Pretty Little Liars meets A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder in Ravena Guron’s compelling new YA Thriller. In which protagonist Kay—after vowing never to return (due to the grieving memories of losing her best friend, Ivy and aunt Sandra a year prior) finds herself back in her hometown…

And caught in the centre of a sinister plot by an anonymous blackmailer whose threatening letters promise a week of tragic events. That will culminate in Kay’s murder on Monday, unless she can work out their identity.

At first, Kay thinks it’s a prank. But as each grim pledge comes true, she finds herself delving ever deeper into mysteries and secrets that even Kay hadn’t expected to uncover. All pointing to Ivy’s death being not quite as accidental as it first appears.

It’s deliciously twisted (I really couldn’t work out who was masterminding it all) and incredibly well plotted, with an array of suspects and intriguing side characters that really brought the small town setting to life.  

And I really liked our endearing protagonist, Kay. An amateur sleuth, prone to getting caught up in the details (and red herrings.) I found Kaye soo refreshingly relatable, with a level of self awareness we don’t often explore in YA Thriller MCs—especially when it came to identifying her own flaws.

I also loved just how enthusiastic she was in her role as investigator and her willingness to suspect everyone, even if it pained her to do so. From former friends, family and even some pretty influential community figures, no one escapes scrutiny — and I absolutely loved that! 

The anonymous “Monday” definitely felt like an homage to Pretty Little Liars’ notorious blackmailer “A”. Even the atmospheric twists we see Kay (and the investigative gang she forms) undergo had that heart-pounding, PLL feel of them. And had me on the edge of my seat (in full detective mode) until the very end. 

This is the third Guron’s YA Thrillers I’ve read now, and I’m absolutely obsessed with her writing. Gorgeously compelling, utterly immersive and so very moreish! She explores grief and trauma in such a powerfully emotive manner which really added nuance and depth to the characters —I’m certain readers are gonna really resonate with this one. 

If you love Holly Jackson, Pretty Little Liars-esque plot twists, or deadly mysteries that will have you feeling rollercoaster of emotions. Then you should definitely consider adding this to your TBRs.

Also, massive thanks to Usborne UK for the physical proof.