Dying to Win — Eileen Goudge

A murderous senior year kicks off this twist-filled series with “a slickly constructed plot, a bouncy narrative and an abundance of cliffhangers” (Publishers Weekly).
 
The town of Paradiso, California, is abuzz during the lead-up to its annual Peach Blossom Festival. This year, the theme is the 1950s, so the locals are already calling the soon-to-be-named queen, “Peggy Sue” after the Buddy Holly song. The four finalists are all seniors at the high school, with an equal chance of winning the crown -- or dying . . .
 
Wealthy and beautiful Lacey Pinkerton is the favorite, since she already rules the school. But her developer father is facing pushback on plans to build a new mall on the endangered scrublands. Activist Raven Cruz has set her mind on becoming an environmental lawyer and desperately needs the full scholarship that comes with being crowned. Kiki De Santis is getting pressured to drop out of the running so her best friend Lacey can win, while April Lovewell is the dark horse. A talented artist, her dream of getting out of Paradiso with her biker boyfriend could come true if she's named queen. They're four girls with a lot to win -- and lose -- but one won't survive the week. Let the games begin . . .