Not Quite Dead Yet
Holly Jackson
Penguin Random House UK, 2025
Not Quite Dead Yet is Holly Jackson’s latest novel and her first jump into adult fiction. Jackson has previously aimed her novels at young adults; however, this novel is a more mature mystery that still contains the same magic as her previous work.
Not Quite Dead Yet centres around Jet Mason who finds out she is going to die at the end of the week, following an attempted murder, meaning she has just seven days to solve her own case. As the mystery unfolds, Jet is forced to question things she thought she knew about her life and the people in it, raising the question: if you had one week to live, how would you choose to live it? If you are a hopeless romantic like me, fear not, as this book does contain a romantic subplot, though it takes the backseat to the central mystery. The premise is unlike anything I’ve read before – filled with high stakes and peppered with heartwarming moments that create an enjoyable balance throughout the novel.
One of Jackson’s strengths in her writing is her ability to craft a compellingly complex lead female character. Jet is no exception to this rule; her witty commentary, perseverance, and relatability incite an emotional connection from any reader. This connection only makes the mystery more poignant, as readers piece together elements of the narrative alongside our leading lady, determined to change the outcome of her story before it is too late.
The structure of the book is also incredibly well thought out, beginning with longer chapters and finishing with chapters that get shorter and shorter as we reach the end. This helps build up the tension as readers physically feel the time of Jet’s life running out before their eyes.
Not Quite Dead Yet is a fast-paced and emotional read that will get anyone out of a winter reading slump, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to dip their toes into the thriller genre.
