3.5 rounded up to 4

An interesting locked "room" mystery.

I enjoyed seeing all the different kinds of kids who more or less had the same goals but had an issue wondering why would kids who go to a boarding school be SO desperate for a scholarship. If it was a boarding school for orphans or low-income kids, sure totally, but it was said most of the kids in the schools were well-off. Also, not sure what kind of scholarship committee doesn't double-check the information provided. (view spoiler)

I think the main problem with this book is we only see it from one character's perspective, Emily, who admitted herself she doesn't think things through. I would've loved to see what other characters were thinking and who they were suspecting.

Overall, a great book for a debut author and I would be willing to read more.

I received this ARC from Netgalley.

First note: *I hate the cover* this new thing of creating covers that look drawn - basically covers you would see on graphic novels has got to go. Yes, covers count.

The story is decent. There is alot gong on at the same time and honestly, I often had to go back a few pages to understand the 9ngoing plot. A lot of characters dictate a closer reading as their individual stories are interesting and often intertwine with other characters (more towards the end).

The built up of stress is really good. All these people and there is one JUICY secret that brought them all together.

Pacing was pretty good, although a few pages could have been cut. The characters, for the most part, all have some good and some bad, balancing out the plot well.

Thank you NetGalley and Kellie M. Parker for this scary plane ride of a book called Thin Air. Eight hours… twelve contestants…a flight none of you may survive. Nothing like a locked room mystery/horror scenario that you have no way to escape from. These students are headed to Paris for a chance to win a scholarship but someone is determined that they may not survive the trip. And each of these students have secrets that they are not prepared for others to know about. Who can you really trust and should you trust them? How many students will still be alive when the plane lands in Paris? Every time I thought I had this book figured out, the author threw a few new zingers in the mix. This book will definitely be a great book for anyone who loves the mystery genre and if you love escape room stuff I think this will interest you. After all, how can you escape from a killer on a plane at 42,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean?

I was hoping for a thriller that kept me guessing when I started this book and it's exactly what I got. I was sure that I had the killer picked out by the end of the first chapter but I was happily wrong, which is a huge plus in my book when it comes to mysteries. I love that I didn't see the ending coming until I was right on top of it. My only real dislike was that there are so many characters that sometimes it is hard to follow whos talking. Also, it is YA so there is some insta love romance that I didn't feel that it was super over the top. But other than that I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all my mystery and thriller-loving friends.

I was given this advance copy of "Thin Air" from NetGalley in return for my honest review. This review is my opinion and mine alone. Thank you, NetGalley for letting me review this book!

Ooooh baby! A locked room mystery set on an airplane? Sign me up!

There were a lot of reasons for me to pick up this book - the cover looks phenomenal, the premise unique and interesting, and a YA Mystery/Thriller is right up my alley. And boy did it not disappoint!

I finished this book in 2 sittings on an overnight journey, because I could not put it down. The characters are well fleshed out and I was deeply invested in the ending. The story is fast-paced and the writing captivating.

Perhaps my only qualm with book the was that ending the does require a certain suspension of disbelief. However, the journey is well worth the read.

I really wanted to love this book. Sadly, it missed the mark for me. I didn't click with the writing style. While I enjoy locked room mysteries, but Emily was so unlikeable, and I was never able to get past that. I just couldn't root for her. The killer's reveal felt out of left field, along with the motive. The romance angle was unnecessary and unbelievable. I expected a bit more of a gripping, dark thriller. I couldn't stay engaged, so it took me much longer to finish than usual.


Possible trigger warnings: alcohol/drugs, gore, suicide, trauma, murder, LGBTQIA+,

In "Thin Air," Kellie M. Parker delivers a heart-pounding rollercoaster of suspense, combining the high stakes of a competition with a thrilling mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of an international contest, this young adult thriller explores themes of trust, deception, and the lengths some will go to for victory.

The story revolves around seventeen-year-old Emily Walters, a boarding school student whose life takes an unexpected turn when she's chosen to compete abroad for a life-changing cash prize. This opportunity holds the promise of rescuing her family from poverty and securing her future. However, as Emily and her fellow contestants embark on their journey aboard a private jet to Europe, it becomes clear that danger lurks within their midst. With each passing moment, the competition grows increasingly treacherous, and Emily realizes that someone is willing to go to any lengths, even murder, to ensure their success.

Parker deftly builds tension from the very beginning, immersing readers in a web of uncertainty and suspicion. Emily's narration lends a sense of immediacy to the story, as she grapples with the weight of keeping secrets while desperately trying to survive the contest. The author expertly crafts a cast of characters with shifting loyalties, each concealing their own motivations and hidden agendas. As secrets unravel and alliances crumble, readers are constantly left guessing, unable to discern who can be trusted.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, with every chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels readers to keep turning the pages. Parker skillfully weaves together action, suspense, and moments of quiet introspection, maintaining a delicate balance that keeps the story engaging and multifaceted. The setting of the private jet provides a claustrophobic atmosphere, intensifying the sense of paranoia and adding an extra layer of tension to the narrative.

While "Thin Air" excels in delivering a thrilling and suspenseful tale, some readers may find themselves yearning for deeper character development. While Emily's perspective provides insight into her fears and motivations, there is potential for more exploration of the supporting cast. Nevertheless, the plot-driven nature of the story remains a strong suit, drawing readers in with its twists and turns.

In conclusion, "Thin Air" is a captivating young adult thriller that grips readers from start to finish. Parker's writing style is concise and propulsive, making this novel an enthralling read for fans of suspense and mystery. With its unique blend of competition, secrets, and life-or-death stakes, this book is sure to leave readers breathless and eagerly anticipating the author's next work.

A thrilling YA read! During a scholarship competition, we meet a group of boarding school overachievers that have everything to hide. When people start dying, Emily is launched into a high-stakes murder mystery game.

I actually finished this one a while back, but in sitting down to review it now, the book has not left a lasting impression, although the premise (elite kids, murder mystery/thriller, plane), still remains a banger. So, unfortunately, the execution of this one led to a disappointing read.

In Thin Air, our MC is on her way to Paris and what she thinks is a competition for a prestigious scholarship. But the competition begins at 30,000 ft when kids start dying and clearly someone on board is to blame (insert moody secrets and a rushed romantic subplot). The premise is strong enough to carry the book through some silly-bits, though the ultimate villain felt a bit out of left field (perhaps in terms of motives more than who it actually was). I also was a bit fatigued by the way some of the kids are villainized. Not sure what sort of moral or message this was meant to send to a YA audience.

This is a story where the reality of the situation really bothered me. That said, I think that YA readers would enjoy it more than I did because they would be more willing to overlook obvious plot holes.

12 students are en route to Paris to try to win a scholarship; however, their trip is anything but easy. As the trip progresses, more truths about each student comes out, making it easy to see that they're flawed kids that have secrets.

Perhaps my BIGGEST gripe with this story is the setting. Regardless of a double-decker plane, how many places can there to be to hide when so many spaces are wide open--sitting areas, stairs, etc. Imagining that people are constantly "disappearing" just seemed so silly. Aside from that, the total lack of communication between the pilots and the passengers/crew also just smacked of a convenient twist rather that something actually plausible. THEN--for the thriller portion--when the murders occur, they constantly split up or decide to sit in the dark rather than open shades or light up technology. Don't all planes come with emergency lights, too? The wholly insanity of the situation just irked me to no end. Buddy up? Yes! Oh, except when these two characters want to talk and then everyone concedes and allows them to go off alone. People just slip away regularly. What teen wants to investigate alone rather than stay safe in the group?

The writing itself is fine. The story has a decent premise. I liked trying to move along with the "guess the killer" portion, but really would've preferred if the romance elements were dropped.

Overall: 3 stars

I'll tell my students about: alcohol, drugs, gore, suicide, language, trauma, murder, LGBTQIA+,

**Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

DNFed at 56%. I tried. I really, really tried. When I get the privilege of reading an advanced copy, I almost always finish the book. It truly is the least of what I can do. That being said, I don't think you always have to finish a book if it is just not working for you, and I was miserable reading this. It really boils down to the main character, Em, being the most insufferable person, I have read about.

This book follows twelve students who have an opportunity to travel to Paris and win a prestigious scholarship. Emily, who desperately needs the money, is picked along with her best friend's boyfriend, who she secretly has a crush on. Once in the air, strange things start happening. Someone is poisoned with peanuts, and dark secrets are revealed. The atmosphere is already thick with tension when someone ends up dead. Stuck on the plane, surrounded by people she doesn't know, Emma is terrified. Who is the killer, and will she find them before they take another victim?

What I did enjoy:
I loved the setting. Locked-room mysteries are my favorite, and I enjoyed the twist of it being on a private jet. Since I was an (unwilling) frequent flyer as a child, I have a fear of airplanes, so I was properly tense when people started dying.

What I didn't enjoy:
Emily. No matter how hard I tried, I could not enjoy the book because of how awful she was. Unfortunately, we have to hear her whole thought process the whole time. Here is a quick list of why I had to put this book down before I lost more brain cells (slight spoilers for the first half of the book):

1. Stole her best friend's GPA in order to get the scholarship opportunity in the first place. Honestly, I didn't mind this one, except she painted her best friend, Nikki, as the "bad guy" and said if Nikki hadn't convinced her to quit softball, she could be in a better place.
2. After a girl, Paige, has some horrendous and vulnerable secrets revealed about her, Emma tells Paige that her teammates need her, and thinks Paige is being selfish for being overwhelmed by the trauma of being forced to be vulnerable with complete strangers.
3. Kissed her best friend's boyfriend.
4. Was more concerned about kissing her best friend's boyfriend than actually helping her team (exactly what she accused Paige of doing).
5. From the book's first pages, she is incredibly concerned about the cute boys around her. It was super aggravating since it was brought up in every other paragraph.
6. Blames the boyfriend for the kiss, even though she was an active and more than willing participant.
7. Her feelings are hurt when the boyfriend said it was a "lapse in judgment to kiss her," even though she had been actively condemning him up to this point.
8. Sees the “mean girl” Olivia (who actually hasn't been mean) looking at books then scoffs and says in her head that there is no way Olivia reads.
9. So incredibly quick to judge and blame everyone on the plane but takes no responsibility for her own actions.
10. After two deaths, she is still more concerned about the boys.

And of course, the other boy, Liam, in the love triangle sees her kissing him and forgives her for it. He even goes as far as to tell her that she deserves someone better. He has known her for literally a few hours and is already in love with her.

If the author had been writing a bad character on purpose, I would have been able to read, and maybe even like the book. However, the whole time I felt like I was supposed to sympathize with Emma, even though she was awful.

Overall, a really disappointing read that had the potential to be great.

Big thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Thin Air by Kellie M. Parker is an exciting, locked-door YA thriller.
I was super excited to start this one. A really interesting airplane thriller.
And I think Parker did a very great job setting the scene here to make this a great and entertaining read.
It features a fantastic setting, a varied cast of characters, wildly over-the-top drama, a classic-feeling locked room mystery. Enjoyable, great pacing, exciting setting that kept me hooked.
I definitely recommend for readers who enjoy a fun and fast-paced YA mystery-thriller.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You
NetGalley and Razorbill for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Loved the general concept of this story, but it didn't live up to its full potential. I wanted more of everything. More suspense, more danger, more time with the cast of characters (multiple POVs may have helped), and definitely more buildup to the final reveal.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I felt wildly different about the last half of the book as opposed to the first half. I considered DNF this 30% of the way through because there was such a lack of suspense. I kept expecting something to happen only to have page after page of let downs. Now once I hit the 50% mark and we learned more about what was actually happening I had no problem flying through the pages. I loved the closed door mystery aspect and the fact that it was on a plane was so unique.

This chilling and engaging thriller is set on a luxurious private jet flying across the Atlantic Ocean.

When Emily cheats her way into a scholarship competition, she's already feeling guilty. Twelve students from six boarding schools are competing for a prestigious position at a nonprofit along with a full-ride scholarship. But when one student has an allergic reaction to peanuts, Emily and the others soon suspect it may not be an accident. As the bodies stack up, it appears someone may be trying to frame Emily, and she doesn't know who to trust.

Should she trust brooding Liam, who always seems to be looking out for her? Dylan, her best friend's boyfriend, who seems to be a little too friendly on this trip? Simon, who's antisocial and refuses to work in a team? Lily, who dreams of being a famous novelist?

When everyone's top three secrets began playing over the airplane intercom, it gave me chills! Talk about drama! This book keeps you on your toes finding out who has it in for these boarding school students.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The cover is great, and I really enjoyed the book. I finished it in one day! I was constantly guessing who the killer was and then second-guessing myself. The characters were amazing, and I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.

Thank you netgalley, and Kellie Parker for letting me read this wonderful book!

Twelve teens from elite boarding schools are invited to Paris for a chance at winning a scholarship. For Emily Walters, it would mean everything. A chance at college. A new life. A new beginning. However, things turn deadly when it becomes apparent a killer is amongst them. Emily must figure out who the killer is before she becomes the next victim.

I am not a fan of airplane thrillers but I really enjoyed this. From beginning to end, I was pulled in. I also loved how it wasn’t predictable. The ending and reveal took me by surprise and it was great! There were so many plot twists but it never felt scattered or choppy. There were also plenty of tense moments and lots of suspense, just a way a thriller should be. I have never been on a private jet so I can’t comment on the accuracy of the plane. My only gripe was the use of the insta-love trope. The romance happened too quickly for my liking.

There are 12 boarding school students and an eight hour flight to Paris yet only one college scholarship. Seventeen year old Emily is one of those students competing as she is hoping to use that prize to get herself out of poverty. As soon as the plane takes off, the competition begins. However someone is starting to mess with the students. It starts off with a food allergy and the next is murder. Is the company who provides the scholarship behind this or is it one of the students? Will any of them make it out alive?

This is a YA mystery/thriller whodunnit. The plot is very good but the execution entirely is just okay. The twists and turns in this novel was fun to read. The first half of the book is pretty slow and not a lot happens but the last 30% of the book is very well done and the pacing picks up! Twelve students is too many to be following in this book and it becomes hard to keep track of everyone in the beginning. The main character, Emily, and the rest of the students we find out are not good people. It is nice to see flawed young characters, however it makes it hard to root for most of them. Overall it was a fun read!

Ok, first of all, if you like airplane thrillers and you like them spooky, definitely give Flight 171 by Amy Christine Parker a read. I had no idea airplane thrillers were a sub genre so I want to make sure to write down my recommendation before I forget it.

Second, let’s dive into what I liked about this book. It was perfectly plausible and implausible. Would there really be 12 kids from boarding schools on an airplane to Paris to compete for a scholarship? Probably not, but I don’t know that! Furthermore, would they all have insane secrets? Also probably not but you know what, everyone has secrets so the premise of this story was just wild enough for me not to question it but also so wild that it fit the thriller vibe.

I also loved the red herrings in the story. It actually took me a while to sort out who I thought the villain was and I appreciate that.

My one bugaboo with this book is sort of a personal bugaboo. Right in the beginning of the story, there is a small portion of the plot that hinges on a “peanut allergy” which is used interchangeably with “nut allergy”. Taylor says she has a peanut allergy but yet she was “poisoned” with “nuts”. As a person with a tree nut allergy (but not a peanut allergy) I learned that peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts. So, I wanted more clarity on that allergy. It just felt poorly researched.

But, overall, this was a solid thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When twelve contestants get on a flight to enter into a competition to win a scholarship that would set them up for life, what they didn’t plan for was to for all their deepest darkest secrets to be revealed and one of them to be a killer killing off the other contestants. Emily Walters is a seventeen year old boarding school student who has been keeping some dark secrets: she’s in love with her best friend’s boyfriend, she cheated her way into this competition, and she is currently living in a car with her mom. Emily knows she isn’t suppose to be in this competition but she’ll do whatever it takes to win because she desperately needs the money... but when the stakes get higher and dead bodies start appearing and all their secrets are being revealed, Emily begins to realize that everyone on this plane has something to hide and someone is willing to kill for it. Now she has to figure out who she can trust and how far she is willing to go to win. This is a locked door mystery with a bit of romance. Let me first start off by saying I adore locked room mysteries, but this one really missed the mark for me. Emily was a very unlikable protagonist, and yes i know she’s a teen going through a rough time and is meant to come off unlikable so that when she has a “growth” moment later on in the story we are rooting for her, but if I’m being honest I definitely wasn’t rooting for her. Then there’s the killer reveal which was completely odd because it came out of nowhere, like the motive and the actual reasoning behind why they did what they did was not great at all. The romance was unnecessary and I didn’t really believe it. Sadly this one was a miss for me but if you enjoy locked room mysteries maybe give this one a go, maybe you’ll like it and have a better time than I did.

*Thanks Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*