc!!

Every book I’ve read from Holly Jackson has been a 5 stars.

But I’m actually a bit disappointed with this one when I compare it to her other works.

It’s the first Holly Jackson book where I could guess the ending, killer, motive, etc. before the resolution, and it didn’t have the “wow” shocking effect that the reappearance of Rachel price had for me for example.

I felt like it didn’t have this thing Holly’s other books had. It left me frustrated as I felt some characters were left unpunished.

The ending was a good one but also a rather blunt one, it was quick (too Quick ?). There was a good build up but I expected the resolution to come in another way.

This book could have been longer.

And finally, i feel like for her first adult mystery, she could have taken the liberty to go even darker with the themes, especially since we know she can have great ideas with her precedent work.

It felt as if Holly struggled to leave her YA style behind for this good but I actually appreciate a lot when authors are brave enough to try things out of their comfort zone !

I want to say a lot more but don’t want to turn this review in a spoiler ! I’ll definitely buy a physical copy when it comes out.

Readers of Holly Jackson will be excited for her adult debut novel, and those familiar with her know they are in for a trip. It's not every day that a victim gets to solve their own murder, and the stakes are higher than ever. The clock is ticking for Jet and no matter the outcome of her investigation... she's a dead woman walking.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and Bantam for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Not Quite Dead Yet opens up with a fast paced mystery - Jet, who seems like a relatively shallow waiting to launch young woman, is attacked in her home and wakes to learn that she is going to die. Yes, she survived the attack, but due to the hit to her head and a pre-existing health condition she can either get surgery to try to save her life (unlikely to succeed) or wait about a week for that fate to catch up with her. Jet decides that she’ll end her life actually doing something rather than waiting as she has done all her life. That something is no easy order though - she’s going to find her murderer.

Teaming up with her friend, the sweet and good as gold Billy, the hunt for her murderer is twisty and full of pretty shocking discoveries. I loved seeing Jet’s growth, and the ending (really, what felt to me as both of them) was the perfect one given the intriguing start. I’d pick this book up when you’re in the mood for a mystery that goes deep and is unlikely to be guessed.

Ok, I need a minute to catch my breath. I have to admit I was a little unsure about Holly Jackson trying her hand at an adult mystery/thriller. What the heck was I thinking?? She nailed it!

Let’s say you get violently attacked in your own home. You were found in time to get to the hospital but you find out your injuries are life threatening and you are given about a week to live. What do you do with that time? Spend it with your loved ones and make every second count? Work on that bucket list? Nope! Our fearless protagonist has something else in mind. She’s going to solve her own murder. With the help of her childhood friend, they set off to find out who would want her dead while uncovering some damaging secrets along the way.

If you want suspenseful, heartbreaking and twisty, look no further. Not Quite Dead Yet is the page turner you need to get your hands on.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars!

Ms. Holly Jackson can do no wrong for me and Not Quite Dead Yet brings all the drama and emotional damage you expect from her with a propelling and deadly countdown to the end!

On Halloween night, Jet was murdered, but she's not quite done fighting. Given seven days to live after getting her head bashed in by a mysterious attack, Jet teams up with her childhood friend to solve her own murder before time runs out, but the trail might just lead her back to the ones she loves and trusts the most. I got about 90% through this book and then had to momentarily put it down to go to a class and when I tell you that was the most infuriating hour of my week. This is such a fun premise and I deeply relate to Jet because if I only had a week to live I would also exclusively joke about my death and cause problems. As usually with Holly Jackson, I had no idea where the plot was going and stayed pretty oblivious until the final moments. All around amazing as I've come to expect. My only note is that I'm not sure what makes this an adult novel other than a bit more swearing than usual. It's pretty YA-friendly otherwise.

Exactly what I wanted it to be as always. Holly Jackson remains my only auto-buy mystery/thriller author!

Thank you to Holly Jackson and Bantam for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

Happy reading!

Jet, a 27 year old law school drop out lives at home with her parents and lives life with the motto of "she has more time". She blows her friends off, takes every day for granted, and never seems to finish what she starts. All this changes in a blink of an eye when she is near fatally attacked on Halloween night. As she wakes up the doctors tell her she has less than a week left to live before a major brain aneurysm kills her.
For once in her life, Jet decides she is going to finish something out and solve her own murder and seek revenge on the person who killed her.

Freakishly good for all the thriller lovers out there who are tired of the same story plots written over and over. Finally, Holly Jackson delivers us something new that you just CAN'T PUT DOWN! This book will give you a roller coaster of emotions and is already on my favorite book list for 2025.

5 out of 5 stars! Thank you Netgalley and Holly Jackson for the brilliant read!!

Holly Jackson not only raised the bar in the YA Thriller genre, she redefined it with books twists and plotting on par with the best authors in the adult genre. So, we’ve all been salivating over the idea of picking up her debut adult novel, and I’m extremely grateful for the early opportunity to do so.

I can say with confidence that, it more than lives up to the hype! I was utterly hooked from the premise alone and absolutely white-knuckled my way through every heart-pounding page. Electrifying, terrifying, and mesmerizing.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75

I have previously really enjoyed Holly Jackson's books (AGGGTM trilogy & Reappearance). So once I read the description for this one, I just HAD to read it.

At first I found the main character to be abrasive and maybe a little bit extra (but hey- no one is going to attempt to murder a kind/emphatic character- there needs to be some conflict), but as the story went on, my heart really went out to her.

I was curious how the author would set up the "this character is murdered but they aren't dead yet" situation & I do feel like that took just a little bit of suspension of belief (but also I probably didn't get a full grasp on the medical terminology used).

This book was tense and was set against a ticking clock. Every single character was so complex & it was very interesting to see all those complexities and dynamics come out.

It took me a bit to figure out the "whodunnit" but once I did, I knew!

The final confrontation seemed a touch dramatic and did end on a "okay, but what now?" There is still a lot left up in the air ion regards to how these characters all move on after this case (and everything it dredged up with it).

I definitely enjoyed it but do think some of the author's previous work is stronger.

Overall, this was a fast and easy read, and I do recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Ballantine) for a digital eARC of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Star Rating: 3.75

OH MY GOD, Holly Jackson has done it again and better than ever. This was such an interesting concept for a murder mystery - someone trying to solve their own murder knowing they are going to die from their attempted murder within a week's time. This book had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who did it along with Jet and Billy. And Billy. Poor, sweet Billy, such a pure and selfless character. This book broke my heart but was so hopeful all at the same time.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC

Holly Jackson, the maestro of YA thrillers (which this adult greatly enjoys), takes a leap into the adult genre with "Not Quite Dead Yet," a gripping tale that will leave you breathless until the very last page. This isn't your typical whodunit; it's a race against time, a desperate scramble for survival as the protagonist, Jet Mason, faces an impending deadline - her own death.
Jet, a young woman from a wealthy family, is attacked on Halloween night, suffering a head injury that doctors predict will lead to a fatal aneurysm within a week. With her life hanging by a thread, Jet becomes determined to solve her own attempted murder. As she delves into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and hidden agendas within her own family and social circle.

Do not worry that this story will be heavy or depressing, somehow Holly Jackson skillfully makes this a truly enjoyable story. You will relish Jet's clever humor and outlook. I missed this character after I turned the last page. Jet's loveable sidekick Billy is equally enjoyable.

With so many mysteries filled with unlikeable and unrelatable characters, this is a wholly captivating and uniquely compelling story.

Jackson's writing is as sharp and addictive as ever. She masterfully crafts a plot that keeps you guessing, with twists and turns that will leave you reeling. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motives and secrets. Jet is a compelling protagonist, her vulnerability, clever wit and determination make her all the more relatable.

What sets "Not Quite Dead Yet" apart is its unique premise, and its well developed characters.. The ticking clock element adds an extra layer of suspense, creating a sense of urgency that permeates the entire novel. As Jet's condition deteriorates, the stakes get higher, and the tension becomes almost unbearable.

A must-read for fans of thriller and suspense novels. Jackson's transition to the adult genre is seamless, and "Not Quite Dead Yet" is a testament to her storytelling prowess. With its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and unique premise, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.

5 stars from this reviewer, I loved EVERY word. If you are looking for a unique well-written mystery with a protagonist you will adore and cheer for, look no further!

This book is (and will likely remain), one of my favorites of the year.

Jet Mason is a 27-year-old woman whose life hasn't turned out the way she expected. She went to a prestigious college and expected to study law, but lacked the motivation. She returned to her hometown and is living with her parents while she tries to figure out what her next move will be. After a Halloween festival, she returns home and is viciously attacked. When she wakes up in the hospital, she's faced with a terrible decision. She can have surgery which will almost certainly be fatal or do nothing and die of an aneurism in a week. Jet decides she can't die without knowing why someone tried to kill her, so she opts not to have the operation. She and her best friend, Billy, decide to investigate and track down Jet's killer. As she races against the clock to follow clues, she realizes she might not even make it the seven days she has left.

I enjoyed the story and trying to figure out with Jet who might want her dead. It was interesting to find all the secrets within her own family that she uncovered. Although this is described as a book aimed at adults, it felt very YA to me, with the overly descriptive appearances of the characters ("honey-brown hair" "fierce green-brown eyes") and the liberal use of swearing at odd times when it didn't really go with what was happening and felt forced. There were some odds and ends that didn't really add up, but the story is fast-paced and a race to see if Jet can solve her own murder before time runs. out.