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Janie Davis #1
Dead Girls Don't Lie
Librarian's note: There is an Alternate Cover Edition for this edition of this book here.
An action-packed, suspenseful whodunit for readers of The Girl Who Lived, Two Can Keep A Secret, and The Cheerleaders.
Seventeen-year-old Janie Davis was found wandering a Maine beach with second-degree burns on her arms and no memory of what happened. An accident on her family's rented yacht caused it to sink, taking her parents and best friend down with it. Recovering, Janie returns home under the watchful gaze of her new guardian--an aunt who had been ostracized by Janie's family.
Snooping uncovers the accident report. Horrified to learn the deaths could be murder, Janie's determined to solve the crime. Selective breaking and entering leads her to two suspects: her father's shady business partner who profited from Dad's death and her aunt, a woman with a sketchy past she's eager to hide.
Her investigation leads her to crash a party where she uncovers more evidence in the homeowner's office. Then her brake lines are cut and only a quick plunge to the floor keeps an overhead lamp from impaling her. This, and the warning, You're Next, proves she's getting closer.
If she doesn't expose the murderer, Janie could be the next victim.
Dead Girls Don't Lie is a complete, standalone, young adult novel filled with twisty suspense, a shocking conclusion, and flirty romance.
This book is 78,000 words.
An action-packed, suspenseful whodunit for readers of The Girl Who Lived, Two Can Keep A Secret, and The Cheerleaders.
Seventeen-year-old Janie Davis was found wandering a Maine beach with second-degree burns on her arms and no memory of what happened. An accident on her family's rented yacht caused it to sink, taking her parents and best friend down with it. Recovering, Janie returns home under the watchful gaze of her new guardian--an aunt who had been ostracized by Janie's family.
Snooping uncovers the accident report. Horrified to learn the deaths could be murder, Janie's determined to solve the crime. Selective breaking and entering leads her to two suspects: her father's shady business partner who profited from Dad's death and her aunt, a woman with a sketchy past she's eager to hide.
Her investigation leads her to crash a party where she uncovers more evidence in the homeowner's office. Then her brake lines are cut and only a quick plunge to the floor keeps an overhead lamp from impaling her. This, and the warning, You're Next, proves she's getting closer.
If she doesn't expose the murderer, Janie could be the next victim.
Dead Girls Don't Lie is a complete, standalone, young adult novel filled with twisty suspense, a shocking conclusion, and flirty romance.
This book is 78,000 words.
- GenresSuspense
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2019
20 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Marlie May
20 books68 followersMarlie was born in New England and grew up on a dairy farm in rural Maine. She graduated from the University of Maine, and then Kennebec Community College, with degrees in International Relations and Nursing. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense with plenty of heat, laugh-out-loud moments, twisty suspense, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
She lives in New England with her husband, three children, three geriatric cats, and a spunky Yorkie pup who keeps her on her toes.
She's a member of YARWA and a PAN member of RWA, as well a four-year PitchWars mentor.
Twitter: @Marlie_May1
Website: https://marliemaywrites.weebly.com/
She also writes young adult under the pen name, Marty Mayberry.
Marty/Marlie was a 2018 RWA ® Golden Heart ® Finalist in contemporary short and romantic suspense.
She lives in New England with her husband, three children, three geriatric cats, and a spunky Yorkie pup who keeps her on her toes.
She's a member of YARWA and a PAN member of RWA, as well a four-year PitchWars mentor.
Twitter: @Marlie_May1
Website: https://marliemaywrites.weebly.com/
She also writes young adult under the pen name, Marty Mayberry.
Marty/Marlie was a 2018 RWA ® Golden Heart ® Finalist in contemporary short and romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 23, 2019
**I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review **
Dead girls don’t lie….or do they?
Where to begin? Here I am, trying to accept that this book is over. It’s been a while since I read a book that captivated me and absorbed me like this. It was an emotional rollercoaster, and once I enjoyed every page of!!
The story itself was brilliant, with plot twists making me sit at the edge of my seat. The author truly managed to convey real emotion in this, with me in tears at times (a fair few times if I’ll admit).
The characters were very well written, and reading this book,, I felt like the story was real, and that I actually knew the characters. I had a suspicion regarding someone, but I was still so shocked to find out I was right, and that really impressed me. The plot twist though? I never expected that.
While I’ve been interested in reading murder mysteries, this is the first book from this genre I’ve read, and I must say, it’s gotten me hooked! Although the mystery has been solved, I’m excited to read a sequel to this!!
Dead girls don’t lie….or do they?
Where to begin? Here I am, trying to accept that this book is over. It’s been a while since I read a book that captivated me and absorbed me like this. It was an emotional rollercoaster, and once I enjoyed every page of!!
The story itself was brilliant, with plot twists making me sit at the edge of my seat. The author truly managed to convey real emotion in this, with me in tears at times (a fair few times if I’ll admit).
The characters were very well written, and reading this book,, I felt like the story was real, and that I actually knew the characters. I had a suspicion regarding someone, but I was still so shocked to find out I was right, and that really impressed me. The plot twist though? I never expected that.
While I’ve been interested in reading murder mysteries, this is the first book from this genre I’ve read, and I must say, it’s gotten me hooked! Although the mystery has been solved, I’m excited to read a sequel to this!!
March 22, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this and I couldn’t put it down! I guessed how the ending would turn out but still a very enjoyable read. Would have been five stars, the typos at times made it hard to understand.
June 12, 2020
This book has a twist I NEVER saw coming.
July 13, 2019
I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. This is simply my opinion on the book and is not influenced by any external factor.
I’m going to start first by providing the rating, and then explaining why I’ve given it this score.
5/5 – amazing, simply incredible, a perfect tale. Drop what you’re doing and read this now!
To be honest, giving a 5 star review is really rare for me; it needs to be exceptional, phenomenal, completely engrossing with minimal flaws (if any). I can say with absolute confidence that DEAD GIRLS DON’T LIE is just that. It’s a sad theme, sure, and it does play with the emotions of the reader, but it’s a really thrilling read as the author has taken the concept of a boating accident to the investigation of a murder. And even while the investigation is ongoing, the story twists itself around to make you believe something totally different than what you had previous thought. You’ll go from “hmm…” to “…I think…” to “I knew it!” to “WHAT?!”
I’m not going to say much in this area as I don’t want to give away spoilers (and if I give them away, or even hint at them, it might ruin the mystery for some), but I can say hands-down that this was really well-written in a way that engages the reader and makes them want to continue reading, right from page one. The characters, the storyline, the plot twists…combined all together, they make this literary masterpiece come alive. And that ending…I totally wasn’t expecting that!!
The one thing I can say that I didn’t really like is the romantic theme…I’m not crazy about romance in books, but was manageable in the sense that it was not overbearing and did not become at any point the focal point of the story.
Definitely will re-read this in the future and am anxiously looking forward to the sequel. The author has really set the bar high, but I’m sure that the next installment will be just as good or even better than this one.
I’m going to start first by providing the rating, and then explaining why I’ve given it this score.
5/5 – amazing, simply incredible, a perfect tale. Drop what you’re doing and read this now!
To be honest, giving a 5 star review is really rare for me; it needs to be exceptional, phenomenal, completely engrossing with minimal flaws (if any). I can say with absolute confidence that DEAD GIRLS DON’T LIE is just that. It’s a sad theme, sure, and it does play with the emotions of the reader, but it’s a really thrilling read as the author has taken the concept of a boating accident to the investigation of a murder. And even while the investigation is ongoing, the story twists itself around to make you believe something totally different than what you had previous thought. You’ll go from “hmm…” to “…I think…” to “I knew it!” to “WHAT?!”
I’m not going to say much in this area as I don’t want to give away spoilers (and if I give them away, or even hint at them, it might ruin the mystery for some), but I can say hands-down that this was really well-written in a way that engages the reader and makes them want to continue reading, right from page one. The characters, the storyline, the plot twists…combined all together, they make this literary masterpiece come alive. And that ending…I totally wasn’t expecting that!!
The one thing I can say that I didn’t really like is the romantic theme…I’m not crazy about romance in books, but was manageable in the sense that it was not overbearing and did not become at any point the focal point of the story.
Definitely will re-read this in the future and am anxiously looking forward to the sequel. The author has really set the bar high, but I’m sure that the next installment will be just as good or even better than this one.
July 3, 2019
DEAD GIRLS DON’T LIE is the first book in the Janie Davis Mystery series. Each will be a complete YA stand-alone cozy mystery – a modern Nancy Drew, but I recommend reading this one first as it establishes the characters and their relationship.
Let’s start with the characters. Janine, who prefers to be called Janie, is at times whiny, but that could be dismissed as the antics of an overindulged child of wealth. Luckily, she’s not a complete snob. Her friends are quality people, no matter their background.
The story is powerful with plenty of twisting to keep me engaged and guessing. I was stomping my foot and clenching my fists, laughing a few times, crying, and holding my breath as the characters ran from task to task in their race to find the murderer.
Some of the writing was stiff and repetitive – I’ll never see my parents and Brianna again – but I understand it was to show the despair of loss; I’ve felt that despair.
I liked the ending; it was fair and believable. I look forward to more from this series.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: DEAD GIRLS DON’T LIE
Series: Janie Davis Mystery #1
Category /Genre: YA suspense
Recommended for: 14+ due to suspense/fear factor
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Marlie May
Let’s start with the characters. Janine, who prefers to be called Janie, is at times whiny, but that could be dismissed as the antics of an overindulged child of wealth. Luckily, she’s not a complete snob. Her friends are quality people, no matter their background.
The story is powerful with plenty of twisting to keep me engaged and guessing. I was stomping my foot and clenching my fists, laughing a few times, crying, and holding my breath as the characters ran from task to task in their race to find the murderer.
Some of the writing was stiff and repetitive – I’ll never see my parents and Brianna again – but I understand it was to show the despair of loss; I’ve felt that despair.
I liked the ending; it was fair and believable. I look forward to more from this series.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: DEAD GIRLS DON’T LIE
Series: Janie Davis Mystery #1
Category /Genre: YA suspense
Recommended for: 14+ due to suspense/fear factor
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Marlie May
June 27, 2019
Holy crap! This book blew my mind. Definitely a 5 out of 5 stars, if for nothing else but that ending and the crazy twist. I literally gasped out loud a few times.
I really enjoyed the characters and the emotions coming from them. I definitely felt like I was in this book with them and feeling what they were feeling with how this was written. Certain characters I was not a fan of or the whole family of them for that matter but I am glad things changed towards the end. I felt really bad for Janie and could not image going through everything she had went through. She was super strong and brave though to be able to deal with everything she did and have something different happen almost every other chapter.
Alex was an interesting character and I thought she came around at the perfect time to help Janie through Grief Group but was super surprised when everything came out. Again I was definitely not expecting that ending and the major betrayal that happened. I'm glad Janie had Aunt Kristy in her life and found Manuel at the perfect moment. I'm curious to see what the second book is about because this one ended on a good note with no cliffhanger.
I really enjoyed the characters and the emotions coming from them. I definitely felt like I was in this book with them and feeling what they were feeling with how this was written. Certain characters I was not a fan of or the whole family of them for that matter but I am glad things changed towards the end. I felt really bad for Janie and could not image going through everything she had went through. She was super strong and brave though to be able to deal with everything she did and have something different happen almost every other chapter.
Alex was an interesting character and I thought she came around at the perfect time to help Janie through Grief Group but was super surprised when everything came out. Again I was definitely not expecting that ending and the major betrayal that happened. I'm glad Janie had Aunt Kristy in her life and found Manuel at the perfect moment. I'm curious to see what the second book is about because this one ended on a good note with no cliffhanger.
July 1, 2019
Janie Davis is found wandering on a beach with second-degree burns and no memory of what happened. All she knows is that she, her parents, and her best friend were yachting when an explosion occurred and she is the only survivor. Now she is back at home and living with her guardian, an aunt that she barely knows and who seems to be keeping secrets.
As Janie’s memories start coming back to her and she uncovers the police report that states the accident could have been murdered, she doesn’t really know who to trust. All she knows is that she wants to get to the bottom things before she becomes the final casualty to the murderer at large.
This is listed as a young adult suspense novel but found that it is perfect for anyone that loves a mystery that is filled with suspense, intrigue, and lots of twists and turns. I found myself unable to put the book down as I wanted to know who killed Janie’s parents and best friend and why.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As Janie’s memories start coming back to her and she uncovers the police report that states the accident could have been murdered, she doesn’t really know who to trust. All she knows is that she wants to get to the bottom things before she becomes the final casualty to the murderer at large.
This is listed as a young adult suspense novel but found that it is perfect for anyone that loves a mystery that is filled with suspense, intrigue, and lots of twists and turns. I found myself unable to put the book down as I wanted to know who killed Janie’s parents and best friend and why.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2019
I received an ARC copy of 'Dead Girls Don't Lie' and was so glad I did. I was kept in suspense from the very beginning. Marlie May has created complex, believable and some very empathetic characters, who are caught up in a mystery surrounding the fiery death of Janie's parents and best friend. Janie, who can't remember anything since the accident that took her parents and best friend, slowly starts to remember and as she does, launches an investigation of her own. Many times as I read, I thought I had the mystery figured out, only to have my suspicions quashed by turning the page or when I reached the next chapter. A real page turner, I didn't want to put the book down to sleep at night and was sorry when I finally reached the end. I would highly recommend this YA Thriller!
August 7, 2019
* I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review *
Tragedy strikes 17 year old Janie when both of her parents and her best friend are killed in a yacht accident. Janie tries to return to normal life with her newly appointed guardian, an estranged Aunt, and uncovers that the yacht accident might not have been an accident at all. While she tries to search for the truth, she places a target on her back from an unknown assailant.
Some of the writing was repetitive and stiff, but the overall scenes of the book came through clearly.
While I predicted certain aspects of the story early on, I was ultimately surprised with one of the big reveals at the end.
Tragedy strikes 17 year old Janie when both of her parents and her best friend are killed in a yacht accident. Janie tries to return to normal life with her newly appointed guardian, an estranged Aunt, and uncovers that the yacht accident might not have been an accident at all. While she tries to search for the truth, she places a target on her back from an unknown assailant.
Some of the writing was repetitive and stiff, but the overall scenes of the book came through clearly.
While I predicted certain aspects of the story early on, I was ultimately surprised with one of the big reveals at the end.
June 30, 2019
Janie lost both her parents and her best girlfriend in a boating accident of some kind. She has no recollection of exactly what happened. Her best guy friend Sean sat by her side in the hospital, walked with her down the school hallways, and buoyed her up - until..,. Then Janie found out what else she had left to lose.
Friendships and betrayals take on new and different meaning. Family might be someone she can maybe trust, a little- or perhaps totally not.
What is left ? What might still be to hope for? So hard to hang onto.
Intense edge of your seat KU read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Friendships and betrayals take on new and different meaning. Family might be someone she can maybe trust, a little- or perhaps totally not.
What is left ? What might still be to hope for? So hard to hang onto.
Intense edge of your seat KU read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2019
Janie is found wandering with second degree burns on her arms and NO idea what happened.
You eventually figure out she's lost her best friend AND parents in an accident.
She's sent to live with an aunt she barely knows and learn to live with her new life.
While snooping around a little, she finds a report stating the accident may not have been an accident afterall.... so who killed her parents and friend?!
this book has a few twists and turns.. it was an easy read for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You eventually figure out she's lost her best friend AND parents in an accident.
She's sent to live with an aunt she barely knows and learn to live with her new life.
While snooping around a little, she finds a report stating the accident may not have been an accident afterall.... so who killed her parents and friend?!
this book has a few twists and turns.. it was an easy read for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2019
I grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries and loved them. With Dead Girls Don't Lie, I felt like I was reading a modern day Nancy Drew mystery. This book is the first book in the Janie Davis Mystery Series and is a wonderful start to this series. This story has plenty of twists and turns, grabs your attention from page one and will have you on the edge of your seat as you read and waiting to see who did it. The story is well written and has plenty of suspense and intrigue!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
Janie lost both her parents and her best girlfriend in a boating accident. She is found wondering down the beach with 2nd degree burns and has no recollection of exactly what happened. She is sent to live with an Aunt that she barely knows. While snooping she finds a report that states that the accident might not have been an accident after all. Now for the cruncher, who killed her parents and best friend? Who can she trust? What else has she got to lose?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2019
Marlie May has a great start to her Janie Davis Mystery series. The characters were well written and the plot was terrific. There is a tragedy, humour, mystery, suspense, and one amazing ending. This story is one that was very hard to put down because you just had to find out what happened next. I will be watching for the next in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
I recieved a free arc copy in exchange for a honest review !
THIS BOOK HAD ME MESSED UP! I literally dropped my jaw and actually gasped out loud and everytime something happened I had to just stop. I don't want to give any spoilers but seriously this is such a good read ! You must read it !
This is seriously so well written and I will be reading it again and getting my friends to read it !
THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING BOOK !
THIS BOOK HAD ME MESSED UP! I literally dropped my jaw and actually gasped out loud and everytime something happened I had to just stop. I don't want to give any spoilers but seriously this is such a good read ! You must read it !
This is seriously so well written and I will be reading it again and getting my friends to read it !
THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING BOOK !
June 28, 2019
Intriguing, gripping, suspenseful and hard to put down. I found myself exploring every avenue that would lead to the identity of the killer. I was drawn into the story from the start. Loved the main characters and their chemistry together. I will definitely be checking out more titles by this author in the near future.
July 4, 2019
This book was great. It drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. The author did a wonderful job on this book and I want to read more by this author. This book is a good read for anyone and I highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2019
Such a fabulous read with nonstop action and wonderful characters. I loved the ending! It is an amazing story and will be an amazing series if this first book is to be the example of what is to come. I highly recommend this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2019
This is the 4th book I've read written by Marlie May; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2019
Death of loved ones is hard enough but if they are MURDERED- it’s excruciating
The story is good,the plot is well thought out. Although there is a little bit of a lag but the author writes really well and makes up for it. I can’t wait to read more of the genre murder mystery in teens as the heroine makes for a good books
The story is good,the plot is well thought out. Although there is a little bit of a lag but the author writes really well and makes up for it. I can’t wait to read more of the genre murder mystery in teens as the heroine makes for a good books
June 25, 2019
This book was quite well written and characters that were easy to empathise with. Striking scenes, character development and a pretty decent plot twist are present in this book, if you’re interested in YA thriller mysteries I’d recommend picking this one up.
July 2, 2019
Gripping storyline, shedding decent amount of light on crucial details of the mystery. I was really into it, so halfway through, the plot became quite obvious. Although there were a few questions left unanswered, it was a great read!
January 30, 2020
Excellent!
Wow just when you need a series! His book is a real page turner! Couldn't put it down! I mean I read the whole thing through in one sitting! I have also read one of her series and it was excellent!
Wow just when you need a series! His book is a real page turner! Couldn't put it down! I mean I read the whole thing through in one sitting! I have also read one of her series and it was excellent!
February 16, 2020
What can I say about this book?
I loved it, it was great and suspenseful.
The ending was a big suprise, but one thing I knew,
I was wright about that one thing yay.
If you like suspense, you must read this one, it keeps you up all night.
And the end is a big suprise.
I loved it, it was great and suspenseful.
The ending was a big suprise, but one thing I knew,
I was wright about that one thing yay.
If you like suspense, you must read this one, it keeps you up all night.
And the end is a big suprise.
June 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like it was going to be predictable when Alex was introduced, I did not see the final twist in the book. So good!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews