Every once in a while I love reading a YA thriller. Murder Between Friends caught my eye, and I’m glad I decided to request this one when I did. Today I want to tell you about this book and what I thought. Keep on reading to find out more!
A big thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for providing me with an eARC to read and review. This doesn’t affect my opinion in any way.
Two years ago, the murder of a neighbor tore three best friends apart–now the killer is going to walk free and the ex-friends are going to have to face the past–and each other–in another twisty thriller from the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Agathas
Grace, Henry, and Ally grew up together on the same block. They used to be best friends–until Grace’s testimony put Henry’s brother, Jake, away for killing their English teacher. Now, two years later, Ally and Henry hate Grace, and Grace is doubting what she thinks she saw that night.
It feels like everyone’s getting a second chance, then, when due to a mistrial, Jake is suddenly released. And Henry knows his brother is innocent, but when Grace reaches out to say she’s rethinking what she saw the night of the murder, Jake’s reaction is confusing. He doesn’t want Henry—or Grace–getting involved.
For Ally not getting involved isn’t an option, and there’s nothing Grace can say to convince Ally she’s not the enemy. But can Ally afford to push Grace out when she’s one of the only other people willing to believe in Jake’s innocence?
The clock is ticking. Jake’s new trial date is about to be set, and he’s sure to be foud guilty again unless there’s new evidence to prove he’s innocent. Grace, Henry, and Ally are going to have to decide whether you can trust an old friend now that they’re your enemy.
Review
Murder Between Friends caught my eye, because I loved The Agathas that Liz Lawson wrote with Kathleen Glasgow. So sign me up for a new thriller by this author. Liz Lawson’s writing style makes it easy to fly through this book, and made it hard to put down. Add multiple POVs and I just needed to keep on reading to find out what happened.
Jake was sent to jail after being charged with the murder of one of the high school teachers in this small town. Two years later, he’s set to be released and three friends start questioning what really happened the night of the murder. Henry (Jake’s brother) wants his brother home and has been looked down upon since the sentencing, Grace isn’t sure if she actually saw what she claimed to the police, and Ally just can’t believe Jake could be capable of this.
We get all three of their POVs while they try and figure out what really happened the night their teacher was murdered, and they’re also trying to find a way back to their friendship before that horrific night. While in many ways it’s hard to believe a group of teenagers could do a better job than cops, there of course have been cases where they fail. Also, small town politics is a big thing in Murder Between Friends. A whole family being looked down upon because one person does something wrong goes a bit far in my mind.
The only reason this book didn’t get a higher rating from me was the fact I guessed the whole twist we would get near the end of this story. I saw it pretty early on and I’m someone who prefers to be surprised by the twist. I’ll definitely read more thrillers by Liz Lawson if she’ll write them.
If you’re looking for a fast paced YA thriller, I highly suggest picking up Murder Between Friends. Have you read any good thrillers lately? Let me know in the comments. I’m always looking for more recommendations!
