This Place Kills Me: Graphic Novel

 

Rating: 3 stars for mystery with a twist and a gray and pink illustration style that mirrors my favorite 80's Izod shirt

My Thoughts:

Tamaki takes on deep explorations of power plays, bullying, and identity in this multi genre whodunit. When transfer student Abby, the last to talk to Elizabeth Woodward, is told that her death was by suicide, she just cannot accept that. She goes digging into secrets that could destroy everything. 

With exceptional illustrations by Giroux, this book will capture readers.

 Be warned, however, as there is grooming and sexual abuse, as well as the very real misconception of victim blaming/shaming that could be triggering for some teens. Because of the 80s vibe of the artwork, I felt like the setting was in the 80s, so it was a different time. Perhaps from the viewpoint of a Gen Z or Gen Alpha, the grooming and the outrage FOR Elizabeth is not enough.  As a ladder to this book, perhaps students might read read Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, published in 1999. This was written pre Google, so paired with This Place Kills Me, perhaps perception will change, or at least readers will feel more empowered to control their own identity. 

From the Publisher:

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.

Publication Information:

Author: Mariko Tamaki

Illustrator: Nicole Goux

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (August 19, 2025)

Print length: 272 pages

Reading age: 14-18 years