Murder Trending - Book Summary, Chapters & Review

 

Introduction to Murder Trending

Murder Trending by Gretchen McNeil is a thrilling and satirical young adult novel that blends mystery, suspense, and social commentary. Set in a near-future dystopian world, the story takes place on an island where convicted criminals are executed in a twisted, public spectacle. The executions are broadcast live for viewers to watch, turning them into a twisted form of entertainment.

The protagonist, 17-year-old Dee Guerrera, finds herself on this island after being wrongfully accused of a crime she didn't commit. As she tries to survive, Dee uncovers dark secrets about the island, its twisted justice system, and the real motives behind the murders. As the story unfolds, Dee must navigate betrayal, alliances, and the brutal nature of survival, all while trying to clear her name and uncover the truth.

The novel mixes a fast-paced plot with thought-provoking themes, offering a gripping read about justice, morality, and the consequences of a society obsessed with spectacle and entertainment. McNeil’s clever writing and fast-moving narrative make Murder Trending an intense, captivating read for fans of dystopian fiction, thrillers, and those who enjoy dark humor.

Murder Trending - Book Summary

• Written by Gretchen McNeil and published in 2018.
• Set in a dystopian world where criminals are executed as part of a public TV show.
• The story follows Dee Guerrera, a wrongfully convicted girl who ends up on the execution island.
• Themes of justice, morality, media sensationalism, and survival.
• A mix of horror, mystery, and social commentary.
• Action-packed, with plenty of twists and suspense.
• Strong character development, especially for the protagonist.
• A fast-paced narrative that explores the dark side of modern society.
• Deals with important issues like wrongful convictions, mob mentality, and the dangers of media exploitation.

Murder Trending - About the Book

Murder Trending is a captivating and intense read that takes the reader to a world where crime and punishment are turned into entertainment. The novel is set in a future where a new kind of justice system is in place—a brutal one, where criminals are put on an island and forced to participate in public executions. Dee Guerrera, the main character, finds herself on the island after being falsely accused of a crime. The story follows Dee as she navigates the dangers of the island, trying to survive the lethal games that are broadcasted for the world to watch.

What makes the story stand out is its commentary on the sensationalism of media and entertainment. The novel shows how easily society can be manipulated by the media, turning real-life tragedies into entertainment. As Dee tries to clear her name, she must also face the brutal truths about the justice system, betrayal, and the lengths some people will go to in order to maintain their power. The book is filled with unexpected twists, dark humor, and intense suspense, making it an excellent read for those who enjoy dystopian thrillers.

List of Chapters

1. The Island
2. The First Murder
3. The Game Begins
4. Dee’s Secrets
5. The Broadcast
6. Friends and Foes
7. The Rules of the Island
8. Surviving the Show
9. Betrayals and Alliances
10. The Truth Behind the Show
11. The Final Game
12. Escape Plan
13. The Showdown
14. Redemption

Summary of Each Chapter

1. The Island: Dee is sent to the island, where she is introduced to the brutal "justice" system and the premise of the public executions.
   Example: She is horrified by the sight of criminals being killed on live television, with the public cheering it on.

2. The First Murder: Dee witnesses her first execution, where a convicted criminal is killed as part of the show. She learns the rules of the island and the deadly consequences of failure.

3. The Game Begins: Dee is forced to participate in a deadly game where she must survive and avoid being killed by other participants. The island’s rules become clearer as the stakes are raised.

4. Dee’s Secrets: Dee reflects on her life before the island and how she ended up being falsely accused of a crime. She tries to keep her past hidden while figuring out who can be trusted.

5. The Broadcast: The first murder is broadcast live, and Dee watches as the world reacts to the executions. She becomes more aware of the media’s role in the spectacle.

6. Friends and Foes: Dee starts to form alliances with other survivors, but trust is scarce. Some are more dangerous than they appear.

7. The Rules of the Island: Dee learns more about the twisted rules of the island, including the deadly challenges and how the execution system is controlled.

8. Surviving the Show: As the games continue, Dee faces more challenges and learns that she needs to outsmart her enemies in order to survive.

9. Betrayals and Alliances: Dee’s trust in others is tested as betrayals come to light. She begins to question who is really on her side.

10. The Truth Behind the Show: Dee uncovers secrets about the island, the people running it, and the truth about the so-called justice system.

11. The Final Game: Dee faces the ultimate challenge—a final game that could either save her or lead to her death. The stakes are higher than ever.

12. Escape Plan: Dee devises a plan to escape the island and expose the truth behind the executions. She risks everything for freedom.

13. The Showdown: The final confrontation occurs as Dee takes on the island’s creators, hoping to stop the twisted spectacle once and for all.

14. Redemption: Dee seeks redemption and justice for the people who have been wronged by the system. The story concludes with a resolution that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

Where to Buy the Book

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Target
• Walmart
• IndieBound

Conclusion

Murder Trending is an intense, thought-provoking thriller that delves into dark themes of justice, media sensationalism, and survival. Gretchen McNeil crafts a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative filled with twists, betrayals, and a thought-provoking look at the dangers of turning crime into entertainment. The story is both entertaining and alarming, making readers question the ethics of the society they live in. For those who enjoy dystopian thrillers with a sharp social commentary, Murder Trending is a must-read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.