Emily is a seventeen-year-old who is one of twelve students chosen from boarding schools in the United States to participate in a contest that will provide college tuition to the winner. Together, they board a private jet to Paris. But the competition begins just after the flight takes off, and it soon becomes apparent that Emily isn’t the only desperate to win. But as things become tense and escalate, it suddenly becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to win the competition. Who can Emily trust?

This locked-room mystery was extra enjoyable because it was set on a private jet. I enjoyed the setting and how well the author incorporated it into the mystery and used it to add tension throughout. It does take awhile before anything really happens (almost 30%, I believe), but that time is largely spent getting to know the characters. Even with this, it was difficult to connect with or care about the characters; when a character is found dead, I want to be upset by it, not shrug and move on.

Emily is not a likeable protagonist. There are many, many reasons why I was hoping that she would be one of the victims (she wasn’t, but I don’t feel like that’s a spoiler because she’s the protagonist so obviously she must be alive for the big reveal, etc.). I won’t really get into the reasons here other than she’s a massive hypocrite, and since we’re seeing everything from her perspective, there’s no real judgement or comeuppance for it all. It also didn’t feel like the author was writing her to be a bad character but rather a sympathetic one, which was what made it frustrating.

While I enjoyed the buildup, I wanted more tension and darkness from this read. There are teens trapped on a plane with a murderer, but that suspense just never really came through. I know I’m saying a lot of negative things about this read, but I did end up having a difficult time putting it down and honestly did like it. If you like locked room mysteries, love triangles, and stuck-up teenagers, then you’ll probably enjoy this read. My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for allowing me to read this work, which will be published October 17, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of Thin Air by Kellie M. Parker

A scholarship competition gone wrong as 12 students embark on a transatlantic flight to Paris and people begin to die.

Thin Air kept me guessing throughout, and I was always changing my mind about the killer. Is it the foundation? Is it a student? Every time I thought I had the answer, I was proven wrong. Refreshing to have a whodunnit where I was genuinely unsure until the big reveal.

Thin Air is about students, so the story reads very young (our protagonist is around 16 years old), so we have a lot of cases where Emily and the other teens prioritise their teenage angst over literal murders- I personally think this story would be a lot more fulfilling with an older/more mature cast.

With that said, I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting (bonus points as its not my normal genre).

Overall I would recommend Thin Air to fans of murder mystery and academia.

In Kellie M. Parker's heart-stopping YA thriller, "Thin Air," the skies hold more than just dreams of opportunity for seventeen-year-old Emily Walters and her fellow contestants. What begins as a flight to Paris, promising a chance at a better future, soon morphs into a deadly game of survival that will leave readers gripping the edge of their seats.

Selected for the opportunity of a lifetime, Emily believes her life is about to change forever. A cash prize that could lift her family out of poverty and secure her place in college is on the line. But as the private jet soars towards Europe, ominous shadows cast doubt on the intentions of her fellow contestants. The once-exciting journey becomes a claustrophobic nightmare as paranoia seeps into every corner of the plane.

Parker's storytelling weaves an intricate web of secrets and deception that heightens the suspense with each passing page. As Emily grapples with her best friend's flirtatious boyfriend and conceals her own dark past, she realizes that someone among them is willing to do anything to claim victory - even if it means taking lives. The locked-door scenario intensifies the fear and uncertainty, trapping both characters and readers in a nerve-wracking puzzle of mystery.

With each twist and turn, loyalties shift, and the dark underbelly of the contestants' motivations is exposed. Trust becomes a rare commodity as Emily races to uncover the identity of the deadly predator among them. The tension is palpable, and the chilling atmosphere seeps into every aspect of the narrative, leaving readers on edge as they navigate a labyrinth of deceit and betrayal.

"Thin Air" is more than just a thrilling whodunit; it explores the intricate complexities of human nature. Parker crafts a cast of characters with hidden depths and intriguing secrets, challenging readers to question the nature of trust and the lengths one would go to achieve their desires. As lives hang in the balance, the moral boundaries blur, leaving Emily and readers grappling with the unsettling notion that darkness can reside in anyone's heart.

With every revelation and shocking twist, the stakes escalate, and the pulse-pounding suspense reaches a crescendo. Readers will be engrossed in the unrelenting tension, wondering who will survive this deadly game and what sacrifices will be made along the way. Parker expertly manipulates emotions, keeping the truth just out of reach until the electrifying climax.

"Thin Air" is an exhilarating and addictive thrill ride that will leave readers breathless and craving more. Kellie M. Parker's storytelling prowess shines, creating an immersive world of danger, mystery, and betrayal. For fans of suspenseful locked-door mysteries with unforgettable characters, this book ranks among the best that will linger in the mind long after the final page. Brace yourself for a turbulent journey into the heart of human darkness, where every breath hangs in the balance and danger lurks in the very air you breathe.

"A heart-pounding and addictive YA thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page. 'Thin Air' is a riveting journey into the dark depths of ambition and betrayal."

"Kellie M. Parker delivers an atmospheric and gripping tale of suspense that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading. 'Thin Air' is a must-read for fans of mystery and thrilling storytelling."

"With a locked-door scenario that intensifies the tension, 'Thin Air' is an enthralling YA mystery that will leave you breathless. Parker's masterful character development adds depth to this spine-chilling narrative."

"Prepare to be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. 'Thin Air' is a rollercoaster ride of secrets, betrayal, and unexpected twists. Parker's storytelling shines in this thrilling young adult novel."

"Kellie M. Parker weaves a web of intrigue and deception, leaving readers second-guessing every character's motives. 'Thin Air' is an exhilarating and thought-provoking page-turner that stands out in the YA thriller genre."

"A suspenseful and atmospheric thrill ride that will have you guessing until the final revelation. 'Thin Air' is a remarkable debut, showcasing Parker's talent for crafting gripping and enigmatic narratives."

"Parker's ability to create an intense and claustrophobic atmosphere aboard a private jet is unmatched. 'Thin Air' is a spine-chilling YA thriller that will appeal to readers of all ages."

"A captivating and haunting story that explores the darker aspects of human nature. 'Thin Air' is a morally complex and enthralling YA thriller that will leave you pondering its secrets long after you've finished."

"Kellie M. Parker's writing is spellbinding, and 'Thin Air' is no exception. The book's intriguing characters and chilling plot make it a standout in the YA suspense genre."

"An exhilarating and unforgettable journey that showcases the complexities of ambition and the haunting consequences of secrets. 'Thin Air' is a gripping YA thriller that leaves a significant mark on readers' minds."

This was so good. I loved the setting and the premise was SO COOL. The locked-room aspect of this felt pretty original (at least in YA thrillers) and the story was so twisty and turny. I have a hunch that part of the tense-ness and panic I felt for the characters was because of my own severe fear of flying, but NO MATTER I still loved this. I loved the mystery, the romance subplot, and I was so compelled by the characters and setting. Also, that cover is *chef's kiss*.

Eight hours. Twelve contestants. A flight none of them might survive.

Honestly does one need more than that tag line? I sure didn't when I picked up this book. Add in the locked door element in this young adult thriller and honestly I was living my best thriller/mystery life. I had the greatest time reading the twists and turns with this book and how much loyalties shifted all the ding dang time throughout this thrilling book.

I wanted to love this one so bad, the atmosphere was sharp and it had all the makings of an interesting novel but this one sort of fell flat to me. Our main character and supporting characters just sort of fall flat which is disappointing for such a wonderful and intriguing premise.

This was a book with a very interesting setup and compelling summary that really failed to live up to it. The concept of a scholarship competition turned deadly while everyone, killer included, are stuck on a plane is really great. The setup for how the mc is a part of the competition is also very good. There's an attempt to make everyone seem like a plausible suspect as well. Where things really went wrong for me was with the main character herself. Emily is made out to be a complicated, desperate person, but not much of that comes across in her narration and actions. What is abundantly apparent, however, is her focus on the boys in the group, whether or not they're interested in her, and how to show she's interested in them. Full stop, this part of the story is absolutely unnecessary. It's also extremely distracting as her inner monologue is like 90% romantic thoughts instead of focusing on more important things, like being framed for murder. It was such a disconnect that it made it hard to enjoy the rest of the book, though I also felt that the mystery element fell flat. There was little foreshadowing, the reveal was rushed and confused as three different people are accused back to back, and overall just was a lackluster and unsatisfying end to the book.

This book was so intriguing and I read it so quickly. I loved the romance, the mystery, and the whole plot of this book. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next and I love when books keep me on my toes like this one did.

This book was just ok for me , it reminded me of Final Destination with a twist. It grabbed me from the very beginning but was kind of slow, at least for me and the ending felt rushed and flat. I would give this author another try though because the book wasn’t awful, it just wasn’t for me. I gave it 2.5 stars

* Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *

When 12 students board a flight to Paris to compete for an ultra-exclusive scholarship, they never imagine their fight will be against a killer aboard the plane.

Thin Air was a fun book, but I wouldn't say that it was particularly unique. The first 5-10% was a little slow, then 10%-90% of the book was thrilling, and a lot of fun. I love a good whodunnit, especially when everyone is trapped in one place and has no chance of escape. The last 10% is where the book failed a bit, for me. I think the author was so focused on the plot twist surprising the readers that the author didn't actually provide any good lead-up for the whodunnit. The motive of the perpetrator was especially weird to me, and their willingness to kill so many people... honestly, it just didn't track for me. Other than that, it was a fun book and I would recommend it.

Started off great, immediately gripping my attention from the jump (maybe because I read this in an airport….) but the ending very much fell flat for me.
Overall rating: 2.5 (rounded to 3) stars

Thank you, NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for the copy of Thin Air by Kellie M. Parker. The characters were a good mix of types. Emily was not a nice person so being inside her head was exhausting. There were a lot of characters and we didn’t really get to know them before the killing started and it didn’t feel really impactful because I didn't get attached to or connect with any of the characters. I liked the competition scenes and wish there had been more focus on them because of the insight they gave about the personalities. The big reveal was a little disappointing because I felt like there was no build up or insight into their story. The book was compelling enough to keep me reading to find out what happened even though many things didn't really add up. The description of the book was great and I can see how it would appeal to younger readers or people new to thrillers, and obviously I am not the intended audience. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

The romantic trope in this book killed the whole plot for me, it was unbelievable and so over done.

Also the ending was wrapped up in 20 pages. Nope!!! There wasn’t even a hint to get you to guessing how the ending would play out

This is a fun read from a talented debut author. Parker creates a claustrophobic locked room mystery by putting a bunch of teens from top Stateside boarding schools on a plane to Paris to compete for an elite scholarship, and the game starts in the air. But they all have things to hide and things to gain, not least the protagonist and narrator, Emily, who has a precarious living situation and has cheated her way into the competition. It's not long before things take a sinister turn and what should be a dream trip turns into a battle of wits and a fight for survival.

I probably shouldn’t be reading this book sitting in O’Hare airport about ready to get on a flight, but here we are.

Emily is traveling with 11 other students to Paris for a scholarship opportunity. She’s hiding something, well, a few somethings, but as she soon learns, everyone else is too. It turns out someone is taking the competition into their own hands and it quickly turns deadly. With no one to trust, even the sweet boy, Liam she met on the plane or her friend and bff’s boyfriend, Dylan, Emily has to rely on her own gut instincts. If she makes one wrong turn, she could be next.

I enjoyed this right from the start. It was gripping and kept me guessing until the end. Unfortunately, the ending didn’t really live up to expectations and the reveal felt rushed and forced. I felt like I was missing a chapter or two at the end.

As far as a light thriller goes, this fits the bill, but it didn’t wow me. I’ve never seen the word aft used so much in a novel and I won’t be upset if I never see it again.

Interesting read. Definitely different with the mystery being set on a plane. Not sure all of it worked but overall I was entertained.

Full of suspense and it kept me up late reading! I couldn’t stop! Such a good read! Thanks NetGalley!

THIN AIR by Kellie M. Parker is a locked room mystery set aboard an airplane, featuring a cast of teenaged boarding school students competing for a scholarship. While the execution is quite different the premise seems inspired by Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None in which each character is accused of committing some crime that makes them unworthy of the scholarship, and soon thereafter, people start dying. It's a well-written thriller in that the main character's journey is clear, and the twists and turns are genuinely surprising. It does, however, include a lot of characters with very common American names and a lot of description of the interior of the plane, which makes parts of the story difficult to follow. Overall, it's a great, breezy beach read. In fact, this airplane book does not involve any danger to the flight itself, so it would be a great airplane read too!

I could see this becoming a tv show. I loved the locked room trope and it was unique for it to be on a plane but there was a lot of holes - why didn't the pilot intervene? The pacing was really off and nothing happened for like 50% of the book. I HATED Emily - blames everyone else for her life and focused only on cute boys while shaming the other girls. She screams pick me and really ruined this book. Nikki needs better friends and boyfriend.

Not bad! If you're looking for an easy thriller, I think this should definitely be on your list. The first chapter was really chilling and I'm glad we got the time each chapter just to get a better gauge of how quickly things were moving. That was nice, since then the author didn't really have to keep reminding us, so I really liked that. Story wise, it's a very simple premise which I think is good for a story like this. There were a lot of really high action moments that kept me further invested in the story and finding out just who is behind all the awful things happening to these characters. The MC had very clear motivations and I liked that she was a flawed character, but she didn't really have that sense of urgency that I would've liked from her? However, she's a fine MC for the story. The other characters, I mostly didn't care about. Even the love interest was like fine but not exciting.

I was SO excited that this all takes place within a few hours on a plane. However, with such a high-stress, contained area, I expected to be more scared. I wish there were more really thriller-y type moments in this. There weren't a lot of chases or intense action. There were a lot of moments with characters just speculating together, which would've been fine but I think from such an incredible opening chapter, I expected the same level of thriller throughout and we just didn't quite get it. Overall, I'm happy I read this! I think it'll definitely stand out as a unique concept and story, especially since I haven't seen many airplane thrillers. I'd definitely read from this author in the future!