The title Drop Dead Sisters instantly intrigued me. A story about three dysfunctional siblings, a camping trip gone horribly wrong, and a dead body? Count me in. It’s no wonder this book earned a spot on Mindy Kaling’s Book Studio list, which highlights bold, unique, and captivating stories. This gripping, fast-paced mystery had all the right ingredients, and as soon as I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Reading it as part of MEFeater’s book club was a delight, and I can confidently say it did not disappoint. Amelia Diane Coombs delivers a darkly funny, suspenseful, and surprisingly heartfelt novel that had me hooked from start to finish.
The story centers on Remi Finch, the anxiety-prone youngest sister and the perpetual black sheep of the family. During a camping trip to celebrate their parents’ anniversary, Remi and her sisters stumble upon the dead body of someone they know—someone they suspect they might have accidentally killed. What follows is a fast-paced and suspenseful mystery as the sisters scramble to cover their tracks while trying to keep their suspicious behavior hidden from family, nosy cops, and watchful park rangers.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is the dynamic between the Finch sisters, which feels authentic and relatable. Eliana, the classic Type A oldest sibling, reminded me a little too much of myself (as an oldest sister of three). Maeve, the middle child, is the bold, free-spirited voice of the group, while Remi struggles with a deep sense of alienation and insecurity, feelings that many youngest siblings will recognize. Coombs captures these sibling dynamics so well that readers with siblings may find themselves nodding along to the relatable family tensions.
The pacing of the story is another highlight. With critical moments happening back-to-back, I found it hard to put the book down. While some mysteries telegraph their endings too soon or rely on implausible twists, Drop Dead Sisters keeps the reader guessing without venturing into the absurd. An unexpected twist at the end felt satisfying and well-earned.
Romance also plays a role, but it doesn’t overshadow the main narrative. Remi’s budding relationship with a park ranger is sweet and well-balanced, adding depth without derailing the central mystery. The juxtaposition of the novel’s darker themes against the sunny, woodsy backdrop of a July 4th camping trip also gave the story a unique and engaging vibe.
That said, one drawback for me was Remi’s inner monologue, which occasionally veered into overly self-pitying territory. While this is true to her character as someone struggling with insecurity, it did grow repetitive at times. Thankfully, her arc of self-assurance by the end of the book was rewarding, even if it leaned a bit on external validation from her family and love interest.
Overall, Drop Dead Sisters is a fresh take on the murder mystery genre. Even as someone who typically avoids romance in stories, I found it entertaining, engaging, and surprisingly lighthearted for a mystery novel. It’s no surprise that this book earned a spot on Mindy Kaling’s Book Studio list, which highlights compelling and unique stories. While it’s a one-time read for me, it’s a book I’d happily recommend to friends looking for an enjoyable and fast-paced story.
Thank you, MEFeater, for providing me with this delightful book and the chance to discuss it in the MEFeater “Pretty Girls Read Too” book club! I’m already excited for the next selection.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
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