Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Read Me Dead

by Emerald Barnes (Goodreads Author)

3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 · rating details · 46 ratings · 21 reviews

Alexia Wheaton’s problems go beyond picking a dress and a date for homecoming.

For seven years, Alex has lived with a painful memory - her parents' horrific murder. As the sole witness, she has kept quiet to protect herself, but when the local newspaper reveals her secret, Alex is plagued with fear that her parents' murderer will soon find her - and silence her forever.

Al...more

Published April 25th 2012 by Emerald Barnes

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Must-Read Books of 2012

22nd out of 393 books — 424 voters

Indie Authors Everybody Should Read

164th out of 1,965 books — 2,024 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 224)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jan 18, 2013 Eri Nelson rated it 4 of 5 stars

“Youthful Suspense”

Outside a few times in my life, I have for the most part steered free of YA books. Preferring the adult action packed tales that verge on steamy paranormals. However, as an author I have found myself in company of talented writers who write in the Young Adult arena. Therefore, with that in mind it would be no surprise that Read Me Dead by Emerald Barnes would peek my interest.

The title of this book spoke to me, so some time ago I downloaded it to me Kindle App. Having other re...more

like 2 likes · see review

Jun 11, 2012 Kayleigh Grian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, gifted-won, ebooks-owned

*Disclaimer*: I did win a free copy of this book from the author during an event. This however did not influence my review in any way.

In her newest book Read Me Dead, Barnes gets the reader to ask themselves a tough question. If you knew a deadly secret, would you keep it, even if it meant a killer might go free? Alex has kept a secret from everyone, including her twin brother for 7 years, but soon the truth will have to come out. She was there the night her parents were murdered and has been ha...more *Disclaimer*: I did win a free copy of this book from the author during an event. This however did not influence my review in any way.

In her newest book Read Me Dead, Barnes gets the reader to ask themselves a tough question. If you knew a deadly secret, would you keep it, even if it meant a killer might go free? Alex has kept a secret from everyone, including her twin brother for 7 years, but soon the truth will have to come out. She was there the night her parents were murdered and has been haunted by the memories of that night. She’s been afraid the man who shot them would come back for her as he promised if she ever breaks her silence. In an attempt to keep him safe, Alex breaks up with her boyfriend even though she is still in love with him, and as an extra twist she soon becomes attracted to one of their best friends. The question is who will she pick and will they ever be safe?

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of the book and once the action started I couldn’t wait to see what was going to come next. I wanted to know who the killer was and if Alex and her friends/family would all make it out without harm. Unfortunately I didn’t quite feel a connection with Alex as a character as much as I hoped I would. I’m not sure if it was the character or if it was the style the book was written in, but even though I wanted to know what happened to them, I wasn’t emotionally invested. The main character was a bit on the weak side throughout the majority of the book (granted I might have been too if I thought I was going to die at any moment) but for some reason I just couldn’t feel sympathetic towards her (or her incessant crying). I often felt that she went a bit overboard with the waterworks and that was a big turn off for me, though I’m sure there are many who don’t mind it.

The writing style was a tad over descriptive for me as well. It was almost like reading a script where it details step by step each action taking by each character. I know there are many who enjoy the large amounts of descriptions but I often found myself either getting lost in them or wanting to skip over them entirely. Again, it’s just not my cup of tea style wise. I still give it four stars however because the plot is there, and once things really got going about midway through the book I was hooked and couldn’t wait to read the ending (which was a complete surprise by the way). I’m glad I read it and was definitely worth taking the time to read it. I really did enjoy it, it just wasn’t a “new fav” novel for me.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Aug 24, 2012 Cristal rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who enjoys suspense/thrillers

This was a interesting story that I was drawn into immediately. It had just the right amount of mystery/suspense and romantic conflict that I like. Alex saw her parents murder when she was 10 years old and 7 years later she till has nightmares and struggles with the fact that she might die if the killer finds out she talked about it. I enjoyed it and I think that I would check out another story from Emerald Barnes in the future. Review found here: http://lifeasabookaddict.blogspot.com...

like 1 like · see review

Dec 24, 2012 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Emerald Barnes’ Read Me Dead is a suspenseful thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats. At age ten, Alexia (Alex) Wheaton witnessed the murders of her parents and got a clear look of the killer’s face. The killer threatens her life and warns her to not tell anyone. Fast forward seven years, Alex and her twin brother Matt, now in the care of her uncle and aunt, wants to forget that horrific day and tries to live a normal teenage life. But with the secret tormenting her every sin...more

like 2 likes · see review

Jun 23, 2012 Nancy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Although READ ME DEAD by Emerald Barnes is a suspenseful thriller for a YA audience, it will appeal to adult readers as well. READ ME DEAD explores what it means to keep a secret. When Alex Wheaton was ten, she witnessed her parents’ murder. Worse yet, she saw the killer, who threatened her life and warned her never to tell. When the novel opens, seven years have passed and Alex and her twin brother Matt now live with their aunt, uncle, and cousin. Alex wants nothing more than to be a normal tee...more

like 1 like · see review

May 01, 2012 Gloria Antypowich rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed “Read Me Dead” and I am a grandma, not a YA!

Emerald Barnes has crafted a compelling read: a thriller, murder, mystery, with a romantic triangle and betrayal by someone in a position of trust. This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and held my attention to the end. There were many twists and turns in the plot, and the main character experienced real trauma (physically and emotionally), not just the threat of it.

Emerald makes you feel the romantic conflicts of a teenag...more

like 2 likes · see review

Apr 23, 2012 Sandra "Jeanz" rated it 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW

What a brilliantly written book. I really hated to put it down. I loved the all characters. It is a complex tale, but things become much clearer as Alex opens up about her parent's murder to her brother Matty, ex boyfriend Christian and Landon. To say Alex has complicated relationships with Christian and Landon is an understatement. Alex believes anyone she becomes attached to will be killed, so she ends her relationship with Christian even though she is still deeply attached to him. Th...more
MY REVIEW

What a brilliantly written book. I really hated to put it down. I loved the all characters. It is a complex tale, but things become much clearer as Alex opens up about her parent's murder to her brother Matty, ex boyfriend Christian and Landon. To say Alex has complicated relationships with Christian and Landon is an understatement. Alex believes anyone she becomes attached to will be killed, so she ends her relationship with Christian even though she is still deeply attached to him. Then Alex finds herself slipping into a relationship of more than just friendship with Landon, even though she knows it will put him in danger too. The man that killed Alex's parents is still out there somewhere and alex keeps getting the feeling she is being watched.Alex also has awful nightmares too. After opening up to Matty, Christian and Landon, Alex has mixed feelings about their pledge to always protect her.
Its really hard to tell you much more about the book without giving away any spoilers however tiny they may be I do not wish to spoil other enjoyment of this brilliant book.
I really felt drawn in and hooked on the story. Trying to guess the identity of the murderer. I did kind of guess but then there was yet another twist and turn, so was also surprised too.
I loved the close friendship of Alex with her twin brother Matty, even though it had its up and downs he is there when she needs him eventually. I also thought the characters of Christian and Landon were great, two great good looking guys who both love Alex, how will she choose?
I really liked how Emerald Barnes gave us the "two years later" section, of Alex married and about to have her first child.... You still find yourself asking the question is Alex safe? Then right at the very end there's a final little twist that leaves the way open for a book 2. Put it this way I hope there's a book 2, as it's on my wishlist now!
I think even though Emerald describes this as a YA novel I think it would appeal to adults, I am suggesting my mum (Ena who guest reviews for me)read it for an older persons point of view on the book too, and of course I am recommending it to my daughter (Rachel of Rai29BookReadNReview) as I feel she too would enjoy this story that has, suspense, tragedy, heartbreak, tears ,mixed with plenty of love too.
I also need to say that I think the cover really fits the book. I think the girl on the front of the book cover represents how dark, scared and alone Alex feels even when surrounded by people you can feel alone.
As for the title, I can't explain it now as it would give away a spoiler or two, but the title really fits the book. So please go buy the book! If I used a rating system this book would get top maximum marks. I really can't rave about this book enough. This book is well worth the money!
So did I like the book? Like! I Loved it Would I recommend this book?YES Would I read more of this series? Yes Please as soon as its ready! Would I read more by Emerald Barnes? Yes I Love her writing.(less)

like 3 likes · see review

Apr 27, 2012 Gina Butler rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I reveiwed this book for the author. This is a great murder mystery book.

Alex is the only witness to her parents brutal murder. She knows how to identify the killer, and the killer knows who she is and how to find her. He warned her to stay quiet.

Alex has kept that secret to herself all these years. When she finally tells part of the secret to her twin brother and their 2 best friends, unfortunately a reporter over hears and prints a story about it. Suddenly the killer knows that she is talking...more

like 1 like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Jodi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Not bad for a YA read especially given that there's nary a vampire in sight.

Alexa Wheaton is a troubled girl. When she was a child she witnessed the murder of her parents and knows the identity of the killer. She also knows he saw her. As a result, she has been afraid for the ten years since the murder that the killer is coming for her next.

In all the time since the murder Alex hasn’t told the authorities she knows who the killer is as a way of protecting her twin brother Matt, her Aunt Marion a...more Not bad for a YA read especially given that there's nary a vampire in sight.

Alexa Wheaton is a troubled girl. When she was a child she witnessed the murder of her parents and knows the identity of the killer. She also knows he saw her. As a result, she has been afraid for the ten years since the murder that the killer is coming for her next.

In all the time since the murder Alex hasn’t told the authorities she knows who the killer is as a way of protecting her twin brother Matt, her Aunt Marion and her Uncle Dave. After a frightening experience Alexa finally shares her secret with her brother and friends Christian and Landon. During the telling of the story, a reporter eavesdrops getting the scoop on what he considers a great story, and publishes it without consent. This puts Alexa firmly in the sights of the killer and she knows it will be a matter of time before he kills her.

Alexa soon enlists the support of Christian and Landon, best friends and rivals for her attention. As the boys duke it out over Alexa, the killer gets closer and attempts are made to silence her, resulting in tragedy.

My thoughts

There is some good back story and the author made every attempt to throw the suspicion of the murderer in several directions however, I easily surmised who the killer was as soon as the character was introduced into the story.

I found the writing repetitive and the plot drawn out, with more focus on the turmoil between Christian and Landon due to love triangle with Alexa, not further developing the effects and terror surrounding the murder and its ramifications for the protagonist.

Alexa's character is weak relying on others support; always crying and breaking down. The story would be more engaging if she were to become stronger in her determination to bring the killer to justice. I found myself unable to connect with Alexa which is sad because she is crying out to the reader for sympathy.

I gave the read 3 stars as I felt it could have been written in a more flowing style instead of it being choppy and over descriptive of points that didn't need as much attention to tell the story. Bottom line is the book didn't grab me or hold my interest. I found myself putting it down often. I didn't have the urge to dive into the story and read until the wee hours of the morning.

The read is definitely a YA novel geared toward teenage girls.
(less)

like · see review

Mar 02, 2013 Bex 'n' Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: justine-s-reviews

Reviewer: Justine
Rating: 4 out of 5 Fairies

Read Me Dead by Emerald Barnes had me crying rivers! Emerald was super sneaky, giving us a sleeper story. Starting slowly, then reeling you in with an almighty love triangle, and finally the peak of ripping your heart out halfway through.

Emerald Barnes starts us out slowly until we reach chapter 3 or 4. By chapter 15, I was well and truly hooked and at chapter 26 or 27, she tears my heart out. I cried for two hrs! (I’m hormonal, but still!) Damn YA rea...more

like 1 like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Tammy Hall rated it 5 of 5 stars

s I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for what awaited around every corner with the turn of every page the thrill of suspense clung to every word in Read Me Dead. I found myself trying to figure out the "who done it" if you will with every new chapter. I could not put this book down it became an obsession of needing to know how the entire story played out and of course if any of my guesses of who the murderer was were even close to correct. Emerald Barnes did an amazing job of keeping me on the...more

like 2 likes · see review

Feb 12, 2013 Tena Clifford rated it 1 of 5 stars

Have you ever read a book and it makes you so angry..... Well this book did that for me .... I felt like I have wasted my time reading this and I'll never get that time back! It has been one of the worse books that I have read in a long time it was plain drivel... It was very hard to get into from the very beginning but once I start a book I like to finish and I really could have gone on living without reading this, it was like a little kid had written this book it just kept repeating itself ove...more

like · see review

Jul 20, 2012 Dariel Raye rated it 4 of 5 stars

Seven years ago, Alex Wheaton witnessed the murder of her parents. She was 10, and the murderer threatened to kill her if she told. Haunted by terrifying nightmares and debilitating memories during her senior year in high school, Alex turns to two male friends, Christian and Landon, for comfort. Both of them have romantic interest in her. Her constant volleying between them causes problems in their friendship as they vie for her attention, and eventually has disastrous results...http://darkparan ...more

like · see review

Mar 12, 2013 Pauline Creeden rated it 4 of 5 stars

Suspenseful and anxiety producing YA read with a clever, contemporary premise. It's not very often that a YA read with no speculative element comes along and keeps my attention. The author is adept at bringing out the emotion in the characters as well as the reader. The intense love triangle was a sticky point, as the protagonist's indecision was a point of annoyance for me.

like 1 like · see review

Jan 27, 2013 Jessica Ridgeway rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-fiction

This book had a lot of potential. At times it felt very repetitive. Poor Landon spent most of the book handing Alex a bottle of water. The plot was interesting albeit it's definitely a young adult book. the ending left me wondering if there would be a sequel or not. Who knows.

like · see review

Jan 31, 2013 Toni (My Book Addiction) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-thriller, young-adult

Full review coming soon to http://mybookaddiction.com
I will say that I don't understand all the 4 and 5 star reviews. I think I'm being generous with three stars.

like · see review

Apr 28, 2012 Terry Tyler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really well written. I think Emerald has a good writing future ahead of her

like 1 like · see review

Apr 08, 2013 G.R. rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who enjoys a good mix of mystery, suspense and teenagage/young adult romance.

‘Read Me Dead‘ by the young author, Emerald Barnes, is a book that’s completely out of my normal genre set… and I enjoyed the heck out of it!

In ‘Read Me Dead‘, Emerald Barnes proves her ability in weaving the triumphs and heartache of teenage romance into a story about a terrifying fight with life, death and chipped fingernail polish.

The characters and interactions are vivid and the plot twists are not in short supply. A fun read for everyone – male or female, young adult or old fart (like me).

I...more

like 1 like · see review

Jan 23, 2013 Danni marked it as to-read

iPhone $0.99.

like 1 like · see review

Jul 22, 2012 Debra added it

awesome loved it!!!

like 1 like · see review

Sep 27, 2012 Sylvia Stein rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book- Emerald Barnes is a great story teller and her characters are phenomenal- I loved experiencing all the emotions of this book! Wow a must read!

like 1 like · see review

May 16, 2013 Fae Peace added it

May 16, 2013 Corine marked it as to-read

May 07, 2013 Deborah Mitton marked it as to-read

May 07, 2013 Olivia marked it as to-read

May 02, 2013 Lexi marked it as to-read

Apr 27, 2013 Samantha marked it as to-read

Apr 19, 2013 Roy Huff rated it 5 of 5 stars

Apr 09, 2013 Advani Sangram rated it 4 of 5 stars

Apr 05, 2013 Lacey_101 marked it as to-read

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Young Adult

2 users

See top shelves...

About Emerald Barnes

I'm a starving artist of the writing kind, and I have a BA in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing. I have been writing since high school, but I became really serious with it after my first writing class in college. From then on, my writing has blossomed, and I love to share my writing with others. I have always believed that reading is a way to live life through another person's world and...more

More about Emerald Barnes...

Books by Emerald Barnes

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Read Me Dead

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Read Me Dead
avg rating	preview: Read Me Dead Goodreads rating: 3.85 (46 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13611454-read-me-dead?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335028376l/13611454.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13611454-read-me-dead?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Read Me Dead by Emerald Barnes[/url]

Read Me Dead

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (1)

Genres

About Emerald Barnes

Books by Emerald Barnes

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Read Me Dead

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)