This was such a good mysterious ya thriller! I enjoyed all the twists and turns and loved the character development. Such a sad and creepy story!! Really liked Jodie and Julian

The Thrashers By Julie Soto
Genre: YA Thriller
Vibes: 🌊🛁📝🍻🚗🚌📓👗
Did I cry? Almost, but definitely screamed OMG a million times

For fans of Gossip Girl, Mean Girls, and 13 Reasons Why.

Hit after hit!!! These kids can’t catch a break. Mixed emotions about these characters - hate them, love them, pity them, concerned for them.

Themes:
-toxic friendships
-intensity of high school
-young love/obsession/infatuation
-bad parents
-“mean popular kids”

Personally- this wouldn’t be my go to sub genre and it was too dark for me (considering they are kids) but it was absolutely riveting, twisty, and oh so well written!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. Incredible narration!

Grateful for Allie’s bookclub Booked with Babes for the Buddy read! Probably wouldn’t have otherwise picked this one up!

Cw: suicide, drowning, reckless driving, car accidents, drug abuse, alcoholism, teen drinking and drug use, abusive parents

Among this group of high school elite, popularity and inclusion are everything. When a girl dies, the surviving members of the group find themselves in trouble and possibly haunted. The tone is unrelentingly grim and will appeal to teens who are drawn to dark books where you never know who to trust

In this book we follow Jodi Dillon. A high school student who is in this friend group called The Thrashers. These are the popular kids and everyone wants to be apart of them, especially Emily Mills. But when Emily Mills unalives herself, the group is now being looked at by investigators to see if they had something to do with her death.

This book sounded extremely promising, especially since some people were referring to this book as being close to AGGGTM which is one of my favorite books, but this was so off the mark for me. The only similarities between AGGGTM and The Thrashers is the fact that it is a YA mystery but other than that, there is nothing that makes these books similar. The Thrashers is a more of a YA paranormal mystery but I felt like I lost the suspense and twists that are typically in a mystery. The stakes didn’t feel very high, I wasn’t invested in any of the characters, and it felt like this story dragged way too long.

The Thrashers are the popular kids in school, everyone wants to be friends with them - until a new girl who was “thrashed” and ends her life. Now the Thrashers are on trial for criminal harassment, but the truth isn't always what it seems. Perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson - this is a great addition to any high school/middle school suspense collection. Triggers include physical abuse, mental abuse, & suicide.

Julie Soto’s debut in thrillers was highly anticipated for me, and it definitely lived up to the hype! I was hooked from the start with this story. I could not put it down. This group of teenagers “The Thrashers” and their dynamics were fascinating, with it centered around Jodi’s observations. While I predicted the “twist”, that doesn’t take away from the great writing and other events that held my attention all the way through, culminating in that epilogue! Wow!

I listened to the audiobook for this one. While the narrator did a good job distinguishing between the many characters with different voices and it was easy to follow, I think multiple narrators could have elevated this.

HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC!

This book is an absolute MUST-READ! Julie Soto hooked me from the prologue, and I couldn't focus on anything but the audiobook. I have read her other two books and loved her writing style, so I knew I would love this one too. It is a different genre from her others, but you would never know this is her first YA thriller.

In the beginning, I thought it was going to be very similar to the TV show, 13 Reasons Why, but I was surprised as I got further into the book and all the twists and turns. I don't know how to talk about this book without giving anything away, but trust me when I say this book was amazing!! It was nothing short of captivating- It had me gasping, talking out loud, and clutching my pearls. This read just further cemented Julie Soto into my list of favorite authors.

Also, Eva Kaminsky and Jesse Vilinsky did a FANTASTIC job narrating this!! They made the book so much creepier and brought each person to life so well!!

I recently had the pleasure of listening to an ARC of “The Trashers” by Julie Soto, and it was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Soto has crafted a unique and compelling story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and the audiobook format only enhanced this experience.

The novel follows the story of Mia, a young woman who inherits her late uncle’s struggling trash collection business. As she navigates the challenges of running the company, she discovers a hidden world of corruption and intrigue within the waste management industry. With the help of her quirky and loyal team, Mia must uncover the truth and fight to save the business, all while dealing with personal struggles and unexpected romance.

Soto’s writing is sharp and engaging, drawing the listener into the world of the characters and making every moment feel vivid and real. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own quirks and complexities that add depth to the story.

One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is the narration. The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, capturing their personalities and emotions perfectly. The pacing of the narration was spot-on, maintaining the right balance of action, drama, and introspection. The narrator's ability to convey humor and serious themes seamlessly added an extra layer of enjoyment to the listening experience.

The story tackles issues such as environmental sustainability, corporate greed, and personal growth, all while maintaining a lighthearted and witty tone that keeps the listener hooked. The audiobook format made it easy to immerse myself in the story, and I found myself eagerly anticipating each new chapter.

“The Trashers” is a refreshing and original listen that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished. Julie Soto has proven herself to be a talented storyteller with a unique voice, and I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking experience. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

"Either you're in or you're out. Welcome to the Thrashers, the elite friend group at New Helvetia High. They're everything everyone wants to be."

WOW. Just—WOW. I’m not surprised, and yet, I’m still completely stunned. Julie Soto has once again proven there is nothing—and I mean nothing—she can’t write. Her YA thriller debut is nothing short of electric. What a pulse soaring, compelling, and yet, beautiful, story. The Thrashers are a group of deeply flawed High School students, who you truly can't help but root for. I was hooked from the very first line of the story and completely unable to pull my Air Pod from my ear.

This gave Pretty Little Liars meets 13 Reasons Why in the best way. I am forever changed.

The Narrators brought the story to life in a whole new way, adding emotion, nuance, and a sense of intimacy that deepens the connection to the characters and plot

I love Julie Soto’s books and her fan fiction, so I was really curious about The Thrashers. But I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if it would be for me. I haven’t read a thriller in years and YA can be pretty hit or miss depending on the voice and pacing. But this? I was completely pulled in. I devoured this book and had absolutely no idea where it was going at any point and I loved that.

It’s definitely darker and spookier than I expected, and the vibes gave me major Pretty Little Liars energy in the best way. There’s a layered mystery at the heart of this story, but also so many thoughtful observations about high school social dynamics, identity, and what people will do to feel like they belong. There’s a lot to unpack beneath the surface.

The pacing was excellent, the atmosphere was eerie without being over the top, and the writing had the same smart, addictive quality I love from Julie’s other books. The audiobook was also truly superb and really added to how addictive this book was. And that epilogue? I have so many questions. I’m going to need a follow-up, because what do you mean. What. Do. You. Mean.

This audiobook was perfection. This book is perfection. I think it has ruined me for all YA thrillers because nothing will ever measure up. Julie is a magician. The amount of times I gasped was ridiculous. Highly highly recommend.

How does it feel to be the poor Thrasher? The girl who doesn't fit with the rich beautiful highschool crew centered around Zack Thrasher? That's what Jodi deals with everyday - from the school and the group themself. Except, it's not so bad since she's been best friends with Zack since 2nd grade, in love with him just as long.

But then Emily came along, and tried to get into the group. That did NOT end well for Emily. And then the cops came sniffing and Emily has to wonder if her so-called friend group is really being honest with her, DID they have something to do with Emily's death?

Could. Not. Put. It. Down.

YA Thriller
Popular group
Mystery
Spirits/Paranormal

My first time reading this author and though this ideas there first thriller it wasn’t bad. It was most definitely YA and giving pretty little liars, but the story line was there and was really emotional 😭

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC read.

Publish Date: 5/6/25

Julie Soto’s romances have been on my TBR list, so when this YA thriller popped up on NetGalley I was thrilled to receive a copy of the ARC. I listened to the audiobook and felt the narration was solid. I think this book would be a good fit for fans of One of Us Is Lying or Pretty Little Liars. The book has a solid start as the popular clique (aka The Thrashers) is at the center of controversy when a journal blames a classmate’s suicide on their awful treatment of her. The book kept my interest for the first 60% and then felt like it dragged with some of the same “spooky” moments and unsettling images. By the time the twists at the end were revealed I felt a bit underwhelmed. I’d give this a 3.5.

This was a really well done thriller! Also teenagers can be so horrible!

When Jodi and her friends the Thrashers are involved with Emily everything turns upside down really quick. Emily killed herself and the Thrashers are to blame.

The ending didn't surprise me with this one but I still loved seeing the story build and seeing the background to how we ended up with that ending. Very well done!

Also WTF is wrong with those kids? The whole elite rich kids who think they can do no wrong are the worse type of people.

Interesting YA thriller with a touch of the supernatural. Surprisingly, it didn't bother me because it enhanced the story.

This is mostly the story of Jodi, a girl who is part of a close clique of high school seniors, nicknamed "The Thrashers" after their quasi-leader, Zack Thrasher. All of the members of their friend group: Zack, Lucy, Paige, and Julian, are wealthy and privileged. All except for Jodi. She is accepted into their group because she and Zack have been best friends since second grade. Enter Emily Mills, a younger girl who was desperate to join their group. When Emily dies by suicide, people wonder why. And when Emily's journal surfaces, the police join in on the questions--were the Thrashers responsible?

I liked this story and how it played out. I didn't love the characters, but I suppose they acted and reacted as typical teenagers would, so I can't really hold it against them. Some of their actions made me incredibly angry. The tale is very thought provoking, probing the limits of bullying and getting into the grey areas regarding wealth and privilege.

The supernatural elements of this book definitely enhance and further the plot rather than being a distraction. The one part of this story I didn't really care for was that the adults (parents, administrators, counselors, police) were all portrayed as either inept or overbearing. I thought that the school counselor in particular was a caricature. There's zero possibility that Jodi would really be able to do all of the armchair sleuthing she did if it was happening in real life.

Overall, this is an interesting YA mystery that will appeal well with that demographic. I listened to the audiobook and the two narrators did an excellent job. I am a huge fan of Jesse Vilinsky, so I made a point of getting the audiobook version of this book because of her narration.

Julie Soto’s The Thrashers is an electrifying YA thriller that pulls you into a world of high school hierarchies and dark secrets from the very first page. Centered on Jodi Dillon, the novel unravels the toxic dynamics of an elite friend group as they grapple with a tragic loss that shakes their very foundation. The blend of paranormal hints with raw, relatable teen drama creates a suspenseful atmosphere that is both eerie and deeply engaging. Just when you think you've figured out the mystery, unexpected twists force you to question every character’s loyalty and motive. Overall, The Thrashers is a must-read for anyone craving a smart, emotionally charged narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final revelation. Audiobook was also great with multiple narrators.

This will be a great fit for people that love Thirteen Reasons Why, Five Survive, or other YA thrillers/mysteries.

I was so excited for a Julie Soto thriller but sadly this just didn't work for me. I found the big twist ending to be extremely predictable. For this to be marketed as a paranormal thriller, I was hoping for more that couldn't be explained by the big twist. I didn't find the characters likable, and not even in a productive way where they have an arc! These characters don't grow with the plot, they remain largely stagnant. I had trouble with the pacing as well. A thriller should keep me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next detail to drop, and I feel like this could have been a little more concise as it felt like there were large gaps of "going about teenage lives" instead of learning anything to further the mystery.

This didn't hit for me, but I think it will work well for fans of Holly Jackson! Not bad at all, just not for me.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the alc in exchange for an honest review!

First of all, I would like to echo the sentiment of other reviewers that this book needs to come with content warnings upon publication! For being a book marketed as “YA,” this book covers very heavy topics, such as suicide and child abuse. Is these are topics that would be triggering to you, I would proceed with caution.

That being said, I loved this book. I’m not usually a thriller girlie and I’m not usually a YA girlie, but I think mixing the two together is just what I need to enjoy both genres. The mystery, though tragic, felt low stakes enough that my heart wasn’t hammering, and because the book wasn’t a romance, I didn’t have to read about the decisions kids make in the name of “love.” This book follows a group of five high school seniors, called The Thrashers, and the fallout after Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be a part of their clique, commits suicide on prom night. Investigators believe The Thrashers are responsible, at least in part, for her death and use her journal as evidence to prove it.

The story is mainly told through Jodi’s point of view, with the occasional excerpt from Emily’s journal providing a different perspective. Jodi is childhood best friends with Zack Thrasher and doesn’t really feel like she has fits in with the rest of the clique she’s a part of because they’re all wealthy and she isn’t. I loved this being told through Jodi’s POV because even though she didn’t really like Emily, she was the only Thrasher to show her kindness. All the characters were a bit unhinged, especially Emily, so having a character that showed compassion and seemed to be more understanding because of her own circumstances, was a great way to tell this story. The relationship Jodi shared with each of her friends (or should I say “friends”) was very interesting and the way she felt like she was on the outside, even when she was actually on the inside, was very relatable. Zack’s relationship with everyone, especially Emily, reminded me of why he was the kind of person I avoided in high school. Julie Soto did a wonderful job of making Emily Mills just unlikable enough that you feel sorry for her but also understand why the others weren’t always kind to her, which is a tough line to balance. I’m not sure if I was supposed to, but I loved Julian, even before I got more of his backstory. I couldn’t really relate to him, but he was still someone I really liked. Overall, this book was very gripping. I thought about when I wasn’t reading it and I couldn’t wait to get back to it when I was doing something else. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next and I really loved Jodi as a character. Her point of view was just reliable enough, but because she’s a high school senior, of course there were times I didn’t always know how much I could believe her, because if there was ever a time my emotions and thoughts couldn’t be trusted, it’s when I was in high school. And Jodi’s voice in the audiobook was also perfect. Eva Kaminsky voiced her so well! The pacing felt just right, and she did other characters besides Jodi justice (even the male characters). I was very sucked in by the way she told the story. But maybe even more entertaining (is that even the right word?) was Jesse Vilinsky. The way she voiced Emily was so, SO good. Emily gave off manic pixie dream girl vibes (and not in a good way) and Jesse DELIVERED THAT. The only main times we heard Emily’s voice was in her journal entries (because she’s dead) and those were parts of the book I was so excited to listen to because they made Emily sound just a little bit crazy. Overall, this book was such a great experience for me. I think I’ve finally unlocked a sub-thriller genre that I can get down with and I feel unstoppable!

Gripping, compelling, and very entertaining YA debut from Julie Soto. This book was compulsively readable and reminded me of all the things I felt (and sometimes still feel) as a teenager trying to navigate friendships and situations.