Not Quite Dead Yet – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Not Quite Dead Yet

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2026

81%

WISE Score

Solving your own murder while the clock is literally ticking—it's high-stakes, high-stress, and peak Holly Jackson.

Not Quite Dead Yet

book

2026

81%

WISE Score

Solving your own murder while the clock is literally ticking—it's high-stakes, high-stress, and peak Holly Jackson.

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Screenwise Verdict

Holly Jackson has basically mastered the art of the 'unputdownable' thriller, and Not Quite Dead Yet is no exception. It’s dark, it’s frantic, and it’s arguably her most ambitious hook yet. If your kid liked the Pip Fitz-Amobi books, they’re going to want this immediately.

Just be aware that this isn't a cozy mystery. It deals with some pretty heavy medical trauma and the psychological weight of knowing exactly when you’re going to die. It’s great for building that language comprehension strand of literacy because the plot is so intricate you have to pay attention to every detail to keep up.

Age Fit

Best for 14 and up. While the lead is 27, the pacing and style will hit perfectly for the YA crowd who grew up on Jackson's previous series. It's a 'New Adult' crossover that works for anyone who likes their mysteries with a side of existential dread.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a thriller centered on a violent attack and a terminal diagnosis. While it explores friendship and family, the tone is naturally heavy and high-stress.

Imaginative

The 'solve your own murder before you die' hook is a brilliant twist on the ticking-clock trope, forcing a creative approach to investigation.

Safe

Standard thriller territory—a violent assault starts the plot, and there's significant medical trauma and psychological pressure. Safe for mature teens, but heavy for younger readers.

Enriching

The protagonist's realization that she wasted her 'time' provides a sharp, relatable look at procrastination and the value of living intentionally.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Killer premise that flips the script on traditional mysteries by making the victim the lead investigator.
Holly Jackson's track record for writing addictive, fast-paced thrillers that actually respect a reader's intelligence.
Relatable themes about the 'I'll do it later' trap that many young adults (and teens) feel stuck in.
Atmospheric setting in Woodstock, Vermont, adding a claustrophobic, small-town vibe to the hunt for the attacker.

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What to Watch For

The book opens with a violent assault and a catastrophic head injury that might be too visceral for sensitive readers.
The impending death anxiety is constant; the seven-day countdown creates a high-pressure atmosphere that can be genuinely stressful.
Unlike her previous hits, the protagonist is 27 years old, so expect slightly more adult-oriented relationship dynamics and themes than A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

Conversation Starters

"Jet spent years saying 'I'll do it later.' If you only had seven days left, what's the first thing you'd stop putting off?"
"Who do you think is the most suspicious person in Jet's circle, and why do the people closest to us often make the best suspects?"
"If you were in Billy's shoes, how would you help a friend who was facing an impossible deadline like this?"

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