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WATER IN HER VEINS by Shannon Schuren

Thank you Netgalley and PenguinTeen for the earc (Aug 12)

Lola is sick...a medical mystery of sorts---her doctors can't figure out what's causing her fatigue, headaches, and when she moves to Colorado with her Mom, they can't figure out what's causing her new symptoms: nosebleeds and visions. As Lola does research---working to piece together said visions and why she's seeing them as she researches the town and its founder---Lola becomes more suspicious. As she grows closer to the truth, Lola doesn't know who to trust.
I absolutely loved this book. There was something about it that drew me in and made me want to keep reading like my life depended on it. I was hooked.
WATER IN HER VEINS is dripping conspiracy and mystery---the two were a combination that worked well together, playing off one another as they created a thrilling story with a whodunit that left me shocked. Like, I'm generally good at seeing twists---especially ones that should be so obvious---from a mile away. For some reason, my brain never made the connection so when [REDACTED] was revealed as the "perpetrator" it was like a "really?" "what?" that quickly turned into an "a-ha" moment once our main character explained how she put it together.
One of the things I liked most about WATER IN HER VEINS was the medical mystery representation. It's seldom that you see representation beyond what is generally in literature, and I love how Lola fought despite doctors and [REDACTED].
WATER IN HER VEINS is a solid read. I wouldn't describe it as perfection---I really wasn't a fan of what happened in the epilogue, I thought it was too much too soon (iykyk)---I would describe it as a top-notch mystery that weaves past with present and conspiracy with what's real and what's not, with unlikeable characters, creepy atmosphere, and a Colorado town with its fair share of secrets.

Some pacing issues emerge midway—especially as the mystery builds slowly—but the payoff is worth the wait.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for accepting my request for an ACR of this book!
3/5
Now it's only me, and I feel empty and alone, like that stupid plastic bag in that Katy Perry song.
To start off the review, I will say the plot was very fun. I enjoyed the characters, and their journey through the mystery that unfolded. Though, there were some times throughout the book where I didn’t know if I liked the analogies or not. I will admit, some of them had me on the floor laughing. This book, though it had some tense scenes, never really sold me on the book as a whole being spooky. I also wish there was more revealed about some characters.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters and the storyline were well put together and the ending was unepected and finished the story very well. I had avhard time putting this book down. I will look forward to read more from this author!!
Joell Swope

Lola Boyd, her mother and new stepfather decide to leave Michigan and move into the house (mansion) Lola inherited from her father. Lola and her mother were always close. With a debilitating, undiagnosed condition, Lola is now forced to return to school in Colorado but more symptoms are evolving. New friendships form with Clare, her brother Sage, Emory and Fletcher, son of Dominic the caretaker and dear friend of her father. The town has a disturbing history boasting, Dr. Clarett, a physician who saved many during an epidemic and healing waters on the property. Is someone trespassing at her new home or is the house really haunted? A clever story that is part mystery, part thriller but all about the relationships and friendships that the characters surround themselves with. Sometimes you have to look into the past to secure your future. Pages turn easily and would recommend. Thank you NetGalley!

This was my very first advance reader copy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The writing was descriptive, and the plot was both captivating and full of mystery. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and made it hard to put the book down at times. I loved the main character, Lola, with her unwavering determination, and I was rooting for her and Fletcher the whole time. The inclusion of Bryn, the best friend, added some LGBTQ+ representation, which was a nice touch. While there were a few repetitive moments, overall, it was an engaging and enjoyable read.