Deadline passed to give feedback; therefore, I am going to forgo my opinion to review this book. I will give it three stars to be fair.

I had fun with this one! It's a classic YA murder mystery/thriller told by a protagonist with a tumultuous past, a sweet love interest who's the prime suspect of said murder, and a likeable cast of characters who contribute to the multitude of red herrings. (There are a couple of chapters from the killer's POV, which I think are effective in terms of revealing information to the reader (kind of wished there were more and that they had more depth, to be honest). Overall, while not groundbreaking, it's a solid entry in the deluge of YA murder mysteries.

WOW! This is definitely the caliber of Holly Jackson and did not disappoint. I read this in a weekend and had a little book hangover wanting more.

I felt like this book had a lot of potential but didn’t capitalize on it. The book wasn’t really memorable in any way. I had to go back and read some recaps and other reviews prior to writing my own, because a couple of weeks had passed between finishing the book and writing the review.

In terms of the resolution, the big reveal really wasn’t a surprise. It could have been made better by giving more of an explanation or justification behind the reveal. I found myself bored through about half of the book. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and as a result, I didn’t particularly care about the evolution of the story. I didn’t have a reason to root for any of them, so I just kind of finished the book because I knew it was on my NetGalley, not because I wanted to read it.

The setting is in Pennsylvania after Lauren O'Brian and her mother had just moved there. Her mom's boyfriend lived there so that was the main reason given for the move. But prior to moving, Lauren had been involved in an accident and she was the brunt of a lot of blame so this new location gave her the chance to escape some of that...hopefully.

Lauren is just starting her senior year and she's in a new place to get a fresh start, but then she meets Robbie Crestmont. But it is an iffy relationship given she's been warned that they come from a wealthy family and all of both his AND his brother's ex-girlfriends have gone missing and ended up dead. Lauren just can't believe her boyfriend had any part to do with the murders. It was quite the read and I loved this one. I would call it a page-turner. It had plenty of twists and turns so I loved that for sure. It kept me on my toes and guessing.

I didn't fall in love with any of the characters as for some reason they just didn't resonate with me; however, I thought it was really good for a YA audience especially and for a debut book.

*The One That Got Away With Murder* is a gripping and intense exploration of a chilling unsolved crime that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s meticulous research and compelling narrative drive create a powerful and immersive reading experience. The book's unsettling revelations and deep dive into the complexities of justice make it a standout in true crime literature.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book!

One word: messy. This was a wild book with so many twists that it became really confusing. Every time I thought we had an answer to ONE of the many questions in this book, it turned out everything the main character knew was wrong. So many of the characters were so terrible and there were never consequences for anyone? (I mean, 1 kid basically got grounded for dealing drugs but the potential pedophile teacher just gets moved on from?) this tried so hard to be Veronica mars meets gossip girl but it was just so chaotic that it was hard to follow or enjoy. Also, not enough time was spent on the tragedies people experienced. The story jumped so fast from drama to drama and supposed murder to new theory that nothing really gets addressed. The idea of this book was fun, but it never really came together.

I’ve been reading more mysteries lately, and this one captured my attention with wealthy teen brothers who might have gotten away with murders.

When Lauren and her mother relocate across country, it’s a perfect opportunity for a fresh start and a way to physically distance herself from her dark, tragic past. When she learns Robbie, the guy she’s been hanging out with, and his brother are suspected of murdering their girlfriends, she’s shocked but decides to break things off with him after a last weekend at his family’s lake house. The lake where Robbie’s girlfriend’s body was found. You have to question Lauren’s logic, but her decision makes more sense once you get to know her.

As the story progresses, Lauren’s dark past is gradually revealed, and unfortunately students at her new school also learn about it. As a result, she becomes as much of a pariah as Robbie and his brother. I may not agree with all her actions, but I liked the way she stands up for herself and states her opinions. Ruffling feathers isn’t a concern. After discovering evidence that incriminates Robbie, she’s certain he’s guilty or knows more than he’s saying. Still, things aren’t quite adding up, and there’s more to the story than she’d initially thought. Several characters have clear motives for the murders, but I’d narrowed it down to a couple of suspects, and I was right about one of them.

Pacing is a little uneven and the ending wraps up quickly, but that didn’t stop me from becoming completely engaged by this story. I read it in two sittings and was surprised it’s the author’s debut. I’m anxious to see what she does next.

Recommended for readers who enjoy flawed characters, small town mysteries, and cold case thrillers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5/5 ⭐️
After an event that blows up her life, Lauren and her mom move to Pennsylvania to be with her mom’s new boyfriend. Lauren is excited to be starting over and is excited to meet Robbie. However, her soccer friends soon warn her off him, saying that both he and his brother, Trevor, have gotten away with murdering their girlfriends. Things take a more sinister turn when Trevor ends up dead. Lauren, Robbie and other friends investigate to find out the true culprit.

This one took a little to get into. Once I was about halfway, I finally got invested enough to really want to know what happened. However, I do think the whodunnit was obvious (at least to me but I do read a lot of books 🤷🏼‍♀️). It’s definitely not my favorite teen suspense/thriller I’ve read but it’s still decent!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love the ads on amazon, usually when i go to read the book i want to look and see if its blowing up and what everyone is saying about it and those ads were wonderful. I love how its a duo of killers not just one. This reminded me of when i would read nancy drew and the hardy boys. I love that it is ya because i dont really read ya thrillers. I love the plot of it, the high school setting and the athletes, like scream revamped.

Book Name: The One That Got Away with Murder
Author: Trish Lundy

ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)**

Stars: 3

- Thoughts.
- Younger YA
- Slow Start
- Ending Felt Rushed
- Middle Was Fell Done
- Overall, it Just got lost in itself

Moving across the country from California to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania was supposed to give Lauren the much needed fresh start she and her mom needed – a clean break from the tragedy that has haunted her since she heard her boyfriend Clint’s anguished screams in a house fire. Starting over the summer before senior year isn’t easy, and being the new girl on the varsity soccer team means Lauren will have to earn her spot. Being seen with Robbie Crestmont doesn’t help her chances. Unbeknownst to Lauren Robbie and his brother Trevor are pariah’s in this college town. Both have dead girlfriends, but it’s Robbie who everyone believes is behind the death of his girlfriend. Even his family’s privilege can’t save his social life. Lauren swears not to get mixed up in another tragedy as she bides her time before becoming a number at a large university, but she feels like she and Robbie share something that binds them together and eases their pain. As Lauren gets closer to Robbie, she makes enemies with her new teammates. But the draw of a mystery has pulled Lauren in. Is Robbie responsible for his girlfriend’s death, or did his brother Trevor have something to do with it? Maybe Robbie’s best friend John has a jealous side. There may be mystery surrounding the deaths of two teen girls, but one thing is clear: The killer will stop at nothing to keep the truth from surfacing.

THOUGHTS: Young adult readers will be kept guessing as this mystery unfolds and their suspicions change. Perfect for fans of other popular whodunits by Karen McManus, April Henry, and Maureen Johnson. Casual and mature relationships, underage drinking, and drug use make this title most suitable for high school audiences.

Trish Lundy’s "The One That Got Away With Murder" dives headfirst into a gripping murder mystery that keeps you guessing till the end.

Lauren’s move to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, for a fresh start at the beginning of her senior year of high school is anything but peaceful when a casual encounter with Robbie Crestmont thrusts her into a chilling investigation. Robbie is the prime suspect in the deaths of two local girls, including his ex-girlfriend. As Lauren delves deeper, she uncovers layers of deception and danger that threaten to unravel everything.

Lundy’s storytelling hits its stride with a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns. While some parts exploring Lauren’s past may slow the pace, the overall narrative keeps the suspense taut. The characters, especially the complex dynamics between Lauren, Robbie, and his brother Trevor, add depth to the story, though Lauren’s motivations occasionally stretch believability.

Overall, "The One That Got Away With Murder" offers a satisfyingly intricate web of secrets and surprises. Lundy’s ability to blend suspense with relatable characters and a diverse supporting cast makes for an engaging read that promises a thrilling payoff. If you enjoy mysteries that keep you on edge and guessing, this book delivers a rewarding climax that ties up the threads of its twisted plot.

Over the years I have had problems with murder mystery books because I always guess the killer before the end of the book, but this one had me guessing until the very end. It was such a fast paced read that keep you hooked and ready for more.

Robbie and Trevor are suspected in the deaths of their ex-girlfriends, but their wealth and status has so far allowed them to get away with it. The new girl in town, Lauren, gets swept away in a whirlwind, no string attached relationship with Robbie. But like a lot of high school relationships, things quickly get COMPLICATED. This is a fast-paced, pulse pounding YA thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. I loved Lauren as a character and couldn't help but root for her. However, i struggled with the POV of Mark. I could have done without that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

I would like to thank Henry Holt Books, Turn the Page Tours, NetGalley, and the author for advanced and finished copies. All opinions are my own.

Read if you like:
🔪 Murder mysteries
⚽️ High school athletics
🤨 Unreliable characters
💨 Past paced thrillers

Lauren O’Brian and her mom have just moved to Pennsylvania, seemingly to be closer to her mom’s boyfriend but it also allows Lauren to escape the rumors and blame for an accident she was involved in. Looking forward to starting over for her senior year and forget what she’s left behind, she starts a no-strings-attached fling with Robbie Crestmont. Turns out that Robbie is from a wealthy family and his and his brother’s ex-girlfriends have ended up dead. Even with seemingly damning evidence, Lauren starts to think someone other than Robbie is responsible and as she gets caught up in the mess, has to figure out what really happened before she ends up dead too.

I had fun reading this one, it’s fast paced and has enough action to keep the pages turning. While I had a feeling who the murderer was, the book had enough twists to make me keep guessing. This is listed as YA, the MCs are in high school, but there is quite a bit of mature content so be sure to check it out for any younger loved ones read it. The characters were all a bit (or a lot) unlikeable so I wish I had liked any of the MCs more so I had someone to root for but overall this was a fun debut thriller. I’m looking forward to reading more from Trish Lundy.

Lauren O'Brian's brand-new start in Happy Valley is anything but.  Leaving behind sunny California and a horrific accident, Lauren just wants to finish high school and forget about it all.  After hooking up with Robbie Cresmont in an attempt to lose herself in sex, she is horrified to discover that Robbie and his brother Trevor just happen to be the locals almost everyone thinks capable of murder. Robbie's girlfriend drowned at the family lake house, followed a year later by Trevor's girlfriend dying of a highly suspicious overdose.  Her attempt at a no-strings romance may have put her right at the center of a local murder mystery that will reveal both her past and a killer. 

For fans of books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Trish Lundy's new YA novel The One that Got Away with Murder is a great book to add to your summer reading. Lundy keeps up a solid pace in the book, keeping the reader's focus as Lauren does her best to not only survive her final year of high school but has to keep one step ahead of a mysterious killer. 

The One That Got Away with Murder is now available.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝘽𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧...

This was a fun YA thriller that was super easy and quick to get through! I did the combo of the ebook and audio, which both were great choices! I was intrigued by this story!

The story itself was so fun and twisty, I was so compelled with the drama going on. It definitely grabbed my attention from the beginning and I had a great time reading it.

I really enjoyed following Lauren’s character, though there are a lot of unreliable characters in this… which I actually found more interesting.

This was definitely a stellar YA thriller debut. I had a great time and flew through this entertaining, compelling, and addictive read!

Thank you so much NetGalley, Henry Holt, and Macmillan Audio for the review copies in exchange for my honest review!

Since I read so many thrillers, this book was predictable for me. I did still love the storyline and characters. It had a very nice twist and was suspenseful at some times. Would read this book again.

Lauren is trying to get a fresh start, that is until she meets Robbie at her mom's work. She tries a no strings attached relationship, but it eventually becomes more, that's when Lauren finds about the girls that have died. She has to decide to continue on with the relationship and get to the bottom of the missing girls OR leave the relationship and continue to build her life. When she finds a piece of evidence, she can't seem to stop trying to get information. This has many twists and you won't want to put it down.