I read Monday’s Not Coming years ago and it still haunts me to this day, so when I saw this book I knew I had to gear up. I could not put this one down. I appreciated the author’s note in the beginning that explained the context and thought process behind this book- I very much agree about the lack of YA books the revolve around the college experience. I think this is such an important story for young kids who will be living on their own in college for the first time. I thought the ending was so interesting but was so sad to see some parts not neatly wrapped up for me in the way I wanted it to be- it was the only unsatisfying part of this whole thing, and I’m not sure I fully understand the reason for not giving us a definitive answer for some of it. Regardless. I think this is clever and a story that is absolutely needed!

This is the kind of story that gets your attention, and you keep turning the pages to find out what happens! Jordan Monroe is the underdog going into a situation where she doesn't know anyone, and that's what she wanted, so she could seemingly reinvent herself. However, everything isn't always what it seems, and the plot twist Tiffany D. Jackson throws in is like WOW! The reader has many of the dots but can't connect them until the end, and even at the end, the dots do not align as they initially seemed to. The themes of community, friendship, self-awareness, and grief are playing supporting roles in the book and sellf-awareness and grief is chief among them. College is equally about discovering and defining who you are and the academic courses and degree. Jordan is in the accelerated program and she takes the reader with her, so buckle up, butter cups!

Thank you, HarperCollins Children's Books | Quill Tree Books, for providing the copy of The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson. What an engaging book! It was like rubbernecking at an accident, you know you shouldn’t stare, but you can’t help yourself. The writing style made it easy to binge-read this book. It was easy to see why students fell under Devonte’s spell, and it was terrifying to see that as his demands and claims got more outlandish, they still followed him because they were in too deep. I won’t give spoilers, but there is a lot happening in this book, and some of the reveals will shock you. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Tiffany D. Jackson is an amazing author who knows how to write a thriller that hooks you from the beginning. This story explores coping with grief, learning how to be yourself in a new environment, and learning who you can trust. It was absolutely amazing how the story wove together and the pacing was perfect, I didn't want to put the book down. This may be my new favorite book by Jackson, and that's really saying something. I absolutely recommend this book!

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and Tiffany D. Jackson never disappoints! The story follows Jordyn, who is starting her first semester at an HBCU, much to her parents' dismay. Jordyn loves her roommates and starts making friends when her roommate's brother comes to stay with them... and won't leave. This was inspired by the documentary Stolen Youth: The Cult at Sarah Lawrence (I remember when she was posting about writing after she watched this too) with elements of Diddy's magnetically terrifying "je ne sai quoi.." Jordyn and her friends find themselves sucked into his orbit as he becomes more and more controlling, manipulative, and gaslighting. Will she be able to get away before it's too late? The twist at the end was *chef's kiss.* I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a terrifying thriller that was inspired by actual events. It's not an easy read but it is an excellent one.

Anything written by Tiffany D. Jackson is amazing and this one does not disappoint. I mean, I literally read this book in 2 days, since I was on the edge of my seat and was unable to put this book down. Even though this is a fictional story, I really felt as though, this is something that has happened or could happen in reality.

Jackson explores the themes of grief, friendship, mental illness, and coming of age in this novel. As a parent, I found myself pondering on how I can be a safe place for my children (especially my adult children) to come to me and share their concerns, struggles, and pain without fear.

I am always impressed by Jackson's writing and her ability to deliver important messages through her work that many are afraid to explore.

Tiffany D Jackson is one of the most captivating authors publishing today. Full honesty, I couldn't even watch the Sarah Lawrence Cult documentary because it freaked me out so much, and this book freaked me out EVEN MORE. However, I'm glad I read it. It was a roller coaster and made me ask so many question! Now, I'm just waiting for the book to release so I can discuss it with friends!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Tiffany D. Jackson is always an auto buy and an auto request on NetGalley, this book is no exception! Another great book that should be added to your TBR and shelf.

Jordyn is attending a HBC named Frazier. She’s glad to not be the token black girl for once, but she and her roommates fall under a persuasive cult like personality. I was surprised at the ending and a but confused about who knew what.

Rating 3.5

This book was a ride. There is some great rep and history in this book. I did feel like we had some missing pieces. It is extremely fast paced. You jump right in. So if you like fast paced, you will like this.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the EARC.

I recently read Tiffany D. Jacksons MG novel, "Blood in the Water" and loved it, so I requested this as fast as I saw it pop up, and I was not disappointed. I loved the whole setting at college, and figuring out who all the characters were. Just like BITW, her characters are vibrant, authentic, and truly human - with both likable and questionable qualities.

Also, as a former teacher, I think YA novels that take on the subject of manipulation, greed, and deception are very, very important. I loved the foreword by Tiffany where she explains the inspiration behind this book, and I wholly agree with her. These kids are released into the wild world after a childhood of being coddled, because modern parenting is terrified to let their kids out of their sight (which I relate to), but then makes us even more afraid that they'll be targets for the vultures who see innocence as opportunity. Books that teach these valuable lessons are key for teaching our kiddos about navigating the real world.

Just like in BITW, I found the reveals to be shocking and entertaining. Another great work by her. Now, I need to go find her earlier works for adults and see how those compare to her MG and YA.

My first T.D. Jackson book and I am hooked. This is a tense; twist-filled campus thriller. The end was not what I was expecting at all, that plot twist at the end. A fantastic read.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books ​&​ Quill Tree Books​ for the the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Tiffany D. Jackson’s The Scammer is a gripping thriller that dives deep into manipulation, trust, and the complexities of young adulthood. From the start, I found myself intensely irritated by Devonte—the ex-convict who moves into the dorm and quickly begins exerting control over the students. I hated him so much in those early pages that I actually had to take a break to step back from the tension of his manipulative behavior. That emotional reaction, I think, speaks to how effectively Jackson crafted his character and the unsettling atmosphere around him.

The story centers on Jordyn, a freshman ready to take on prelaw at a prestigious historically Black university in DC, eager to break free from her overprotective parents. The arrival of Devonte, her roommate’s brother, shakes up her carefully planned college life in unexpected and unsettling ways. Jackson does a commendable job portraying Jordyn’s growing suspicion and unease as she navigates the dangerous dynamics Devonte brings with him.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in how it captures the nuances of college life, friendship, and the pressure to make "better choices"—all while weaving a suspenseful mystery about a missing roommate that keeps you turning pages. The inclusion of the university’s lone white student as an unlikely ally adds an interesting layer to the narrative, highlighting themes of trust and alliance across different social circles.

While the plot is compelling and the pacing generally strong, there were moments where I wished for a bit more depth in certain characters besides Jordyn and Devonte. Some supporting figures felt slightly underdeveloped, which could have added more texture to the story’s social environment.

Overall, The Scammer is a solid, thought-provoking thriller with a timely premise and strong, relatable lead. It’s not perfect, but Tiffany D. Jackson’s ability to evoke such strong emotions and keep the suspense alive makes this a worthwhile read. Just be prepared for the discomfort that comes with watching someone like Devonte work his manipulative magic.

4.75 stars rounded up. I had never heard of the case that this story took inspiration from and, to be honest, I had made some judgements before even diving into the book on how something like that could happen. Tiffany D. Jackson took all of my reservations, flushed them down the toilet, and had me ready to join a cult. She wove the main character's insecurities into the storyline in a way that makes the reader feel desperate to feel seen and loved. The secrecy about Kevin is a little frustrating throughout the book but comes together like a puzzle piece in the end. Tiffany D. Jackson is an auto read author for me and to know that she struggled with writing this one is just a reminder of how good she is at what she does. Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and the author, Tiffany D. Jackson for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson is a tense, twist-filled campus thriller that masterfully captures the creeping dread of realizing you’re in over your head. Jordyn’s first year at a prestigious university should be about independence and ambition, but when her roommate’s charismatic ex-con brother moves in, the energy shifts from inspiring to unsettling. Jackson expertly builds the slow burn of manipulation, trust, and power dynamics, pulling readers into a web of charm and control that feels all too real. As the stakes rise and a roommate disappears, the story tightens into a gripping, ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that examines influence, vulnerability, and the dangerous allure of those who seem to have all the answers.

I really enjoyed this, which isn't much of a surprise since I've loved every YA book that TJD has published. This one felt extremely timely and relevant and I loved TJD's authors note at the beginning that described her inspiration and intention behind the book. It felt a little on-the-nose the heavy-handed with its commentary, but I can forgive that as a YA book intended for young readers. I definitely think it's important for teenagers to read stories like this to be aware of red flags from people around them when entering into brand-new situations (like freshman year of college). I will absolutely keep picking up alll of this author's books in the future!

Another masterpiece by Ms Tiffany Jackson. I love that she writes about the topics most people/authors are afraid to bring to light. I also love the characters Tiffany writes. They are always relatable and easy to love or hate (depending on the angle she's going for). I love that this was based on a true story. That always makes me excited to read a book as true crime is one of my favorite targets.

The deceitful webs Devonte weaves is disgusting but also such a harsh reality. Not all abuse comes in the physical form. Jordyn is such an incredible FMC...i was rooting for her from the very beginning.

The way this is written, you won't want to put it down. The twists were shocking....I mean jaw dropping. I had to sit with the emotional baggage of this book when I was finished so I could fully process what I had just read.

Another phenomenal book by TDJ and I will forever read anything she writes because its always a solid 5 star read.

I read this book in 24 hours because I. COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. Absolutely ate it up!

Cults have always been fascinating to me. Just how easily some people can be pulled in. How quickly a person can work their way into other’s lives, thoughts, beliefs. Just as she’s done in the past, Jackson does a such an incredible job giving a headline story her own twists with well crafted characters, an engaging plot, social commentary & thrilling vibes. AND THAT ENDING?! Did not see that coming at all!

A must read!

This is what I mean when I say I love Tiffany D Jackson. This book completely astounded me. I was intrigued when she said it was based on an actual case and I just kept reading. Jordyn is so strong in this book. She’s dealing with the loss of her brother, her family upset about her choice of college, and a new environment. It’s so much. And it gets even more intense when she’s introduced to a new group of friends and one of them has a brother who just takes things to the next level way too much. This was so intense and interesting. I didn’t know what was going to happen next or how it was going to end. I was absolutely shocked by so many parts of this book, it’s a story you just have to read to understand why it’s so mind blowing!

Thank you so much to the publisher for the review copy.

Anything Jackson writes is a guaranteed must buy for my HS library, and this book is of course already waiting in my shopping cart. I loved the characters in this story, the thrilling plot and the plot twist at the end. I also really enjoyed the way Jackson writes about the challenges faced by college students, tying it into the themes and plot of the book. Jacksons approaches the viewpoint of victims and how they live in the aftermath of tragedy in such a complex and great way. Loved this book!