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.
This oldie was a perennial favorite in my school library, and it features one of the best opening paragraphs in the world.
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.