ARC, 272 pages
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Published by: Abrams Fanfare
Read from: July 25-27, 2025
Stand-alone
Source: Netgalley (I received a free e-ARC from the publisher and Netgalley. This did nothing to influence my review.)
Content Warning: Homophobia, Death, Lesbophobia, Drug Use, Bullying, Adult/Minor Relationship, Religious Bigotry, Suicide, Alcohol
For Readers Interested In: 2sLGBTQ+, Graphic Novel, Mystery, Realistic Fiction, YAA compelling, propulsive YA graphic novel mystery from acclaimed Eisner Award–winning author of Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, Mariko Tamaki, and Eisner-nominated illustrator Nicole Goux
At Wilberton Academy, few students are more revered than the members of the elite Wilberton Theatrical Society—a.k.a. the WTS—and no one represents that exclusive club better than Elizabeth Woodward. Breathtakingly beautiful, beloved by all, and a talented thespian, it’s no surprise she’s starring as Juliet in the WTS’s performance of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. But when she’s found dead the morning after opening night, the whole school is thrown into chaos.
Transfer student Abby Kita was one of the last people to see Elizabeth alive, and when local authorities deem the it-girl’s death a suicide, Abby’s not convinced. She’s sure there’s more to Wilburton and the WTS than meets the eye. As she gets tangled in prep school intrigues, Abby quickly realizes that Elizabeth was keeping secrets. Was one of those secrets worth killing for?
Told in comics, letters, diary entries, and news articles, This Place Kills Me is a page-turning whodunnit from award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki and acclaimed illustrator Nicole Goux that will have readers on the edge of their seats and begging for an encore.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I was so excited for this one! And I mean it was from just the title alone lol So imagine my surprise when I was just handed one at ALA. So of course I read it as soon as I could. I wanted to make sure what I had built up in my head was everything. And yes, for the most part, it was.
OK so the art was amazing. I was sad that it was an ARC because I wanted to see it in all it’s glory. But for the most part, what I did see was incredible. And this was without color and all. Goux did a bang up job, even with just the sketching. I really loved it. I also really liked the way she drew the things that were meant to be focused on at the time. She brought it front and center and it worked wonderfully.
As for the story, I really need to start reading the synopsis. I had no idea what this book was about until I started reading it. It was a mystery but not a thriller like I had originally thought about. Anyway, I thought the story was fun, but because it IS a graphic novel, it was still a little choppy. I’m not sure if it was because of the always missing info in graphic novels, or if its because the story itself was that way. I enjoyed it, but I wanted more. I know you’re supposed to use the images to get the full depth of the book, but I will ALWAYS gravitate to the words.
This was so good. I wanted more from it, but I’m not sure if it’s because I read an ARC or if it’ll really stay this way. I’ll be sure to look at a physical copy when it’s finally out and I’ll let you know what’s different. I’m dying to know myself.
Overall, I give this
