This book was not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. Julie Soto did a great job of developing the characters and what it’s like to be in a popular friend group in high school and dealing with all the dynamics that come with that.

The mystery that evolved as the book went on was done very well and kept me guessing. The twist at the very end makes me want to read more. Please give us more!!

I found Julie’s book recently and loved her romance books and I think she did an excellent job with her first YA book.

I was thrashed! This crazy trip back to high school to investigate Emily’s suicide went to places I was not expecting which I loved. Constantly guessing the direction and the quick pace was perfection. This is one of those books that will stick with you due to the moral responsibility vs. crime question along with all of the many questions that will ring in your head. Enjoy!
A heartfelt thank you to St. Jame’s Press for providing this book for my review via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

This book took me a bit to get into and I'll start by saying the writing style was never the issue. Julie Soto, as always, is an amazing writer and I think it's really a testament to how incredible she is at telling these stories that I'm rating this a 4/5 when I typically don't really like thrillers or mysteries. The first 50% sort of felt overly long to me and I was gripped by the writing style but not the story. But then, at about 50%, I was captivated and couldn't put it down.

It's hard to review this without giving spoilers away - who's 'good', who's 'bad', who's 'guilty', who's 'reliable'. But I think that's sort of the thing with this story is that there were no black and white answers anyway. Each character shows 'good' and 'bad' traits that really leave you guessing til the very end.

Zack is a golden retriever type MMC in many ways and as a reader, you're instantly brought into his inner circle and captivated by him much like everyone else is. Like you're right there with everyone else who worships the ground he walks on, saying 'Zack is just a lovable boy, none of this is on him!' Jodi is incredibly relatable and I think we've all had those moments of trying to keep up with our friends or wondering - on a bad day - if you're really as important to others as they are to you. Lucy & Paige were fun too. It was sometimes hard to tell if they were mean girls or if they were genuinely good friends. Julian - my love, my heart lol - he was the Chuck Bass of the group (perhaps season 2/3/4 Chuck though not season 1.) Oliver was also interesting, as the only character who didn't really have a 'redemption arc' of sorts. And Emily. Emily, Emily, Emily..... Girl.

The mystery was intriguing, though sort of anticlimactic at the end. I think that was the point though. I hate how Zack's story ended, honestly, but it does seem on par for how it would happen in real life, if that makes sense.

3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital eARC.

The book was very cliquey in a way it reminded me of Pretty Little Liars. There were some good moments in the book that made it interesting. I am interested to read more from this author in the future.

I feel THRASHED after reading this book!! An emotional rollercoaster of a ride. So, so much fun! Thrillers are not my normal genre at all, but Julie made this ride so fun.

From the beginning, it’s so easy to slip into the Thrashers clique - wanting to be a part of the cool kids, even in the book! Julie writes the high school setting flawlessly, nailing the nuances of friendship, peer pressure, and seeking belonging.

The mystery surrounding Emily’s death is gripping, and I still have SO many questions. I was on the edge of my seat and tugging my hair in anticipation. It’s spooky, creepy, and leaves you hungry for more!

The romance is a small part of this story but probably one of my favorite parts.. I can’t say anything without spoilers but this was just written *chefs kiss*

But as always, the fun and thrill are also balanced delicately with deeper themes as Jodi digs deep into her own motivations and decisions in the past- considering where her loyalties have lain and who she wants to be in the future. Again, so high school (in the best way) - it was so relatable to look at the people and setting you feel so confident in and seeing it all upturned as you grow up and prepare for the future. I loved watching her grow and really, I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2 🥵😩😤 college aged thrashers??? Count me in!!!

Thank you so much Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

I want to preface this by saying I have read both of Julie Soto’s previous works before reading this which are amazing romances. This is a YA thriller, a completely different genre/area from the others, so I tried to not hold too many expectations when going into this novel.

That being said, I read this in one sitting. It kept me engaged the entire time. Soto’s writing style alone is so easy and melodic and keeps me entranced in the story easily. The characters were well developed, the plot had plenty of twists, and the overarching themes were full of depth.

This story revolves around Jodi and the Thrashers, an elite clique in high school, who are investigated after a classmate dies leaving speculative clues pinning them as the reason she’s gone. Jodi begins to unintentionally investigate the death and uncovers clues as spooky incidents haunt them all while their looming trials await.

I think if you are a fan of I Know What You Did Last Summer or 13 Reasons Why you will love this standalone. Just be sure to check trigger warnings before diving in!

What happens when one minute you’re living what you think to be the best high school career, but in the next moment everything turns on its axis. The closest people to you have been keeping things from you. And the person you thought you needed to rid from your group may have been your closest friend. But worst, that girl has been found dead and you and your closest friends are prime suspects due to a secret diary. How do you know what real or fake. And who’s been lying to you or on your side.

The Thrashers is a Young Adult thriller. It’s got a feeling of 13 Reasons Why and Mean Girls. The Thrashers by Julie Soto is due to release May 6th, 2025.

I received this from @netgalley as an eARC and to say I was excited prior to reading was an understatement. I could not put this book down. The twists and turns, the betrayal and the turmoil. I just ate this up.

Immediate 5 stars! I’m sorry Julie Soto but what even is this? You can write MULTIPLE GENRES fantastically. Save some talent for the rest of us please! This book was so good! And that epilogue? What? Go read this!

I’m officially a Julie Soto STAN. I read her first two romances, both 5 stars with incredible characters and memorable romantic situations that perfectly straddled the line of descriptive without being too spicy, or over the top.

This style was definitely a diversion from her typical genre but she “thrashed it”. Gave me some vibes of 13 reasons why but with more suspense, while also containing some elements from her romance genre that made this feel like it was still Sotos writing and not a total turnaround. The only other author I’ve enjoyed such variance from is Ashley Winstead!

Also: the EPILOGUE! Mind blown!

Thank you to Julie Soto, netgalley, and St Martins for the advanced reader copy!

If you are looking for a book with a similar style and feel as Pretty Little Liars, The Thrashers is it. Except without a teacher sleeping with 13 year olds. This book kept me intrigued and on my toes. Julie Soto is a great writer. It’s a thought provoking read about the complexities of high school and teenage mental health. I’m definitely a Julie Soto fan after this book and cannot wait to read more by her.

Most of my complaints with this book are really just complaints about YA books in general, so I can’t fault the book for that. The main characters very much act like toxic high schoolers, so while I may not enjoy that, it hits how it’s intended to.

There’s a lot of trigger warnings in this one. Suicide, death, abuse, many near death events, harassment.

It was hard for me to pace myself and put this one down. It was a multilayered mystery/thriller with a powerful message about bullying, social dynamics, and family trauma. None of the characters were really redeemable to me, and that added a feel of authenticity to it. The twists kept me guessing and the ending was jaw-dropping.

Julie Soto proves that she has literary range with this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Julie Soto did an amazing job with this YA Thriller! I have not read any of the other books she's written although I've had Forget Me Not on my TBR for ages, and Not Another Love Song quickly joined it on it's Pub Date! I'm also foaming at the mouth for Rose In Chains I'm somewhat "new" to the thriller genre having most of my thriller reads Freida McFadden, but Julie Soto wrote a bomb one, and its definitely top tier! Intriguing, and thought provoking, this book will keep your mind racing throughout! I was hooked from about 15-20% and at the edge of my seat all the way through to the ending. And my oh my that ending was WOW! If you watched Pretty Little Liars, this book is a bit of that mixed with a tad bit of Gossip Girl, and topped off with some of 13 Reasons Why. I personally think Julie has a NYT Bestseller with this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free eARC.

Julie Soto can do no wrong!

I don't typically read a ton of YA but The Thrashers is a wild ride and I loved the journey!

The story begins as you learn about Emily Mills' death by suicide. After the discovery of her journal, the Thrashers, a group of 5 friends, become the primary suspects of a criminal investigation and we follow along as protagonist Jodi tries to make sense of what happened and whether or not her friends are actually who she thought they were.

The Thrashers is full of mystery and excitement and I think YA readers will have a great time reading this gripping story.

Thank you netgalley, publishers, and Julie for this ARC.

Julie is an auto-buy author for me. I'd read her shopping list at this point. So naturally I loved this book.

A group of high school friends are known as The Thrashers. 4 friends with Zack Thrasher. If you're not part of the group you get "thrashed". After a suicide happens the group is investigated. Following Jodi's point of views, Zacks longest and best friend.

This was a very engaging story with an absolute twist at the end, that leaves you wanting more of The Thrashers. There is paranormal elements, teenage drama, teenage angst and crushes. As an adult it certainly brought me back to my high school days and remembering what it was like to be a teenager.

I do think that this could benefit from some trigger/content warnings especially given it is a YA book. This story involves suicide, underage drinking and drug use, reckless behavior, child maltreatment.

5 stars

One dead girl. Five close friends. They tormented her in life. Is she tormenting them in death?

At New Helvetia High, there's a friend group called The Thrashers. If you don't want to be with them, then you want to be them. The Thrashers will even give you a glimpse into what it's like to join their group; the parties, the exclusiveness, the feeling of being on top of the world, but then --just as quickly as they reel you in-- they'll cast you out. It happens so frequently, that it's better known as being "thrashed."

And one of the thrashers, Jodi Dillon, has no idea how she scored so big. She also doesn't know why her friends frequently engage in this behavior that makes other school members feel so isolated. She knows her friends aren't acting with ill intent... until someone commits suicide and The Thrashers are at the center of the investigation.

Trigger Warnings: suicide, suicidal thoughts, parental death, fear of abandonment.

The Thrashers reminded me of one of those hit, early 2010's teen TV shows (e.g., Pretty Little Liars), except it was exceptionally well-written and highly thought-provoking. One of my favorite things about this novel was the grey area that existed; where feelings get hurt, what's considered bullying, where mental health takes a play, and why everyone is so desperate to fit in.

This book also had one of the best romantic subplots I have ever read. Granted, I could see which character would be the love interest from the first chapter, but I still greatly appreciated the journey. It was so well-written and now I'm convinced I need a Julian in my life. That being said, the plot twist in the epilogue threw me for a LOOP. I really hope that means we get a second installment or spin-off.

So, all in all, I would say that this a better (and more sensitively written) 13 Reasons Why with a dash of Pretty Little Liars/A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and even a hint of the paranormal, such as with Light As A Feather. So many things to love and nothing to hate.

My deepest thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and Julie Soto for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this YA thriller! Many reviewers are pitching this book as Thirteen Reasons Why meets Pretty Little Liars and I agree with that description, This is a fast, twisty, and fun read without being too heavy and captures a lot of what high school is like (although it’s been a long time for me). Enjoyed the hints of paranormal in the book, too. I was engrossed throughout and couldn’t put this book down. I look forward to reading more from this author!

Thanks again to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book!

Julie does it again I devoured this book. I loved every moment, every twist and turn and I need more!! Thank you so much for this arc, if you love thrillers than this one is for you!

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, Julie Soto, and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this captivating novel in exchange for my honest review! 🙏📖💖

Julie Soto has once again delivered a masterfully crafted story that showcases her exceptional talent as an author. The Thrashers, set to release on May 6, 2025, is an enthralling read that dives deep into the complexities of teenage life, making it a gripping addition to the tens & YA genre—though I would advise it for readers 18+ due to its sensitive themes. ⚠️

Imagine if 13 Reasons Why collided with Pretty Little Liars—that’s the vibe you’ll get from The Thrashers. I found myself utterly engrossed, staying up until 2 AM because I simply couldn’t put it down! 😱🌙 Soto weaves together elements of thrill and mystery with a touch of the paranormal, creating a page-turner that had me on the edge of my seat.

Meet the Thrashers 👥💔 At the heart of the story is a group known as the "Thrashers," composed of five teenagers: Zack, the charming leader; Jodi, the main POV character; and friends Paige, Lucy, and Julien. Zack’s magnetic personality presents a double-edged sword as he unintentionally entangles the girls in an emotional whirlwind, often leaving them feeling “thrashed”—discarded by their prince charming. This dynamic sets the stage for a gripping exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the dark undercurrents of high school life.

The plot thickens with the arrival of Emily Mills, a new student whose tragic suicide sends shockwaves throughout the school. The way Soto addresses such sensitive topics—suicide, bullying, statutory issues, and substance abuse—is both poignant and respectful. 💬🖤 While the subjects are heavy, they are woven into the narrative in a manner that adds depth to the characters and the storyline, making it a thought-provoking read.

After Emily’s suicide, a journal is discovered that seems to implicate The Thrashers. 📓😳 The group is brought down to the police station for questioning about their possible influence on Emily’s tragic decision. The tension builds, and the narrative keeps you guessing!

Overall, I’m giving The Thrashers a solid 4.75 stars. 🌟 I would recommend this book to anyone willing to take the emotional plunge and delve into a world that balances thrill and heavy themes with grace. It’s a story I’ll be thinking about long after I close the cover, and you can bet I’ll be buying a copy for my shelf! 📚✨

4.25 ⭐️ wow wow WOW! ms. julie does it again!!! the thrashers is a YA thriller that follows our main character jodi and her friend group. the story starts off with the suicide of one of jodi’s acquaintances, emily, and later on, it is found that jodi’s friends are being legally charged for their involvement in the suicide of emily. jodi now has to figure out who is telling the truth—her friend group called the thrashers, or the diary of the girl who committed. there is so much that goes into this story, and julie killed it! this story almost reminds me of a mix of pretty little liars + 13 reasons why + what lies beneath

warning: please read any trigger warnings as this book discusses suicide, physical & emotional abuse, bullying, alcoholism, classism, etc.

overall, i am very impressed with this book! i know this is julie’s first published YA thriller, and it was SO well done. this book was very easy to read and get right into, and i stayed up WAY too late reading for multiple nights. this would have been a five star read (and im still considering raising the rating), but the only flaw was that ending was a bit rushed. also THE EPILOGUE?!?!? overall, i 100% recommend this book and i will be purchasing a physical copy for my trophy shelf once its out!

Very different from Julie’s other stories! I didn’t know much about it as I started reading. It’s a bit like 13 Reasons Why and maybe a Pretty Little Liars vibe to it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time trying to figure out how things were connecting - So-and-so is a bit suspicious?! What did the journal say? Is it just a hoax? Julie wrote this so well that I was both angry at all “the Thrashers” but there was still hope for a love story. I had about 4 chapters left and was wondering how it would wrap up - I think that’s my only critique is the end felt like it wrapped up too quickly based on the progression of the rest of the year. And that ending?! I mean what does it mean?! I’m scared. I kinda want more but I also think it’s satisfying!!!