Thank you Net Galley and Delacorte Press for this ARC!!

This YA mystery was the perfect amount of suspense and angst!! Three friends are torn apart by a life changing accident and now they must face the past and work together!! Henry, Ally, and Grace must face each other and discover the truth about what really happened two years ago.

This book was amazing!! 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ All the twist and turns were so unexpected and paced so well that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I loved how the story kept me guessing until the end! I loved the dynamic between Ally and Grace and Henry!! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a cozy mystery with suspense and a hint of romance!!

Navigating a three-person friend group can be tricky—especially when a budding romance develops between two members. While this dynamic created tension among the teens, a more pressing issue emerged: a local crime that cast suspicion on one friend’s brother. As the trio took it upon themselves to investigate the case and clear his name, readers were invited to follow the clues and trust their instincts.

Though I didn’t predict the twist ending, I found the plot’s progression gripping and the conclusion satisfying. Each character was layered and deeply immersed in personal drama, yet they managed to come together and collaborate effectively when it mattered most. Teenage protagonists can sometimes feel overdone, but the author struck a strong balance between typical adolescent angst and moments of surprising insight and maturity. Their determination and teamwork made the story not only believable but genuinely compelling.

This YA thriller had me hooked from page one! A murdered teacher, a convicted student, and three ex-best friends thrown back together when a mistrial shakes everything up—yes, please. The tension, the secrets, the shifting loyalties... I ate it all up. I loved watching Grace, Henry, and Ally navigate the wreckage of their friendship while trying to chase down the truth. And that final twist? Didn’t see it coming at all. There’s just something so satisfying about teens taking the lead and outsmarting the adults around them. Fast-paced, full of drama, and impossible to put down!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this wild ride—I devoured it like hot tea on a cold night, and baby, it was piping!

This book gave me everything I crave in a thriller: we’ve got murder (check), suspense (double check), mistaken identity (yes, please), a little romance (spicy), and twists so sharp I got whiplash. The drama? Delicious.

So here’s the setup: Jake’s just been released from prison after serving only 13 months of a 25-year sentence. Why? Oh, just because it turns out the prosecutor was sleeping with the judge—messy much? Jake had been convicted of murdering the beloved Ms. Applebaum, a teacher everyone adored… until she was found in the freezer at her own house. Yep. Freezer.

Add to that: Jake’s hair and his notebook—like, sir—were discovered at the scene. Case closed, right? Not so fast. Grace, a neighbor and one of Ms. Applebaum’s students, saw someone lurking in the backyard that night. Someone who wasn’t Jake. Hmm…

From there, it’s chaos in the best way. Rumors start flying, social media goes full-on sleuth mode, and everyone’s got something to say—but no one’s telling the full truth. The web of lies? Sticky. The tension? Thick. And the vibes? Immaculate.

What I loved most is how the story keeps you guessing until the very last page. Just when you think you know what happened… plot twist! And then another. And another. Every time I thought we hit the climax, the book said, “Hold my wine.”

This one is perfect for fans of small-town secrets, scandalous courtroom drama, and that “no one is safe” energy. The characters are messy, the stakes are high, and the ending? Whew. That ending. You won’t see it coming.

Put this on your thriller radar ASAP—you’re gonna want to talk about this one. I'm definitely grabbing a physical copy for my book shelf!

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC. Two years ago, a murder of a teacher tore 3 friends apart. Now the three friends, Grace, Ally and Henry who were all impacted by the teachers death in different ways must work together to find the real killer.

I thought overall this book was decent. I liked that the story switched from the 3 friends perspectives each chapter and we got insight into how it had impacted each of them separately. I thought I had figured out the real killer early on, but I was wrong. It was a good story with some twists but not too many.

O M G!!!

This Book Had A Slow Start But Once It Picked Up It Was On And Poppin!!!

A Teacher Dies At Your School And The Neighbor’s Son Goes Away For 2 For Committing This Crime. All The Clues Lead Back To Him… Or Do They?

When The Neighbor’s Son Comes Home A Group Of Neighborhood Kids Build A Task Force To Reopen The Case And Discover New Clues. Will They Come To The Original Conclusion Or Will They Come To A New One? Read To Find Out!

Thank You To Net Galley For Allowing Me To Read In Exchange For An Honest Review!

A solid mystery that kept me on my toes! At times I thought I knew who was guilty and then others I had no idea. This is one of my favorite parts of a well written mystery; I love being wrong/in the dark on who the culprit it.

Such a good read! Has everything I enjoy in a book: murder, mistaken identity, friends doing their own investigation! This is my first time reading Liz Lawson and will be adding her to my list of authors to read!

This is YA and definitely reads as such so make sure you know that going into it. I was struggling at first to keep up with character names but was fine by like 30%. I would say this would be great for 7th grade readers looking for a good mystery.

Alright I loved this book! I was instantly glued in the first chapter. I loved the characters and the friendship drama. A perfect YA thriller and will have you guessing who the real killer was all through the book. Overall I really enjoyed this book and plan to buy when it comes out!

The murder of a school's beloved teacher by a student turns the whole school upside down... two years later the killer's brother and semi girlfriend must work together with the girl who sent him to prison in order to find out the real culprit and prove his innocence. Grace, Henry, and Ally use to be best friends until Grace's testimony put Henry's brother Jake away for killing their English teacher. Henry is Jake's brother while Ally is his semi-girlfriend and Henry and Grace were sort of dating. Now two years later and Grace is doubting whether she actually saw Jake the night of the murder and if she actually wrongfully sent him to prison. Jake doesnt want Henry or Ally to go searching in the case but Ally is determined to prove his innocence and with Jake's trial date about to be set the three of them must find new evidence and crack the case of what really happened that night and who the real killer is. I adored Liz's series, The Agathas so much and was so excited when she announced a new YA Thriller. Too bad this one was just not it for me, the characters were so annoying and their bumbling about on the case was just down right sloppy. I get that they are teens but they really just fumbled their way through the case. I seriously don't get their relationships at all. I wish Jake played more of a major role and had more POVS and actually had chapters and worked on the case, sidelining him just felt so blend. The only character I actually enjoyed was Ally but Grace and Henry just kind of got on my nerves. Grace was just the worst, talk about a character who is constantly crying and being a doormat. I truly wish I could have liked this more but alas, here we are. While this was a miss for me I will definitely be reading future works from Liz!

Release Date: April 22, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This twisty thriller delivers an engaging whodunit centered around three former best friends forced to confront both their shared past and each other when the murder case that tore them apart gets reopened.

When Jake is released after serving only 13 months of his 25-year sentence for murdering beloved teacher Ms. Applebaum, the shockwaves ripple through the community. The circumstances of his release sets the stage for a riveting sequence of events as three former best friends confront their fractured relationships. The novel navigates the strained dynamics between Grace, Henry, and Ally, as they reluctantly reunite to uncover the truth before Jake's retrial. What follows is a masterfully constructed investigation where nothing is as it seems.

The author excels at crafting believable teenage friendships under extreme pressure. As Grace begins questioning what she actually witnessed that night, and with Jake's puzzling reluctance to pursue his own exoneration, readers are kept guessing until the jaw-dropping revelation: Grace's sister Lara and her fiancé Evan (the murdered teacher's ex-boyfriend) framed Jake. The additional layer of a drug-dealing ring run by another of Ms. Applebaum's exes adds compelling complexity to the mystery.

While I did guess aspects of the ending, the journey there was thoroughly enjoyable. The plot moves at a brisk pace, with enough red herrings and twists to keep you guessing until the final chapters. While I did anticipate some aspects of the ending, the journey there was thoroughly enjoyable. The author does an excellent job depicting how social media amplifies rumors and accusations, adding a contemporary layer to this teenage murder mystery.

If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with complex friendships, moral ambiguity, and multiple layers of deception, this binge-worthy mystery delivers on all fronts. The tension between the three protagonists feels authentic, and watching them navigate their complicated history while uncovering the truth makes for a heart-racing read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Lawson, Random House Children's | Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ rounded up

From the very first page, this book draws you into its world with engaging prose, well-developed characters, and a compelling narrative. The author's storytelling is confident and immersive, weaving together themes that resonate long after the final chapter.

Just imagine a good girl guide to murder but even more darker?
You did?well you got this book
The story maked me to keep wanting more and more and putting me more intrigued on the "who did this?"question
Its a book that will put you on the chair until you figure the truth out
I really loved this how it was done everything making sense in the end
So i certainly following her next books

Really enjoyed this ! I liked the characters … the flashbacks were good . Kept me on edge the whole time ! Slightly predictable , but still entertaining

This book was just okay. I liked the mystery aspect and not knowing who killed the teacher and the overall creepy vibe but the one FMC was so whiny is was hard to tolerate her chapters

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson is indeed a very good thriller that hooked me from the beginning and the ending simply blew my mind. Jake Hanson, had been a good student until he wasn't. He fell in with an unsavory group, was suspected of dealing drugs and was facing possible expulsion. He had a loud and threatening fight with his English teacher Miriam Applebaum. Shortly after this incident, Ms. Applebaum was found murdered, and all evidence led to Jake. The most convincing evidence was provided by high-schooler Grace Topham; she testified that she saw Jake entering Miriam's home on the night of the murder. Largely contingent on Grace's testimony Jake was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Imagine the town's reaction when Jake was released after serving only 13 months; his sentence was vacated on a technicality. Prior to the murder and trial Grace had been long-time best friends with Jake's brother Henry and Ally Copeland, her feisty and opinionated neighbor and editor of the school paper. Grace has been questioning her testimony, and ultimately shared that wiith her two former friends; reluctantly they join forces to discover who actually killed Miriam and if possible exonerate Jake. Murder Between Friends is a well- crafted novel, with multiple subplots that keep the reader guessing. My only concern is that it appeared to be recommended for readers age 12 and up, based on the content I think 14 and up would be a more appropriate age range. Let me just repeat- the ending is stellar. Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, Delacorte Press and Liz Lawson for the opportunity to read an ARC of Murder Between Friends; my review reflects my candid opinion. 4 stars.

So fun and had me guessing until the last second. (Though I was happy to guess the true killer of this one). All three POV's were fully fleshed-out characters that each had their complicated feelings towards the case. Grace's story intrigued me the most given her (spoiler: complicated family), and seeing her crack the case in the end was lovely to see.

Like many of the books I don't rate a perfect 5/5, it came down to this one dragging in some places.

Overall, I enjoyed Murder Between Friends, but there were a few reasons I couldn't give it more than 3 stars.

The premise: Three friends were torn apart when, two years ago, Henry's brother was convicted of murder and sent to prison based on Grace's testimony - and Ally has never forgiven her for it. Now, being released on a technicality, the three friends have to come together to solve what really happened before Jake is retried.

Liz Lawson's YA mystery/thriller definitely felt like it was a a teenager that was trying to act like an adult. Parts were over the top, but that's not necessarily a bad things with this kind of book (especially YA). But the language felt disjointed. The kids were using adult language (both in vocabulary and in cursing), yet, every actual adult talked to them like children (the MC's are supposed to be 17/18 - high school seniors). Everyone kept telling them to let the grown-ups handle it. Who says that to 17 year olds? Say adults. I haven't send "grown-ups" to my kids since they were 5. I'm not sure why that bothered me so much.

There were also some inconsistencies that I'm going to amount to editing issues, which I'm hopeful are fixed before publication - clues were different, wording was off in some paragraphs/sentences. Some of them strange enough it felt like AI wrote parts. I also was able to figure out the mystery, a good portion before the ending.

With all that being said, I did still enjoy myself, and the story of these 3 teenagers trying to navigate big hard things together.

**Thank you NetGalley and Random House Childrens for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**

I found this YA thriller to be not quite as thrilling as I’d hoped. The plot had a very slow build, which made it hard to stay fully engaged. There was a nice twist at the end that I appreciated, but it didn’t quite make up for the overall slow pacing. That said, it wasn’t a bad read—just not action-packed enough for my taste. I did enjoy the well-developed characters, and the story had real potential. I’d be open to giving this author another try. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader’s copy