Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls

Cynthia Murphy

Jul 2026 · Sold by Delacorte Press

About this ebook

An addictive killer-thriller following an aspiring crime journalist’s investigation into a case that blurs the line between art and life—perfect for fans of Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

When aspiring crime journalist Fliss Keller attends an estate sale and uncovers a disturbing painting by a mysterious artist, she wants nothing to do with it. Unfortunately for her, her Art History professor dad buys it immediately. The portrait has been lost for decades and completes a set of four existing paintings of women by the same artist already hanging in the town’s gallery.

But when a series of gruesome crimes rock the community and her father's gallery becomes the epicenter of a deadly game, Fliss discovers that the paintings may hold the key to a killer's identity.

Haunted by the specter of a serial killer, Fliss races against time to solve the mystery before it claims another victim. In a world where every brushstroke hides a sinister secret, can she unravel the clues before she becomes a killer's muse?

Ratings and reviews

I hope this becomes a series with this young investigative reporter as the main character. This volume was focused on some "supernatural/curse" elements rumored to be associated with the painting. The truth is it's a game, and not only will she solve the current murders and prevent others. She will also bring the story of the cold cases to light, honoring the past victims. It had a lot of action, and I didn't guess who the culprit was.

About the author

Cynthia Murphy is the author of YA thrillers, including Keep Your Friends Close. She has had a long-standing love affair with all things scary. Cynthia is married to her best friend and they are ruled by a Romanian rescue dog called Loli.