I can’t be the only one who didn’t understand the ending. I wanted to love this book and there were some parts that I did, but it lost me at the end. It bounced around too much for me to be able to follow.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook. I don't read much YA/teen but I decided this one sounded pretty good and was in the mood for a quick, easy read. An elite group of teens called the Thrashers, named after Zack Thrasher, their leader, is the main clique at Helvetia High. Jodi isn't like them, but she's been best friends with Zack since second grade so she's part of the group even though she feels like she shouldn't be, but she has her own relationships with each person in the group. Emily is an outsider that has a crush on Zack and is desperate to be a thrasher. Will they let her in or will she be "thrashed"? This book really drew me in and kept me wanting more. Self-doubt, lies, and a dash or paranormal. I typically don't read books with paranormal, but this had enough thrown in that it totally fit the teen vibe of the book. The narration was great and it was very engaging.

The audio to this was so good that I had to listen to it in one go! I highly recommend the audiobook over a physical book because the narrator is so good! This is a ya mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I am a big Julie Soto romance fan so I was excited to read a new genre from her. She can literally do no wrong in my mind!

This story was chilling and addictive. If you like Pretty Little Liars or 13 Reasons Why. I think many will enjoy the suspense as it keeps you guessing all the way through. I enjoyed weaving the supernatural elements into it — just maybe avoid reading it in the dark! The characters are so flawed too. It really puts into perspective the aspect that even you may not truly know yourself and sometimes you need others to show you a mirror.

The narrator is phenomenal. I always enjoy Eva Kaminsky in her portrayal of various characters, and this was no exception. Well done!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 stars, rounded up ⭐️

The Thrashers was really well written and such an interesting story, I found myself wanting to listen to the audiobook for every possible chore I had around the house! (I finished the audiobook in less than 3 days, haha) The pacing is excellent, the characters are well developed and relatable, the plot was intriguing, and the twists kept me engaged and on my toes. The teenage POV in this book is scarily accurate - it brought me back to my teenage years and made me so grateful that I am almost 30!

In regards to the audiobook specifically - the narrator was great and used different voices so that I could easily tell the different characters apart. A couple times I was confused when the story went from past -> present, but otherwise it was really easy to follow!

This is such a fun YA thriller that keeps you hooked. I think this would be an excellent read for fans of 13 Reasons Why and Cruel Summer.

Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author Julie Soto for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Thrashers releases May 6 2025!

This book blew me away. It was so compulsively-readable that I read this into the early hours of the morning. We follow Jodi who must navigate the aftermath of her classmate's death, and it seems like everyone thinks she and her high school clique "The Thrashers" are responsible for Emily's death. But strange things start to happen around Jodi and The Thrashers, making the reader question what's real. It very quickly felt like a mix of Pretty Little Liars and Thirteen Reasons Why—in all the best ways!

We also get snippets from Emily's journal, which provides some possible insight into her thoughts and motivations as the story unravels.

My heart broke for Jodi and all the trauma she endured throughout the story. Julie Soto does an excellent job at crafting very flawed characters that evoke strong emotions. And as the story unfolds and the characters develop, each of these characters took me on an emotional rollercoaster.

I would love to get more in this world from Julie Soto! Overall, a fantastic, thrilling read.

The narrators did an excellent job as well. Their performance made it feel like I was watching the teen drama unravel before my eyes.

Please check content warnings as this story deals with a LOT of heavy and triggering topics.

OKAY JULIE I SEE YOU!!

I’ll be honest I was hesitant… my thoughts were “I love Julie’s romance books and her ff but how will I like her YA thriller?”

Well y’all I really REALLY liked this one!

Here is what you need to know:
Jodi Dillon is a “thrasher” and she has been best friends with Zack Thrasher since 2nd grade. As Zack has added more friends to their friend group Jodi has gotten more friends but… is that because of her or Zack? 👀

And then… a classmate dies and everyone is looking at “the thrashers” as the reason she is dead. As the investigation ensues and secrets are uncovered what will happen to the thrashers? And it seems as there is more than meets the eye. 👀

I am so grateful to have received an Advanced Listener Copy of the book from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio as well as an Advanced Reader Copy of the ebook from St. Martins and NetGalley.

Audiobook review:
Eva Kaminsky did wonderful job narrating the scenes with multiple characters and I could clearly keep track of which character was which with her inflection and her voices for the male characters were done well and didn’t seem forced like some I’ve heard in the past.

Jesse Vilinsky did a fantastic job with the journal entries in the narration and sounded exactly as I would have pictured Emily.

I feel like the audiobook made the whole experience better for me. If you are debating between the book or audio I would suggest audio!

Book review: (keeping it spoiler free)
I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down. It had all the things I love about a thriller. I couldn’t predict it all, but had some guesses that panned out. I hadn’t read a YA thriller in a minute and now I feel like I need more thrillers in my life. Very excited to see what Julie does next!
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Content warnings: talk of suicide, death of a parent (off page), drugs, alcohol, talk of sex, abuse.

I don't know why but I always want to read books about teen cliques with tragedies. This one is interesting because of the name and because the tragedy that kicks everything off doesn't seem like it will lead to all the things that follow. The narration is great and I liked some of the twists, but it was slow and I didn't think anyone was likeable.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will love Julie Soto’s latest book The Thrashers. Five high schoolers unknowingly bully a classmate into suicide or did they know? This story delves into what it means to be a part of the “in” crowd, the sacrifices you have to make and who you have to become. This is not at all what I was expecting having read and loved Julie Soto’s previous works. While I liked it I didn’t love it as much as her others. The ending was left a bit undone (not sure if there will be a sequel?) as in it didn’t feel complete. Overall an interesting look at the secret lives of high schoolers but not my favorite from Soto.

A group of mostly affluent high school students, known as The Thrashers (named after their leader’s last name), become entangled in a murder investigation after the tragic suicide of a peer. When Emily—a girl who once tried to join their exclusive circle—takes her own life, a journal, eyewitness accounts, and eerie paranormal occurrences suggest the Thrashers may be culpable in her death.

Emily emerges as the story’s compelling protagonist, her character poignantly capturing the vulnerability, longing, and anxieties that define the teenage experience. Unlike the Thrashers’ polished facade, Jodi Dillon doesn’t quite fit their mold, and we follow her journey as she navigates her conflicted feelings toward Zack Thrasher while fearing the possibility of being “Thrashed,” a fate suffered by many who fail to earn the group’s acceptance.

Though the book is YA, the story is still able to cater to the adult reader as well; as it skillfully blends mystery, thriller, and paranormal elements, creating a gripping narrative. I had the pleasure of listening to an early audiobook copy, and narrator Eva Kaminsky delivered a standout performance. Her ability to distinguish each character through nuanced vocal shifts adds depth and immersion, elevating the tension and emotional stakes.

While the pacing is a bit slow, it allows the eerie elements and character dynamics to simmer; helping the story remain engaging up to the last pages/seconds of the book. The haunting conclusion left me eager for more—I’m crossing my fingers that author Julie Soto continues to tell the groups story.

A must-listen for fans of atmospheric YA thrillers with a supernatural twist!

Zach Trasher has a tight knit group of friends. Get too close, and you’ll be thrashed.

This YA thriller has all the vibes of Pretty Little Liars and 13 Reasons. When someone close to their group commits suicide on prom night, seemingly after being scorned by the social group, all eyes are on “The Thrashers” as more is uncovered about what it means to be in this group, or what happens if you try to work your way in.

All of the high school drama met with thriller twists and shocking revelations as more comes to light and the group tries not to fall apart while also keeping each other’s secrets.

I could not put this book down, and was lucky enough to be able to listen to the audiobook and read the e-ARC. Both were phenomenal and captivating.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and ALC. All opinions are my own.

Thrashers by Julie Soto is a gripping YA thriller that explores toxic high school dynamics, obsession, and the cost of belonging.

Emily Mills’ tragic suicide on prom night sends shockwaves through New Helvetia High, especially among the Thrashers, an elite friend group led by the charismatic yet ruthless Zack Thrasher. Jodi Dillon, an outsider within the clique, clings to her childhood connection with Zack, desperate to maintain her fragile status. But when Emily’s diary surfaces, revealing dark secrets—including allegations of assault—Jodi is thrust into a dangerous game of loyalty and survival.

As investigators close in, Jodi must decide whether to stand by her so-called friends or protect herself. Meanwhile, eerie messages and strange occurrences make it seem like Emily isn’t done with them yet. The novel expertly builds tension, blending psychological suspense with an unexpected paranormal twist reminiscent of Pretty Little Liars.

Soto crafts deeply flawed yet compelling characters, capturing the high-stakes social hierarchy of high school. The story’s slow-burn mystery unfolds effectively, though the pacing drags slightly in the middle. While the ultimate reveal may not be a shock to seasoned thriller readers, the epilogue is chilling and unforgettable, leaving just enough ambiguity to haunt the reader long after the last page.

More than just a mystery, Thrashers delves into themes of bullying, trauma, and justice. It’s a thought-provoking, immersive read that lingers in the mind. Perfect for fans of dark YA thrillers.

Julie Soto's range is truly impeccable!! I am a huge lover of Young Adult thriller and this would did NOT disappoint. Soto did a fantastic job creating characters who you can't decide if you love or hate while crafting a thrilling story of the extents people will go to try to fit in with the popular crowd. The supernatural element to the novel was also a delight and the epilogue had me like JULIE!! YOUR MIND!! The narration was fantastic and left you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what was going to happen next. 10/10 would recommend

I enjoyed most of this book but there were some weird psychic parts added in that I thought took away from the book.

I don’t read many thrillers, but if Julie Soto writes it, I WILL read it. Julie’s storytelling is *chef’s kiss* with the tension, suspense, and layers she weaves, and her entry into the thriller genre was solid. I could not stop listening and needed to know what was going to happen next,

I appreciated how this is in many ways a cautionary tale of how the people you choose to surround yourself with can have far reaching impacts, and I am hoping it will resonate with readers. While fictional, there are many elements and outcomes of this story (i.e. bullying, toxic relationships, abuse) that are far too real and it’s gutting to know that there are many Emilys out there who have been on the receiving end of such cruelty.

The Thrashers is compelling and unputdownable, and I was so excited that Eva Kaminsky and Jesse Vilinsky were narrating - they always do an incredible job! I will say there was one loose thread that irked me and I really wish it had been resolved and there had been some justice, but overall, I really enjoyed this.

IM RECOMMENDING THIS TO EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!! I love a good YA mystery. Very realistic characters. Plot was there. Edge of the seat page turner for sure.

This is definitely a MUST read if you love mysteries/ thrillers with a hint of paranormal !! 👏🏼👏🏼The way this book had me on the edge of my seat!!

You are instantly sucked into the world of the thrashers. Its filled with teen hierarchy, trauma, and many secrets that will having you second guessing EVERYTHING.

Julie Soto truly out did herself with this one. And that ending !!!! PURE CHILLS!!

This is not your regular Julie Soto book. This is YA to the core with mystery and spirits. It opened up like a murder mystery and as the book unfolds Jo wanted to find out the truth and protect her friends. Only to realized, the very people whom she wanted to protect may not reciprocate her feelings for their friendship as she thought.

By all accounts, Jodi should not have been one of the popular kids, but by default and her wanting to be ‘special’ to Zach so much that she held on. Little did she know, the entire group all felt the same, that they too are holding on, they too are all insecure about their standing in the group.

First off, love-love the pacing. Not too much lingering, details to help move things along. Though I would’ve love the details come together sooner and more instead of little morsels still dripping in at the end. Mystery typically not my genre, but this one hit just right.

The audiobook was interesting, it had one narrate as Emily, and the rest from Jodi’s pov. Both are well known and did an outstanding performance. I would’ve love more of a duet situation since there’s quite a bit of Emily in the book. But this turned out well.

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ARC

Forget Me Not is one of my all time favourite romances. And while its sequel had a synopsis that didn't really suit me, I've been itching to pick up Julie Soto again.

Even though this is a YA Thriller, it still honestly kinda rocked?

The characters were very realistic in my experience-- they didn't seem overly adult, but nor did they seem too childish. The mystery and information was perfectly paced to build a constant intrigue without feeling overly manipulated or landing flat. And in some really positive ways, it reminded me of some of my favourite Veronica Mars episodes.

I'd very easily recommend to YA Thriller fans, and would optimistically recommend even to people who don't usually love the genre. (But if you're very sure YA Thrillers aren't for you, I don't think this one will be suddenly unconventional enough to change your mind.)

Audiobook Notes:
I like the narrator and the way she subtly conveyed the characters so that they were recognizable, but the narration never took center stage.

4.5 ⭐️

Perfect for fans of Pretty Little Liars & Euphoria-- a high school girl, Emily, commits suicide and all eyes are on "The Trashers" as being the group of students responsible. Plenty of secrets will be revealed as The Trashers are investigated. In fact, the police aren't the only ones who seem to have eyes on The Trashers. There's a feeling that someone else may be watching them. Is it Emily haunting them or something/someone more sinister? Makes for a great listen on audio!