YA Knives Out meets One of Us Is Lying is such a great description of this book. This was such an engrossing and zippy ready; all the characters were unique and the individual mysteries that unfold was fun to learn. Add in gorgeous 1920s costumes and a good ending, making this a great read.

Seven teenage classmates are set to celebrate graduation with an elaborately planned 1920’s themed getaway in a remotely located historical mansion. Izzy Morales and her bestie Kassidy are obsessed with film noir and that hobby is the basis for this excursion, but when the party turns deadly and one of the guests is found murdered, the Gatsby-esque costumes are forgotten. Two modern day gumshoes show up on the island to investigate and the locked room aspect of their remote destination makes every guest a suspect. This YA thriller is fun and fast with enough character development to make the reader care about these kids, their motives, and their futures

Overall, a good mystery read. The ambiance of the setting and removal of modern devices was a nice way to write a present-day mystery with an old mystery feel. The main character's motive was something a little different and made for an interesting twist. The teen characters did fall a little flat for me and I didn't feel any connection to the main character. Much more interested in the quirky private investigator.

This book was such a fun read. It was definitely a murder mystery but gave me big Clue energy.

Right out the gate, I felt like it was almost too obvious who the murderer was, but I feel like each character really developed and built a story with motive. I did eventually figure it out, but this book kept me guessing as I was following along. I do think the end was a bit far fetched, but not so much that it ruined the story for me.

This book was heavily character driven but full of interesting twists and turns that kept me reading all the way till the very end. What a fun read!

First off, I adore the cover of this one, it's beautiful and absolutely drew my into the story. I enjoyed the characters and the overarching plot but I hated what ended up happening. One reason for this is I saw it coming unfortunately, and I was disappointed in the way it ended. I liked it up until the ending.

CW: death, mild violence, underage drinking, drug use, teens having sex, some others

Read via NetGalley.

What happens if you take a group of modern teens, stick them in a 1920’s themed party, and then surprise them with a dead body? This book! And it’s a strangely enjoyable adventure.

Seven friends rent out a historic mansion on a private island to celebrate their high school graduation. When one of them ends up dead, their party turns into a nightmare. Did one of them kill their friend? And will the detectives be able to unravel all the lies?

First, a disclaimer: while this book is marked as young adult, and the introduction by the publisher labels it for ages 12+, I don’t think it would necessarily be appropriate for 12 year olds. It feels more fitting for maybe 15 and up? Either way, use your best judgement. (Or read it yourself first; it’s really quite a good book!)

I love locked room mysteries. They’re one of my favorite genres because there’s just so much tension and so many moving pieces; you never really know what’s going to happen. This book, much to my joy, did not fail to deliver. It gives strong Agatha Christie/“And Then There Were None” vibes and I am here for all of it. If you haven’t read a lot of locked room stories, or if you aren’t sure if psychological thrillers are your thing, or you just want a really good story, this is a marvelous place to start.

The story is told in 2 points of view— the main timeline is told through our MC, Izzy. Every so often we’re given 3rd person views of things that happened in the past. These flashbacks are used to give extra context to the characters and their relationships with each other, and I really liked seeing these relevant bits. What I didn’t love, though, is that the flashbacks are not in chronological order; they’re more used when the relevant character or event in present time is going to be important. It made it a little difficult to keep track of what happened and when leading up to the current event. The disorganization may have been intentional, but it just wasn’t my thing. Fortunately, it didn’t detract overmuch from the main timeline or the story overall.

Can I relate to any of these characters in any way? No. No I cannot. Did that stop me from loving every single page of this story? Also no. Obviously I can’t really discuss the plot without giving things away, but it was so good. Everybody has their own motivations and desires and flaws, and nothing is what it seems on the surface. The book also deals a surprising amount with things like hidden grief, anger, and how secrets can eat away at you. For all the things it touches on, though, it never feels overly introspective or abstract as some books do when discussing the human condition. It’s just good writing telling a good story.

So, the short version is that you should most definitely read this book if you like mysteries. Be prepared to not want to put it down until you get to the end. “Suddenly a Murder” is out now!

Mysteries with characters isolated in any sort of way (bonus points if it’s on an island) is seriously my favourite type of story. If I see that it’s an isolated whodunit, it’s an immediate must read.

This one did not disappoint. It’s honestly remarkable that this is the author’s debut novel. Every scene, scenario and character was so well fleshed out.

There’s a lot of complexity regarding each character’s life and their relationships with each other. It was a wild ride witnessing the airing of the dirty laundry while everyone is decked out in their 1920s high fashion.

I honestly just had a lot of fun with this one. It was completely addictive and I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.

Diana Bustelo was a perfect narrator for the audiobook.

I really enjoyed this mystery thriller book. The main characters all of different secrets they are trying to keep while also trying to not be implicated with the murder of their friend. This book had 1920s murder mystery Great Gatsby vibes set in modern times when a group of friends inhabits an island mansion and they are all role playing the 20s. Then there friend is murdered and it's definitely one of the remaining 6 teens. This book keeps you wondering on who killed him and why. And what are everyone's secrets. I definitely loved all the drama. Enjoyable read for sure.

I love a good thriller, and the elements of this novel having a Latinx protagonist and a 1920s themed party had me instantly sold from the synopsis!

Protagonist Izzy goes on a graduation trip thrown by her very privileged BFF, Kassidy, at a famous estate owned by an eccentric mogul that served as the setting of many of their favorite silent film era movies. It gave me MAJOR Heart Castle vibes (a landmark on the Central Coast of California that was owned by William Randolph Hearst who threw parties that were rumored to have inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Gatsby parties). The themed week of high school shenanigans takes a dark turn when one of the 7 guests turns up dead, leading to a literal murder mystery party. The rest of the week is spent with the 6 teens trapped on the island amidst a storm, being interrogated by two detectives.

At first, it seems obvious (almost too obvious) as to who the killer is going to be. I was honestly almost confused as to where the story was going to go because it seemed so on the nose. However, as the story unraveled, it becomes clear that each character has a pretty compelling motive (which is the mark of good mystery writing, IMO). While dealing with the anxiety of the police interviews and wondering who will get caught (and for what, as many of the characters are hiding one thing or another), Izzy also struggles with her own feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability next to her peers who will have access to unlimited funds and resources once they return to the protection of their wealthy parents back on the mainland.

With any good thriller I am hoping for a twist or two at the end, especially one that I didn’t see coming. While I eventually guessed the identity of the killer, this book took a some really unexpectedly dark turns, not just with the motive behind the murder, but with some other secrets that led up too and boiled over into a motive for the murder. While shocking and compelling, I’m not sure if I found there were adequate breadcrumbs for it to really make sense to the reader- some of the twists, while interesting and shocking, seemed to really come out of left field for me.

Overall: Thematically lush and with some surprising twists and turns at the end, Suddenly a Murder managed to surprise me! While I found some of the reveals at the end a little far-fetched, it was a quick and atmospheric read that scratches the itch for a YA mystery.

This book had really interesting and complex teenage characters. I enjoyed getting to see the drama in their lives and how it connected to the murder. This book is very character heavy and at times I thought it a bit too focused on the characters and not enough on the plot. I also thought it was pretty obvious who killed the victim from pretty early on. It was an okay murder mystery for me. I did like the ending though. It was weird and kind of satisfying.

A YA version of an Agatha Christie novel, this “locked room” whodunit was an enjoyable read. I listen to this one as I read it, and I think that heightened my enjoyment. It brought the main character, Izzy, to life with her accent and mannerisms. The whodunit part wasn’t a super hard case to figure out, but there were some twists and turns that surprised me. Overall, a good read

A 1920’s themed party in a newly renovated museum on an isolated island, where only a few staff and a handful of freshly graduated teenagers are staying. It was fun until it wasn’t, and someone ended up dead. But with everyone keeping secrets, it turns out more than just one person had the motive to kill.

Lauren Muñoz's "Suddenly a Murder" is a heart-pounding, suspense-laden journey into the world of crime fiction that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last. With a gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and a relentless pace, this novel is a thrilling literary escape.

This book has the ability to ensnare the reader in a web of intrigue from the very beginning. Muñoz masterfully crafts a labyrinthine plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that each chapter leaves you craving the next revelation. The novel is an example of the art of suspense, and Muñoz's storytelling keeps you guessing until the final page.

The characters in "Suddenly a Murder" are well-developed and deeply relatable. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity, making her a character that readers will root for and empathize with. Muñoz's portrayal of the human spirit's strength in the midst of chaos adds a layer of depth.

Muñoz's writing is sharp and evocative, creating an atmosphere that draws you into the heart of the narrative. Her descriptive language brings the settings to life, immersing readers in the story's locales and adding authenticity to the unfolding drama. The vivid prose and attention to detail make each scene feel like a cinematic experience.

"Suddenly a Murder" has the ability to balance pulse-pounding suspense with profound themes of trust, betrayal, and the fragility of human relationships. Muñoz skillfully explores the complexities of trust and deceit, inviting readers to question their own judgments and allegiances. The book's exploration of these themes adds depth and resonance.

"Suddenly a Murder" has the enduring appeal of the crime fiction genre. Muñoz's narrative skill and the novel's relentless pace keep readers engaged and invested throughout. It is a book that reminds us of the power of a well-crafted mystery to captivate the imagination and leave us yearning for answers.

In a literary landscape filled with crime thrillers, "Suddenly a Murder" stands out because it delivers suspense and substance. It is a book that will keep you up late into the night, eagerly turning pages to unravel the mystery.

This novel is a work of suspenseful fiction that will leave readers breathless and hungry for more. It is a story that not only entertains but also explores the intricate dynamics of trust and betrayal in the human experience.

"Suddenly a Murder" is a riveting page-turner that will undoubtedly leave you eager to explore more of Muñoz's literary works.

You won't need to just suspend your disbelief when you read Suddenly A Murder; you need to banish it through the entire book. Having said that, the plot is no more unreal than some other wildly popular YA books. If you can do that, then you are in store for a fast read that holds your attention. Seven new high school graduates are going to a private island off the coast of Maine for the most over-the-top of all graduation parties -- a weeklong party in an old mansion where they will be totally immersed in the Jazz Age (no cell phones, no electronics, a few staff). The kids are uber-wealthy, except for the main character Izzy. There is a lot of high school drama (that part was believable) and then one of the kids ends up dead. After wading through the various backstories, it's obvious that everyone has a motive. This is a classic locked-room mystery and an impressive start for a debut.

Skip this one. None of the characters were likable and the writing did nothing to make them interesting. The setting was an end of school party at a wealthy girls house where they partied as it was the twenties wearing expensive dresses and jewelry without regard to the museum quality.. None of my students would be able to relate and there are lots of better stories. I was give an arc from NetGalley and am under no pressure for a positive review.

4.25 stars

A murder mystery set on a secluded island, with teenagers playing the roles of 1920's movie characters, sounds right up my alley!

I fell right into this story and had a fabulous time figuring out the character's motives and secrets. Each person has a lot going on under the surface and unraveling everything was a lot of fun. There are flashbacks to show us the relationships among the teens and give us glimpses into what they're hiding. Each piece that fell into place was exciting and it felt like a race to the end.

The ending was surprising, but did leave some things undone. I also wanted a bit more to be happening now, rather than most of the action being in the past.

This was great and twisty and I loved reading it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the copy.

I had a really hard time getting into this one. I didn’t feel like I could connect with any of the characters. The story felt kind of dragged out and not believable.

I did not read this one due to the Goodreads ratings dropping below a 4. I am screening books for our Battle of the Books list, and that is one of our criteria. I think it had a lot of promise initially, but it hasn’t held up as time went on.

I hated everything about this. The characters, the constant time shifts, the multiple narratives, everything. And when I got to the acknowledgments and learned how much the author liked Twilight, I wished I’d known that going on because this was just awful. How hard is it to create characters who are remotely likable? I always liked YA for its ability to deal with real issues in a way that gave insights into life for teens. This is not realistic and the characters are not remotely like real people. It’s this kind of book that makes people think YA is trash.

I just read this book in 5 days and omg it was an amazing debut! I got since this book for me to read and review but all thoughts and opions are my own. But once again thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an e-arc & a finished copy months/weeks in advance. Let's begin shall we?
So we follow our 2 main character name Kassadiy and Isadole (short for Izzy). They are two best friends in high school getting ready to graduate! Kassady deciedes she wants to take izzy and six of her friends to this famous mansion that one of thier favorite movie from the 1920's and so they had to wear/lose their cellphones so they can fit the theme.
I would describe this book as One of us is lying meets Gets Out! The reason why is because everyone is lying when one of them ends up dead, and by one of them I mean Izzy's friend Blaine! I didn't see the twist and turns coming, I had a hard time putting the book down when I got to the halfway mark. To be fair though the two different timelines were a bit confusing to me but it was nice that the author had a heading to let us know what timeline we are in...
I was shocked at the end becauase chapter 40 hit me in my feels because I had multiple ppl with cancer so I was totally crying in my weekly vlog I was making. I won't say who or why for spoilers but look up content warnings and just enjoy the ride! 4/5 stars!

Everything about this story felt entirely implausible, yet it kept my attention easily and I couldn’t stop reading to find out how everything would end. I suppose when you have the kind of money these characters (well, their families) have (except one, of course, because there has to be the one scholarship kid who attends the fancy private school because her mom is a teacher) you can live as though rules/laws don’t apply to you, but still… A weeklong 1920’s themed graduation party with no cell phones? No 18 year old is planning that, or agreeing to attend. The tropes were troping non-stop throughout the story, and I kinda hated the ending. There were too many twists, which again made the story just feel impossible, and the shift in perspective (from first-person to third-person) throughout the story were a bit hard to follow.

I was entertained by this, but it won’t be one I push people to read or revisit in the future.