Jackson, Holly. Kill Joy. Delacorte Press, 2023. 978-0-593-42621-0. 117 p. $12.99. Grades 9-12.

With other things on her mind, Pip isn’t thrilled to be attending a murder mystery party, especially one set in the 1920s and requiring a costume. Staying in character with her friends isn’t always easy. But as clues pile up, and Pip’s notepad fills, she becomes more invested in the mystery of who killed Reginald Remy. Everyone has something to hide, even Pip’s character. When a real mystery interrupts the fictional one, how will the group respond? And will they figure out what happened to Reginald Remy before their time expires? A less serious approach (it’s a party game, not a real murder) doesn’t detract from the suspense as secrets are revealed.

THOUGHTS: Hand this one to fans of the popular A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (trilogy) or readers looking for a quick pick mystery. Prior reading of the trilogy is not a requirement, though Andie Bell and Sal Singh are mentioned.

Mystery