Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Book Summary and Review

Summary

Not Quite Dead Yet is Holly Jackson’s first adult thriller, following her successful young adult works such as A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Five Survive, and The Reappearance of Rachel Price.

The story centers on Jet, a 27-year-old woman whose life takes a dark turn on Halloween night. After returning from a fair, she is attacked in her home, struck on the head, and left for dead. She later awakens in the hospital to discover that a piece of bone has fractured into her brain. Her doctors give her two choices: undergo a risky surgery with only a 10% survival rate or live out her final week before an aneurysm inevitably ruptures. Jet chooses to forgo surgery and instead spends her remaining days uncovering the identity of her attacker.

With the help of her childhood friend and neighbor Billy, Jet embarks on a race against time to solve her own attempted murder. Along the way, family secrets emerge, relationships shift, and hidden truths unravel. The narrative is structured as a countdown to Jet’s death, adding urgency and tension to the investigation.

Review

The novel offers a unique premise, focusing on a protagonist who knows she is living her final days. The countdown format keeps the suspense alive, while Jet’s bond with Billy adds emotional depth, especially as dormant feelings between them begin to surface. Family drama and shocking revelations enrich the story, ensuring readers are never short of twists.

However, the book has several drawbacks. Jet, as a character, can be difficult to connect with. Despite being 27, her voice and actions often read more like those of a teenager. This lack of maturity makes her less convincing as the lead of an “adult” thriller. Comparisons to Pip from A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder highlight these similarities, though some readers may find that familiar appeal a positive.

The realism of Jet’s medical condition is another sticking point. Despite her severe brain injury, she manages physically demanding activities that stretch believability. Additionally, the pacing falters, with slower sections making the book harder to pick back up after breaks, even though the action sequences are gripping.

The ending is where the novel struggles most. While some revelations are surprising, the ultimate explanation behind the attack feels unconvincing and petty, undermining the strong buildup of nearly 400 pages. Character motivations, particularly Luke’s conflicting emotions, lack coherence, leaving the resolution unsatisfying.

Final Thoughts

Not Quite Dead Yet shines in concept and tension but falters in execution. Its unique countdown premise and dramatic family secrets make it compelling, yet weak character development, pacing issues, and an underwhelming ending hold it back. Readers who enjoyed Pip in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder may find Jet’s character familiar and engaging, but those seeking a truly mature thriller may be disappointed.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

While not Holly Jackson’s strongest work, the novel is still worth exploring for fans of her writing, and it reinforces anticipation for her future releases.

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