Member Reviews
A worthwhile addition to the genre of YA thrillers. This book is edge-of-your-seat terror combined with the distinctly human experience of moving past trauma.
I cannot wait to have this book in my hands! I loved the twists and turns! This book really gripped my attention and I finished it in one sitting. I can’t wait to recommend this to all of my friends. So thankful I had the opportunity to read it!
Everyone knows the Crestmonts. Two brothers whose girlfriends "tragically passed," but everyone knows the truth--the brothers are guilty of their respective girlfriends' murders. Enter Lauren. Freshly moved from California, running from her dark past, she falls into a situationship with Robbie--one of the brothers. But someone else turns up murdered, and Lauren has to find answers, or end up being a victim herself.
I really liked this. I don't think it's necessarily the most unique mystery, but the inclusion of two teenage brothers guilty in the court of public opinion was interesting. The way the mystery unfolded and Lauren's past was revealed was done excellently, and I was guessing until the big reveal!
I don't understand the murderer's reasoning though. It felt flip-floppy and unclear--like they had two motivations. This led to it being a bit confusing.
I didn't feel like Robbie and Lauren had much chemistry, We don't see them meet or how they became hookup partners, we're just thrown into it. Add to that Lauren's (understandable) mistrust of Robbie, and it just doesn't add up to a great relationship.
Overall, it's an interesting murder mystery that will keep you guessing!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!:)
3.5 stars!
This was fun. I love these types of books. I did find some plot points to be confusing, but overall I liked it. It wasn’t amazing jaw dropping book, but it was good enough!
Apparently, I just need to pick up a quick YA mystery/thriller book whenever I am in a reading slump because my god these kinds of books drag me by my ear out of a reading slump.
This book was such a fast-paced and addictive story, and it was exactly what I needed while on a slow vacation where I was stuck with a neverending head cold. My attention span feels so little at the moment and sleeping in constantly trying to drag me down, and yet this book had me binging. A full-on two-hour binge where I refused to set this book down. This was all due to the plot and the writing style because they are perfect for a mystery book. It's fast, it's sharp, its tricky, and obviously it's a fantastic mystery.
Books like these make me want to pick up more mystery books <3
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Be careful who you fall for...
Robbie and Trevor Cresmont have a body count—the killer kind. Handsome and privileged, the Crestmont brothers' have enough wealth to ensure they’ll never be found guilty of any wrongdoing, even if all of Happy Valley believes they're behind the deaths of their ex-girlfriends. First there was soccer star Victoria Moreno, Robbie’s ex, who mysteriously drowned at the family lake house. Then, a year later, Trevor’s girlfriend died of a suspicious overdose.
But the Crestmonts aren’t the only ones with secrets. Lauren O'Brian might be the new girl at school, but she's never been a good girl. With a dark past of her own, she's desperate for a fresh start. Except when she starts a no-strings-attached relationship with Robbie, her chance is put in jeopardy. During what’s meant to be their last weekend together, Lauren stumbles across shocking evidence that just might implicate Robbie.
With danger closing in, Lauren doesn't know who to trust. And after a third death rocks the town, she must decide whether to end things with Robbie or risk becoming another cautionary tale."
This book had me hooked from the very first page, on the edge of my seat the entire time, and was an outstanding fast-paced debut novel. My favorite thing about a thriller is when I think I have it all figured out and I'm wrong every time. With plenty of suspects and red herrings, it will keep you guessing until the very end. I was shocked to find out who the actual killer was and that twist at the end was perfection. I found the characters to be well developed with depth and relatability. The book will be incredibly gripping for the target audience of young readers, but any age will love and appreciate this well-executed, mystery thriller that personally had my mouth wide open at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a fast paced mystery, coming of age/healing story. It started strong and didn't fill us fully in to the background of what had happened to Lauren/what she had done to the very end, which was an interesting way to tell the story. She gets involved with a boy, a rich boy who had possibly killed his previous girlfriend. She starts to investigate him and possibly to punish herself. Overall better than the average YA mystery, think my students will like it
Read this in one sitting and I really enjoyed it. Through out the book, I had many guesses on who the murderer was based off what leads our main characters had. The main characters, Lauren and Robbie, weren't exactly what I was expecting them to be. I would definitely recommend this for fans of Holly Jackson and other YA thrillers.
I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.
New girl in town looking for a fresh start after a terrible event finds herself drawn into solving the mysterious murders of girls.... and the number one suspect is the guy she's been hooking up with. Lauren O'Brian has just moved into town, she left behind her life in California after a terrible incident involving a fire, her boyfriend being left with burn scars, and everyone assuming she did it. Lauren is trying to get a new start, so when her mom moves in with her long distance boyfriend, it's the perfect chance for Lauren to begin again. Yet the guy she's been hooking up with on the weekends turns out to be none other than Robbie Cresmont, and Robbie and his brother Trevor are famous for being suspected of killing their girlfriends....They haven't been found guilty, but their privilege, wealth, and handsome looks do nothing to make them look any less guilty. The entire town thinks they did it, and when Lauren discovers this secret about her weekend hookup... she finds herself spiraling into trying to discover the truth about what happened to the girls and whether or not her sort of boyfriend is a killer, and if not him... who? This was a miss for me unfortunately, I had two guesses for the killer and figured it out pretty early on. Lauren has gone through a lot but she honestly was not a likable character at all. I tried to empathize with her but she made it so hard. I really did not care for the romance or the mystery and it just felt kind of meh when the reveal happened. While this one was a miss for me, if you like small town murder mysteries with complicated relationships, give this a go , maybe you'll have a better time with it than I did.
*Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
I loved this book! I will definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the AR
4⭐️
After her ex-boyfriend was injured in a fire that she may or may not have started, Lauren O’Brien has moved across the country with her mother for her senior of high school. They’ve moved in with her mother’s long distance boyfriend and Lauren hopes that she can just keep her head down, play soccer, and make it to the end of the year. Unfortunately, she meets Robbie Crestmont first.
Brothers Robbie and Trevor Crestmont have a reputation: both of their ex-girlfriends have been killed and the whole town of Happy Valley suspects them. They’re also from a wealthy family that can bury any reports trying to blame them for these crimes. Lauren finds evidence that she believes points at Robbie being the killer, but in doing so she uncovers more secrets than what she bargained for.
I really enjoyed this one! I feel like a lot of time with YA mysteries, they fall into a cut and dry checklist of tropes to cover. And while this still did that to an extent, I feel like the characters were fleshed out enough to make it interesting. I liked how cliquey the soccer team was and how they immediately closed rank to the new girl. I also loved the anonymous Gossip Girl like instagram account.
There were some aspects that felt a little far fetched. Namely how checked out Lauren’s mom was even though she had just moved the across country to start over. And a high school heroin dealer. But even with those odd points, the twist was done nicely!
Thank you Netgalley and Henry Holt for providing this ARC to me!
This fast paced mystery thrilled was very enjoyable. I was defiantly on the edge of my seat as I read this one. I was impressed with Lundy's writing style. It definitely held my interest.
This feels like it will be a good mystery for the target audience, but I didn't get hooked by the beginning. I think the main character is set up as a likable teenager who partakes in more adult themed activities. This wasn't working for me, but if I can get a physical copy of this when it is released, I would add it to the library!
This was a super quick but eventful read. I could not put this down. I suspected the killer but how it played out was superb! I can't wait to read more by Trish Lundy.
Very enjoyable read. Thud ine grabbed my attention right away and didn't let up. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book
The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy is an outstanding debut YA thriller.
This book was the definition of unputdownable…. I kept saying "Just one more chapter" and yeah that never happened!
Trish Lundy weaves together an intricate and clever story with several twists and turns throughout. I genuinely was shocked by the end of this one and had never guessed the final twist. The characters she writes had depth and all felt real and true to their age.
The One That Got Away with Murder is full of relatable characters. It’s fast paced, exciting and leaves you wanting more.
I am already ready for Trish’s next book!
Thank You NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group & Henry Holt and Co. for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
Trish Lundy's thrilling novel, "The One That Got Away with Murder," takes readers on a dark and suspenseful journey through the lives of the enigmatic Crestmont brothers, Robbie and Trevor. Set in the seemingly idyllic Happy Valley, this gripping tale explores the lengths to which wealth and privilege can shield individuals from the consequences of their actions. With a mysterious body count of their ex-girlfriends, the Crestmonts exude an air of invincibility, leaving the community to speculate about their guilt. Lundy expertly weaves an intricate web of secrets and intrigue, introducing us to Lauren O'Brian, the new girl in town. Despite her own troubled past, Lauren seeks a fresh start and finds herself entangled with Robbie Crestmont in a no-strings-attached relationship. However, as the plot thickens, Lauren discovers a shocking piece of evidence that may implicate Robbie in the string of mysterious deaths. The sense of danger and uncertainty intensifies as Lauren grapples with the question of whom she can trust. The small town grows increasingly unsettled when yet another death rocks the community. With each passing page, readers are left on the edge of their seats, pondering whether Lauren should sever ties with Robbie to protect herself or risk becoming another tragic victim. Lundy's skillful storytelling keeps readers captivated, drawing them deeper into the complex relationships and hidden secrets of the characters. The author deftly explores themes of power, privilege, and the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve their reputation. Through descriptive prose and well-developed characters, Lundy creates a palpable sense of tension and suspense that lingers throughout the narrative. "The One That Got Away with Murder" is a masterfully crafted thriller that will leave readers breathless until the final pages. Trish Lundy's ability to create a world where appearances deceive and danger lurks around every corner is truly commendable. This book serves as a reminder that beneath the veneer of wealth and privilege, even the most charming individuals may possess dark secrets that can have deadly consequences. In conclusion, "The One That Got Away with Murder" is a compelling and chilling tale that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. Trish Lundy showcases her prowess as a storyteller, expertly crafting a narrative packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride through the shadows of Happy Valley, where the line between trust and betrayal blurs and the truth is more elusive than ever.
The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Pub Date: 16 Apr 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren is running from her traumatic past. She finds out the new guy she has been casually hooking up with is suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend and his brother’s ex girlfriend mysteriously died of an overdose. The Crestmont brothers have a body count.
What’s the worst that could happen? Who really killed Jess and Victoria? Is Lauren next?
This turned out to be a quick read. I wish there had been more of a flow to this book. There were several times a chapter would end and I would scratch my head and wish for more information or explanation.
The mom and daughter angst really did come across clearly. I also enjoyed the soccer journey in this book.
The ending didn’t quite sell a motive for the killer. The “why” just wasn’t solid.
The One That Got Away with Murder is a fast-paced and addicting new Young Adult thriller! The novel opens with Lauren O'Brian, a girl with a dark past, who has started a casual sexual relationship with a boy named Robbie Cresmont in the summer before her senior year. Lauren and her mother have moved from California to Pennsylvania where Lauren can start fresh after a traumatic encounter, but the move has come with challenges of its own. She is not a fan of her mother's new soul mate and she quickly becomes embroiled in the drama and deceit of the local high school. Her relationship with Robbie is her escape, until she learns that both Robbie and his brother have girlfriends who have passed away and the local rumor is that "every girl the Cresmonts date winds up dead."
When Lauren finds herself isolated at a lake cabin with Robbie, she begins to realize the danger she faces. Clue to what may have happened to his former girlfriend Victoria emerge as does the fact that Robbie knows the sordid details of Lauren's past. This book is full of plot twists and turns that will keep its Young Adult audience guessing until the very last page!
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.