#Murdertrending

In the near future, a reality TV star has become president and signed off on Alcatraz 2.0, a new prison where convicted murderers are sent to be watched by TV cameras 24/7 until they are selected by executioners and killed. The whole show can be streamed via an app, and users comment on the deaths and people constantly. The whole thing is run by The Postman, who decides which cameras to show and edits the murders for mass appeal.

Dee Guerrera was never a fan, owing to the trauma she suffered when she was held hostage as a girl. Her stepsister, Monica, was, however, so she knew about it all in passing. The executioners are known by stage names such as Gucci Hangman and Prince Slycer and referred to as Painiacs by the inmates. Dee was sentenced for killing her sister Monica based on weak evidence and an odd testimony from a psychiatrist, Dr. Farooq- however, she is innocent.

Once on the island, she notices something odd about the inmates- they are often young and attractive- were they guilty? What is going on behind the scenes? And the biggest question is can she somehow make it out alive?

This is a unique premise that plays off the social media obsession and the death penalty. Although some things were predictable in the book, the pacing is such that it completely pulls you in to the story and quickly moves to a satisfying ending. There is a lot unique about the killers and the way that things develop- in a reality show culture, this was an interesting take that certainly kept me page-turning.

There are also some really fun side characters, such as Ethan, who is obsessed with quoting action movies, even if it's in ways that don't necessarily make sense. I also would have loved to get to know Gris better, as she seems pretty awesome. I would have loved to go deeper into a lot of these characters, but keeping it plot-focused added to the fast pace of this YA thriller.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a deliciously light thriller. As a beachy read, this book delivers big time with not-too-scary thrills and fun characters. #MurderTrending is a unique read that will appeal to a broad audience.

A gory, dark thriller with all the things we loved about Hunger Games plus a delightfully creepy twist of something new and totally addicting.

From page one, Dee Guerrera finds herself in the killroom of the Postman’s executioner, Prince Slycer. She’s been convicted of the murder of her stepsister, sent to Alcatraz 2.0, and she’s about to pay for her crime with her life ... on live television. Except she’s innocent.

Dee has to learn how to survive her time on Alcatraz 2.0 with the eyes of the entire nation on her. She’s on her own and doesn’t know who she can trust.

McNeil brings dark humor to this twisted and horrifying look at today’s social media climate. Perfect for horror fans who can laugh at the idea of a Gucci wearing serial killer and don’t take things too seriously.

There was so much about this novel I loved, but I did not love Dee’s history involving a strange kidnapping and a really terrifying and bizarre young captor. Much of that story component just felt weak and underdeveloped for me. Certain elements came together in the end in an expected way that was a bit of a let down. The book begins with a five star bang, and the premise is so strong and unique, but the end, while still enjoyable, failed to finish as strongly as it began. I would have loved to see some further development to the story and its characters with a more imaginative ending as a standalone novel. I would still be excited to read a second book, but would hope to see more originality and more depth as Dee’s story continues.