I was excited to read this sapphic mystery and for the most part it did not disappoint. The chapters were short and kept me interested in figuring out the next piece of the puzzle. There were some good and interesting twists and reveals. The last 10% of the ending was predictable, but I didn't mind it so much. The one element that was missing for me based on the description was that the two girls did not feel like they lacked trust in each other/neither girl felt suspicious or like she was hiding something form the other girl or reader.

This story takes place in Alaska where a girl killed on a stairway invites suspicion. Virginia and Katie try to figure out whether it was an accident or on purpose. The plot has two stories. Virginia and Katie were friends before Virginia moved away 3 years prior. Virginia moved back but they are afraid of the feelings they have. They band together to be amateur sleuths and find the cause of their classmate's death. I found the book very interesting and covers the whole gambit of emotions. I recommend this book for young love and mystery readers.

This book was like a modern, sapphic Nancy Drew story. Even though I guessed some of the outcome, there was still a twist. Thank you for the chance to read an advance copy!

A taste of One of Us is Lying but make it LGBTQA and set In Alaska. This was a fast paced teen mystery set along side a romantic drama that added and didn’t take away from the storyline. When one of the most promising students is found at the bottom of the stairs dead, everyone thinks it’s accidental, on the surface. But behind the scenes it starts coming out how maybe she wasn’t so well liked. Virginia and Katie set out to figure out what really happened, while also dealing with secrets in Katie’s past that may affect their future.

Recommended for high school students, queer especially.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Bella Books and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Perfectly paced, written, executed. Characters are well crafted with a background that’s layered. This story was impossible to put down.

North Anchorage High School is the setting for this excellent YA whodunnit. Marisol Cowsill was the editor of the school newspaper until she mysteriously fell down a school staircase. Marisol wielded power over a number of students with her editorial decisions and was not well liked as a result.
Virginia believes something is just not right about this accident and begins investigating. The love of her young life Katie has returned to Anchorage after a three year absence. Virginia is determined to reconnect with Katie by having them working together as amateur sleuths.
Can I Trust Her is a well written and engaging story. The second chance romance works in seamlessly with the mystery while both keep the reader on their toes. Lucas has a deep understanding of high school teens and life in Alaska which shines through in the storytelling.
I was thoroughly entertained by this novel and highly recommend it.

I received an advanced review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Katie and Virginia loved each other when they were in 8th grade until Katie moved away. Now juniors at a high school in Anchorage Katie has returned with her mother. But she is dating Rocky, the hockey player, and doesn’t want to rekindle her friendship with Katie. When the death of an obnoxious, over achieving student goes from being an accident to accusations against a classmate the two join forces to help solve the crime. I love the back story and history or these two. The story gets told from alternating view points and moves along quickly. The crime solving part seems realistic to what a pair of smart teens can do. There is no computer hacking or unrealistic skills needed. This is the kind of mystery you have to follow along with them and can’t solve on your own. The adults all seem real too. Sometimes with YA novels you wonder where the teachers or parents are in the story.

I didn’t love Katie getting involved again with Virginia without breaking up with Rocky first. I understand her reasoning but cheating is cheating even in high school. Also that Katie hooks up for five minute quickies with Rocky (off page and outside in freezing Alaska) seems unnecessary and cliche. Katie and Virginia and none of the other characters are going further than kissing so I’m not sure why this detail is needed. It is a minor thing but can be the difference between targeting middle school or older YA readers.

I enjoyed the characters, the location and the diversity represented. Very few books talk about native Alaskans and cultural issues they face. I will look forward to the sleuths next mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)

Katie and Virginia are exes that reconcile their friendship after a classmate dies from a fall down the stairs.

The book is told from dueling POVs and in present and past time. I heard this book was Frances Lucas’ writing debut, and while I think that shows throughout the story, I still enjoyed it. I am a little nit picky and saying little things like “bitchy resting face” instead of “resting bitch face” or “sex text” instead of “sext” made my eyes a little twitchy, but that’s personal preference.

All that being said, it’s pride month and this is a fun and quick YA LGBTQ+ read. You should definitely check it out for yourself.

Can I Trust Her? Is Frances Lucas debut novel, and I must say its a wonderful read.
I enjoyed the writing in this book. I did feel like the pacing was perfectly executed.
Virginia and Katie, plus the “side” characters were so fun and realistic!
I really enjoy YA mysteries like this one here.
It kept me guessing. Kept me glued to my Kindle. And me not wanting this story to end so soon.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Bella Books,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

Thanks Netgalley and Bella Books for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I found this to be a thrill ride! I love the background of Katie and Virginia and the awkwardness of their past relationship! Virginia wants to look into the death of a classmate that’s been ruled an accident but she feels there’s more to it. She seeks out her ex-girlfriend for help. Katie unsure of her feelings towards her ex is reluctant to help until people begin to accuse another classmate. The two of them work together, along with some of their friends, to figure out what happened! Can they put aside their past to solve the case? Do they still have feelings for each other? I enjoyed the twists and turns and the dynamics of their relationship! I also liked the backstory for Katie, sometimes I think it can take away from the mystery but Frances Lucas intertwined them well! I also love that there is going to be more books, I can’t wait to read what Virginia and Katie get up to next! And there has to be more Matty, he was absolutely fabulous! I highly recommend this if you like mysteries especially ones with LGBTQ+ characters!