Mondays Are Murder

By Author / Illustrator
Ravena Guron
Genre
Suspense & Thrillers
Age range(s)
14+
Publisher
Usborne
ISBN
9781805075707
Format
Paperback / softback
Expected
13-02-2025
Synopsis
From the bestselling author of This Book Kills comes a deadly new YA thriller of murder, mystery and mind-blowing twists. Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson and Karen M. McManus.
17-year-old Kay left her sleepy hometown after the devastating death of her friend, Ivy. But when Kay is forced to come back, she receives an anonymous letter that turns her life upside down.
The letter tells her that there will be a thrill on Tuesday, a wreckage on Wednesday, treachery on Thursday, a fire on Friday, sabotage on Saturday, a stabbing on Sunday - and her murder on Monday. And if Kay can't figure out who is behind the threats, the worst day of the week is about to get deadly...
Ravena Guron is ReadingZone's YA Author of the Month - find out more in our Q&A with the author!
Praise for Ravena Guron: "Clever, witty and so much fun...I was on the edge of my seat. At this point, if Ravena Guron writes it, I'm first in line to read it." Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen. "For fans of Holly Jackson and Karen M McManus." The Observer. "A treat for crime fiction fans." Sunday Express. "A crisp, Christie-esque detective story told in lively multiple voices, perfect for Holly Jackson fans." The Guardian.
Reviews
Sue
After the death of her friend, Ivy, Kay thought she had left Longrove for good. However, when her parents go on a cruse to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, she finds herself sent back there, 'dumped' on her Uncle Dara and her cousin, Nikki. Just as she thinks things can't get any worse, she finds a letter on her bed, a letter telling her that there will be a thrill on Tuesday, a wreckage on Wednesday, treachery on Thursday, a fire on Friday, sabotage on Saturday, a stabbing on Sunday - and her murder on Monday.
From the first page, Mondays are Murder is a gripping read, full of red herrings and twists which all build to a very satisfying conclusion. As well as the death of Ivy, Longrove is also full of memories of her Aunt Sandra, Nikki's mother, idolised by Kay for her ability to solve puzzles and the work she used to do as a detective. Whilst looking through some of her things, Kay and Nikki discover a notebook which suggests that Aunt Sandra was conducting her own investigation into Ivy's death, adding another layer of intrigue and mystery to the story and intertwining with the girls' determination to discover the identity of Monday and prevent Kay's predicted murder.
Flashbacks to past events are interspersed through the action, affording readers a glimpse of the events which led to Ivy's death and offering clues and misdirection along the way. The plot is skilfully constructed, combining murder mystery with thriller, whilst exploring family dynamics, relationships and grief. Dark in places, the combination of compelling action, appealing characters and an atmospheric setting make this a compulsive read!
448 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 14+
Clair
Mondays are Murder is a must-read for fans of Holly Jackson and Karen McManus. I absolutely loved this thrilling, unpredictable page-turner. It is packed with twists, turns and dead ends. Kay’s investigation takes us down unexpected paths, making for a suspenseful and engaging read.
Set in a small, seemingly safe town with an active committee determined to keep everything just the way they want it, Mondays are Murder follows 17-year-old Kay, who's sent to stay with her uncle and cousin, Nikki, while her family are on holiday. Upon her arrival, Kay discovers an anonymous letter warning her that she will be murdered on Monday. She must unravel the identity of "Monday", the mysterious letter writer, and figure out who wants her dead - all before the clock runs out.
I found that the countdown added an intense sense of urgency that raised the stakes with every passing day, and I couldn't help but root for Kay as she raced against time. The interactions between Kay and the other characters in the book felt natural and authentic. The only thing that baffled me was why she chose not to involve the police, but aside from that, the plot kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you love a good whodunit full of suspense, Mondays are Murder is the perfect read. What secrets is this seemingly perfect town hiding, and why would they lead someone to want to Kay dead? The perfect read if you fancy a bit of escapism. I would happily read more from this author.
448 pages / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian
Suggested Reading Age 14+