Posts Tagged 'murder'

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Published September 5, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Jet is a 27 year old woman who is still trying to find her path in life. In the meantime, she is living with her parents and trying not to fight with her brother too much on how he is running the family business. Jet does suffer from a kidney condition that she inherited from her father and lately, she has noticed that his symptoms seem to be getting worse. On the night of the Halloween carnival, Jet returns home early to an empty house and is attacked from behind by someone who had been waiting for her. She is struck three times in the head with a hammer and left for dead. She does not die, but after waking up many hours later she learns that the hammer damaged her skull in a way that an aneurysm will kill her in less than a week. She realizes she has the rare opportunity to solve her own murder and sets out to do so with her good friend and longtime neighbor. As her symptoms start to worsen, she becomes more frantic to find out why someone would want her dead. Can she solve her murder before it is too late? Are there other shady things going on with her family that will also come to light? Can she ever find peace with the fact that her life was cut so short?

This mystery story is every bit as exciting as Holly Jackson’s other titles. As Jet investigates she finds out so many secrets that those around her never wanted to come to light. She also slowly starts to realize that she could not trust many of the people she has known for years, which is very disheartening to learn. The ending is fresh and exciting and will leave readers surprised (and that is saying something considering some of Jackson’s other titles). There are a few people introduced quickly at the beginning that can get confusing to keep straight, but ultimately each character has a purpose. Highly recommended for fans of mystery authors such as April Henry and Harlan Coben.

We Were Warned by Chelsea Ichaso

Published July 22, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Eden grew up hearing about the terrible things that have happened at the abandoned beach resort on the edge of her town. It started years ago when the owner allegedly killed her own teenage son and then killed herself in prison. Years later, teens started sneaking in there and it led to two more suspicious deaths. Eden herself has struggled living in this town after her father swindled all of her friends’ parents and skipped town leaving her and her mother to fend for themselves. She has never gotten over how mean her friends were to her throughout her high school years. She does need money, though, so she agrees to be the assistant to a classmate who is an aspiring filmmaker. He wants to do a documentary on this resort and needs someone to come with him to haul equipment on the night the seniors plan to sneak in for their annual party. Eden is pretty sure she sees a mysterious woman in white, but can’t be sure if she really saw it or not. Meanwhile, the filmmaker says some truly bizarre things before rushing away to get some footage of one of the cottages. Shortly after he is found dead at the bottom of the beach cliff and it is ruled a suicide, but Eden knows there is more to the story. Her old group of friends is convinced something sinister is going on as well, with one even claiming that he has been followed by a mysterious figure and believes they are all going to be killed. Can Eden get to the bottom of it before they all start dying? Can she get them to really investigate the death of her friend? Is this place haunted or is there another explanation for why people keep dying on this property?

Readers looking for a suspenseful, spooky story will enjoy this title. It begins with Eden already being at the resort so the action picks up quickly and maintains throughout the story as more unusual things begin to happen. The truth about Eden’s past with her friends slowly comes to light as it becomes clear why they were mad, but also the lengths they would go to in order to keep her from ever forgetting what her father did. The ending is very exciting and satisfying, including a very unexpected final revelation once it seems all has been explained. Very entertaining and recommended for all types of readers, but especially reluctant ones.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

Published May 20, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

This story is set over three different time periods: 1941 Germany, 1980 Berlin, and 2020 NYC. All three stories weave together as they go on and eventually their connections become clear. In 2020 two best friends, Will and Chloe, are home during Covid when Chloe’s grandmother sends a package that starts them on a journey investigating two teenage girls who disappeared in Germany in 1941. Then, in 1941 two best friends, Sophie and Hanna, grow up believing a magical tree in the forest can help romantics find true love. When the Nazis show up to invade their town, however, everything changes and it becomes unclear who they can trust as propaganda spreads lies and mistrust amongst their town. In 1980 Jenny goes to Germany with her family when her father is transferred there for his job. As an aspiring photographer, she wants to see the real Berlin and eventually makes friends with some punk kids who live in an abandoned warehouse and have a punk rock band. Everyone feels very strongly about the Berlin wall and many have loved ones on the other side. As these three stories unfold the parallels going on around them become clear and eventually the stories start to intertwine. Will Will and Chloe ever find out what happened to the two girls who mysteriously disappeared in the woods in Germany in 1941? Will Jenny ever feel like she can truly be who she is despite a very traditional family? Will Hanna and Sophie ever feel safe in their own town again?

Fans of historical fiction will absolutely love this story and want to read it again and again. The characters are all so engaging and powerful as they each go through times of unrest and uncertainty. As the stories unfold it becomes obvious that although they are all living in different times with different obstacles, the basic human nature of those around them remains the same. They all must find the courage to stand up for themselves and others who are being judged unfairly due to the political climate. Even the supporting characters will leave the readers thinking about them long after the story is over. It’s a very powerful story that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Wicked Darlings by Jordyn Taylor

Published April 22, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Noa’s sister died tragically the summer before Noa’s senior year and, although there is sadness there, she also felt relieved in some ways because she is no longer in Leah’s shadow. No matter what Noa was interested in, somehow Leah would be better at it and get all the attention. For example, Noa has wanted to be an investigative reporter for a long time so she was devastated when she heard Leah had gotten an internship reporting on society for a Manhattan newspaper. Leah tried to reach out to Noa shortly before her death, but Noa was still angry and did not connect with her. After Leah’s death, Noa learns there were some suspicious circumstances and she feels she owes it to her to investigate. As she tries to get in with the NY elite, it becomes very clear that these people do whatever they want and get away with it. She also learns she isn’t sure whom she can trust. Could one of them really have hurt her sister? Why would anyone want to murder someone over a society column? Is there a way to find the truth before they discover who she really is?

This exciting mystery story follows an aspiring reporter as she tries to find the truth about her sister’s death. She doesn’t hide the fact that they were not close and she often resented her, but in the end she does want to do right by her. The wealthy, powerful people appear charming and accommodating at first, but quickly things turn as she starts to notice cracks in the façade. Everything seems so shiny and exciting at first, but she quickly learns that these people are only out for themselves. The big question is whether or not Leah found out something that got her killed or if she simply couldn’t handle the pressure. Recommended for fans of fast paced mysteries such as April Henry.

Royal Blood by Aimee Carter

Published March 11, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction with a touch of romance and mystery

Evangeline (or Evan) has known for awhile that she is the illegitimate daughter of the King of England, Alexander. However, she has never met him and very few people know of her existence. Due to her mother’s illness, she lived with her grandmother until she died and has been in boarding schools ever since. Unfortunately, she seems to find trouble wherever she goes and after getting kicked out of boarding school they reluctantly bring her to England where the Queen, Helene, and the legitimate princess, Maisie, are none too pleased. Everyone hopes to keep her identity a secret, but it leaks out shortly after her arrival and the media goes crazy. After failing to trust the right person one night, Evan finds herself assaulted and accused of murder, which she isn’t totally positive she didn’t do. Can she navigate this new public life without it completely destroying her? Will she ever connect with her father or half sister? Will she ever be accepted as her father’s daughter?

This book is fun right from the beginning and the intrigue keeps growing. The characters all behave in ways that seem believable with real emotions, motivations, and frustrations as life doesn’t turn out how they all planned. The pieces to the puzzle surrounding who is trying to frame Evan are there, but it takes awhile for them all to come together. Evan’s situation also seems very plausible once the entire story is explained. There is a little bit of mystery, romance, and family drama mixed into this truly engaging, fun story. Fans of the Selection series and the Inheritance Games series will enjoy this title and be eager to see more books in this series.

The UnWedding by Allyson Condie

Published November 5, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Ellery was supposed to go on a romantic remote getaway to a beautiful resort with her husband for their anniversary, but when he suddenly announced that he wanted a divorce she ends up going all on her own. At first, Ellery feels out of place and lonely, especially when she sees there is going to be a wedding there, but she meets some new friends and begins to enjoy herself. Then, after waking up early to go for a swim, she makes a terrible discovery of the groom floating face down in the resort pool. She tries to get him out, but it was too late. Everyone knew he had not shown up for the wedding, but now everyone is wondering if he was dead before or after he failed to show up. It’s especially confusing since he was clearly dressed for the wedding. To make matters worse, there was a terrible storm that washed out the bridge and took out most communication so she cannot reach out to her kids and they cannot reach the police. They are stuck there with no knowledge of when they might be able to get out and hoping there isn’t a killer on the loose. Ellery and her new friends decide they might as well do a little investigating while they are there, but it quickly becomes apparent that someone does not want them looking into this suspicious death. Can Ellery figure out who would want to hurt a groom on his wedding day? Will anyone else get hurt while they are isolated at this resort? Will she ever start to feel ready to move on from her marriage?

Fans of mysteries such as The Couple Next Door, The Perfect Couple, and the Woman in Cabin 10 will enjoy this title. The main character is sympathetic and feels like anyone would feel if they stumbled into this situation. The people at the resort are colorful and easy to distinguish from each other. The mystery itself has several twists and turns, but the resolution is satisfying and realistic. Recommended for readers who love a good mystery, but aren’t looking for anything too dark or heavy.

Tag, You’re Dead by Kathryn Foxfield

Published October 15, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Anton Fraser, a teen reality star known for crazy antics, announces he will be running a giant live-streamed game of tag. Each contestant (100 in total) will have the latest tech to help them on the game, including body cams that will be watching their every move. The game cannot distract from the fact that Anton disappeared from public life after one of his employees died suspiciously at his sprawling mansion. It was ruled a suicide, but there were always questions and the answers are now threatening to come out. After the game starts it becomes clear that some people are in it for different reasons than just the cash prize. Grayson, for example, wants to avenge the love of his life who died in Anton’s employ, but first he must do well enough to get close to him. Erin needs to win for her mother, who has placed a lot of pressure on Erin to win at all costs. Charlotte really does believe she is Anton’s biggest fan and believes they could form a relationship if only they got to know one another. As the game gets started and they are assigned to be Chasers and Runners it becomes clear that not everything is at seems and when a dead body is discovered it changes everything. Is it all part of the game? Has someone taken control of the game? Is there anyone they can trust?

This fun, fast paced mystery is great for reluctant readers because there is a lot of action but it’s also written in a way that readers who maybe favor YouTube or videogames can really get interested in. The characters are all easy to distinguish and all have their own motivations for wanting to participate in this crazy game. The ending will surprise many, but in a good way for mystery fans who like to be caught off guard. Recommended for mystery fans and those looking for something exciting with a modern twist.

The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver

Published September 24, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Action/Survival

Emerson is convicted of arson and now she’s looking at murder, which carries a fifty year sentence, when a producer approaches her about becoming a contestant on his new show, The Kill Factor. If she wins the reality show she also wins her freedom, but if she loses she must spend the rest of her life in prison. Initially, she refuses the offer because she finds the producer unsettling and feels there is more to this game than he is letting on, but the prospect of winning could mean earning credits that would take care of her father and brother long after she’s gone. Reluctantly, she joins the 49 other teenage felons on a cruise ship taking them to their fate. Another contestant, Kodi, says some ominous things as they leave for their destination that makes her think he knows more about what’s going on than everyone else. As the trials begin it becomes clear that winning and losing aren’t the only two options: contestants can also die. Can Emerson survive the trials in order to earn her freedom? Can she find a way to save anyone before it is too late? Is there anyone she can trust or is everyone out for themselves?

This fast paced, action packed story will leave readers wanting to know more. Each trial is engaging in a horrific way as these teens desperately try to survive. As Emerson grows closer to people it is hard not to want to protect her friends even as she tries to save herself. The aspect of having viewers vote for their favorites also raises the stakes because it becomes a popularity contest and it becomes obvious that contestants will do whatever they need to in order to survive. The ending reveals some answers, but it also raises questions as readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment. Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, The Testing, and other deadly competitive series.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Published September 13, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Paedyn Gray has been passing as a psychic ever since her father was brutally murdered in their home. In her kingdom, if you don’t have a magical ability you are banished or worse, so it is imperative that no one find out she’s an Ordinary. When she inadvertently saves the life of a prince everyone suddenly takes notice of her and she is forced to join the Purging Trials. The Purging Trials is a brutal competition in which Elites show their power by using their magical abilities to win dangerous events in which some do not survive. Once Paedyn begins the Purging Trials she becomes close with both princes, Kai and Kitt. Kai is the enforcer of the kingdom and is used by his father to murder or banish those he feels unworthy to live there. Kitt, on the other hand, will one day be king and tends to show more compassion and sympathy toward his subjects, but he also believes his father’s way is the only way and has no plans to change anything once he ascends the throne. Meanwhile, there is an underground movement to overthrow the king due to his ruthless tactics and malicious laws and as Paedon gets to know those around her in the Elites she can’t help but feel torn between these two groups. What would happen if Kai and Kitt found out she had ties to the rebels? Who was behind her father’s murder and can she find a way to avenge him? What will happen if the Elites find out she is truly an Ordinary?

Fans of fantasy series will love this book as it combines popular elements such as magical abilities, ruthless competitions, corrupt kings, and of course secrets. The characters are all well developed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the ability to change and grow as secrets are revealed. The ending is well developed as the plot twists reveal everyone is hiding something and their relationships will be forever changed. Fans of The Testing series, The Red Queen series, and other similar fantasy series will enjoy this book and be racing to get the next one in the series.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders adn the Birth of the FBI by David Grann (adapted for young readers)

Published August 29, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Nonfiction

This adaptation of the original Killers of the Flower Moon is so captivating that I struggled to remember what had been changed for the YA version. This story follows the Osage Native American nation in the 1920s as they enjoy an incredibly prosperous life due to oil being discovered on their tribal land. As part of the land agreement, they must be compensated for anything found on their land and as such each Osage member receives a large check each month. However, this leads to several mysterious deaths of Osage members that lead to poor investigations, if any investigation occurs at all. Molly, an Osage member, loses several family members including her mother and a sister and it isn’t until a pattern starts to arise that anyone questions these untimely deaths. It becomes quite clear, though, that law enforcement feels little pity for people who have so much money that some believe was not properly earned. Eventually, a man is selected to investigate these mysterious deaths in order to determine if someone is targeting Osage people and this eventually leads to the birth of the FBI. It is a long and difficult path to the truth in this matter, though, and revelations regarding the Osage Nation continue for many decades after the incidents took place.

This book is powerful, engaging, mysterious, interesting, and something everyone should know about this nation’s history. It is thoughtfully researched and presented in a way that the main people the story actually feel like real people with real motivations, which helps readers truly care about this story from so long ago. There are many interesting aspects in this book that are often overlooked in history lessons such as Native American history, the FBI, racism and social hierarchy, and the overall mystery of these events. Historical books that shine a light on aspects of history that are often not taught are very popular amongst young people and this book is a great example of why. This book will leave readers wanting to discuss and know more about these people and this time period. Highly Recommended.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Published May 15, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Bel is an eighteen year old girl who was raised by her father when her mother disappeared suddenly sixteen years ago. Rachel Price’s disappearance captured local news for years because she was last seen with Bel, who was found in a running car alone in her car seat on the side of the road. Bel’s father was tried for the crime, but found not guilty and Bel was hoping to put all of the pain behind her. However, when they are approached about a documentary on her mother’s disappearance she only agrees because her father seems to think it’s a good idea. As they start shooting the documentary, though, she starts to have misgivings. Before she can decide if she wants to continue, Rachel shows up still wearing the clothes she disappeared in 16 years ago. Bel isn’t sure exactly why but something about her mother’s story about getting kidnapped and held against her will only to escape now after all this time seems farfetched and the facts don’t always line up. Her father’s reaction to her mother’s reappearance seems odd as well. Her mother moves back in with them and attempts to form a relationship with her and her cousin, Carter. Bel finds it difficult to connect with her mother after all these years, but Carter thinks Rachel is amazing and doesn’t understand why Bel isn’t overjoyed to have her back. Can Bel find out the truth behind Rachel’s disappearance? Will she be able to handle the truth?

This mystery story is engaging right from the beginning, but the ending will really thrill mystery lovers. Rachel’s disappearance and reappearance leave so many questions that it takes awhile to unravel it all, but the journey is totally worth it when it all comes spilling out. The backdrop of the documentary is also a great way to show how the outside world is viewing this incredible story. The characters are also really well depicted to help shape the actions in the story and why each character had certain motivations. The premise is very interesting, but the ending is what readers will be talking about. Highly recommended for mystery readers.

The Girls From Hush Cabin by Marie Hoy-Kenny

Published April 4, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Calista, Holly, Zoe, and Denise were best friends at the summer camp they went to every summer and they loved their camp counselor, Violet. A tragedy strikes the camp and forces it to close and a few years go by as they finish up high school and slowly drift apart from each other. Then, one of them learns that Violet has died tragically and they all come together again to go to the funeral. At the funeral they are stunned to learn Violet died by drowning because she was a very strong swimmer. Even more shocking is that her appearance has completely changed and they almost don’t recognize her. They start to become concerned that this might not have been an accident. Despite the fact they all have things they need to get back to, they decide to stick around and find ways to investigate what happened on their own. They are forced to face the reality that Violet was not perfect and in many ways manipulated the girls in their youth. Can they get to the bottom of what happened to Violet? Can they reconcile the past and become good friends again?

This mystery has an interesting premise and four strong main characters. The details of the past are slowly revealed until it becomes clear what led to the close of the camp they all loved so much. They all have things they are dealing with at home as well. The final reveal won’t be satisfying to some mystery readers, but it does explain everything and gives hope to the four characters that they’ll be able to move on from this. Recommended for fans who enjoy mysteries.

Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed

Published February 23, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Safiya is a high school student working on the school newspaper who hopes to study journalism in college. She is of Indian American descent, which becomes an issue when hate crimes begin occurring around her school and in her community. First, a boy at a nearby school is arrested for wearing a backpack that a teacher thought was a bomb and in fact ended up being part of his Halloween costume that was comprised of old plastic bottles. After he was cleared and released he was bullied relentlessly until one day he went missing. The police didn’t seem too concerned as they believed he might have fun away, but Safiya has a strong feeling that is not the case and eventually finds his body. Meanwhile, her school newspaper got hacked and her school vandalized by unknown people who seem to believe that all immigrants should be expelled from the country or worse. As Safiya and her friends try to convince the authorities to take these threats seriously, she can’t help but feel like she might be the next target for whoever is committing these crimes. Can she get to the bottom of this without endangering herself? Will the authorities every take her seriously?

Safiya’s story is well written and highly engaging. Safiya desperately wants to find justice for Jawad, the murdered boy, but it’s difficult when no one will see the issues right in front of them. It was interesting how it was depicted that some of her wealthier friends assumed the police would want to know everything they had learned and were super disheartened when that ended up not being the case. The daily struggles of immigrants trying to start over in this country was described in a way that you couldn’t help but feel their constant struggle and fear that people would go out of their way to make their lives harder, or worse, actually hurt them. There’s a lot to discuss with this story from the mystery of who killed Jawad to the social pressures facing immigrants on a daily basis.

Secrets Never Die by Vincent Ralph

Published January 24, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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                  Genre: Suspenseful Thriller

Sam Hall was a child tv star until tragedy struck and he stepped away. Rumors have plagued him ever since as no one really knows the truth about what happened to his family and why he wanted to quit acting. Sam and his friends have a yearly tradition where they go into an abandoned hut in the woods on Halloween and reveal their innermost secrets. They believe it is cathartic and will help them heal, but this year their session was interrupted by screaming and someone throwing eggs at the hut that are filled with blood. They are all justifiably scared by this, but they convince themselves it was a Halloween prank and try to move on. Soon, however, they all start receiving creepy messages from someone named Sasha and it is quickly revealed that this “Sasha” has something to do with one of their secrets. It becomes clear that someone knows the secrets they revealed in the dark that night and they are coming to life to haunt them. None of them want to seek help because then they would have to reveal their innermost secrets, but as the threats become more serious they wonder if they have any choice and what lengths the person behind this will truly go to in order to get what they want. Would this person actually harm them? Is there any way to confront their attacker without having to let the entire world know their darkest secrets?

This story was surprisingly creepy and suspenseful. The threats are intricate and keep getting spookier and spookier. Eventually, they do bring in their families, but their reaction to the threats is very unexpected and helps build up to the climax of the story. Most readers will find the ending satisfying, but it is still a little crazy who is behind it and how far they were willing to go to terrify these teenagers. The story does send a positive message about how bad things happen to everyone and it’s important to try to heal, move forward, and look at any positivity that may have come from the bad things. Many teens often feel like everyone else has it all together and they are the ones struggling when in reality everyone has stuff they are dealing with. Recommended for fans of more suspenseful mysteries. 

The Counselors by Jessica Goodman

Published December 6, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Goldie loves Camp Alpine Lake more than almost anything, and after the terrible year she’s had she’s desperate to go back one more time to be a counselor with her best friends, Ava and Imogen. They have been going to this camp since they were little and now proudly serve as lifeguards. Camp Alpine Lake is a favorite among the wealthy and powerful people to send their kids to and therefore the local townspeople are not always fans of the campers because they feel they are entitled and bratty. Goldie grew up in that small town, but since her parents work at the camp she has always been allowed to go for free. Ava and Imogen became very important to her from a very early age, which is why it has been so hard to keep her terrible secret from them, but she’s afraid they’ll look at her the same way everyone in her town does if they knew the truth. Shortly after they arrive, however, a local boy turns up dead on camp grounds and Goldie instinctively knows it could not have been an accident. As she’s putting the pieces together it becomes obvious that her two best friends are also keeping secrets from her. Is it possible one of them could have hurt this local boy to keep their secrets safe? Can she find her way back to trusting her friends with the shambles that has become her life? Will she ever get over what happened to her or will it plague her forever?

This mystery story does a nice job of getting the reader to know and therefore care about the main characters. Once it is revealed what happened to Goldie it is heartbreaking to see how the repercussions of that terrible night have completely unraveled her life. The vivid camp descriptions will make anyone long to go back to camp, even those that never attended in the first place. The traditions and activities seem so American and wholesome, but underneath there are many secrets that cannot stay hidden forever. The ending is satisfying and not too predictable which will please mystery fans. Recommended for those looking for a fun book to escape into.

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