Famous Last Words by Katie Alender | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Katie Alender has fast become my latest go-to author when I want to read something quick, slightly shallow and a bit thrilling. I have to admit, when I first received her previous book (Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer) I was equal parts skeptical and intrigued in how she’d manage to portray the plots in which she writes. Thankfully, she’s proved to be immensely talented and her writing provides me with some of the funnest books I’ve had the pleasure of reading since Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl and Private.

Needless to say, Famous Last Words has been on my to-read list and was one of my most anticipated releases for 2014. It didn’t let me down, not even for a moment, and I think I enjoyed it even more than Marie Antoinette. Which is saying something!

It’s witty and pop culture friendly; set in a stylish setting and has the promise of bloodshed and thrills. Did I mention there’s also talk of ghosts tossed in with the murder? Oh my God, I can’t even begin to state how much of a light and fun read it is! If you’re fans of Katie or any of the books I’d listed in my introduction: You. Will. Eat. This. Up.

Our narrator, Willa (one of my favorite names, yay!), proves to be mysteriously likeable and very intelligent. She’s sassy and fun to read and her connection with the spirit world, as well as her past, proves to be enjoyable and crucial to the story. You root for her. You want to know her. You love her and feel for her and by stories end, you’re genuinely concerned for her as she comes fact to face with the story’s bad guy.


And by bad guy, I mean a seriously twisted serial killer who seems to enjoy plucking young actresses out of Hollywood and setting up their murders to parallel that of varied movies. Yeah, he’s only slightly messed up and gross — worst of all, he comes in a rather clean cut package!

But I won’t spoil his identity for you.

Tossed in with the shallow celebrity infused setting and story of a young girl moving to a new location to start fresh, the murder mystery takes the story to a whole new height of twisted and deliciously thrilling story telling. And hell, even the side characters are badass and entertaining.

Its release is coming soon and will be the perfect back to school treat for young adults looking for something to read light during their breaks from school. And I, for one, can see it becoming a favorite amongst the likes of other similar genre mates.

Now I know what you’re thinking: if you loved it so much, why did you give it one star less than full? Well, it’s simple: there were some flaws in the story. And it pained me to do so, but hey — just one star shy of stars all across is still a fabulous review.