A twisty YA murder mystery that explores the dangerous world of the ultra-famous - a world full of secrets, super-fans and betrayal. A world readers will recognize with the rise of global music sensations. This is Jennifer Pearson's debut YA but she brings with her that signature ability to thread a book with truly tender moments alongside bits of dialogue that make you laugh out loud. A great read for fans of teen murder mysteries. And that super-fan Colby is an EXCELLENT character.

Blair Baker is a global music superstar who has returned to Honeyville, the town where she grew up, for a homecoming tour. Three nights at the high school's football stadium and everyone who's anyone wants a ticket. Fans arrive dressed in Blair costumes and even her family have VIP tickets for the show. Excitement is at fever-pitch when the first song starts to play and Blair, lying on a platform, rises above the stage; but when she fails to start singing people begin to realise that something is wrong .. and something is very wrong, for Blair Baker is dead.

The Honeyville police department are quick on the case, especially as Blair's father is a retired police officer and her uncle still serves. However, Blair's younger sister, Stevie, can't let things go and decides she is going to discover who killed her sister herself. She quickly discovers that this isn't as easy as it may seem; with numerous suspects and danger lurking, Stevie needs to keep her wits about her if she is to unmask the killer.

Jenny is a well-established middle grade author, and she proved her versatility in June 2025 with Shrapnel Boys, a serious, gritty book set during WWII (you can read my review here) but Drop Dead Famous is her first foray into YA and I've been desperate to read it since she told me about it during her last visit to my school in June. Being able to read an early copy made the perfect start to my Christmas holidays.

The book starts with the very public discovery of Blair's body as she rises on the platform above the stage to begin the concert. At first nobody realises there's a problem but cheers of excitement quickly turn to screams of terror as realisation kicks in. Fans dressed in sequined skirts, cowboy boots, friendship bracelets and glitter (which gave me glorious Taylor Swift/Beyonce vibes) are thrown into turmoil as they are ushered out of the arena in tears. But Blair's family are in the VIP area of the audience and their life changes in an instant. Unable to grieve in private, the family are faced with press hounding their home and the police struggling to identify the killer, which is why Stevie feels she has no choice but to investigate - it's her way of dealing with things but she seems to throw up more questions than answers. With Blair super-fan, Colby, offering her assistance, at least she's not alone. Stevie is a strong character who is dealing with her grief in her own unique way; with Colby's feisty character to support her, the pair make quite the duo.

Drop Dead Famous is a fast-paced murder mystery that will certainly keep readers gripped and guessing (there is so much more I could say about the plot but I don't want to give away any details which may spoil things for others). Prepare for a rollercoaster of a ride that will have you questioning everybody (and I mean everybody!!). I genuinely couldn't put the book down and didn't guess the ending at all! Weaving family dynamics with the darker side of the music industry, Jennifer Pearson's first YA novel is a triumph and certainly shown that she can write YA as well as she does middle grade - I can't wait to see what she writes next.

Publishing 7th June, Drop Dead Famous is a book that you absolutely have to pre-order. Perfect for aged 14+, I have just one warning: once you've finished reading the book, you will be desperate to talk to somebody about it!

I could not stop reading this heart pounding mystery from Jennifer Pearson. It is so intricate and well woven to keep the reader guessing and truly proves just how great a storyteller Jennifer Pearson is.

More widely known for her middle-grade humour books, this author has just hooked me with a fantastic plot and an incredible cast of characters. Just wait until you meet Colby Green and Stevie Baker.

When Stevie’s famous sister is murdered just moments before her concert, it brings back huge memories of another trauma suffered by the family. Grief over losing their beloved Mia several years before nearly broke the family and now Blair is gone too.

As Stevie begins to investigate, she is given warnings to stay away, from both the police and the potential murderer. However, Stevie and her new bestie, Colby are fully embroiled and their net is cast wider and wider as the truths of several terrible incidents link together.

This is a phenomenal story and one that will have you reading late into the night…just wanting to tie up all the loose ends! It’s twisty, pacy and so relevant with the way famous people are viewed by super-fans. A fantastic YA debut!

Jennifer Pearson’s Drop Dead Famous is a gripping thriller that dives deep into the dark side of celebrity culture, proving that fame isn’t always glamorous—it can be deadly.

The story opens with a shocking moment: global superstar Blair Baker is performing in her hometown when, in front of a roaring crowd, tragedy strikes. What should have been a triumphant night turns into horror, instantly transforming Blair’s life—and death—into worldwide headlines. But for her sister Stevie, this isn’t just another celebrity scandal. It’s personal.

Stevie emerges as a determined and compelling protagonist. Driven by grief and a need for justice, she refuses to accept the surface-level explanations surrounding Blair’s murder. As she digs deeper, secrets begin to unravel, exposing the pressures, rivalries, and hidden dangers that come with life in the spotlight.

Pearson does an excellent job of building suspense throughout the novel. Each chapter adds new layers to the mystery, keeping readers guessing about who can be trusted. The fast-paced plot and emotional stakes make it hard to put the book down, while the exploration of fame highlights how quickly admiration can turn into obsession.

An addictive read that I didn't want to put down.
Stevie has already experienced the disappearance of her niece when her famous singer is murdered.
She tries to take some control and investigate the crime, unravelling secrets about her sister.
A great read.