Not Quite Dead Yet A GMA Book Club Pick
What would you do if doctors told you that you had only seven days left to live?
Would you spend your remaining time with loved ones?
Try to make peace with your regrets?
Or hunt down the person who tried to kill you?
That impossible question lies at the heart of Not Quite Dead Yet, the electrifying adult thriller by Holly Jackson, bestselling author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Selected as a Good Morning America Book Club Pick, this twist-filled mystery introduces readers to a heroine who refuses to accept defeat—even when death itself is counting down the days.
Darkly funny, emotionally devastating, and packed with Holly Jackson’s trademark surprises, Not Quite Dead Yet proves why she remains one of the most exciting voices in modern suspense fiction.
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Not Quite Dead Yet A GMA Book Club Pick by Holly Jackson Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Not Quite Dead Yet |
| Author | Holly Jackson |
| Genre | Mystery, Psychological Thriller |
| Book Club Pick | GMA Book Club Pick |
| Publisher | Bantam |
| Pages | Approximately 400 |
| Publication Date | July 2025 |
| Formats | Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook |
| Reading Level | Adult Fiction |
About the Author
Holly Jackson rose to international fame with her bestselling YA thriller series, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, later adapted into a successful Netflix series.
Known for her intricate plotting and jaw-dropping twists, Jackson has built a loyal fan base through novels including:
- Good Girl, Bad Blood
- As Good As Dead
- Five Survive
- The Reappearance of Rachel Price
With Not Quite Dead Yet, she makes her adult fiction debut while maintaining the suspense and addictive storytelling that readers love.
The Final Storm by Fern Michaels
What Is Not Quite Dead Yet About?
Twenty-seven-year-old Margaret “Jet” Mason has always believed she had plenty of time.
She would finish her plans later.
Start fresh later.
Figure life out later.
But later never arrives.
During Woodstock, Vermont’s Halloween celebrations, Jet is brutally attacked by an unknown assailant. She survives—but barely.
Doctors deliver devastating news.
Because of the catastrophic head injury she sustained, Jet will suffer a fatal aneurysm within a week.
There is one possible operation.
But the procedure is extremely risky.
Instead of gambling on uncertain odds, Jet chooses something extraordinary.
She decides to use the seven days she has left to solve her own attempted murder.
Because if someone wanted her dead once, the truth deserves to be uncovered before time runs out.
Meet the Main Characters
Jet Mason
The novel’s unforgettable protagonist.
Sharp-tongued, sarcastic, and imperfect, Jet has spent years drifting through life without direction.
Her impending death forces her to confront regrets, unfinished dreams, and the people she thought she knew.
As the story progresses, Jet transforms into someone brave, determined, and deeply human.
Billy
Jet’s loyal childhood friend.
While others doubt her choices, Billy agrees to help with the investigation.
Supportive and compassionate, he becomes Jet’s closest ally during the most difficult week of her life.
The Mason Family
Jet belongs to one of Woodstock’s wealthiest families.
But behind privilege lies dysfunction, resentment, and hidden secrets.
As Jet investigates, even those closest to her become potential suspects.
The Suspects
Jet never believed she had enemies.
Now, everyone enters the spotlight:
- Family members
- Former friends
- Ex-boyfriends
- Business associates
- Familiar faces from her hometown
Trust becomes impossible.
Major Themes in Not Quite Dead Yet
1. Mortality and Time
The novel explores how differently people live when they believe they have endless tomorrows.
Jet’s diagnosis forces her to examine what truly matters.
What would you prioritize if time suddenly became precious?
2. Family Secrets
No family is perfect.
The Mason family hides decades of resentment, betrayal, and painful truths.
As Jet uncovers long-buried secrets, she realizes appearances can be dangerously misleading.
3. Regret and Redemption
Jet constantly postponed her dreams.
Her investigation becomes more than solving a crime.
It’s an opportunity to finally finish something meaningful.
4. Friendship and Loyalty
Billy’s unwavering support demonstrates the importance of having people who stand beside us during our darkest moments.
The novel celebrates the quiet heroism found in genuine friendship.
5. Identity and Growth
Facing death changes Jet profoundly.
She discovers courage she never knew she possessed.
Her final days become her most meaningful.
Why Readers Love Not Quite Dead Yet
An Original Premise
The concept of solving your own murder while dying creates instant suspense.
Readers are hooked from the very first chapter.
Holly Jackson’s Signature Twists
Fans expect surprises from Holly Jackson.
This novel delivers shocking revelations that keep readers guessing.
Emotional Depth
Beneath the mystery lies a touching story about regret, forgiveness, and living fully.
Strong Character Development
Jet evolves dramatically throughout the novel, making her one of Jackson’s most memorable protagonists.
Fast-Paced Storytelling
Short chapters and escalating stakes make this an impossible book to put down.
Writing Style
Holly Jackson’s writing is:
- Sharp and witty
- Fast-paced
- Dialogue-driven
- Emotionally resonant
- Filled with cliffhangers
- Cleverly plotted
Her transition into adult fiction feels seamless while retaining the accessibility that made her YA novels so beloved.
Is Not Quite Dead Yet Worth Reading?
Absolutely.
This isn’t simply a murder mystery.
It’s a story about what happens when someone finally realizes that life isn’t guaranteed.
Jet’s race against time creates genuine urgency, while the emotional core gives the novel unexpected depth.
Whether you’re a longtime Holly Jackson fan or discovering her work for the first time, this thriller offers suspense, heartbreak, humor, and unforgettable twists.
Who Should Read This Book?
You’ll likely enjoy Not Quite Dead Yet if you love:
- Psychological thrillers
- Murder mysteries
- GMA Book Club selections
- Holly Jackson novels
- Fast-paced suspense
- Unreliable suspects
- Character-driven mysteries
- Emotional thrillers
Fans of Freida McFadden, Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, and Gillian Flynn will likely find this novel irresistible.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔ Brilliant original premise
✔ Strong female protagonist
✔ Emotional and suspenseful
✔ Excellent pacing
✔ Multiple twists and suspects
✔ Thought-provoking themes
Cons
✘ Some readers may find Jet’s personality abrasive initially
✘ Emotional ending may be difficult for sensitive readers
✘ The tension can feel intense throughout
Reader Reception
Not Quite Dead Yet became an instant bestseller and was selected as a Good Morning America Book Club Pick. Critics praised its originality and emotional impact.
Reviewers highlighted its:
- Compelling mystery
- Clever twists
- Character growth
- Exploration of mortality
Many readers described it as one of Holly Jackson’s strongest books to date.
