From the bestselling author of Come Out, Come Out, Whatever You Are and Good Girls Die First comes an entertaining new thriller filled with knife-edged tension, twists you won't see coming, and contestants who will do anything to win―even something deadly. When teen social media influencer Anton Frazer stages a live-streamed, citywide game of Tag where the prize is to become one of his live-in personal assistants, his fans go wild. Outfitted with body cams, GPS trackers, and pressure sensors to keep tally of who's disqualified, contestants are split into Chasers and Runners then let lose into the night-covered urban jungle to hunt each other down. While the whole world watches. Four contestants, however, have alternative motives for joining the game, secret reasons to want to win despite the risk: money, obsession, fame…and revenge. One of them will stop at nothing to be the victor at the end of this adrenaline- and fear-fueled night. Praise for COME OUT, COME OUT, WHATEVER YOU ARE "Mystery-loving readers will keep turning the pages to uncover the characters' secrets and learn the truth…A fun read for readers who prefer mild suspense and enjoy reality TV settings." ― Kirkus Reviews Praise for GOOD GIRLS DIE FIRST "Foxfield's focus on social niches and escalating suspense will appeal to fans of Karen McManus." ― Publishers Weekly "This gothic-inspired thriller with nods to Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier will keep readers on the edge of their seats and turning pages as quickly as they can. It is immersing, puzzling, and unpredictable, with a surprise ending that's sure to have teens talking." ― School Library Journal "Undeniably creepy from the start... With a macabre escape and a surprising amount of heart, this will leave readers feeling oddly optimistic and perhaps a little kinder to themselves..." ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books , STARRED Review " . . . the most gripping thriller of the year; hugely entertaining, high-octane and read-in-a-single-sitting." ― ReadingZone
Well this is definitely 'high octane' like it says in the blurb. This is a non-stop murder mystery thriller set amid a top digital influencer's game of 'tag' in Central London. The is the influencer's first big spotlight event since the mysterious death of one of his teenage female associate, so surely nothing can go wrong? Although very easy to read with a little bit larger than norm font and short chapters, it felt much more like a slog than a tag chase. All the cast seemed samey, which I suppose they would be having worked adm played together as long as they had? Also all the plot twists felt contrived and over the top, which I suppose is intentional. I just would have preferred a read that focused more on what an influencer does, and how they get things done. So even though I am only giving this read a Two Star, 4 out of 12, I have to accept that this might be enjoyed a lot more by its target teenaged audience. 2022 read
What a shame finding an enough nice story with a bad narration.
In this business ideas are everything, but being able to tell a story is still a big part of the job. Now, I can't tell you if Kathryn Foxfield doesn't have this ability or if she was badly advised, but in a few words Tag, You’re Dead is not worth your time, and I'm gonna explain why.
The story is mid - which is not necessarily a bad thing - and could use some improvement, but the idea is valid and modern enough to gather a decent amount of readers. On the other hand, unfortunately, it also seems the parody of a bad crime movie, with the teenagers - because this is what they are - pretending to be grown-ups and moving across London to win a stupid game when people are being hurt and killed near them. Also, I deduce the police is a fucking joke in Britain. Last but not least, the characters are all more or less unlikeable (not you, Erin) and reading their POVs made me want to stab my own eyes. And no, there's no redemption at the end; they’re a bunch of teenagers with their issues, trying to win a shady game made by a millionaire teenager - which reminds me, the parents are also horrible.
There are also some not-that-bad stuff. For example, Charlotte’s constant daydreams are a good representation of maladaptive daydreaming, the first one I've ever found in books. Furthermore, the flashbacks are not bad at all, and fill in what is necessary to the development of the story. And the plot twist at the end is also quite impressive, but that's it.
Moral of the story: girls, always trust your guts.
↠ 2 stars(DNF @35%)
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Tag, You're Dead is a futuristic-feeling YA Thriller with a strong gaming element. Unfortunately, as great as the overall concept is, I wasn't crazy about the execution.
This story features a live-streamed, city-wide game of tag hosted by a well-known, oft-controversial, teenage social media influencer, Anton Frazer. The prize is to become one of his assistants.
The teen's fans are eager to compete, but what about his enemies? Certainly someone as famous and potentially contentious as Anton has many. What would they do for the opportunity to get close to him?
We follow a few different perspectives, all participants in the game. Through their POVs we also are given background into their various connections to Anton, as well as their motivations for wanting to play the game.
The contestants are outfitted with super high-tech gear that tracks them through the city over the course of the game. Everyone takes turn, being randomly selected and notified through their gear, of being Chasers and Runners.
I felt like the idea of the game was so much fun. I was really looking forward to getting into this one and seeing how the game would ultimately play out.
For me though, I felt this story was imbalanced. I'm not sure if I am wording that correctly, but I'll try to explain my feelings as best I can.
Some of the perspectives I found really interesting, for example a mother-daughter duo with majorly toxic vibes. Then there were other perspectives that I loathed every minute reading from; mainly, Charlotte.
Also, there were moments the game felt intense and fun, but just when I would start to become truly invested, it would switch perspectives and maybe be about something other than the game, that would take me out of it.
I also had a difficult time picturing some of the scenes, particularly any involving action. There was a lot of interpersonal drama going on amongst the characters, but the setting was less well developed, in my opinion.
I am first and foremost an atmosphere girlie, so I could have used a bit more work in that aspect. This could have been set anywhere, although I believe it is supposed to be London.
Overall, I found this to be an intriguing concept that sadly, fell short in its execution. In spite of it being a mixed bag for me though, I would definitely read from this author again.
Thank you so much to the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Fire, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I appreciate it!
I finished this book two days ago lol but I forgot to update yaal. All I can say is this book actually sucked so bad it’s not even funny. This one character was SO INFURIATING she had this giant crush on this guy that she had never met and she’s constantly just dreaming about all these fantasies with him and in one scene she is just on the subway and dreaming about him and then she realizes that instead of making out with him SHES BEEN SLOBBERING ON HER HAND the whole time in front of everyone on the train and it’s supposed to be like a funny moment but omg just no I instantly hated this book from there. This character single-handedly ruined this book. I’m gonna add some quotes of hers that just made me angry. For context the guy she has been crushing over is like a famous YouTuber and she just expects everyone and their mom to love him and it’s so annoying:
"We should get to know each other a bit better," Charlotte says, breaking the quiet. "What's your favorite ever Anton video?" "Um, I haven't watched that many, Grayson says. Charlotte gasps
SHE GASPS BECAUSE SOMEONE HASNT WATCHED HIS VIDEOS OMFG
"Erin'" I say, feigning surprise. "I can't believe you're here” “I know, it’s such a coincidence,” Erin says. "How are you bestie?” "Not great,” I say, "You cheating me out of those points at the museum wasn't very nice."
Ok I’m sorry but does this not sound like you’re at a kindergarten camp and two children have a fight and the teachers are like go apologize. ALSO WHO USES BESTIE IN A BOOK like I’m sorry I say bestie a lot BUT IN A BOOK NO. This is less the character I hate being annoying and more just me hating the writing lol
Anyways I don’t feel like scouring for more quotes but this girl was such a lil turd and she always got so mad at everyone for like the stupidest crap she was like OMG U CHEATED IN THE GAME HOW DARE U and throwing like a fit and then doesn’t realize all the terrible things she is doing💀
Reading this you may think I’m being harsh on this character but I’m sorry if just never suffered more with a perspective. Anywhoozles I’m so sorry Kathryn Foxfield if you see this i am deeply sorry please don’t hate me😭
This is a three POV book, told by the POV´s of Grayson, Erin and Charlotte.
The fangirl, the influencer, the ex. All of the characters were really interesting to me and the twists and turns of events had me go from liking to disliking to liking the characters again. The MC whom I thought I would dislike the most at the beginning of the book, I actually ended up liking the most by the ending. I felt like the narration from first person persepective helped with the mystery of the story and it was really fun guessing with them, because you only got to know what the current MC of the chapter knows.
Really liked the side characters as well. They all had backstories and the net around all of them was woven so thickly that it connected everybody in a way. There are side characters who frequent more often than others and some who play a bigger part in the whole scheme later on.
Storywise I love how the author often lets hints of paranormal elements play into the story, because it makes it even more creepy sometimes and even you as a reader start to wonder what was real and what was imagined by the MC´s. I loved the plot twists of the story. A few I "half-guessed" but most of them I didn´t see coming and I enjoyed every turn of the story that had me suspect multiple people and a new character every few pages. The book is quite fast paced and really action packed and setting a good and slightly creepy mood.
Overall it was a great book that I really enjoyed reading and guessing the murderer alongside the characters.
I was a huge fan of Foxfield’s last book, It’s Behind You, and was so excited to hear she published another YA thriller! Tag, You’re Dead is a twisty thriller that you can read in a single sitting — I couldn’t put it down.
We follow three POV characters playing a high-tech, city-wide game of tag with a big prize — the chance to join social media star Anton Fraser’s live-in crew. All our characters have their private motivations for wanting to win and their secrets surface as the game goes awry.
I love Foxfield’s twisty plots and surprising reveals, as well as her totally despicably characters (who I can’t help but love — I’m a big fan of Erin’s). The horror elements are light enough to not be scary, while adding extra tension to the book. Tag, You’re Dead is a perfect spooky, entertaining, read-it-in-one-sitting book for your summer TBR.
This was my first Kathryn Foxfield book and I had a great time with it.
What it is supposed to be a fun televised social media game, turns into a tense murder mystery across London and non of the contestants will be safe.
This felt more of a thriller than a horror and at some point it reminded me of the classic Agatha Christie's whodunnit stories. We have a set of main characters playing this game, dead bodies start piling up and all players are suspects.
Told from multiple POVs, we will get to know the players and their motives. All of them seem to have a connection with the murders, all of them have a motive and no alibi. They all have reasons to enter this game and a lot of secrets.
This was a fast paced and action packed thriller full of twists and turns up to the very last page.
Perfect for: fans of a good murder mystery thriller that are looking for a modern whodunnit
This was everything I wanted from the new release from one of my favourite YA authors. This YA thriller based on social media fame and a deadly game of tag through the streets of London is fast paced and packed with plot twists. With three unreliable narrators, all with secrets to hide, I was glued to the pages, reading as quickly as I could and trying to work out who was behind everything! (also, Kathryn, if you're reading this, those call backs in the final pages are chefs kiss spectacular)
The characters are addictive, the ending satisfying and the reveals at the end pack a punch. If you love your twisty thrillers, then Tag, You're Dead is a must read!
A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Can’t decide between 2 or 2.5 stars. It wasn’t that bad but I’ve definitely read better books and I definitely don’t think it deserves higher than 3 or 4 stars.
I thought the plot of this book seemed interesting, quite a few of the characters were a bit annoying but then I guess the point is that you’re not really supposed to like many of the characters. Charlotte made me want to slam my head in a car door and even her character development didn’t make her that much better.
The multiple povs was cool and generally I don’t mind books with multiple povs, however I read all of Charlotte’s chapters super quick because I hate her. 😀
⚠️ SPOILERS NOW ⚠️
I have mixed thoughts on the plot twist, I liked Grayson at the start and I really shipped him and Beatrix and so I’m mad that he’s a bad person. Also I feel like the plot twist was too cliche, multiple characters made jokes about how it’s always the ex bf and then it was him, it felt so stereotypical. At the same time, in a way I thought that would be too obvious and cliche for a plot twist so I completely dismissed the possibility so maybe that did actually make it a good plot twist. Also the way the book tried to make us feel sorry for Grayson at first and view Rose as mean and an antagonist, only for it to be revealed that he was actually a stalker and harassed her because he wasn’t over the breakup was a good comment on sexism (Alexa play The Man by Taylor Swift). I thought the fact that pretty much everybody in the book did something to treat Rose badly in her life was a good plot point, it’s giving an inspector calls (the English teachers at my school would love it).
I’m still confused about one thing tho, because in his pov parts he always says he wasn’t there when Rose died and stuff and I know that obviously it wouldn’t reveal it straight away because that would wreck the plot twist but if his pov was supposed to be his thoughts then why is he thinking he didn’t do it, does he think other people can read his mind, is that just a badly written plot point or he just gaslighting himself into making the problem go away? I guess we’ll never know…
I received a review copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
Having loved Kathryn Foxfield's previous books, particularly IT'S BEHIND YOU, I was very excited for this. It's a tense murder mystery across London alongside what's supposed to be a "fun" social media game influence's game (read: attention seeking grab - I was immediately pre-disposed to dislike the star from the stunt alone) that gets subverted and turns deadly quickly.
This felt, personally, like it fell more on the thriller side than horror, in contrast to previous books. It always felt like it was a human behind it, with a very human motivation (covering up/uncovering a murder and/or secrets) rather than supernatural, which is one of the ways I differentiate between the two.
This is a three POV book - a superfan, a lifestyle influencer's daughter, and the ex-boyfriend of the gamer's dead employee. They all have reasons to enter, and like everyone else in the game, a lot of secrets. The author has said she's expecting you to hate all of them very quickly, and while I wouldn't say I hated them quite as much as she had implied, they certainly aren't the sort of characters you like.
They're very self-absorbed, all caught in self-created (and in Erin's case, encouraged by those around her) delusions that you want to break down. You're not following them along because you want them to succeed to achieve their goals, but because you want their fantasies to be ripped apart and then to face the truth (and also find out what the answer to the mystery is.)
I loved following the unveiling of all the many secrets, each one making you question your current guess of who was the murderer - and who was behind the derailing of the game. There are so many layers and twists to it.
Also, set in London! I love books in London that are written by people clearly familiar with it, because all the details are just right. And the way major locations and transport are woven in are so much fun.
I had fun reading this book because it was very easy to read, but its also a really bad book.
Most of the characters are insufferable and not in a "hes secretly misunderstood and really interesting" way, most of them were just boring and annoying to read about.
The concept of the book was actually interesting enough and I liked exploring the different motives behind each character joining the game. One of the main characters Erin was what kept me reading, shes the only character that to me was more developed and less like a cliche. I really liked her character and reading her chapters was enjoyable.
Originally I was planning on giving this three stars, as I read it I was thinking it was a fairly decent book, three stars. Except the twist at the ending was so bad it brought it down a rating. This is a mystery and the entire book leads up and revolves around one reveal, who killed Rose? The reveal of who did it was so bad and cliched it was unexpected because of how little sense it made but also incredibly predictable. Creating a narrative where one of the narrators is the killer could have been great, but alot of skill and careful execution is necessary for a reveal like that. Instead in this book once the killer is revealed, their personality inside their own head completely switches. They go from innocent, funny and not very smart to calculated and insane, which would make sense if it was from someone else's perspective, but it makes absolutely no sense for this to be happening in their inner dialogue. It was a ridiculous and cliche twist.
Overall it was an entertaining book but not a good one. I much preferred the other books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Charlotte definitely did not deserve the redemption arc she got, she sucked the entire way through. She was about as mature as an eight year old. And had the writing skills of one too!
The murderer/mystery was incredibly obvious about halfway through.
Erin was the most redeemable, although she kinda petered out at the end.
Grayson was just all around annoying.
The characters were like cut in pastes of cliche teenagers.
Some quotes that really sucked: "Something I've always liked about Lenny is she doesn't try to solve my problems for me like some girls do. I'm not a project."
"It’s humiliating that the three girls are keeping their stuff together while I dissolve into a puddle of terror and anxiety at their feet."
"It was the moment when I realized Lenny was going to be my friend and not just some cute girl who bought ice cream from the shop I worked in."
The characters in this story were so poorly written although the storyline was really good and had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Until the ending. The ending was awful. Grayson is so misogynistic. Everything that he does is painted in a positive light from his POV when what really happened is he couldn’t stand the thought of a girl knowing she’s too good for him and leaving him so he kills her. Yet still convinces himself it’s not his fault?!? All the build up is not worth that ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2.6 não é mau, lê se! o conceito da história está bem mas não era muito captivante! algumas cenas acertei outras não porque esconderam factos dos leitores kakakaka i mean é bom se não tiverem mais nada para ler beijos do vosso leitor fav que vai rumo à circe agora
In één keer uitgelezen. In het begin een beetje wennen aan de stijl (beetje te jeugdig haha), maar al snel werd het spannend en wil je echt weten wie er achter het "reallife cluedo-spel" zit. Lekker om even je hoofd vrij te maken.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable read. I had a great time with it.
In "Tag, You're Dead," 100 participants come together to play a live-streamed game of tag. The prize? Tons of money and a meeting with the popular creator of the game. However, three participants have their own motives to play and win. But when the game starts, someone takes control of it, resulting in a murder investigation. The danger? The murderer might be among the players.
I really liked the concept of the book. I thought it would be about a survival game of tag, but that wasn't the main storyline. The tag game only lasts for about 100 pages. The rest is about the main characters trying to solve a murder mystery. So I guess the blurb gave me different expectations. However, I still enjoyed the story overall.
The story is packed with action and mystery. You can't trust anyone. The chapters will definitely deceive you. I really liked that about this book! The tension is palpable, and due to the short chapters, it reads like a train. I just couldn't put it down and had to know what happened next.
However, I didn't really like the characters. Charlotte is crazy, and Grayson is boring. I only liked Erin—she shows a lot of character development throughout the story, and her feelings were understandable. The side characters and their relationships with the main characters were interesting, however. Everyone was connected in some way. This created interesting conflicts and confrontations between them.
The ending was predictable, but also surprising. I easily guessed the person who took control of the game, but I hadn't guessed the murderer. In the end, it all made sense. The last chapters created a rollercoaster of suspense and action, and the epilogue made me laugh out loud. I think the ending fit great.
Although this book wasn't what I expected, I liked it overall! Sadly, I didn't feel a connection with two of the main characters, but the tension of the story made up for that. I might give other books by Kathryn Foxfield a try as well.
LOL this is a silly book that’s pretty fun. There’s some good character arcs, stereotypical eye rolls, and some real cringe moments that come from young content creator asshole types. The ending made me chuckle.
This is a fun YA thriller that does manage to keep you guessing at points and feels a little obvious at other times. Some characters you’ll hate and some you’ll actually warm to.
Worth the read if you fancy something easy to follow but with tension and suspense along the way
This creeped me out suitably. I didn’t see the plotter being who it was, but it made perfect sense. I liked the whole mass game of tag and the interesting spin of the murder mystery too. Don’t recommend reading this at night ha!