Not my favorite of Tamaki's books, but overall a beautiful and sad story about not fitting in! The art is truly gorgeous, but I wish the story had a bit more of a resolution!

Our pasts make us who we are, and sometimes those pasts fucking sucked. I'm so sorry for whatever Mariko Tamaki experienced when she was young, but it's produced some damn good art throughout her career, and that continues here.

This Place Kills Me is a graphic novel that takes place in the 90s and follows Abby Kita as she's transferred to a new all-girls boarding school. She's lonely, she's angry, she's an outcast. She's the last person who saw the star of the school's theatre troupe before she was found dead - a supposed suicide. However, something feels weird and Abby is drawn to trying to learn more.

While this is a mystery, I wouldn't call it a true mystery thriller in the vein of typical stories of those genres. The main emotional theming in this story revolves around Abby's loneliness, her pain, her anger, and the way that teenage girls can make it so, so easy to turn someone's life into a living hell for being even a smidge different from the pack.

The strength of Tamaki's writing makes Abby's emotions and struggles incredibly visceral, to a point where I was almost uncomfortable. I wanted to reach out through time and space and imagination to protect Abby, to shelter her and let her know the world won't always feel so vast and empty and alone despite being surrounded by her peers every single day.

Nicole Goux's art really elevates Tamaki's writing. I read this as an eARC so unfortunately the art wasn't complete (it was all in black and white, lettering not quite finished), but even unfinished, Goux's art is great. It plays with space and sizing and movement in a way that speaks to Abby's emotional states, and facial expressions are top notch. I can't wait to see the finished version in full color.

The mystery itself wasn't a huge shock, but it helped tie into Abby's thematic journey in a way that made a sickening kind of sense.

Even if you don't typically read YA or graphic novels, this is definitely worth trying out.

Content warnings: mentions of suicide, drug use, homophobia, bullying.

This was a suspenseful, queer, and very entertaining graphic novel.
The art style was what I liked most about the book, it was great.
Overall, I'd give this about 3.5 stars.

Overall, I thought this was a great story but it did seem a little rushed. I liked the plot, the characters, and the ending.

I really liked the design and the mystery behind this story. I gave a twist at the end that I kind of saw coming but the way it evolved had me shocked to say the least. The conversations about sexuality at the time, the treatment of people who were different, and the overall sense of foreboding gave the story an interesting atmosphere. I do wish we got to know our main character a bit more as she felt totally closed off, even to the reader.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC that this review is based on!

I’ve been interested in Mariko Tamaki’s works for a long time and I finally was able to read this one, and it really compelled me! I have a soft spot for dark academia mysteries, and while I wish the story was just a little bit longer in some development ways and that the story had just a little more time to cook on some of the plot points, I found it really well contained and really intriguing! ( I wouldn't mind a sequel...)

I had a feeling about where the narrative was going, but it was really satisfying to see it coming and to have it unravel in a way that made you go “GAH! I KNEW IT!” While also having parts that made me go “NO WAY!”

Overall, this is a great, short, mystery series and I think a really on point depiction of that insular, eat-or-be-eaten culture that I associate with boarding schools.

I love Mariko Tamaki’s graphic novels. All of the one’s I’ve read have been bangers. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. Not only is it queer/sapphic, but it’s a murder mystery. I guess it would technically be closer to suicide mystery, but that’s part of what you have to uncover while reading.

Set in the 1980’s, This Place Kills Me is about a girl sent away to boarding school after a mishap from her old life gets her banished as punishment. She was turned into an outcast for suspicion of being a lesbian and the same thing happens here as well. In the height of the AIDS epidemic, everyone was scared of queer people, so this makes a lot of sense for the story.

When one of the girls is found dead in the woods wearing her Juliet costume from the play that she starred in, a school wide investigation is opened to uncover the truth.

This was really well executed and the MC, Abby, is really likable. Not by her classmates it seems, but seeing as how I can relate to her woahs in a way, it made me feel for her so much more. I also didn’t expect the outcome to unfold like that. I definitely knew there was something funny going on with the principal and her creepy a$$ husband, but I didn’t see the other part that you need to read to find out about.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC.

This graphic novel is an essential murder mystery set in a boarding school. Abby is an outcast, having seen a friend at another school OD and for being a lesbian. Naturally, she's suspect number one--but the secrets within the hallowed halls are much darker. Goux's storytelling matches wonderfully with Tamaki's artistry. I loved the ups and downs of Abby's inner state, the way that the mystery unfolds, how her relationship with her roommate ebbs and flows. It's a compelling read, and I finished it in one day.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Kids for early copy for review*

What a great graphic novel. Abby felt so real dealing with the isolation of being new and different. The mystery that the school gets wrapped up in felt like it gave her some escape from that isolation. I would love for this to be expanded on with a sequel.

So, let's dive right into it...
3.5/5
Pros:
• Extremely Quick Read
If you're looking for a fast-paced story that you can devour in one sitting, this graphic novel delivers. The plot moves along quickly, & there's no fluff. If you’re pressed for time but want something gripping in short bursts, this is the perfect choice.

•A Glimpse into Homophobic Behaviors
The story touches on real-world issues like homophobia, prejudice, & the ignorance that comes with it. It’s a powerful reminder of how damaging these behaviors can be, & while it's a little raw, it's also eye-opening for readers unfamiliar with such dynamics.

• Graphics (Potential)
The artwork, while not fully realized, shows promise. The current style feels rough, but I suspect that once the color is added, the visuals will really pop & elevate the narrative. I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt here, as it seems like it has great potential.



Cons:
• Brevity Rushes the Plot
The story is extremely quick, which can be both a pro & a con. While you get through it fast, the speed causes the plot to feel rushed, leaving little room for suspense or tension. The fast pacing also doesn’t allow for much emotional build-up, making the stakes feel less impactful.

• Minimal Character Development
The characters feel a bit flat. Abby, in particular, feels underdeveloped, & her motivations aren't entirely clear. I get the sense that the story wants to build empathy for her, but it doesn't give us enough to fully understand her struggles. It leaves you wanting more depth & nuance.

• Lack of Real Mystery Depth
The murder mystery angle feels like it’s just for show. It’s too obvious & lacks the intrigue & complexity that makes for a truly compelling mystery. With more room for development & a deeper narrative, it could have been so much more than a superficial crime plot.

Pro & Con:
• Homophobic Themes
On one hand, the depiction of homophobia can be seen as a pro. It’s raw & real, shedding light on some tough issues. On the other hand, it feels a little heavy-handed, almost like the narrative doesn't do enough to explore the root causes or give us deeper insight into the characters' actions. It's important to show these behaviors, but there’s a thin line between showing them & turning them into just plot points rather than something more substantial.

Final Thoughts:
"This Place Kills Me" is a graphic novel that shows promise but falls short in execution. It’s too fast to build real suspense, & the characters lack the depth that would make their stories truly impactful. But for all its faults, there’s something compelling about the rawness of the issues it tackles. & honestly, I just really want to hug Abby because she deserves so much better! It's a quick read, but don’t expect a deep dive into either the mystery or the characters. If you’re into graphic novels that lean toward the more straightforward & less complex, this might work for you.

*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

"This Place Kills Me" is a compelling, stylish whodunnit graphic novel that largely delivers on its thrilling premise, earning a solid four stars. Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux have crafted an engaging mystery set within the hallowed (and seemingly sinister) halls of Wilberton Academy, where the elite Wilberton Theatrical Society reigns supreme.

The sudden death of star student Elizabeth Woodward, found after opening night as Juliet, immediately pulls you into a web of prep school intrigue. Transfer student Abby Kita's refusal to accept the official "suicide" verdict drives the narrative, and her detective work is genuinely captivating. The way the story unfolds through comics, letters, diary entries, and news articles is a particular strength, offering a multi-faceted and dynamic reading experience that keeps the pace brisk and the reader invested. This mixed-media approach truly makes the book a page-turner.

Abby's journey to uncover Elizabeth's secrets, and the unsettling realization that one of those secrets might have been "worth killing for," is well-executed. This graphic novel discusses the stigma around being gay, sexual abuse, suicide, and trauma. The atmosphere of an exclusive, perhaps toxic, academic environment is palpable. My only minor reservation, preventing a full five stars, is that while the mystery is gripping, some aspects of the resolution felt slightly less impactful than the brilliant build-up. However, this is a minor quibble for an otherwise highly enjoyable and visually striking read. Fans of high-stakes prep school dramas and unique narrative formats will definitely be asking for more.

Set at an all-girl's boarding school during the 90s, Mariko Tamaki's latest work "This Place Kills Me" is a suspenseful noir graphic novel. The novel explores queerness and sexuality, along with themes of bullying, cover-ups, and power imbalances. I loved the artwork, and the story was artfully told through Tamaki's drawing style. Tamaki grounds the novel in the 90s through the fashion of the characters, along with cultural references and the accessories they use (ex. Abby's Walkman).
I was intrigued by the mystery, and I was really into the idea of there being secret societies present at the boarding school. Unfortunately, I felt that the mystery fell flat at the end. There was a lot of exposition at the end, but it felt anti-climactic, and I wish that there had been a better execution of the big reveal at the end. I also felt like the story ended very abruptly, and I wish we had been left with a better resolution. The story handles a lot of discussion of queerness, which is reflective of the mainstream attitude of queerness at the time (queer=bad), which was both accurate but also kind of depressing at the same time (everyone was so mean to Abby!). The novel does reflect the title very well, with Abby having a pretty terrible time at the school, but it got depressing to read at times because it felt like she never caught a break from her peers or the staff at the school. Overall, this is a good recommendation for someone looking for a mystery or noir graphic novel, but unfortunately, it falls a bit flat and isn't the happiest of books.

Another fantastic, messy queer book about girls and the secrets they keep; and of course, the price of those secrets. Mariko does such a good job of crafting layers of mystery in their stories and reminding us that life is messy but it can also sometimes be okay.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

I love this author's previous work and really enjoyed this one! I feel like the mystery is a different angle and it worked well. Even though it was a shorter novel it felt well developed and nuanced.

This was an interesting murder mystery, I don't think I've read any murder mysteries in the graphic novel format and I honestly think I preferred it - there's something about how the illustrations build the environment and atmosphere that adds to the tension. Not one that takes itself too seriously but really enjoyable and fun with beautiful illustrative style.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
At Wilberton Academy for Girls, the theatre group is of the utmost importance. What starts off as a brilliant adaptation of Romeo and Juliet in the beginning turns just as deadly the next morning. For transfer student Abby Kita, everything at the school is overly dramatic. Still, when she’s accused of being the last person who saw Elizabeth, the perfect girl who played Juliet, dead, everything becomes blurry. While Abby is hiding secrets of her own, a shocking discovery of what goes on behind the black curtain of the theatre is just as disturbing. Will Abby be able to decipher the scandalous secrets before it’s too late?
Oh my goodness, this graphic novel was incredibly intense. I had a great deal of fun reading this story. I noticed Abby using a Walkman, so 90s, perhaps? Everyone seems to be playing the blame game, and mainly on Abby, but she knows how to push back. I sensed the bitterness and doubt among most of the students, especially within the theater group. However, that ending! And the reason behind everything? I felt upset and so angry. Mariko Tamaki does it again, creating a suspenseful masterpiece once more.

Thank you NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for an e-arc of This Place Kills Me.

From the very beginning you get a sense that the main character, Abby, is an outsider who doesn't exactly fit in at her all girls school.

This books takes us through Abby's journey of being an outsider at her all girls school to her finding courage and acceptance within herself.

The novel was very captivating and I especially enjoyed the art style—it was expressive, intimate, and beautifully matched the tone of the story. The atmospheric mood carried throughout the novel was captivating, pulling me in with each panel.

I enjoyed the characters in the novel and their dynamics were intriguing, but I wanted to see a little bit more character development and back to better understand them.

For the pacing of the novel, it felt a bit rushed toward the end and wrapped up a bit too quick with no real resolve to the characters actions.

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. Mariko Tamaki was able to do an excellent job of tackling meaningful themes with both care and nuance.

ARC provided by NetGalley. This was a fun mystery graphic novel! It doesn’t have as much depth into it that I would have liked, but it overall was an enjoyable read. I love the art style and the characters were good. Overall I think it could be fleshed out a little more but I think my students would eat it up!
Will be purchasing for our library.

I was a big fan of "Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me" and "This One Summer," so I knew I'd be biased going into "This Place Kills Me." But I was still surprised by how good this was! The pacing feels like a noir, and the characters feel reminiscent of girls I knew in high school. The art was beautiful. I can't wait to see it in full color! These characters and the reveals of the mystery have come back to me over and over since I read it. It's a great story, with sympathetic characters, and a mystery with inevitable momentum.

This graphic novel set at an all-girls boarding school in the 80s follows new student Abby who struggles to fit in and isn't really sure she even wants to. But when one of her classmates, a popular member of the Wilberton Theatrical Society, is found dead in the woods, Abby is suspicious. She isn't convinced the police are right in declaring it a suicide. Along with her student reporter roommate, she digs deeper. But rampant homophobia leaves Abby as an easy target for all those wanting to discredit her.

This was a tough read. Tamaki seems to be drawing heavily on her own experiences with homophobia at an all-girls school, and it is heartbreakingly obvious just how hard it was to be a queer person--much less a queer teen without any support--in those days. The story is strong and the art is beautiful, but this certainly isn't a graphic novel for the faint of heart.