YA + murder mystery = fast-paced plots without a bunch of existential fluff. We bit off our fingernails reading these books & series, even if they don't ACTUALLY start with a body.
Local author alert! Phoenix's mom dumps her in the town where she (the mom) grew up to seek revenge... but on who, exactly? For what?
Claudia's best friend goes missing and NO ONE seems to care: not school, not Claudia's family, not the police, and definitely not Monday's family. What happens when the person you're closest to becomes a missing person that no one else seems to miss? Tiffany Jackson is one of the most talented thriller writers out there, regardless of which subgenre she chooses.
I realize I am probably the only person in the whole world who didn't love this book. But since I am the only one, that means YOU WILL!
I love this series (three in a proper trilogy, then two more standalones) for the level of detail and some great red herrings for each new body.
Cadence is one of the cousins in a perfect, wealthy family who is clearly hiding something weird this summer on their annual trip. Check out the equally good but very different prequel, Family of Liars, too.