Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
Junior Staff Writer Parnitha Karapakula '27
Junior Staff Writer Parnitha Karapakula '27
Rating: 5/5 (because what else would I give Holly Jackson?)
OK, review time! It's such a good book! I barely have words to describe how much I loved it. The plot had a great flow, and it was nice to see everything connect at the end. Holly Jackson is truly amazing at writing mysteries and using subtle details from the start to foreshadow the ending.
Since this was a mystery book, I'm giving it another rating based on the question of whether or not I guessed the plot twist. This book was a solid 3.5 on the mystery. While I didn't completely guess who the killer was, I was getting there. I saw the little details and noticed some patterns. I had most of the pieces, but I didn't manage to solve the puzzle.
This book centered around Jet Mason. Someone attempts to kill her and she now has a few days to live. Jet dedicates these days to figuring out who tried to murder her. There were many, many characters all of whom are suspicious and integral to the story.
Let's meet the characters, shall we?
Jet Mason: Our wonderful main character who got bashed in the head on Halloween night and now has a week left to live. She has some mommy issues. She's stubborn, strong-willed, aggressive (somewhat), funny, and has lots of character development in a week. Honestly, I loved her.
Billy Finney: Such a sweetheart! From the book, you can tell in the first chapter that bro has a crush on Jet. It was very obvious (to me at least) when he was asking her to come to the bar to hear him play guitar. Anyway, I love Billy, and I think he was my favorite character in the book.
Dianne Mason: Oh, Dianne. I hate you. I hate you, Dianne. I hate you for your favoritism, I hate you for trying to manipulate your daughter. That's all. I hope the ghosts of your daughters both haunt you.
Liam Mason: He was a red flag from the start. He does lots of stupid things. He's lowkey scary, and I don't quite know if I hate him to the extent I hate Dianne, but hate is necessary for this character.
There are a lot of unbelievable things Liam has done. I feel bad for Cameron for having him as her dad and Sophia as her mom (we'll get to her next). By the end of the book, I don't know how to completely feel about him. I will say, the boy needs his anger issues checked.
Sophia Mason: Now, Sophia, I want you to know something. You deserve Liam as your husband.
The stuff she did is inexcusable. Honestly, she makes me more mad than Liam, but maybe that says something about me rather than her... Anyway, Sophia, I hope you rot and die :)
Scott Mason: unimportantly important. Kind. I have nothing more to say about this man.
Emily Mason: She's important. She's VERY important. She was also a little mean saying that to Liam. Pay attention to Emily if you want to solve the case before the book reveals it.
JJ: Jet's Ex. Honestly, I think he's a great brother, and everything he did was quite valid (not legal, but valid).
Henry: JJ's brother. Also very important. I'm not going to say any more.
Gerry Clay: I blame this guy for the entire book. I blame this guy for almost everything that happened (except maybe Emily's death).
Owen: Gerry's son, who has a drone. I have no idea why I have him here.
Lou: Police chief who is very ignorant and seems to just want to finish and arrest anyone.
Nell: Lou's wife, who is kind of important. I think her whole involvement makes the story better.
Jack Finney: I'm just confused because why was he helping Jet’s investigation? Also, his ignoring his son was getting on my nerves. He did deserve more in some ways, but in other ways, he deserved what he got in the end. I think he deserved what Billy was planning.
So, ya. I loved this book. Please read it, guys.
Running Commentary:
Chapter 27-He loves you, Jet! Can't you see that????
Chapter 4-I think Jet's coping mechanism is humor. Why am I sus of billy?
Chapter 3-OMG OMG Aphasia mention! (Inner brain nerd is screaming right now.)
Pre-read: EEK! It's finally out!!! I have been waiting for this book for ages now! Dropping everything and reading this right away!