NOT QUITE DEAD YET BY HOLLY JACKSON (2025)

In seven days Jet Mason will be dead. Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old, she’s still waiting for her life to begin. She’ll do it later, she always says. She has time. Until, on the night of Halloween, Jet is violently attacked by an unseen intruder. She suffers a catastrophic brain injury. The doctor is certain that within a week, she’ll suffer a deadly aneurysm. Jet never thought of herself as having enemies. But now she looks at everyone in a new light: her family, her ex-best friend turned sister-in-law, and her former boyfriend. She only has seven days, and as her condition deteriorates, she only has her childhood friend Billy for help. But nevertheless, she’s absolutely determined to finally finish something.

Note: Make sure to have tissues with you for this one, as Holly Jackson's mystery will first break your heart, then offer some comfort through its unique brand of dark humour, only to shatter it again.

I've always believed that if you really want to read an unputdownable book, then a whodunit mystery is the best choice for you (especially if you're a beginner or claim that you do not like to read). This story is particularly special as it explores a unique dynamic where a dead victim becomes a sleuth to solve her murder. This unique concept is beautifully executed through sharp and witty humour blended with fast-paced investigation, foreboding sadness, and some unexpected coziness. There is also a warm, yet tragic slow-burn romance that adds both levity and poignance to the narrative. I'm usually not the kind of reader to finish my book in one sitting, but this story was one of the rare exceptions, as the fast-paced narrative kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the very end. For instance, Jet's life becomes a time bomb the moment she decides that she will only live for seven more days. From that moment onwards, her investigation evokes a sense of urgency that most mystery novels do not. After all, not all victims are lucky enough to solve their murders. The writing remains consistently solid, especially with the high stakes, red herrings and subtle clues to the killer throughout the narrative.

Despite being a thriller, complex familial bonds and friendship play integral roles in the story. Jet Mason has always lived in her sister Emily's shadow, who died during a pool accident. So as a result, she grew up believing that she needed to do something big to prove that she can also be as good as her elder sister. But unfortunately, she struggled to finish anything she started. Even before being attacked by her intruder, she thought that she could start anytime and make it big someday. But that 'someday' does not come for her. So she uses her last seven days, to make it big by solving her murder and getting closure. Her friend Billy is her childhood best friend who joins her quest, as the duo rekindle their friendship and develop a potential romance during the remaining seven days. For me, Jet and Billy's relationship is the soul of this story, as their connection serves as an important lesson about living for both Jet and the readers. While the protagonists were quite well written, the story could have benefitted a bit more from supporting characters, especially Jet's family members getting more screen time. I understand that maybe Jackson wanted to keep the mystery intact, but that took away some gravitas from the tragedy, as most of Jet's family members didn't seem too affected by the fact that she was on the brink of her death. There are some revelations in the story that made me want to read more about these characters, particularly her parents. I just wish the Mason family was fleshed out a bit more.

Otherwise, in general, 'Not Quite Dead Yet' is one of the most compelling thrillers you'll find at a bookstore, especially if you are new to the mystery thriller genre. Mysterious, tragic and witty, I would like to give this book a rating of 5 out of 5.