Win Lose Kill Die

Just when you think you know, a plot twist proves you don't know anything!

Win Lose Kill Die is the latest young adult thriller from the talented pen of author Cynthia Murphy, and like its predecessors, it did not disappoint. Engaging teenage characters, a prestigious boarding school on an old estate, the tragic death of the school's head girl, and a mysterious secret society combine for a suspenseful tale that immediately grabbed my attention and never let it go.

The story is told from dual viewpoints: that of the anonymous killer and senior student, Liz Williams. Liz had been injured in the same incident at the end of the previous school term that took the life of Morgan, the newly appointed head girl, and was still recuperating these many weeks later. Coming from a difficult home situation, her attendance at the Morton Academy is a godsend, as it is for many of her classmates. She and her close-knit friends are determined to get to the bottom of what's happening at the school.

I enjoyed the elite and limited size of the student body, especially the fact that the students are hand-picked based on academic achievement and potential rather than their families' financial or social standing. Also, although the students readily and laughingly identified themselves as "nerds," they still acted like regular kids everywhere, sneaking out and circumventing the school rules. The close friendships among the roommates were endearing and fun. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Liz and the new student, Cole, develop, especially her funny internal criticisms of her initial awkwardness around him.

Possible clues to the killer's identity pop up throughout the story, pointing the finger at several different suspects within the Jewel and Bone Society. But just when I thought particular hints would be the key to solving the mystery, the author would engineer a clever plot twist, sending my suspicions off in another direction. I never gave any serious consideration whatsoever to the scenario proved to be the truth, so I was completely surprised by the final resolution. Well done!

I recommend WIN LOSE KILL DIE to readers who enjoy young adult thrillers and mysteries.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

Liz is back at her very prestigious boarding school after a summer spent recovering from some sort of accident, the cause of which will not be explained until later in the book. She's a new member of a secret society, which would be a good thing if the other members weren't being killed off one by one. Liz and her friends decide to investigate on their own because they don't feel like the school is taking it seriously.

This was an interesting mystery because there were clues dropped throughout as to the killer's identity, but you don't realize that until the end when the killer is revealed. This was a very quick read and is marketed as YA, but middle graders would be able to enjoy it as well. The characters are all unique and likeable, and the book itself is well written.

All told, I enjoyed this book and can recommend it to YA and MG readers.

4/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House Children's, Delacorte Press, and Cynthia Murphy for the opportunity to read and review Win Lose Kill Die.