Maybe the lesson here is that it doesn’t matter how many times you rewind, there’s always something you’re going to regret.
— How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine
Summary
“How to Survive Your Murder” by Danielle Valentine is a fast-paced YA thriller with a slasher movie soul and a supernatural twist. The story centers around Alice Lawrence, a true-crime obsessed teen whose world was shattered when she witnessed the brutal murder of her sister, Claire, a year ago.
Now, Alice is set to testify in the trial of the accused killer. But just before she can take the stand, something inexplicable happens—she’s knocked unconscious and wakes up… exactly one year earlier, on the night of the murder.
With time literally rewound, Alice has a second chance to save her sister. But the clock is ticking, danger is everywhere, and not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. This book blends horror tropes with time travel and teen drama, creating a story that’s eerie, fast-moving, and full of Halloween vibes.
My Thoughts
The title alone—How to Survive Your Murder—was enough to pull me in. It promised chills, thrills, and a twisty ride through a YA slasher-style plot. And while the premise delivered in parts, I found myself craving a bit more bite from this horror-laced mystery.
What worked for me were the last few chapters—they had me on the edge of my seat. The pace picked up, tension escalated, and I finally felt that rush I’d been waiting for. But the twist? I’ll admit, I wanted more. I was hoping to be shocked, jaw-on-the-floor style. Instead, the reveal felt more tame than twisted, and several loose ends were left dangling. Questions I expected answers to were brushed over or ignored, which left me slightly unsatisfied.
To be fair, my own expectations may have played a part in that. I went in hoping for a mind-bending finale and a tighter resolution. Still, the concept is fun, the writing is accessible, and fans of the teen slasher genre will likely find enough to enjoy here.
Final rating: ★★★½☆☆
A solid one-time read with flashes of intensity, but it left me wishing for a more haunting aftertaste.
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