Tag: Mystery

Book Review

The Hidden Girl

TheShelfLife

The Hidden Girl by Louise Bassett

Publication Date: October 2025 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A surface level but tactful look into human trafficking with emotional characters.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Melati has had her share of teenage struggles, including a bully who just can’t seem to stop targeting her. When she finds a diary written in Indonesian, she starts to learn the story of a girl named Devi. While Mel is on a school trip to Indonesia, she continues to translate the diary with the help of a boy named Michael. She learns that Devi is stuck in a tragic situation, and has been trafficked. Hidden in the written words is a cry for help that Mel can’t ignore. She begins to track down Devi and uncover what has happened to her.

My Analysis:

I decided to read this one to see how sensitively the topic of human trafficking (trigger warning!) was depicted. I do think the author was successful and tactful in addressing this tough topic, how impactful and emotional it is, but also without going into extreme detail of Devi’s encounters. It did feel to me for the first 70% of the book that it was two separate stories that she was trying to mesh together, it just didn’t really flesh out till the end. I am also not very confident the author has spent much time around teenagers as the way they spoke and their actions towards each other were overly immature. Even if a character had some immature qualities in their growth, this was every single teen character. Again though, the emotion of both Devi and Mel’s characters were well done, and readers can see a glimpse into their individual experiences. It should be noted that this is set in Australia and features a trip to Indonesia. I enjoyed reading about some of the cultural aspects of Mel’s time in Indonesia. Overall if you’re looking for a book that discusses trafficking at a pretty surface level but also provides emotional characters then this one would work for you.

Book Review

She Didn’t See It Coming

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She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena

Publication Date: July 2025 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An intense whodunnit with a healthy dose of paranoia.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: When Sam receives a call that his wife did not pick up their daughter from daycare, he rushes to get the little girl and find his wife. Upon arriving home at their luxury condo, Bryden appears to have disappeared during the middle of her day working from home. An investigation begins and all of the people in Bryden’s seemingly perfect life are questioned. Paranoia builds as everyone tries to prove their innocence.

My Analysis: As with most of Lapena’s work, I liked it but didn’t totally love it. Of course that did not stop me from wanting to read another of her books. Her work is always solid, if flawed sometimes. This is a pretty standard whodunnit mystery with a lot of possible suspects. I appreciated her including so many options as it kept me wanting to know the outcome. It did seem however that she included almost too much background information on the supplementary characters that was almost unnecessary. My biggest hang up on this was the ending- I didn’t really like the end result of who was responsible. Ultimately I feel like with the characters she developed, things could have been more creative. I still feel like it’s still worth reading overall if you like an investigative mystery. This is an adult title, and has the potential to crossover to a YA audience, but I really don’t think they would be as interested in the characters and plot.

Book Review

Not Quite Dead Yet

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Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Publication Date: July 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An adult novel that still reads like YA.  There is some potential and suspense, but between an awkward writing style and a lack of a genuine main character, this falls flat.

2/5 Stars

Book Summary: 27-year-old Jet has returned home after attempting college, deciding that she would figure out how else to make her mark on the world.  On Halloween night however, she is attacked and sustains a severe head injury.  Doctors inform Jet that she has only seven days left to live, before succumbing to an aneurysm.  Determined to piece together who attempted to murder her and why, she teams up with a childhood friend to track down evidence and suspects.  As her condition deteriorates with each passing day, Jet realizes her family and friends have more secrets than she could have imagined.

My Analysis:  Jackson is attempting to break into adult novels with Not Quite Dead Yet, but this still reads very much like her YA works.  Other than it being a character in her twenties and the fact that there is a bit more profanity scattered throughout, there really isn’t much that would make it stand out as an adult title.  Which may work for some crossover YA readers who could be interested.  Overall, I was disappointed with her writing.  The sentence structure was very abrupt and disjointed and it took away from the narrative.  There is potential with this title and the idea of a woman solving her attempted murder under a time crunch.  I think the best part of the entire novel was Jet’s relationship and reconnection with her childhood friend.  I did find Jet’s character to be very unlikeable.  Which may have partly been intentional, but it made it challenging for me to even be on her side to want to know what happened to her.  I do also think that she was far too glib about the concept of her dying.  She would continually make unnecessary jokes or put off people who wanted to see her when she knew she had a limited window left.  I found that to be a bit disingenuous and it actually bothered me on a personal level.  There were some moments of suspense throughout which were mildly intriguing, but I will admit I did see the “big twists” coming.  If you are a YA reader and a fan of her other novels, you may also enjoy this one.  If you are an adult mystery thriller reader, I’d skip this one.

Book Review

Murder Between Friends

TheShelfLife

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson

Publication Date: April 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A classic teens try to solve the crime story, but full of suspense that will make you read through this one quickly!

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Ally, Henry and Grace used to be best friends, until Grace told the police she saw Henry’s brother at the scene of a murder. Their beloved teacher was found murdered, and it’s been two years since Henry’s brother Jake has been in prison for the crime. When Jake ends up being released on a technicality, Grace begins to question what she saw that night. Believing the police are hyper focused on Jake and not looking at anyone else as suspect, the trio band together once again to try and figure out exactly what happened and why.

My Analysis: If you’re accepting of reading the classic mystery trope of a group of teenagers work together to solve a crime, this one is worth the read. I found it to be very suspenseful and the author did a nice job making you question all the characters and their motives. There was also a nice layer of subplot throughout which not only added to the mystery but really helped with character development. The book is divided up into the three friends perspectives, which I wasn’t sure of at first but I warmed to quickly. It did help to be able to see into the brain of each of the three of the friends and get to know them a little better. The one thing that bothered me a little was I was correct with my “whodunnit” guess, which I figured out early on. However, that may not be the case for a YA audience, who I feel would definitely enjoy this one. There was one twist at the very end though that I did NOT see coming, which I appreciated. A solid choice if you want a quick read mystery.

Book Review

If We Tell You

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If We Tell You by Nicola Dahlin

Publication Date: October 2024| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An unremarkable thriller that was more confusing and inconceivable than entertaining or suspenseful.

1/5 Stars

Book Summary: Twins Lewis and Cameron find themselves on the run after their parents unexpectedly kill intruders at a community barbecue. Armed with cash, fake identities and the instruction to go to Edinburgh, Scotland they are forced on their own into the unknown. Trying to piece together the clues their parents left behind, while also trying to conceal their true identities, Lewis and Cameron pretend to be one person so they don’t cause any more attention than necessary.

My Analysis: I really don’t like rating a book so low, knowing the blood, sweat and tears that go into writing something and getting it published. But this one just wasn’t good. Not all that much actually happened and the events that did were either confusing or so unrealistic that it was hard to buy into the plot (even for a YA novel). I also didn’t care for the main characters of Cameron or Lewis- here they are on the run and I just couldn’t bring myself to root for them. The novel is split up into both of their perspectives, and for twins that are supposedly so different, I found myself forgetting whose perspective I was in too often. The one thing I did like about this book were the secondary characters, it’s honestly what saved it for me. I kept reading wanting to know what ultimately was going on with the twins parents, but I also found that unsatisfying. Ultimately not one I would buy for the library or recommend, it would definitely be a DNF for too many readers.

Book Review

The Wilde Trials

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The Wilde Trials by Mackenzie Reed

Publication Date: January 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A little slow to start, but if you enjoy stories about games/competitions, this one is definitely for you.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Every year Chloe’s elite boarding school has a wilderness competition, where those participating are pushed to their physical and mental limits. Not only does the winner get bragging rights as champion, they also get a huge monetary reward. Chloe is determined to win this year, and use the money to help pay for her sisters cancer treatments. When someone begins blackmailing Chloe during the games, she is forced to partner up with her ex, Hayes, who just so happens to be investigating his brothers death which also occurred during the competition years before. Lies, deceit, and sabotage are now a part of the game making the challenges that much harder…and also deadly.

My Analysis: I was a little bit torn on this one and ultimately what to rate it, but I think those true YA audience readers will love it. The pacing was a little slow for my liking, and it really didn’t pick up until about 60% in. I was curious enough to know what was going to happen and what would be revealed to keep reading though. Once it did really get going I found myself very invested. I liked the characters and particularly the relationship between Chloe and her sister. Reed does a nice job of making you question the motives of everyone in the game and was able to share some solid character development even when some characters weren’t always on the page as frequently. The ending wrapped up nicely, although it did seem a bit rushed after everything. If you are into stories that are about games or competitions, you will definitely enjoy this one. Lots of clues and challenges within the Wilde Trials themselves as well as other secrets that are simultaneously uncovered.

Book Review

This Book Kills

TheShelfLife

This Book Kills by Ravena Guron

Publication Date: September 2024 | Thanks NetGalleyfor an ARC

Overall Verdict: If you can get passed some too convenient coincidences, this is an entertaining boarding school murder mystery.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: As one of the few scholarship students at an elite boarding school, Jess has tried to keep her head down and work hard. When one of her fellow classmates is murdered, it comes to light that it occurred exactly as one of Jess’s short stories she wrote for class. With her future on the line, Jess teams up with other students to figure out what happened all while receiving death threats from the murderer. As their investigation continues, secrets are revealed and everyone has the possibility of becoming a suspect…or the next in line to be murdered.

My Analysis: This one turned out much better than I anticipated after reading the synopsis and the first 20% of the book. It actually had me stumped on who was behind the murders, which is saying something. My biggest hang up with this one was how juvenile some of the writing was geared. It seemed unnecessary to me to have silly character names and to keep over using the same phrases (Er…) to the point it detracts from the story. I did appreciate that there were layers of complexity when it came to characters secrets and wasn’t quite as straight forward of a murder mystery as I had thought. There were of course some events that seemed like a little too much of a coincidence than it would be in reality, but if you can look beyond that it was entertaining. The characters were mostly interesting and the author did do a nice job of making everyone seem like a suspect. I was invested in wanting to know what happened next. If you like murder mysteries and/or boarding school stories, give this one a read.

Book Review

The Return of Ellie Black

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The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Publication Date: May 2024

Overall Verdict: A solid thriller that will keep you guessing and make your heart wrench for the characters. An adult novel with YA crossover potential. Recommended!

5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Detective Chelsey Calhoun has been trying her entire career to help find missing girls, in hopes of finding closure for her sister who had gone missing when they were teens. When a cold case of Chelsey’s is suddenly active again with the reappearance of Ellie Black who vanished two years ago, she begins to dive deeper into what happened. As she questions Ellie however, it becomes clear that she is not sharing all the information about what has happened to her.

My Analysis: This is an adult novel, but absolutely has the ability to be of interest (and appropriate where applicable) for older YA readers. Content warning there is non-graphic depictions of sexual abuse. You are given both the detectives perspective as well as the teen who had been missing, so YA readers can still make a connection. It is a fast-paced thriller and I like how the author connected the dots through multiple perspectives. There are some interesting twists (one of which I wasn’t totally a fan of, but it worked) that really keep you wanting more. I do wish that the ending had been expanded upon. I get where the author wanted to cut things off, but I wanted to know more about the aftermath of things. Overall if you are a fan of thrillers, particularly missing persons/kidnapping plots, you need to read this one.

Book Review

The Bitter End

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The Bitter End by Alexa Donne

Publication Date: October 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A closed circle mystery that is not at all plausible or strongly written, but provides an entertaining series of events that make you question each character.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Eight teens get stuck with a last minute change to their Senior trip, and find themselves in a remote ski cabin for a long weekend. With the intend of being a ‘digital detox’ retreat, they are cut-off from the outside world, and when a blizzard strikes they become even more isolated. Survival becomes paramount when not only are they trapped, but people start dying. With secrets revealed and constant betrayals, everyone becomes suspect.

My Analysis: I enjoy a closed circle mystery, and wanted to give this one a try. The premise of teens trapped in a snow storm always has merit. This book is based on Agatha Christies And Then There Were None, which was interesting and overall it does keep you guessing on who is responsible. It is told in dual time lines and multiple POV’s which can get a bit tricky to understand but still works. And ultimately is very necessary to the plot. You can definitely tell though that this is an adult writing what they think teens talk and act like. I didn’t find it to be very realistic, based on my experiences. I do think Donne is getting stronger with her writing, but to me she’s just not quite there yet. If you can look past that though it is a decent thriller. There is casual alcohol and drug use throughout, in case you need to be aware of that. Ultimately it’s a quick thriller that I can see some YA readers get into if they enjoy a murder/survival story.

Book Review

Better Left Buried

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Better Left Buried by Mary E. Roach

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A cool premise that falls short. The secrets long buried don’t make up for the journey to discover them.

1/5 Stars

Book Summary: Lucy’s spring break takes a drastic detour when her private investigator mother brings her along to one of her cases. When they come across a body at the abandoned amusement park, she knows they’re going to be staying awhile. What Lucy doesn’t expect however is the connection her mother has to this town and just how many secrets are buried. Swept up in the investigation herself, Lucy partners with Audrey, a local with a personal vendetta, to figure out what exactly is going on in this creepy small town.

My Analysis: I feel like I have been hit with letdowns lately when it comes to ARC’s. I wanted to like this one based on the premise, but it fell woefully short. I thought this was going to be more about the mom/daughter relationship, but the mom barely confides anything in her daughter and they’re at odds for the most part. The whole novel is this huge build up to a secret that her mother can’t bring herself to talk about, while also investigating a murder that you’re trying to unfold the details of. The ENTIRE thing is build up. And the conclusion was a let down. Honestly the only thing that kept me going was thinking I was going to find out something crazy, but I personally didn’t think it made up for powering through the book. The relationship between Lucy and Audrey is cute, almost a little too cute, but they offer each other a nice balance. That being said, this book is dual POV of the two of them, and for characters that are supposed to be so different, I sometimes forgot whose perspective I was in the middle of reading. I think it would have been better served all from Lucy’s perspective or even having a dual POV with Lucy and her mother. I unfortunately don’t have much positive to say about this one other than the cover is awesome.