You'll Be The Death Of Me

You'll Be The Death Of Me - Karen McManus

Genre: YA | Mystery

Release Date: Expected 2nd December 2021

Publisher: Penguin Random House Childrens UK

Ivy feels like the afterthought, the girl who's always second place whether it's at home or at school elections. Mateo doesn't have time to worry about things like elections, he's too busy working two jobs to support his family. Cal almost has too much time to worry about things, and fills in with a stream of people to avoid being alone. And all of them could really use a day off from their lives.

The three of them used to be friends - best friends really. But years happen, times change, and so did they. But when Cal is running late one morning, they all decide to ditch class together like they used to … although they're not the only ones ditching. When they see one of their classmates acting very odd they unwittingly find themselves at a crime scene.

Friends again or not, these three have been thrown into a world of deadly secrets that will keep them bound together forever ... if they make it out alive.

This was initially pitched me to as 'Ferris Beullers Day Off but with murder' and … yeah, pretty much. I was unsure at first, worried our main trio were slipping into being clichés, but they very quickly became fully formed characters, independent and individual with unique backstories and personalities. I love the way McManus shows how a characters past has shaped the person we see. I think every reader will be able to find a little part of themselves in every character.

Each chapter felt like a cliff-hanger so this was far too easy to read in one sitting, full of mystery and intrigue - people have hailed McManus the Queen of YA Thrillers and there's definitely a reason behind it. You'll Be The Death Of Me is a quick, fast-paced drama with dark twists and turns but always with a subtle humour and heart at the centre.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review.

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