Creepy Good Noir YA

 

Dig Two Graves
By Gretchen McNeil
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (April 26, 2022)
Hardcover: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 1368072844
ISBN-13: 978-1368072847
Reading age: 14 - 18 years
Grade level: 9 – 12
 

Publisher’s Blurb:

One of Us is Lying meets Hitchcock in this novel from celebrated author of the #MurderTrending series, Gretchen McNeil.

I did my part, BFF. Now it’s your turn.

Seventeen-year-old film noir fan Neve Lanier is a girl who just wants to be seen, but doesn’t really fit in anywhere. When Neve is betrayed by her best friend, Yasmin, at the end of the school year, she heads off to a girl’s empowerment camp feeling like no one will ever love her again. So when she grabs the attention of the beautiful, charismatic Diane, she falls right under her spell, and may accidentally promise to murder Diane’s predatory step-brother, Javier, in exchange for Diane murdering Yasmin. But that was just a joke…right?

Wrong. When Yasmin turns up dead, Diane comes calling, attempting to blackmail Neve into murdering Javier. Stalling for time, Neve pretends to go along with Diane’s plan until she can find a way out that doesn't involve homicide. But as she gets to know Javier – and falls for him – she realizes that everything Diane told her is a lie. Even worse, she discovers that Yasmin probably wasn't Diane's first victim. And unless Neve can stop her, she won't be the last.

In this twisted game of cat and mouse, the reader never quite knows who’s telling the truth, who’s playing games, and who is going to end up dead.

 My Thoughts:

Just as you think you have it figured out…you’re probably wrong. Oh, there’s no doubt that Diane is murdering people. But that’s not the only mystery for Neve to solve.

 This has a lot of mean girls vibe, as the social ins and outs of high school are presented. Neve is definitely an outcast. But when she goes to camp, she has a chance to change her trajectory. She actually has a good time, and returns to high school ready to have a good senior year.

 The murder of her former best friend changes that, since everyone’s finger is pointed at her. And that’s when Neve really starts changing from a victim to someone who takes charge of her life. She has to find a way to prove Diane’s guilt, while protecting her fragile family from Diane’s wrath. Add in a cute boy and more murders, and there’s a very twisty tale indeed.

 Is the premise a bit outlandish for a high school setting. Sure. Is it impossible? Nope.

 Dialogue is realistic, as is Neve’s struggle.

 Diane’s accomplice is set up well—I was beginning to think that person was not what they appeared to be, but the extent to which they were in cahoots was definitely a surprise.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Neve is bisexual. Murder. F words and other cursing. Blackmail. Teenage drinking and partying. Mean bullies.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Film noir fans will appreciate all the references. If you like suspense, this book has it. If you like reading about high school drama and family struggles, it’s here.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for my opinion.