Famous Last Words

Received from the publisher at BEA in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Cover image and summary from Goodreads:

Hollywood history, mystery, murder, mayhem, and delicious romance collide in this unputdownable thriller from master storyteller Katie Alender.

Willa is freaking out. It seems like she's seeing things. Like a dead body in her swimming pool. Frantic messages on her walls. A reflection that is not her own. It's almost as if someone -- or something -- is trying to send her a message.

Meanwhile, a killer is stalking Los Angeles -- a killer who reenacts famous movie murder scenes. Could Willa's strange visions have to do with these unsolved murders? Or is she going crazy? And who can she confide in? There's Marnie, her new friend who may not be totally trustworthy. And there's Reed, who's ridiculously handsome and seems to get Willa. There's also Wyatt, who's super smart but unhealthily obsessed with the Hollywood Killer.

All Willa knows is, she has to confront the possible-ghost in her house, or she just might lose her mind . . . or her life.

Acclaimed author Katie Alender puts an unforgettable twist on this spine-chilling tale of murder, mystery, mayhem -- and the movies.

I was definitely interested in the premise of this book. I like old Hollywood, and the idea of a series of murders based on old movies sounded too interesting to pass up, especially when combined with a ghost story!

This was a fun, quick read that had its creepy moments, courtesy of the aforementioned ghost, but that I found was much more of a murder mystery than a ghost story. I loved the way the story elements – Willa’s move, her new stepfather, her new school, the ghost, the murders – all combined into a tense read that had me on the edge of my seat. The ending was especially suspenseful and well-done, and even if you solve the mystery, it’s still great to read.

The romance in Famous Last Words was sweet and didn’t take over from the rest of the story, and even the identity of the ghost was a good little mystery in its own right.

I would definitely recommend Famous Last Words to people looking for a good mystery with a paranormal twist!