Cover Image: The One That Got Away with Murder

The One That Got Away with Murder

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Lauren O'Brian is starting her senior year at a new school, after tragedy and rumor pushed her out of her hometown. Her mom moves them to a new town, where her long distance boyfriend lives, a perfect opportunity to start over.
Lauren decides to pass the summer hooking up with a Cresmont boy, but after her new soccer team warns her to stay away from the Cresmont brothers, Lauren has to uncover why exactly these brothers are so hated by the town.
Two girls dead, so far. Will Lauren join the body count? Is Robbie Cresmont worth the risk?

This was genuinely really good. Young Adult thrillers are usually not anything to keep you guessing, and ultimately I didn't find the plot twist THAT surprising but it still kept me on my toes. I wish some of the red herrings would've been a little stronger, but still a good read!

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I really enjoyed listening to The One That Got Away With Murder. The plot was interesting and full of an adequate balance of romance, action and intrigue for a YA thriller. The mature themes were handled well and not out of the realm of acceptable for a young audience. I did not grasp the time period of the book however, and some of the references towards smoking cigarettes seem dated- even if they are instrumental to the plot. Overall a good young adult thriller.

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This is a tough review for me because the book had nothing wrong with it. I just am not the demographic for this book. It was an enjoyable read, and the narration was great. I just think I would have enjoyed it more when I was younger.

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4 stars for the one that got away with murder. You will like this book if you like -ya thrillers / teen thrillers -easy to follow reads -fast paced or you’re trying to get into thrillers / love books like a good girls guide to murder.
What I loved most is that I didn’t really expect the who done it to be the person it was 🫨 the author does a good job getting you tangled in webs that lead you other directions without realizing it. The audiobook was great narration as well.
This book you follow the main character Lauren as she and her mom move to a new town due to Lauren’s criminal actions and her mom’s new boyfriend. When Lauren starts hooking up the guy who is rumored to have murdered his ex-girlfriend, Lauren is soon outcasted as well. As new bodies turn up dead Lauren digs deep to figure out who the real murderer is.

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I was given the Advance Audio Copy of this book, and after much deliberation decided to give it 3 stars.
I feel like there were quite a few red herrings and it kind of got tiring. I didn’t really figure it out, but mostly because I was dizzy from all of the possibilities.
This is for sure YA and I don’t hate that, but this one felt more YA then some others. I didn’t find the characters super relatable, but I did think the writer did a good job writing teen dialogue without making it to annoying.
Lauren is the new girl in school and on the soccer team. She is escaping some drama back home and ready for a fresh start when she lands her eyes on one of the most problematic boys in school.
Yes, this plot was interesting. Yes, I was totally entertained. Was it my favorite? No. But it was good and I enjoyed listening to it.
Thank you NetGalley for the AAC.

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Quick and easy listen with a good narrator. The reveal wasn’t too shocking to me, but I would have liked to hear more of the reasoning behind it. Overall a pretty solid debut!

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This is definitely a YA book. The characters, story, and details will be perfect for high schoolers. The audio version is wonderful- the narrator is engaging and reads the story well.

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I was lucky to get an early version of this book before it comes out. Audio version was great and I was hooked from start to finish on this one. I’m usually extremely good at seeing the ending/big reveal from a mile away, but I was definitely not expecting this one. My only critique is motive…he got her and all he wanted to do was weigh her down to be drowned? Not to be dark, but seems like a serial killer would have done more as a reason to do what he did.

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Pros:

I like that while this book does have a lot of drugs, alcohol and smoking happening it also shows people who are quitting, going to rehab, admitting they’re doing too much and getting help. It is also amazing to have both a male and female character who were in a group to help with eating disorders. All of these issues plague teens these days and normalizing getting help or quitting is essential.

The guilt from past behavior is so real and painful for so many characters. It makes them very relatable and it was amazing to see them work through and attempt to make amends.

Cons:

While it is very realistic to have teens jump to conclusions and dive in without thinking about consequences I think the fallout was a bit washed over. Accusing someone of killing their own child usually wouldn’t be almost immediately forgiven and unlock extra resources.

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Lauren and her mom are new residents in Happy Valley, PA following a fire that ripped apart their lives back in California. She just wants to play soccer and get through her senior year, but her casual hook-up Robbie has a past that she never could have imagined when she first met him. He and his brother both have dead former girlfriends. Girlfriends who died under suspicious circumstances but could never be proven as murder.

I was POSITIVE that I knew who the killer was, and I was wrong. I love when that happens. I read a lot of mystery and it's a testament to the writing when I'm caught off guard by the reveal. This is a strong YA debut. I'd recommend it to readers who love Karen McManus, Holly Jackson, and Jumata Emill. It's a solid mystery with a lot of twists and turns.

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"The One That Got Away with Murder" is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in the affluent backdrop of Happy Valley, the story revolves around the enigmatic Crestmont brothers, Robbie and Trevor, who seem to have it all—looks, wealth, and charm. However, beneath their polished exterior lies a dark secret: a string of mysterious deaths surrounding their ex-girlfriends.

Author Trish Lundy masterfully crafts a tale of suspense and intrigue as we follow Lauren O'Brian, the new girl in town with her troubled past. She finds herself entangled in a dangerous liaison with Robbie Crestmont. As the plot thickens, Lauren discovers damning evidence that points to Robbie's involvement in the deaths, throwing her into a perilous dilemma.

What sets this novel apart is its expertly woven web of secrets and lies, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The character development is superb, with each figure harboring hidden agendas and motivations. Every persona adds depth and complexity to the narrative, from the affluent elite to the outsider looking in.

The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns at every corner, ensuring that the reader remains captivated throughout. As danger lurks closer, tensions escalate, culminating in a shocking climax that will leave you breathless.

Overall, "The One That Got Away with Murder" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. With its compelling storyline, well-drawn characters, and heart-pounding suspense, it will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a thrilling ride into the dark heart of secrets and betrayal.

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Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC, these opinions are my own. This sounded really good and I’m so glad it was! Lauren has spent the summer hooking up with Robbie. She’s refused to get any closer than that since the fire that drove her from California. But then, at a party, she learns that everyone views Robbie as a murderer. Not only that but they also think his brother Trevor is a murderer too. Both had a girlfriend that died and both happened to be the only ones around at the time. There was never enough evidence to convict them though, and with their family being wealthy it’s not really a surprise. Lauren decides she’s going to find out what happened to both girls, especially after finding evidence that indicates Robbie may have done it. But lines get complicated the more time she spends with him. She’s also facing a lot of hate from her soccer team for spending time with murderers. On top of that her mom’s new boyfriend is around all the time. Are Robbie and Trevor innocent? Or are they the killers everyone believes them to be? Can Lauren escape the fire of her past? And just how dangerous is looking into the two deaths? This one had me hooked! I planned on just listening during downtime at work but I was sucked in and had to finish it! I was so intrigued by the concept of these two brothers both being accused of murder! There were so many time that I thought I’d figured out a piece just to be wrong! Also so many believable suspects that it’ll keep you guessing! And Lauren’s past makes for an interesting side story that will have readers craving to know more! Helen Laser and Joshua Quinn do an excellent job narrating the book as well! Highly recommend for mystery lovers!

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Way too fast paced to really let the plot or characters develop. I think the author has good ideas, but this book feels rushed.

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I love a good thriller! I really enjoyed this YA Thriller written by Trish Lundy.
This story focuses on Lauren, the new girl in the town of Happy Valley who just moved from California. Lauren is coming to Happy Valley in hopes of leaving her past in California behind, and enjoying finishing her senior year of high school, and playing soccer. Before Lauren starts high school in the fall, she meets Robbie Cresmont who works at the medical facility Lauren's mother is a nurse at. Soon after starting her senior year, Lauren discovers that the Cresmont family has a reputation, and rumors swirl around the family because of two young girl bodies have been found near the Creswell estate. Lauren's name is dragged and rumors about Lauren's past are used to discredit her, and that she is disliked by others because of her relationship with Robbie.
I really enjoyed this YA thriller, and I liked that you could not figure out who the murderer was until the end. I also liked that the ending tied everything together and did not leave the reader hanging. It will all make sense, and you will enjoy following the trail of clues with Lauren.
Thank you Net galley and Macmillian audio for the opportunity to review this book. I recommend this book if you love a great YA thriller.

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TW: so many Penn State mentions in this book! #HailToPitt 🤭

This was a fun, thrilling murder mystery. The audiobook had some pacing issues in between transitions that got old, fast, but I truly enjoyed this book.

SPOILER!!!
The red herrings totally got me and I was SHOCKED to find out who the real killer was. The ending felt a little rushed after spending an entire book digging into basically everyone besides the killer, but that pie related killer relieve was just too sweet.
END SPOILER!!!

I felt like this book did a really great job of displaying a certain type of extremely messy but intrinsically motivated high school crowd that felt extremely relatable.

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Most YA thrillers are a hit or miss for me but debut novel The One Who Got Away with Murder was utterly AMAZING! I knew right away that this was going to be an addictive and fast read for me. As the story developed I quickly became engrossed in finding out who the killer was. I was kept in suspense until the reveal and I was totally shocked. I did feel a little disappointed that the “why” wasn’t completely explained but that didn’t stop me from enjoying every minute of the ride.

I always enjoy narrator Helen Laser, she was outstanding as Lauren and was engaging throughout the entire book. Joshua Quinn’s creepy interpretation of the killer was spot on and even gave me chills.

If you’re a fan of Holly Jackson and Karen M. McManus then The One Who Got Away with Murder is a must read. I can not wait to see what’s next from Trish Lundy.

Thank you Macmillan Audio, author Trish Lundy, and NetGalley for this Advanced Listening Copy.

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The One That Got Away With Murder is an addictive YA thriller that will keep you hooked. It was nicely done and wonderfully crafted, it was very well written for a debut. Keep in mind it is a YA book, it reads as such.

Lauren is a perfectly flawed, sometimes dumb teenager. She makes very questionable decisions. The characters would've benefited from being a little more fleshed out, but honestly to me I was more invested in the killing.

It was a super fast paced book. It kept stirring me in different directions, thinking you'd found out who the killer was. The ending was very unexpected, the killer revealed as well and it shocked me ! Was it a little rushed, yes but it was a super fun read and kept me highly entertained.

🎧 The narration by Helen Laser & Joshua Quinn kept me on my toes and highly engaged. They had great tones to their voices and the emotions could be felt through their voices. It was a really fun audio to listen to.

✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @macmillanaudio & @trishlundy for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you to @NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt, and @macmillanaudio for my free copy! I listened to the audiobook and read the arc.

This YA thriller was very easy to listen and quite enjoyable. The narrator and author were able to capture my unwavering attention. The ending was thrilling and very unexpected,

Lauren is the new girl in town running away from her delinquent past in California, with her Mom and future step-dad. Lauren meets brothers Robbie and Trevor Cresmont, wealthy and privileged, suspected of being involved in the deaths of their respective girlfriends. With no prior knowledge of the brothers past, Lauren starts seeing Robbie and discovers a bloody bikini top during a weekend trip to the boys lake house. Dismayed at what she has found, she distances herself and keeps her discovery. secret

She receives mysterious threatening texts and calls, then her new soccer friends turn against her. Lauren doesn’t know where to turn. Her mother is too busy with her own boyfriend, who is attentive and nice but monopolizes all of her time. Her new future step-sister is hiding a dark secret,

Who should she suspect? Can she trust these brothers with a shady past or listen to her new friends and leave them alone?
So many suspects with motives. Who can Lauren trust and who is out to get her?

Fans of Holly Jackson’s, ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ will absolutely love this thriller mystery!

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Okay so the red herring(s) got me but I also WASN’T surprised at whodunnit because a part of me was 👀👀👀 I’m considering this a win for me lmao.

When that second narrator popped in???? The chills! I definitely think the audiobook helped up my stress (in a good way, it’s a thriller!), especially at that moment. I was definitely creeped out. Lauren’s narrator was a good fit for the book as well.

The conclusion was a bit rushed and I wanted more of a “why”reveal moment, but overall this was a strong YA thriller with a few different twists that kept me guessing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5


I received an ALC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.

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This audio was a great companion to a fun, thrilling story!

I loved that it kept me guessing until the last minute. I suspected every single character at one point and time and that's what makes a story unforgettable to me. I really enjoyed Lauren's backstory and how nicely it fit into the whole story.

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