How to Read Ash Parsons’ Books
Ash Parsons has built a reputation in young adult literature for crafting stories that range from gritty, realistic survival thrillers to lighthearted, fast-paced comedic horror. Because almost all of her books are standalone novels, there is no single mandatory path you have to follow. However, reading them in a specific order can help you appreciate her evolution as a writer, from her dark, intense debut to her laugh-out-loud mystery thrillers.
Recommended Starting Point: The Core Standalones
If you are new to Ash Parsons, the best way to dive in is by starting with her most acclaimed works. We recommend starting with her debut to experience her signature tension, before moving on to her lighter, high-concept adventures:
- Still Waters (2015): Start here. This is a gritty, emotional thriller about a high school senior trying to survive domestic abuse and protect his younger sister while getting caught up in a dangerous game with his school's elite crowd. It represents Parsons' roots in realistic, high-stakes YA.
- The Falling Between Us / Holding On to You (2018/2020): Next, read this intense psychological mystery that explores the dark side of viral fame and celebrity culture. It follows the sudden disappearance of a teenage pop sensation, told from the perspective of his girlfriend.
- Girls Save the World in This One (2020): Transition here for a change of pace. This horror-comedy is described as Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless, following a group of teenage girls fighting for survival when a real zombie outbreak hits a popular fan convention.
- You're So Dead (2021): Finish your standalone journey with this comedic thriller. It follows three best friends who attend an exclusive, influencers-only music festival on a private island, only to discover the event is a deadly trap with a killer on the loose.
The Victorian Horror Collaboration
Outside of her standalone contemporary YA books, Ash Parsons co-authored a unique historical horror project. This series should be approached separately from her main novels:
- The Haunting of Beatrix Greene (2020/2021): Written in collaboration with Rachel Hawkins and Vicky Alvear Shecter, this historical gothic tale follows a fraudulent spiritual medium in Victorian England who is hired to hold a séance at a genuinely haunted estate, unleashing a terrifying spirit. Originally released as a serialized audio drama by Serial Box (now Realm), it is a must-read for fans of ghost stories and historical horror.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
If you prefer to read books in the exact order they were released to the public, follow this publication timeline. Note that one of her novels was re-released under a different title, which often causes confusion for readers compiling their checklists.
- Still Waters (2015)
- The Falling Between Us (2018) — Later re-released as Holding On to You (2020)
- Girls Save the World in This One (2020)
- You're So Dead (2021)
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Ash Parsons' bibliography, keep these reader tips in mind:
The Title Confusion: One Book, Two Names
Her sophomore novel was originally published in 2018 as The Falling Between Us. When it was later republished, the title was changed to Holding On to You. They are the exact same story about YouTube sensation Joshua Blackbird and his girlfriend Roxanne. Make sure you do not accidentally purchase both thinking they are different books!
A Shift in Tone
Parsons' writing style underwent a significant shift after her first two books. Still Waters and Holding On to You are emotional, high-stakes thrillers dealing with heavy themes like domestic abuse, depression, grief, and the pressures of celebrity. In contrast, Girls Save the World in This One and You're So Dead are fast-paced, humorous survival stories filled with pop-culture references, witty dialogue, and campy horror elements. Expect a completely different vibe depending on which era of her writing you choose to explore.
Collaborative Projects
The Haunting of Beatrix Greene is a collaborative effort. The chapters were divided among the three co-authors (Ash Parsons, Rachel Hawkins, and Vicky Alvear Shecter) to create a seamless, episodic narrative. It offers a great entry point into serialized fiction and shows off a different side of Parsons' storytelling capabilities in the historical fiction genre.