Drop Dead Famous

The murder of an international pop star sends the victim’s teenage sister on a quest to find the perpetrator in debut author Pearson’s tense and intricately plotted thriller. Eighteen-year-old Stevie is attending her school’s highly anticipated homecoming concert starring her 21-year-old, Grammy-winning sister, Blair—a global pop sensation reminiscent of Taylor Swift—when tragedy strikes: as the performance begins, Blair is found dead onstage. The shock is compounded by Stevie’s unresolved grief over the disappearance of her niece Mia three years prior. Determined to uncover the truth behind Blair’s death, Stevie launches her own investigation, reluctantly enlisting help from acquaintance Colby, a fan-page administrator with potential leads on Blair’s killer. Together, the girls comb through a long list of suspects, keeping readers guessing as the mystery unfolds. Sharp, witty prose balances suspense with humor, as Stevie and Colby’s banter provides levity amid the deadly stakes. The finale delivers a satisfying cascade of twists and revelations while centering grounding interpersonal moments surrounding Stevie’s shifting friendships and simmering romance with a protective young police officer. The result—a credible, fast-paced whodunit with enticing characters—achieves high marks across the board. The protagonists cue as white. Ages 12–up. (May)