DISCLAIMER: I requested and received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.

This is my first Tiffany D. Jackson book, but I would have to be a pretty oblivious teen librarian to not be familiar with her name. In my library, her most popular book is probably The Weight of Blood, and I have heard rave reviews about her work. Because of all this hype, I eagerly jumped on the chance to read the ARC of her new book The Scammer.

Jackson opens this ARC with an author’s note explaining her inspiration for writing this book. I hadn’t previously heard about the Sarah Lawrence College cult case before reading her author’s note, so I did some very cursory research but ultimately decided to let this story stand on its own during my initial read. Even the brief internet skim I did primed me for this book and really affected my reading experience in both good and bad ways. On the one hand, it did remove some of the tension and twists as the main antagonist forces his way into these girls’ lives. On the other, it primed me to see through his manipulation and had me begging for the main character, Jordyn, to see it as well. The latter is what kept me invested in the book until the end. I think the reading experience for this book would work best with the context in the author’s note, and I hope they keep that in the final printing.

Without the context, though, this book is still enjoyable until we get to the end. We’ll talk about my ending thoughts in the spoiler section after this post’s conclusion. Other than the ending, though, this is a very entertaining book. The characters are really well developed, and each has their own distinct personality that keeps the large cast from blurring together. Jordyn is a fascinating main character, as we watch her struggle against the master manipulator Devonte. Unfortunately, she is a little too smart. There are several moments where I just couldn’t believe that she wasn’t getting some kind of authority involved. I understand her hesitance to go to the police, but I was absolutely screaming for her to go to the Student Housing office or even a campus therapist. She’s smart enough to know when she’s in over her head, but the author has her make choices that completely betray that intelligence. More on this in the spoilers.

Despite some flaws, I really enjoyed this book. Jackson’s writing is engaging and she does a wonderful job of creating a clear character voice. In her author’s note, she mentions wanting to fill the gap of books for new college students, and I think this book is a great fit. The suspenseful plot is sprinkled with relatable new college struggles that don’t feel forced or out of place, and her nuanced look at Black communities and HBCUs make this book a thought-provoking window for students unfamiliar with that experience.

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson will be available in October of 2025 from HarperCollins Children’s Books.

References:

Jackson, T. D. (2025). The Scammer. HarperCollins Children’s Books.

SPOILERS!!!

I feel bad posting spoilers before the book is officially published, so this is still going to be vague. However, if you are really strict about going into books blind, turn away now!

So, the ending really killed this book for me. Without giving too much detail, the big twist at the end is completely nonsensical. The book is written in first person which means we are literally in Jordyn’s mind the whole time. We know exactly what she thinks about every moment as it happens. But the twist at the end of this book completely ignores that and tries to sell us a resolution that doesn’t make any sense with what we know about Jordyn and isn’t necessary because the expected resolution would have been just as interesting and even more satisfying. The other 240 pages of this book are great, but those last 15-ish pages really didn’t work for me.

Omg this was a wild ride! I love Tiffany Dm Jackson and this new book is no exception! Based on a true story, we follow Jordyn as she starts college and meets her roommate's brother, Devonte, who ends up crashing at their dorm and things get weird. I had actually chills while reading all the gaslighting from Devonte. I couldn't believe the ending! It had me shocked. I will definitely be purchasing this for the teens at my library when it hits shelves.

This is an auto-buy author for me! Absolutely loved it. I am always getting questions from friends about good horror/thrillers for teen and tween readers and I always recommend this author's books.

Thank you to Netgalley and Quill Tree Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I love everything this author has written about. She zeros in on topics that need more light shed on them. Although the storyline was good, it felt a little slower for me to read compared to her other books, which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. I can't pinpoint what it was about it, but something was a bit different. Overall, readers will enjoy her usual writing style, topic and characters. I look forward to future books from her all the same!

3 stars

Jordyn arrives at Frazier University, (Howard by another name) an HBCU which she’s chosen over Yale for some very personal reasons, so her parents aren’t really speaking to her or part of her life at all at this point. She loves her suiitemates, Loren, Vanessa and Kammy and things couldn’t be better. Then, Vanessa’s brother, Devonte, comes to visit after he’s released from prison.

Devonte is great. He’s older and he cooks and cleans for the girls, and opens their eyes to a lot of truths about being Black in America; he’s always around to help them when needed. However, Devonte never seems to leave and his influence over the girls and their friends becomes more intrusive and sinister as time goes on. Then one of the roommates disappears and Jordyn must determine how to best protect herself from Devonte and the others.

I appreciated that Jackson drew inspiration from a real life case at Sarah Lawrence, otherwise I might think this was all a bit too crazy to be believed (although who knows why I would think that these days, up is down, dogs and cats, living together…). There is a bit of a twist I wasn’t crazy about because I didn’t feel it was explained well at all (like how Jordyn figured it out, and how she made it all happen, etc.)

So, overall, I thought the book was OK YA for me, and real YAs will probably like it quite a bit. Devonte got pretty lucky having three sets of disinterested/naive parents to deal with. The writing was good, though. I wish there had been for focus on how an HBCU is different from a non-HBCU school, if it is (or maybe it isn’t other than the racial makeup of the students.)

First and foremost, MANY thank yous to Tiffany D. Jackson, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy that I was so generously given in exchange for an honest review.

OMGGGG. Tiffany D. Jackson is, hands-down, one of my favorite young adult authors and I commend her for always writing books that make me think too much, books that make me squirm, and books that make me look at many uncomfortable topics. I like that she is inspired by news articles that seem unbelievable and crazy and, yet, are 100% real.

This book is one that I finished in a day, simply because I couldn't put it down. I just had to see what was going to happen next and I was uncomfortable from the get-go, but in a way that makes me think of the world so differently.

"The Scammer" centers around Jordyn Monroe who is attending her freshman year at Frazier University, which is modeled after Howard University in DC (Jackson's alma mater). She has deferred her Yale enrollment in order to attend Frazier, for some mysterious reason that Jordyn merely hints about to the reader. Her first weeks start off great; Jordyn immediately finds a sisterhood with her three roommates, she is initiated into the party scene, she loves her classes, and meets some cute boys. Everything Freshman year at college should be. But, then, one of her roommates' brothers, Devonte, comes to visit and things start changing. Devonte is nice and caring but quickly takes control of the environment around him, which includes Jordyn and the other girls.

As always, I love the social and racial commentary that Jackson imparts in this book. She addresses conspiracy theories and their impact on the community. She looks at a world where young adults are sent off to "adult" in a world they might not be ready for and in a place where they can easily be preyed upon. Jackson also looks at the cycle of grief and its long-lasting impact.

The news story from which she took inspiration is a true story that took place in 2010 at a United States college; I won't say which so as not to give anything away. But, as crazy as "The Scammer" might seem, it's even more mind-blowing to know that a very similar story occurred and it lasted for decades before the perpetrator was caught and convicted.

Finally, I LOVED the ending. Ohhhhhh, it was so good!!

Holy wow! This was freakin’ awesome. I could not put it down. I love a good “cult” story, and Tiffany does NOT disappoint. What a ride!

This book has so many twists! I was thoroughly unsettled by the character of Devonte the whole book, which is exactly what Tiffany D. Jackson wants the reader to feel. Jordyn knew something was up with him the whole time, but struggled to have anyone believe here. The gaslighting in this book made me so anxious, and just wanted someone to support Jordyn. But the end of this book is what really got me. I loved Jordyn as a character, and she really came into her own at the end of the book. Plus her romance with Nick was cute, and I appreciated how he supported her when no one else would. As with all Tiffany D. Jackson books, I highly recommend this if you're looking for something that has twists and mind games.

The premise was strong, and the initial relationship between Jordyn and her college roommates sucked me into this book. However, the extent of the bad behavior allowed by "the scammer" strained credulity. I did read this quickly though as I was eager to see how the girls would fare in such a precarious situation.

This book had me on the edge of my seat. I finished it in one day. I love the authors note at the beginning that told us a little bit about why she wrote this book and it made me want to research more about that topic. I will always read everything by Tiffany D Jackson!!!!!

Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another compelling story with The Scammer, blending suspense, social commentary, and complex characters. Jordyn’s journey from under her overprotective parents to navigating the vibrant world of Washington DC’s prelaw scene is both inspiring and tense. When Devonte, her charming and seemingly genuine new friend, moves in unexpectedly, the stakes immediately rise. Jackson masterfully peels back layers of deception, revealing a sinister undertone beneath Devonte’s charismatic exterior. The mystery surrounding the missing roommate kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to uncover the truth alongside Jordyn. The dynamic between characters is richly developed, highlighting themes of trust, identity, and the importance of discernment. While some plot twists are surprises, the novel also raises important questions about appearances versus reality, making it a thought-provoking read. Overall, The Scammer is a gripping story that combines suspense with meaningful insights — highly recommended for fans of thrillers with depth!

Tiffany Jackson knows how to write a book that pulls you in. I was not expecting the multiple plot twists that were revealed in this story. I liked Jordyn, but I hated how bad she wanted to fit in. Jordyn's parents were trash for how they treated her. I'm glad they came around towards the end, but that didn't change my opinion of them. Once everything was revealed with what was going on with Devontae, my jaw was on the floor. The way she wrapped everything up in the end was chef's kiss.

⭐⭐⭐💫

THE SCAMMER by Tiffany D. Jackson

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins (Quill Tree Books) for the earc (Oct 7)

Against her parents wishes, Jordyn enrolls at an HBCU to study prelaw. There, she is threw into a web of "scams" if you will when her roommate's brother, Devonte moves in. At first he's charming, but there's something more sinister going on as he preaches his beliefs and cult-like ideas to the students. When one of Jordyn's roommate's goes missing, she enlists the help of Nick, the only white student there, to uncover the "mystery."
THE SCAMMER is a YA book with cult-like vibes and a slight mystery (extremely slight because it's basically nonexistent) that tries to round it out
I struggled with this one. I just couldn't stand Vanessa, and how much she kept talking about her brother---it felt like every time she spoke she brought him up, and it ended up being repetitive and annoying. Honestly, she wasn't the most annoying character---that goes to Devonte.
I picked this up because it was supposed to be a mystery, at least that's what I gathered from the description, but I wouldn't classify this a mystery. Literally I was 75% into the book and the mystery wasn't happening. That came far too late to be included in the description.
Despite some of the characters, and the lack of mystery , this book grew on me. I loved seeing Jordyn and Nick become friends, bond and whatnot. And those last few chapter, and that huge reveal, were shocking. Not enough to make up for the characters and lack of what I was expecting, but it was decent.

Minor spoiler: I don't particularly enjoy when books or narrators take the "Plot twist, I was being unreliable this whole time, what actually happened was ____ and it was all planned!" approach. I do think there are multiple opportunities for conversation starters and discussion, so I would offer this in a classroom library or even for book clubs. Fans of Tiffany D. Jackson's newer works will appreciate this book, but it does not hit quite as deeply as Allegedly.

ARC Review
The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson
Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫖
Jordyn is ready for a fresh start when she starts at a historically Black college in Washington D.C.
Her parents don’t understand why she chose it over the elite schools she got into, but Jordyn’s decision is rooted in grief—tied to the tragic loss of her brother.

Upon arrival, she meets her three new roommates and finally feels a spark of hope. They’re fun, supportive, and she actually feels safe for once. But when one roommate’s brother, Devonte—recently released from prison—crashes on their couch “for a few days,” things quickly go south. Days turn into weeks, and Devonte’s smooth-talking advice starts to sound less helpful and more manipulative. Jordyn can’t shake the feeling that something is off. Why is he really here, and why is no one else seeing what she sees?

As her roommates fall under his spell, Jordyn finds herself isolated, trying to prevent a situation that feels like it’s spiraling toward something dangerous.
🫖
After loving The Weight of Blood, I jumped at the chance to read this ARC, and I’m so glad I did!

This is a thriller that creeps up on you. It’s not packed with jump scares or shocks every chapter, but it simmers. About half way through, I worried it might get repetitive, but the plot shifted enough to pull me back in and stay engaged. I didn’t expect a twist at all, but boy was I wrong.

I loved the main characters, Jordyn and Nick!
🫖
Read for:
- Slow-burn suspense 🔥
- Cult vibes 🫣
- College setting & roommate drama 🏫
- A main character you’ll root for ♥️
🫖

As a longtime Tiffany D. Jackson fan, I’m always going to read anything she writes. Her storytelling is powerful, emotional, and often mind-blowing—Allegedly still lives rent-free in my head to this day. That said, The Scammer just didn’t land for me the way I’d hoped.

Set at the fictional Frazier University, an HBCU in Washington, DC, we meet Jordyn Monroe, a freshman hoping to leave her rough high school years and strained family dynamics behind. She’s looking for a fresh start and a found family, and when she connects instantly with her roommates, it feels like she might’ve found exactly that. But things quickly shift when Vanessa’s brother Devonte—fresh out of prison—moves into their dorm suite.

From there, it’s a slow unraveling. Devonte brings in a wave of intense ideologies, herbal remedies, and “woke” takes that start off feeling like red flags and quickly become full-blown manipulation. I understand that college freshmen can be vulnerable and eager to belong, but some of the things Devonte managed to convince these girls to do just didn’t feel believable. I kept waiting for someone to step in, for the girls to wake up, for something to break the spell—and it just didn’t happen.

I get what Tiffany D. Jackson was trying to explore here: how easily people, especially young women looking for purpose and community, can fall under the influence of a charismatic leader. The themes are real and relevant. But the execution? It missed the mark for me. The final twist only made things feel even more far-fetched, and by the end, I was left more frustrated than shocked.
I was fully invested at first—I wanted to see where it would go, how it would all unfold. But somewhere around the halfway point, I found myself thinking: Wait, are we really doing this the whole book? Sadly, we were.

This one won’t be joining my Tiffany D. Jackson favorites list, but I’ll still show up for whatever she writes next. Thank You to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for the advanced copy.

Rating 2.75 rounded up to 3

Title: The Scammer
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Review:

Tiffany D. Jackson proves once again that she’s in a league of her own. The Scammer is fast-paced, addictive, and so layered it had me second-guessing everything—and everyone.

This book grabs you from the very first chapter and refuses to let go. The writing is sharp, the twists are shocking (in the best way), and the tension builds with every page. I thought I had it figured out. I did not. And when the truth started to unravel? My jaw was on the floor.

Jackson blends psychological suspense with social commentary in a way that feels fresh, timely, and unforgettable. If you loved Grown, you’ll eat this up. Both books explore power, vulnerability, and manipulation—but The Scammer takes it in a completely new and unexpected direction.

I read it in one sitting and needed a moment to breathe when I was done.

Perfect for fans of unpredictable thrillers with morally complex characters and stories that stay with you long after the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy Tiffany D. Jackson, but this was a total let down. The synopsis makes this seem like it is going to be a mystery, when its definitely not. The way Jackson portrays Devonte's manipulation and influence was the strongest part of the novel, but she left so many plot holes open-ended that it leaves the reader unfulfilled. The "twist" at the end makes the rest of the book non-sensical, which was very frustrating. If it had been written in third person instead of first it may have worked better. I would recommend reading any of her earlier works instead.

Tiffany is an auto buy author for me for this exact reason! Truly ten out of ten, literally no notes. We find ourselves on the lovely HBCU campus of Frazier U in our nations capital! We meet four insta friends Jordyn, Loren, Kammy, and Vanessa! As eager freshman they become fast friends and sisters in no time. As the girls start to matriculate Vanessa springs something on them, her brother Devonte has just gotten out of prison and would be crashing in their dorm suite for a few days, if they are cool with that! Jordyn, dealing with the ache of being the token black student all her life and a horrible family tragedy, wants to make and keep friends so she agrees! And after meeting Devonte she learns quickly that being swallowed into his orbit is WAYYYYYYYY to easy. When things start to become a little too “Jim Jonesy” Jordyn wants to fight back but is she too late?! Tiffany you wrote this so beautifully with so many relevant and current themes such as police brutality, racial tensions at HBCUs, grief and blame, misdirection and miseducation, financial crimes, manipulation, friendship and fear! And when I tell you that FINAL TWIST knocked me on my butt!!! This is a 2025 must read!

A book set at a college will always draw me in. This was a wild ride thanks to Tiffany D. Jackson who writes thrillers with incredible twists - It's been years since I read Monday's Not Coming, and it's still stuck with me. For this round, Jordyn is headed to college at Frazier. Her roommate's brother works his way into the lives of Jordyn and her friends, and things go from there. I don't want to give away too much because the journey of the read is what makes so compelling. This was such a unique spin on a campus-based thriller that kept me turning the pages as the twists and turns just kept coming until the very end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the look at this October 2025 release!