🔪 The One that Got Away With Murder by Trish Lundy OUT 4/16/24🔪

It’s over 50 degrees in New England so you know that means I’m sitting outside finishing my book ☀️

Being a school counselor, I love reading YA novels so I picked up Trish Lundy debut novel The One that Got Away with Murder, and I absolutely loved it.

Lauren is a senior in high school that just moved to get a fresh start from her traumatic past. When she starts hooking up with a random guy at her work, not only does she realize he goes to her school, but there are also rumors that BOTH him and his brother killed their past girlfriends. Lauren then has to decide if she wants to end things with Robbie and make friends, or stay with him and get to the bottom of what really happened.

This was such a quick read because I was at the edge of my seat! Felt relatable to high school students while still having that thriller aspect. The brothers reminded me a little of the Murdaugh brothers, so I liked that there was a hint of true crime. I also was pleasantly surprised by the ending and did NOT see it coming. 4 stars

With a few twists and turns, this story had me on edge trying to figure out who did it. Not till close to the end did I guessed right on the real murderer. Had so much fun reading this, wish it never ended.

Trying to leave a traumatic past behind, Lauren and her mother left everything behind and move to a whole new state for a fresh start only for them to find out the grass ain’t greener on the other side. Juggling senior year at a new school, new sport team and trying to fit in, comes Robbie, the boy Lauren has been hooking up with which been helping her cope through. Lauren soon found out that Robbie himself have some skeletons in his closet and isn’t a favorite within her new teams nor the whole town for that matter. But in this story everything isn’t what it seems.

Robbie and Trevor Cresmont have a body count—the killer kind.

Though the ending of this was pretty darn predictable (a horrid case of the it's me, not you probably), I still had a pretty enjoyable time with this! I didn't necessarily connect with the characters since I'm a bit out of the age-range and it's.... ya know. Murder. But I still found the plot intriguing enough to keep reading, and the entirety of the book really flew by!

If you're a fan of Holly Jackson or Karen McManus, then you'll definitely enjoy this one as well.

The One That Got Away with Murder is set to be published on April 16, 2024. Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), NetGalley and the author for the digital advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In "The One That Got Away with Murder," Trish Lundy flawlessly crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world filled with complex characters and intricate plotlines. Set against a backdrop of mystery and intrigue, the story follows protagonist Emma as she unravels the truth behind a chilling murder.Lundy's attention to detail is impeccable, painting vivid scenes that transport readers to the heart of the action. From the atmospheric descriptions of the setting to the nuanced interactions between characters, every aspect of the story feels meticulously crafted.What sets this novel apart is its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Lundy throws in unexpected twists and turns that leave you eagerly turning the pages, desperate to uncover the truth.

But "The One That Got Away with Murder" isn't just a thrilling mystery—it's also a story about love, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature. The characters are multi-dimensional, each with their own flaws and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and compelling.

Overall, Trish Lundy's "The One That Got Away with Murder" is a captivating read that will keep you hooked from start to finish. With its gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and expertly crafted suspense, it's a must-read for fans of the genre.

Lauren and her mom have relocated to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania (the home of Penn State) for a new beginning. Lauren is desperate to escape the stigma of a public scandal, and her mom is excited to finally live locally to a long-distance boyfriend. Lauren’s efforts to build her reputation as a great soccer player all seem for naught, however, when she learns that the boy she’s been having a casual affair with was the last person to see his former girlfriend alive. Then one year later, his brother finds his own girlfriend dead of an overdose. Are the wealthy Crestmont brothers hiding deadly secrets, or did they both really end up in the wrong places at the wrong times?

Even though I am giving this a 3-star review, for reasons I will explain later, I did enjoy this debut. It was so fast-paced and well-written that I finished it in a day. It’s giving I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes, but with higher stakes because the two female victims were in relationships with the suspects. Everyone in town knows that the intimate partner is usually the perpetrator when it comes to violent crimes against women, but they also know that the influential Crestmont family has the resources and the connections to keep Robbie and Trevor out of jail, and permanently erased from the suspect list. I thought the author did a great job developing the mystery and building suspense. She also made all of the main characters sympathetic so that the reader is invested in finding out how and if each character's innocence would be proven.

The reasons that this one doesn’t rise to a 5-star mystery for me are (1) the degree of suspension of disbelief required for the story to work; and (2) the motive for the first killing, and which ultimately set off an avalanche of future violence, just didn’t make sense to me. I still don't know why the suspect(s) did it.

Without spoiling the plot, there is a big reveal about 25% into the story that significantly impacts the main character Lauren’s perspective on the crimes and her suspicions. Even though Lauren is 17 and clearly quite bright and independent, she doesn’t call the police or trust any adult with her findings. She doesn’t even make any kind of permanent record of the findings for herself. We’re talking about an actual murder here, but the reader is asked to believe that Lauren isn’t sure what to do, or that she is too scared to make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers? This is 2024! True crime podcasts are a thing! It's just too big of a pill to swallow, especially considering that it is her decision not to involve law enforcement that has to happen in order for the rest of the events in the novel to occur.

Finally, and maybe it’s just me, but I am concerned that this novel, like many other YA titles I’ve read over the last few years, does not depict a single adult who behaves like one. Literally, every adult in this novel who interacts with a main character is an awful, selfish, narcissistic, person. The parents who we don’t actually meet on the page are all enabling, if not encouraging, underage drinking, drug use, and sexual promiscuity in their homes. None of the teenagers in this book can point to even one adult who has proven themselves capable of exhibiting good judgment or making a sound decision to protect the minors they have a duty to protect. I don’t think this is representative of most teenager’s lives, and I don’t understand the point of creating a fictional world where the only people that a teenager can trust are other teenagers who are just as angry, depressed, confused, cynical, and disillusioned as themselves.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.

Money can buy happiness but can it also buy innocence?

Lauren has just moved from CA to PA after the death of her boyfriend. She falls into stride with two brothers with the wrong kind of body count and soon Laura is thrust into a family that you can't trust with money to cover up their misadventures. Who can Laura trust? What is she supposed to do with the skeletons in her own closet? Jump into the One That Got Away with Murder and find out for yourself!

This book had me hooked from the beginning and I really felt for the characters (either loved em or loathed em) from the start. It was well written and fast paced that made me want to continue reading to find out what came. The twists were pretty good and came at the right moments to keep me engaged. Highly reccommend!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

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!

Language: G+ (0+ swears, 0+ "f"); Mature Content: PG13+; Violence: G+
There's sex in the first chapter (before I even learn the main character's name!), and I don't want to read any further.

I really enjoyed this book and it was a definite page turner for me. I was able to figure out the who dun it towards the end but there were still twists I wasn’t expecting. Definitely will recommend this one.

This is a great debut that kept me reading (I finished it in 3 days while at work, ha!). While I saw the twist coming it played out well. I wished I connected to the characters more but the way the interacted with each other kept you interested. Lauren's mom rubbed me the wrong way and I can't even tell you why. I really enjoyed the friend group and how eventually they all came together.


Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for an e-arc of this book.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

This book felt like a hot mess of a mash up between Pretty Little Liars and Euphoria, and you know what, I didn't hate it.

Yes, it had it's up and downs, but I've come to expect that in pretty much all murder-mystery YA now. Sometimes the characters are just that stupid and naive, deciding they know better than grownups who actually do things like solve cases when given evidence, But then we wouldn't have our story.

Lauren, the FMC, is battling some inner demons, and the only thing she looks forward to her in her new home, new school, new life is the time spent with a boy she barely knows once a week for a no-strings-attached hookup. Her mom felt like she could use a fresh start after Lauren literally burned the bridges to her past. Too bad she picked the worst guy to hook up with, Robbie Crestmont, who's just as messed up as she is.

The relationship here was okay. If you are looking for a great romance subplot, you'll be disappointed here. But it did feel realistic, especially since there's a lot of suspicion going around. There are a lot of red herrings, which got a little tedious. But the twist was great! I definitely didn't figure out who the actual killer was, and was completely caught off guard when the big reveal happened!

I enjoyed the writing, this was a quick read for me and the pacing was good for the most part. Like I said already, a lot of false accusations on who the murderer was, but overall I enjoyed this book.

Prepare to be enthralled and chilled by 'The One That Got Away with Murder'—a spellbinding thriller that hooks you from the very first page and refuses to let go until the shocking conclusion.

In the affluent enclave of Happy Valley, where privilege and power reign supreme, the Crestmont brothers, Robbie and Trevor, seem to have it all. But beneath their polished façade lies a sinister secret: a trail of suspicious deaths that follows in the wake of their relationships. From the mysterious drowning of Robbie's ex-girlfriend, soccer star Victoria Moreno, to the suspicious overdose of Trevor's girlfriend, the Crestmonts leave a trail of tragedy in their wake.

Enter Lauren O'Brian, the new girl with a dark past. Drawn into a whirlwind romance with Robbie, Lauren soon becomes ensnared in a dangerous game of secrets and lies. But when she uncovers damning evidence that implicates Robbie in the deaths of his exes, Lauren is faced with an impossible choice: trust the man she loves or risk becoming the next victim.

With its riveting plot and multi-layered characters, 'The One That Got Away with Murder' keeps you guessing until the final, heart-stopping moment. Author Trish Lundy expertly navigates the treacherous waters of deception and betrayal, delivering a twisty, pulse-pounding narrative that will leave you breathless.

From the opulent mansions of Happy Valley to the murky depths of human nature, this book is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue. Gripping, unpredictable, and utterly addictive, 'The One That Got Away with Murder' is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers everywhere. Brace yourself for a wild ride—you won't be able to put it down.

This was a book that I struggled to ultimately decide how I felt about. I felt compelled by the story, in the sense that I really did want to know what happened at the end of the story. I thought that the main character was compelling as well--I enjoyed her perspective and the way she was written. I wished that some of the B plot threads were woven in a bit more, as it stood it felt like they were often just sort of brought up and then dropped before a meaningful conclusion. I also feel that the biggest moment where the story lost me was the ending. While the ending wasn't horrible, or horribly written, I found myself wishing for more of a fleshed out motivation for the reason that the culprit did what they did. It was very cut and dry, and matter of fact, but I wish that their motives and reasoning were fleshed out a bit more because when I was reading it I found myself go "Oh, okay???" at that point.
Overall, this was a pretty solid YA thriller with some strong TV tropey vibes. But, while I had fun, I definitely think there were areas this needed more fleshing out/development in.

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!

I’m not sure how I feel about this one. On one hand, I was very invested to see what the ending would be and definitely was surprised by it. I liked the main character a lot and enjoyed her POV. There were a lot of twists and turns that certainly kept me guessing. One the other hand, there were a lot of sub plot that were brought up that kind of felt forgotten about that I was interested to see fleshed out. Also, as surprising an ending as it was, I felt mostly ehhhhh about it. I felt like there was no explanation as to why this person did what they did. It was just “Oh, this person is the killer! That’s all!” I think if there had been more of an explanation, I would have been more satisfied with the book as a whole. I still had some fun reading it though. It had some strong season 1 Riverdale vibes which I’m always here for. Overall, a middle of the pack YA thriller for me.
TW: murder, drug use, fire, fire injury, underage drinking, sexual assault

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for a digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Is this what high school is like these days? I always thought I was a wild teenager but these kids are next level. They take shots regularly to help them cope with any life stressors. Sex, drugs, skipping school are just a regular Tuesday. The parents don’t seem to know or care what the kids are doing. Wow, I am officially an old lady. But I’m an old lady who loves a good YA murder mystery, and this book hit the spot. It will keep you guessing!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced release copy in exchange for an honest review.

The cover looks identical to They Wish They Were Us which is why I picked it up. It did not dissapoint and I hope we hear more from Lauren as she processes Robbie and Trevor.

When Lauren moves across the country to get away from a terrible tragedy and start over before her senior year, she never suspects that her casual summer hook-up would turn out to be the town pariah. Robbie and Trevor Crestmont are not only rich brothers, but they each have a dead girlfriend in their pasts, and both are suspected of their murders. Lauren, trying to fit in with the soccer team, needs to ditch the suspected murderer, but she can’t seem to let him, or the mystery of what happened to Victoria and Jess, go. But things get dangerous, fast. Soon, Robbie may have more than one dead girlfriend in his past.

This book was so good. Not only was I pulled into the really incredible mystery at the book’s center, but the romance was really good. I’m not usually a huge fan of YA romances, as they tend to be too unrealistic and over-the-top, but I liked this one. It was well-balanced with the mystery/thriller and I just wanted to know what was going to happen in both storylines!

And boy did the mystery have some twists and turns! This one was really good and like most teenagers, the characters would have one theory, then jump to another when they struck out and a curveball was thrown their way. Then the reveal just knocked me in the face! I didn’t see it coming.

The supporting cast was also great. Everyone just worked in this story. It was overall a great read with everything blending really well. I sailed through it.

I would highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author!

The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy was a great book for this debut novelist who created a story focused on Lauren who just moved to Pennsylvania from California after a horrible accident and she meets a man named Robbie. Robbie isn’t someone who people like, given their suspicions of his nefarious behavior regarding his ex-girlfriend and his brother Trevor’s ex-girlfriend. As a person who usually reads romance but has started delving into thrillers a bit more, this definitely got me hooked and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to receive this book in advance from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Incredible! I absolutely loved this one. Such a great book to curl up with. It was hard to pull myself away to do things, but I always looked forward to diving back in. Highly recommend!