Book Review: Stay Dead by April Henry

Publisher’s Book Description:

New York Times  bestselling author April Henry delivers a thrilling murder mystery featuring a teen with an assassin on her trail fighting to uncover the truth behind a government cover up, perfect for fans of Karen McManus.

Sometimes, the only way to live is to make sure the world thinks you’re dead . . . 

In the aftermath of a car accident that claimed the life of her senator father, sixteen-year-old Milan finds herself adrift, expelled from her third boarding school. Milan’s mother, who has assumed the senate seat, diverts her private plane to pick up her daughter. But on their way home, a bomb rips off a wing and the plane crashes in the mountains. In her final moments, Milan’s mother entrusts her with a key. She reveals it will unlock the evidence that so many people have already died for—including Milan’s father. The only way Milan can survive, her mom tells her, is to let everyone believe she died with the other passengers.

​Milan is forced to navigate a perilous descent in freezing conditions while outwitting everything from a drone to wild animals. With relentless assassins on her trail, she must untangle the web of deceit and save herself and countless others. Will she piece together the truth in time?

Expected publication May 28, 2024

Karen’s Thoughts: We are fans of April Henry in this household and Stay Dead does not disappoint. In fact, it included some additional touches that really up the storytelling. Told from different points of view, one of those POVs includes the very sociopathic killer and the glimpses into what they are thinking and why were truly engaging. So you get all the edge of your seat thrills and chills you expect from an April Henry book with some new delicious insights from the killer’s point of view.

I also love that our main character discusses what they are doing to survive in the wild and you get solid reasons for the character knowing the things that she does. Readers just might learn some wilderness survival tips.

All in all, a solid new effort from the always entertaining April Henry. Will pair great with her previous works, Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis, and Whale Talk by Daniel Kraus.

Very much recommended.

Filed under: Book Reviews