Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson

The Spark That Ignites a Summer of Secrets

You know how sometimes the tiniest mistake can send your whole life up in flames? Well, for Marlowe Wexler, that’s not just a metaphor. One ill-fated candle on a first date, and suddenly she’s Clement Bay’s resident firebug, watching her summer plans—and budding romance—go up in smoke faster than you can say “hot bottom.” (Trust me, that’ll make sense later.)

But hey, when life hands you ashes, make… a murder mystery? That’s exactly what Maureen Johnson cooks up in her latest YA thriller, “Death at Morning House.” And let me tell you, this book is hotter than a Thousand Island dressing stand in July. (Again, just go with it.)

A Gilded Cage with Deadly Secrets

Welcome to Morning House: Where the Past Never Sleeps

Picture this: a massive, slightly creepy mansion on a private island, abandoned since the 1930s after a double tragedy. Now imagine you’re stuck there all summer, giving tours to bored tourists and trying not to think about how many people have died within those walls. That’s Marlowe’s new gig at Morning House, and it’s about as far from her fire-starting reputation as you can get.

Or is it?

Johnson weaves a masterful tapestry of past and present, slowly unraveling the secrets of the Ralston family—the original owners of Morning House—alongside Marlowe’s own journey of self-discovery. The parallels are subtle at first, but as the summer heats up (literally and figuratively), the connections become impossible to ignore.

A Cast of Characters as Complex as the House Itself

Marlowe isn’t alone in her island adventure. We’ve got a whole crew of local teens working as tour guides, each with their own quirks, secrets, and possible motives:

• Van: The laid-back stoner with a hidden well of grief
• Liani: The no-nonsense lifeguard harboring unresolved feelings
• Tom: The all-American boy next door with family ties to the island
• April: The seemingly sweet redhead with a talent for stirring up drama
• Riki: The goth girl running the gift shop and nursing a grudge

And let’s not forget Dr. Henson, the mysterious historian writing a book about the Ralstons. She’s got her own agenda, and it might just get her killed.

Unraveling the Threads of Time

A Mystery in Two Timelines

Johnson masterfully shifts between 1932 and the present day, slowly revealing the truth behind the Ralston family’s downfall. We get glimpses of Clara, the golden child with a rebellious streak; Unity, the dutiful daughter with a dark secret; and little Max, the favored son whose death sets everything in motion.

As Marlowe digs deeper into the past, she starts to realize that history might be repeating itself in ways she never expected. The parallels between the Ralstons and her own group of friends become impossible to ignore, and suddenly every creaky floorboard and whispered conversation takes on a sinister new meaning.

Atmospheric Tension That’ll Make You Check Under Your Bed

Look, I’m not saying this book gave me nightmares, but… okay, maybe it did a little. Johnson has a knack for creating an atmosphere so thick with tension you could cut it with a knife (or a jagged piece of stained glass from the mansion’s famous dome). The island setting is both beautiful and claustrophobic, and as a massive storm brews on the horizon, you can practically feel the pressure building inside Morning House.

More Than Just a Whodunit

Coming of Age in the Shadow of Death

While the mystery is gripping, what really elevates “Death at Morning House” is Johnson’s exploration of teenage friendship, loyalty, and the weight of secrets. Marlowe’s journey from social outcast to integral part of the Morning House crew is beautifully portrayed, with all the awkwardness and intensity of real teenage relationships.

The book tackles some heavy themes—grief, betrayal, the long-lasting effects of family trauma—but never feels preachy or overwrought. Instead, Johnson lets her characters grapple with these issues in realistic, sometimes messy ways that’ll have you rooting for them even as you suspect them of murder.

A Love Story (or Two) Amidst the Chaos

And because this is still a YA novel at heart, we’ve got not one, but two potential love interests for our girl Marlowe. There’s Akilah, the dream girl back home who may or may not have dumped her after the candle incident. And then there’s Riki, the sardonic gift shop girl with a heart of gold (and possibly some insider knowledge about the Ralston murders).

Johnson handles the romantic elements with a deft touch, never letting them overshadow the main mystery but using them to add depth to Marlowe’s character development. Plus, the awkward flirting and misunderstandings provide some much-needed comic relief in between the more intense moments.

A Master Class in Plot Twists

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Johnson pulls the rug out from under you—and then sets that rug on fire, because why not? The final act of “Death at Morning House” is a roller coaster of reveals, each one more shocking than the last. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say that by the time the truth comes out, you’ll be looking at every character (and maybe even yourself) in a whole new light.

A Satisfying Conclusion (With Room for More?)

Johnson wraps up the main mystery in a way that’s both surprising and emotionally satisfying. But she also leaves just enough loose threads dangling to make you wonder if we might see Marlowe and crew again someday. Personally, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel—”Death at the Cheesecake Factory,” anyone?

The Verdict: A Summer Read That’ll Leave You Breathless (and Maybe a Little Paranoid)

“Death at Morning House” is a pitch-perfect blend of historical mystery, contemporary teen drama, and good old-fashioned ghost story vibes. Maureen Johnson has outdone herself, creating a world so richly detailed and characters so compellingly flawed that you’ll find yourself wishing you could book a tour of Morning House yourself (maybe just… during the day, with lots of witnesses around).

If you’re a fan of Johnson’s previous works like the “Truly Devious” series, you’ll find plenty to love here. And for those new to her writing, prepare to fall head over heels for her razor-sharp wit and ability to keep you guessing until the very last page.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Mystery lovers who enjoy a historical twist
• YA fans looking for complex characters and relationships
• Anyone who’s ever wanted to explore an abandoned mansion (admit it, we all have)
• Readers who appreciate a good dose of humor with their murder
• People who know the difference between petrichor and Pterodactyl (and those who don’t, but are willing to learn)

“Death at Morning House” is a near-perfect summer read that’ll keep you up way past your bedtime, jumping at every creak and shadow. Just maybe don’t read it by candlelight. You know, just in case.

Similar Reads to Keep the Mystery Alive

If you finish “Death at Morning House” and find yourself craving more teen sleuths and historical mysteries, check out these recommendations:

• The “Truly Devious” series by Maureen Johnson (because once you start with her books, you can’t stop)
• “The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (for more mansion mysteries and family secrets)
• “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson (another sharp-witted teen detective story)
• “The Diviners” series by Libba Bray (for a supernatural twist on historical mysteries)

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make sure all my candles are properly extinguished. You can never be too careful, right?