this was a strong psychological thriller novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I wanted in this and had that suspenseful atmosphere that I was expecting. I thought it worked well in the fear of babysitting and how it was used to tell the story. It was a strong psychological element that I wanted and was engaged with the suspenseful atmosphere that I was hoping for. Megan Davidhizar wrote this well and was glad I got to read this.

This was a fun and twisty read. It centers on Ella, a teen whose family suffers a gas leak when she is going to babysit for them. Ella is struggling with a health problem of her own but is convinced that something sinister is behind the gas leak and sets out to investigate. The story is told entirely from her POV and she is a likable and relatable character. While this is a YA novel, I felt that the writing style worked for adult audiences too.

I found the story to be properly twisty and there were a few things I didn't figure out in advance. It's hard to determine if Ella is an unreliable narrator or not, due to everything that is going in with her, and I enjoyed that aspect of the story. The ending wrapped things up a little too quickly for my liking, but I was still satisfied with where the story went.

Overall, this was a fun read with some good surprises. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gaslit was an entertaining quick read: it pulled me in immediately. It’s not a total fast paced book, it’s a little slow start but overall it was so hard to put this down! Fun YA thriller/mystery with m*urder!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GASLIT by Megan Davidhizar (Jan 13, 2026)

Thank you Netgalley, RHC, Delacorte, and GetUnderlined for the earc

When a headache tied to a recent diagnosis interferes with Ella's plans, she agrees to babysit her cousin. When she arrives, the door is wide open...and there's a strange smell: gas. Despite danger, Ella rushes into the house, talks to 911, and tries to save them. But she can't save them all. As the investigation unravels, Ella realizes she may be next.
GASLIT is the heartbreaking sophomore novel from the author of SILENT SISTER. I have been looking forward to Davidhizar's next novel since I read the first. I had high hopes for this, and it did not disappoint.
GASLIT is a YA mystery/thriller that pulled me in from the first page and kept me hooked until the final page. This book takes place over a short period of time, but it has no lack of...well, anything. Each chapter brought something new: a mystery, medical diagnosis reveal, gas leak, and m*rder.
I described this as heartbreaking above. Not only does a character d*e, which is always heartbreaking, but Ella was already going through so much, and I couldn't help but root for her: survival, health, etc.
I still remember the twist from SILENT SISTER and how shocking it was, so I knew GASLIT would have a twist as shocking...if not more so. Because of this, I couldn't really decide on a whodunit because I knew that despite the characters being so sure of who they thought was responsible, that Davidhizar would throw something new into the mix, someone new. As the novel played out, twists and turns happened...each somehow more twisted than the last. One that stuck out to me was a twist that left me speechless---and made me tear up---and continued to leave me speechless until the end when everything was cleared up...and I was sure it was cleared up. And then that final reveal. I didn't want to believe it even though it crossed my mind once or twice toward the end of the book.
I loved GASLIT. It wasn't short of thrills, intrigue, or mystery. It's not quite fast-paced, but it does play out rather quick, which I loved because I had to know who was responsible and why. Also, this book had me on an emotional roller coaster. I couldn't believe what happened, and at the same time I didn't know what was happening as the confusion took over Ella, which in turn, made me confused.
GASLIT is for those who love enticing mysteries, a bad boy-esque character being pulled into the investigation, and those who think they can call a twist from a mile away. Already, I can't wait to do a reread when the book is out, and I can't wait for book three.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gaslit was a fun and fast-paced mystery/thriller that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Megan does such a great job weaving twists and turns into her stories that have you questioning everything you read, wanting to go back and reread to see how you possibly could have missed the twist!

Ella is a likeable character, strongly protective of her family and dealing with a medical diagnosis that alters her life. Even in the face of these struggles, she does what she can to protect the ones she loves.

Great story, great characters, great mystery! Bravo!

After reading "Silent Sister" last year (I think?), I was SO excited to see something new from Davidhizar and was NOT disappointed! This was the perfect middle grades/YA thriller - quick pacing, likable characters, and an engaging storyline that keeps you on your toes until the very end! I found Ella's character relatable and likable and apprecaited the whole "Good Girl's Guide to Murder" investigation trope that keeps things fun!

Was it the most jaw dropping plot line? No. Was the ending a complete shock? Also no. But this was a fun, quick read that I'll definitely be adding to my class library and recommending to some of those reluctant readers to get them out of a reading slump. Thanks so much for the ARC!

This feels extremely didactic, even for a YA. It feels pitched at younger than middle grade and even so, young children are capable of complex thinking. It was a quick, interesting read, but lacks any nuance or complexity and is burdened with editorializing.

I love me an unreliable narrator!

After Silent Sister, I’ve been anxiously awaiting Gaslit and hit that request button as soon as it was available. When it landed in my inbox, I dropped all other reading so I could burn through this, and it did not disappoint. Lots of twists to keep you guessing the whole time. More than once, I thought I had it all figured out, but then—much like Ella—I was always second-guessing myself, making the reveals even more entertaining.

Another great, fast-paced thriller from one of my new favorite YA authors. Megan Davidhizar is an auto-buy for life for me, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

When I first heard that the author of Silent Sisters was releasing a brand-new novel, I could hardly contain my excitement. I immediately hit that request button on NetGalley with all the enthusiasm in the world, practically begging the bookish universe to grant my wish. When the approval landed in my inbox, I didn’t even pause to read the synopsis—I dove straight in. The eerie, beautifully designed cover already hinted at the unsettling ride ahead. And the title Gaslit? A brilliant choice that works on multiple levels, reflecting both the literal danger and the manipulative emotional currents running through the story. From the opening chapter, I braced myself for sharp twists and dark turns—this author never delivers a straightforward mystery—and sure enough, I was hit with layers of intrigue, suspicion, and heartbreak.

The story follows Ella, a young woman already battling a devastating brain tumor diagnosis. Determined to stay strong, she cancels her New Year’s Eve plans with her best friend Sierra and agrees to help her beloved Aunt Julie by babysitting her little cousin Joey. But what seems like a quiet evening quickly unravels into a nightmare. The house is dark, the door is ajar, and a faint smell of gas lingers in the air. Ella discovers her cousins and aunt unconscious inside, dragging the children to safety—but tragically losing her aunt in the process.

Though authorities at first call it an accident, Ella’s instincts tell her otherwise. Wracked with grief, she begins investigating on her own. Her search soon collides with Dominic, the troubled next-door neighbor, who has his own conflicts with Ella’s teenage cousin Chris. Together, Ella and Dominic uncover threads of insurance fraud, family secrets, and motives darker than she could have imagined. Meanwhile, anonymous threats arrive, warning Ella to stop digging. But she refuses, driven by loyalty to the woman who was like a second mother to her—even as the strain worsens her health and pushes her to the brink.

What makes this story so compelling is its balance between external suspense and Ella’s deeply personal battle. Her migraines, exhaustion, and vulnerability mirror the claustrophobic danger of a house filled with gas. She’s a protagonist whose body may be failing, but whose spirit refuses to quit. That emotional duality is where the book truly shines.

Now, I’ll admit—I didn’t find Gaslit quite as jaw-droppingly clever as Silent Sisters. I guessed several twists and even spotted the culprit before the final reveal. But that doesn’t mean the journey wasn’t gripping. In fact, one late-game twist completely blindsided me, making me gasp out loud. The last quarter is where the book fully delivers on its promise, tying threads together in a way that is both shocking and satisfying.

Overall: Gaslit is a dark, chilling psychological thriller that left me unsettled—in the best way. It’s about grief, loyalty, and how far one young woman will go to uncover the truth, even when her own life hangs in the balance. While I still hold Silent Sisters as my personal favorite, this sophomore novel proves the author is no one-hit wonder. The writing is sharp, the pacing quick, and Ella is a heroine readers won’t easily forget.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press for providing me with this ARC. I truly appreciate the chance to continue reading this author’s haunting, twist-filled stories—and I’ll eagerly line up for whatever comes next.

Ella's New Year's Eve plans are ruined when she gets a crippling migraine. After medicating and lying in a dark room, her symptoms abate so she is able to agree to babysit for her cousin when her aunt calls for last minute help.

When she arrives at the house the door is open and her two cousins and aunt are lying unconscious and Ella smells a gas leak. She calls 911 and does what she can to save everyone. In the days that follow, the tragedy weighs heavy on Ella and she begins to suspect that the whole thing wasn't an accident. Can she uncover the truth and make it out alive?

Gaslight is a fast read and an enjoyable YA thriller. The story is filled with twists and turns and a main character that I found myself rooting for.

I want to thank author Megan Davidhizar for her thoughtful portrayal of migraine disease. As a longtime chronic sufferer of migraine, I have seen many who think migraine is a mild headache, something you can cure with Tylenol, instead of showing that migraine is a neurological disease with many symptoms. The portrayal here is layered and truthful. Also, as someone who has had three brain tumors, I felt like I could understand Ella's conflicted feelings about her diagnosis and what it meant for the future. Four stars for this YA story.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Gaslit. This story of a young woman dealing with so many kinds of grief and doubt was very intriguing. While I didn't love it and guessed a few things early on, there were some unexpected turns along the way that kept me engaged. At one point, my son's baseball game was starting, and I literally looked at my husband and said, "I can't believe what is happening and I don't want to stop reading." There are enough turns to keep readers guessing, but not so many as to be confusing.

Using the metric that follows, I'll say 3.5 rounded up to 4.
5 stars = I loved this book and will rave about it forever.
4 stars = I liked this book very much and will remember details later. Will definitely recommend.
3 stars = I liked this book, but I don't think I'll remember it down the line. Might recommend.
2 stars = Meh. It was fine. I doubt I'd recommend it unless I've worked my way through a list without success.
1 star = I didn't like this at all.

Ella is struggling with just trying to be a normal teenager, wanting to attend New Year's Eve parties and practice for her dance recital. Unfortunately, she has a brain tumor that causes severe migraines and makes living the life she desires very difficult. After having to miss yet another event, she jumps at the chance to get out of the house and volunteers to babysit her young cousin. When she arrives at her aunt’s secluded house, however, she is met with a startling sight and smell. The door is left open, and there is a strong smell of rotten eggs, a sign of a gas leak, and her aunt and cousins are unconscious in the house. Despite her best attempt, she is unable to rescue everyone. After probing and investigating, she is left to wonder if the gas leak was actually an accident or if something more nefarious was at play. This is all exacerbated by her condition beginning to grow worse and new symptoms appearing that make her question what is actually reality and what is a side effect of her condition.

This story moves at a quick pace and has you questioning the reliability of Ella and those around her. The writing is snappy and quick-witted, and keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat until the shocking ending. The characters are both believable and relatable, and they are very complex, with their own unique personalities. I appreciate how the ending was believable, yet still surprising and not overly “cookie-cutter.” All in all, I think this makes a great read for fans of mystery and suspense.

I have read this author's previous books and while the plotlines are intriguing, the writing just does not keep me invested in the story.

This book is not horrible, but it asks you to suspend your disbelief a lot, while the pace is so slow.

Perhaps for readers who do not mind alot of details and a slower pace, this may be for you.

Fans of SILENT SISTER will LOVE GASLIT, and I can't wait for the new fans it brings to Davidhizar's work. Ella is another resilient, realistic, and poooossibly unreliable narrator, and watching her investigate the circumstances of the tragedies surrounding her makes for a breath-held read. It's wonderful for discussion of its rich and layered themes while also delivering a fast-paced, unputdownable reading experience—YA gold.

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Gaslit” by Megan Davidhizar is a psychological thriller that punches with emotional weight, slow-burning suspense, and a vulnerable but determined heroine you can’t help but root for. It opens with heartbreak and ends in bittersweet clarity, unraveling themes of trauma, mental health, grief, and the terrifying uncertainty of not knowing whether the danger is real or all in your head.

When a babysitting job turns deadly, 17-year-old Ella finds herself at the epicenter of a tragedy: a gas leak claims the life of her aunt and leaves her two cousins unconscious. Ella is forced to make a devastating choice—who she can save—and she’s left grappling with not just the loss, but the guilt. Already reeling from a recent brain tumor diagnosis, Ella's world grows even more fragile as her physical symptoms worsen and her grip on reality begins to waver.

What makes “Gaslit” particularly compelling is Ella’s singular voice. Despite her tragic circumstances, she’s full of optimism, fierce determination, and an appreciation for life sharpened by her own mortality. But her strength also isolates her; she insists on solving the mystery surrounding the gas leak alone, even as her health declines and the possibility of hallucinations clouds her judgment. Can she trust what she sees? Can she even trust herself?

The plot is layered with tension and empathy. Suspicions immediately swirl around Ella’s aunt’s boyfriend, and though some twists (especially one involving Ella herself) may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers, the emotional stakes are what drive the story forward. This isn't a thriller that relies solely on shocking reveals, but rather on deep character work and emotional resonance.

Megan Davidhizar masterfully balances psychological suspense with poignant introspection. Ella’s slow unraveling, both physically and mentally, is heart-wrenching to witness. The book occasionally dips into preachy territory, particularly as Ella reflects on life lessons learned through suffering, but these moments may resonate strongly with younger YA readers. The inclusion of an Educator’s Guide shows that the book is especially well-suited for classroom discussions on topics like mental health, grief, and ethical decision-making.

The romance subplot may divide some readers; while I did appreciate the lightness it brings, I also found it distracting given Ella’s dire circumstances. That said, the love interest adds an element of warmth and connection that offsets the darker aspects of the plot.

The climax is raw and emotional, revealing painful truths that feel both inevitable and gut-wrenching. By the end, Ella learns she doesn't have to carry everything on her own, and the arc of her cousin Chris—whose own actions come under scrutiny—adds another layer of tragedy and complexity. The ending is bittersweet but satisfying, offering closure without undermining the heavy emotional journey.

Overall, “Gaslit” is a heartfelt and suspenseful YA thriller that blends a gripping mystery with a tender coming-of-age story. With its emotional depth, well-drawn characters, and themes of resilience, it’s a strong pick for both teens and educators. Perfect for those who like their thrillers with a pulse and a heart.