Ichaso, Chelsea. Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets. Fiction. Sourcebooks Fire, 04/2022. 315pp. PB $10.99. 978-1-7282-5597-2. ADDITIONAL. GRADES 8-12.
High school senior Savannah’s slightly younger sister Piper is in a coma after a fall, which no one saw—or did someone? She is guilt-stricken about things she said and did that day, though that evolves as she discovers clues that maybe someone knows more or even caused the fall. Ichaso’s twisting storyline slowly peels back the layers of what happened as Piper’s relationships with her sister, her high school friends, a teacher, and her parents gradually come to light. Much of the tale takes place during a weekend Survival Club backpacking trip, which has some exciting moments and many “Breakfast Club” movie-type interactions between the seemingly all white teens. A quick-paced story that is great for mystery readers who prefer less gore and more teen relationship drama.
Joshua Rees, Daly City Public Library
