Bella's childhood best friend was murdered while 10 year old Bella herself was just behind the fence to the forest that would be the last thing Vicky would ever see. No one ever caught the murderer.
Now, 30 years later, Bella is back in her old town and while cleaning out her late mother's things, finds out that her mother seems to have known what happened to Vicky all those years ago.. And she's determined to finally find out the truth.

I really enjoyed this book, it's definitively among the best I read this year. There's the mystery that keeps you guessing, all kinds of things waiting to be uncovered, a little bit of romance.. and it's all just done so well, it actually feels realistic. The pacing was great, there were no slow parts, it was an intriguing read from the first page to the last. There are so many twists and little surprises, you can barely talk about the book without feeling like you might give something away, and that's exactly what I want from a thriller like this. It's been a while since I enjoyed a book this much and man, did I miss that feeling!

A lot of thrillers have this problem that they're all dark and gloomy, everyone is always stressed and scared, no one even gets a single happy minute because the antagonist is constantly a step ahead and ready to strike. In this thriller no one is cartoon character level of evil, the characters have backgrounds that shaped them into being who they are. That's just why I liked it so much! The characters are more than just tools to solve the mystery, they drive the plot forward with their actions and thoughts, things aren't just happening to them, they're happening because of them and that's a huge difference.

The adult characters are well written and actually quite fleshed out. Sure, it took a bit for Bella to figure things out but it was actually fun to watch her keep trying, not frustrating. And I really quite like the ending as well - very well tied together, just a nice way to finish the story. Plotwise, not something I'm used to and so it took a little to think about it.. But those last few sentences are just true. Beautiful way to finish the story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to pick up a really well written, thought throughthriller with fleshed out characters and just a little hint of romance on the side. It's a fun read you won't want to put down.

Thank you Canelo for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Sophie McKenzie’s Burn This is a fast-paced, emotionally charged YA thriller that grips you from the very first page. Known for her signature blend of suspense and real-life teen issues, McKenzie delivers yet another compelling read that keeps you turning the pages late into the night.

The story follows the aftermath of a tragic accident that rocks a close-knit family. Emotions run high as secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the search for truth intensifies. McKenzie does an exceptional job of exploring grief, guilt, and teenage identity with authenticity and heart.

What makes Burn This stand out is its relatable characters and raw emotion. The tension between friendship, betrayal, and the desire for justice is written with nuance and power. McKenzie’s writing is sharp and engaging, perfectly capturing the voice of her characters while maintaining a gripping sense of mystery.

If you enjoy thrillers with emotional depth and realistic characters, Burn This is an absolute must-read. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to heal, forgive, and stand up for the truth—even when it burns. 🔥📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(5/5 stars)

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for this arc to review

Sophie McKenzie has a special place in my heart as she is one of the authors that I was obsessed with as a teen and got me into reading. When I saw this on Netgalley, I was incredibly eager to read it but unfortunately it did not quite live up to expectations. It was a quick read though!

The story follows Bella who returns to her childhood home where she finds her mother’s notebook with an entry around the murder of her childhood friend, Vicky. Bella starts to dig into the unsolved case.

I loved the pace of the book. It was quick and snappy but for me I just felt it was for someone newer to reading/a younger reader. I would have eaten this up when I was younger! I think my preferences have just changed over the years. This book will be a five star read for many but just not quite my cup of tea.

I absolutely loved Burn This by Sophie McKenzie. From the very first page, I was completely drawn in. The tension builds so well and just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist would throw me off. I was constantly second-guessing everyone and couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know the truth.

The story deals with some heavy themes, and I thought they were handled with a lot of care. The characters felt real and layered, and I found myself emotionally invested in what happened to them. I especially liked how the mystery unfolded piece by piece, it made the reveal so satisfying.

One small thing that stood out to me was a younger character using the word ROFL which felt a bit outdated and slightly out of place. But honestly that was such a minor moment in an otherwise brilliant and gripping book.

If you enjoy twisty thrillers with emotional depth and plenty of suspense, this one is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC, this review reflects my honest opinion.

Bella's best friend Vicki gets murder in the woods, and Bella finds a notebook with an entry from her mother who has now passed away saying she knew who murdered Vicki ....

The book has a very gripping beginning and then the story seems to slow down in the middle
I guessed the murdered half way through and although I guessed the murderer the end still had a unexpected twist

I read this in one sitting as it hooked me from the start. Bella finds a box in her parents' home that throws new light on the murder of her childhood friend Vicky over 30 years earlier. She finds an extract of what is possibly her mam's diary of that day, and sets out to find the truth behind it. She questions those around her including her brother and uncle and her dad who is now in a care home with Alzheimer's, and is met with derision from those closest to her and also from the Detective Inspector who doesn't take her seriously. She enlists the help of her best friend's brother and Vicky's dad. Intertwined in that, she is bringing up her own daughter who is coping with life changes too. In some ways the book becomes predictable with a developing relationship, threatening texts etc. but is twisty enough as well to keep the reader interested.

Burn This follows Bella Wilkins who's best friend died when she was a child under mysterious circumstances. Bella has since returned to her family home and finds a journal, written by her mother, which has BURN THIS on the front. Intrigued by this, Bella soon discovers that her mother witnessed her best friend die and was covering up for someone that was involved in all of their lives...

A positive about this book is that it is a page turner and it is short. The writing style is easy to follow and ensures that you get through the information quickly however it did lead to me having to re-read some areas because I got confused by the multiple characters introduced throughout and the red herrings which were left everywhere.

Admittedly, I accused everyone in the book of something or other (this is normal for me as I am awful at pin-pointing who's done what) however despite this, I was not surprised when the real culprit was revealed and I found myself disappointed by the lack of thriller-esque build up.

Due to this, I found it a very below-average read. There's not really much chemistry between the characters, a lot of the mysterious circumstances were brushed over quickly and I felt like I spent more time with the main characters emotions then I did with the actual investigation into who killed her childhood best friend. Similarly, when this bit was explained, it felt rushed and more focused on a different sub-plot which meant I had to re-read it a couple of times to understand what was going on.

Overall, I believe this would be best suited for those who are beginners in the genre who want something quick-paced.

This was my first arc I’ve read and for my first one I can say I actually enjoyed it. This book can be easily read in a couple of days, it’s an easy read and has plenty of twists to keep you wanting to turn the page.

I also like that the book had quick chapters. I liked how Bella explored her mother’s past and I like how it felt like that everyone had secrets.

What I didn’t enjoy about the book was that there was loads of characters introduced it was quite confusing at times to keep up with. Also I wanted more at the ending for Bella & Lonny.

But the twist at the end…. I didn’t see coming!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for this eCopy to review

I went into Burn This hoping for a twisty, emotionally charged thriller—and while the premise had promise, the execution left me underwhelmed. It’s a quick read with a compelling hook, but the pacing, character overload, and underwhelming payoff made it a frustrating experience overall.

🔥 Plot Summary
The story follows Bella Beckett, who returns to her childhood home after her mother’s death. While clearing out the house, she discovers a hidden diary with the ominous words “BURN THIS” scrawled on the cover. Inside, her mother appears to confess to witnessing the murder of Bella’s childhood best friend, Vicky, thirty-five years earlier.

The police dismiss the diary as fiction, but Bella is convinced it’s real. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins digging into the past—only to find that the killer might still be out there, and closer than she ever imagined.

🕵️‍♀️ What I Liked
The Premise: A hidden diary, a decades-old murder, and a daughter uncovering her mother’s secrets? That’s thriller gold. The setup had me hooked.

Short Chapters & Fast Read: It’s easy to fly through this in a couple of sittings. The writing is accessible and the suspense keeps you turning pages, at least early on.

😬 What Didn’t Work (for Me)
Too Many Characters: The book throws a dizzying number of names at you early on, and many of them blend together. It made it hard to connect with anyone or feel invested in the mystery.

Pacing Issues: After a strong start, the middle drags. There are too many red herrings and false leads, and the tension fizzles out instead of building.

The Reveal: The final twist didn’t land for me. It felt both predictable and underwhelming, and the ending lacked the emotional or narrative punch I was hoping for.

🧾 Final Thoughts
Burn This had all the ingredients for a gripping psychological thriller, but it never quite came together. The mystery was muddled by too many characters and a meandering plot, and the emotional stakes never felt fully earned.

They say some secrets should stay buried… but what if one of them involves a decades-old murder and your mum's dusty diary literally tells you to BURN THIS?

This one had all the ingredients of a psychological thriller I’d typically devour; childhood tragedy, a suspicious diary, and a determined daughter playing amateur detective.
And while I was intrigued (and guessing) most of the way through, something about the pacing or payoff left me lukewarm rather than breathless.

What worked:
* The central mystery is compelling and filled with red herrings (and a twist I didn’t fully see coming).
* Bella’s unravelling of her mother’s past was genuinely engaging.
* Love a good small-town “everyone has secrets” vibe.

What didn’t quite hit:
* Some parts felt a bit drawn out, and I struggled to emotionally connect with Bella at times.
* The final twist? Surprising, yes, but maybe not as impactful as I'd hoped.

If you’re in the mood for a solid whodunnit with family secrets and diary-fuelled drama, this one delivers. But for me, it was more simmer than sizzle.

This is a book that is easily devoured in one or two sittings. It’s easy to read, the plot is interesting and there’s some suspenseful moments that keep you turning the page.

All in all though, this book is just . . . Fine. I think it’s a shame, really, because this book started off great — we meet our main character as a child, at the catalytic event, and then we shoot to the present with lots of unanswered questions . . .

But then we meet about 100 more characters who all blend together and the mystery begins to, somehow, lose its intrigue after one too many false starts and red herrings! The book just sadly did not live up to its potential. Unlikeable characters, a romance that was pretty much fine until one part in the book where he’s accused. I mean, how do you ever come back from that, really? But apparently you do.

It all led up to, frankly, an unremarkable and unshocking reveal with a conclusion that makes you think well, this was all for nothing really. I get why Bella made the decision to keep the secret, for much the same reason her mother did, but I didn’t like it and in someways it felt a betrayal of Bella’s character. Yet when we met her determined to find the truth, the book concludes the truth was just for herself, and not for her friend after all…

So I would say this read achieves the purpose of a few hours entertainment and it wasn’t all bad! It just, overall, was fine.

Quite predictable but not necessarily a bad thing! I enjoyed reading from our main characters pov I thought she was really interesting and despite there being a lot of side characters I think we spent long enough with them that they were all quite distinguishable which isn’t an easy thing to do! Read this in 2 sittings and would definitely pick up some of Sophie’s adult work again :)

Thank you to Canelo Suspense, Netgalley and Sophie McKenzie for allowing me to read an eARC of Burn This! These opinions are my own.

Thank you to Canelo Suspense, Netgalley and Sophie McKenzie for allowing me to read an eARC of Burn This! These opinions are my own.

WOW. I did not guess the ending at all! I mean EVERYONE was a suspect at some point!!

Murder mystery. Cold case. Trust issues. Secrets and lies. Family drama.

This was such a fun twisty murder mystery thriller!!

No spice just some closed door moments.

Pick this up! It’s a quick read and GREAT story!!

#burnthis #secretsandlies #murdermystery #whodidit #weareallsuspects

This thrilling story follows a grown-up Bella as she tries to uncover the mystery of her best friend’s murder 30 years ago, when they were 10 years old.

Throughout this book, I had a handful of suspects and theories but as I kept reading, I struggled to work out who the perpetrator could have been!
I enjoyed every minute of reading this and loved that it kept me on my toes. I wish there had been an epilogue of some sort as the ending, for me, felt mildly abrupt, however this isn’t a big deal and the book is fantastic regardless. Either way, I couldn’t put it down, lol.

I’d have loved to see a touch more of a relationship development for Bella and Lonnie, but again that’s just my personal opinion.

Overall I think this book ticks a lot of thriller/mystery/crime boxes and would definitely recommend it to others (I already have!)

Thank you NetGalley/Canelo for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First, thank you Netgalley and Canelo for this ARC!

Old inherited houses and hidden diaries are surely no new trope when it comes to thrillers, but they are definitely on the list of those I do enjoy most. I was invested in the mystery from the start, just like Bella, I wanted to find out if what Bella's mother had written about the murder of her childhood friend is actually the truth.

I am giving 4 out of 5 stars for this because I felt in some places the story was draging along a little, but I still did enjoy the book and would recommend it!

This is one of my favourite books yet this year. I was engrossed from page 1 and was totally taken in by the plot. The writing style is fast paced and comes with plenty of twists and turns. It’s definitely worthy of 5 stars and I would definitely recommend it.

I enjoyed the way that this book was wrote, as it kept me gripped throughout. I did also really enjoy the characters too, as I feel like they were written well and I felt some form of connection to them as a result. I expected a slightly better ending, but either way I liked the way that it still related back to the title!

Thank you NetGalley for this e-arc!

I like the idea of this--- the whole mystery behind an old family secret-- but it just felt like the whole story dragged on a little bit and would have been better either as a short story or with more inestment in the mystery.

I do believe that this is a well-written story but it fell flat for me.

Sophie Mackenzie will always hold a special place in my heart she’s the author who got me into reading so much as so excited to be able to read this early
I really enjoyed it loved the characters and the plot
I love Sophie writing and how she brings her books together. Loved the twists didn’t see them coming to be honest super happy to be reading a book by the first author I ever picked up
Thank you

Burn This was a pretty decent read, narrated by Bella who has moved back to her hometown with her young daughter twenty odd years after her best friend was murdered in the woods. Her mother has passed away, her father is in a care home and she's got the job of clearing out the home she grew up in.

As she goes through some boxes she discovers a notebook concealed in a bible, what seems to be just some creative short stories her mother once wrote it isn't until she reaches the last few pages when she reads an account of what happened to her best friend however she notices some pages are missing just when she was going to uncover the murderers name.

Will Bella be able to uncover the truth? You'll have to read to find out. Twists and turns all the way through this story certainly had me guessing.

I definitely didn't suspect the ending that's for sure.

My only critique was I felt there was a lot of characters introduced really early on so I felt like I couldn't get to know them all properly, but this didn't take away any enjoyment of the story for me.

Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC.