Book Review: You’re Dead to Me by Kira Jane Buxton
Let’s be honest—how can a title like You’re Dead to Me not pique your interest? When I stumbled upon Kira Jane Buxton’s latest YA horror-thriller, I was immediately intrigued. The playful macabre blended with the everyday struggles of a high school senior seemed like the perfect recipe for an engaging read. And oh, did it deliver!
The story centers around Ruby Toller, a high school senior living in sunny Florida. Despite her idyllic surroundings, Ruby’s life is anything but simple. Living with her single mom and her mom’s obnoxious boyfriend, Hunter, while managing the family-owned Nature Park, Ruby portrays a fierce love for her home and the animals within it. Yet, as the reality of dwindling visitors hits hard, the stakes elevate and set the stage for a tumultuous ride.
What struck me most was Ruby’s transition into Oleander High, an elite private school filled with the privileged. Her outsider status, exacerbated by a dramatically growing chip on her shoulder, creates a captivating tension that reverberates through the narrative. And may I just say—her anonymous gossip blog, aptly named ReputationKiller, is both a clever and dangerous outlet. Little did she know, revealing herself as the town’s nemesis would turn her world upside down, bringing about shocking consequences.
The mix of humor, horror, and teenage angst is well-executed. I found myself laughing aloud, gasping at the spine-chilling turns, and rooting for Ruby and her loyal friends, Anton and Xavier. The budding romance with the charming rich boy, Alexander, effortlessly adds another layer to this already complex web of drama.
Buxton’s writing vividly paints the Florida setting and effortlessly contrasts the "Haves" versus the "Have-Nots", creating a rich backdrop for Ruby’s tumultuous journey. The surreal aspect of being haunted by her own ghost—fresh from the grave in a tattered prom dress—is a wonderfully bizarre twist that kept me glued to the pages while also offering profound metaphors about recognizing one’s true self and confronting the darker side of dreams.
With pacing that had me reading late into the night, the plot tension escalated beautifully, particularly as prom night loomed closer. I was pleasantly surprised to feel a genuine emotional connection with Ruby’s tumultuous relationship with her mom, showcasing that families are beautifully messy, as we all know too well.
You’re Dead to Me is filled with drama and danger, perfect for anyone who enjoys a good teen scream. It’s an entertaining romp through high school antics, the struggle for identity, and the supernatural, packed with charm and insightful commentary.
If you’re a fan of YA thrillers infused with a dash of horror, or just love a good ghost story with an empowering twist, then this book is for you. I genuinely appreciated my time with Ruby Toller, and I bet you will too.
Thank you to Delacorte Press for providing me with a copy to explore this engaging story. I eagerly look forward to what Kira Jane Buxton has in store next!
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