I could be completely off base here, but I feel like she didn't write an outline beforehand. There is no way she sat down and plotted out a book I've read literally 1000 times and said: "Yes. This. I will spend weeks/months of my life making this a reality."

This debut novel was an enjoyable read. The tense situations had me quickly turning pages to try and learn more about Lauren's past. Trish Lundy did a good job weaving details throughout the story to show character development and sprinkle clues about potential suspects.. I did not see the twist coming at the end! I am glad Lauren got the closure she deserved. However, it was unclear what the motive was and why they did it? Overall I liked the plot but found the book to be slow especially in the middle. I thought there were too many suspects.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trish Lundy’s debut novel, “The One That Got Away with Murder,” dives headfirst into a world of secrets, suspicion, and danger, delivering an edge-of-your-seat YA thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. With a web of intrigue, complex characters, and unexpected twists, Lundy crafts a suspenseful narrative that will satisfy fans of the genre.

Set against the backdrop of Happy Valley, the story introduces us to the enigmatic Crestmont brothers, Robbie and Trevor, who seem to have everything they could ever want—wealth, privilege, and a body count that raises eyebrows. The novel unfolds as we explore the mysterious deaths of their ex-girlfriends, leaving readers questioning their innocence. Lundy deftly weaves together multiple layers of suspicion, allowing us to contemplate whether Robbie and Trevor are truly the culprits or victims of circumstance.

Enter Lauren O’Brian, the new girl in town with a past shrouded in shadows. Desperate for a fresh start, Lauren finds herself entangled in a no-strings-attached relationship with Robbie. As their connection deepens, Lauren stumbles upon a trail of evidence that could potentially implicate Robbie in the deaths that have rocked Happy Valley. Lundy skillfully builds tension as Lauren races against time to uncover the truth and protect herself from becoming the next victim.

The pacing of “The One That Got Away with Murder” is well-calibrated, with each chapter adding a new layer of complexity to the story. The narrative keeps readers on their toes, unveiling secrets and revelations that challenge our perceptions of the characters and their motives. Lundy’s ability to create a suspenseful atmosphere is commendable, making this a perfect read for those who enjoy a thrilling page-turner.

What truly stands out in Lundy’s novel is the character development. Lauren O’Brian is a relatable protagonist with a past that has left her scarred and seeking redemption. Her internal struggles and determination to face her demons make her a compelling and multidimensional character. The Crestmont brothers, too, come alive on the page, each with their own motivations and layers of complexity that keep us guessing.

Incorporating themes of trust, deception, and self-discovery, “The One That Got Away with Murder” is a gripping tale that dives into the psyche of its characters. Trish Lundy’s writing style flows effortlessly, drawing readers into a web of uncertainty and intrigue. While the story maintains its grip throughout, a few plot elements could have been further fleshed out for added depth.

In conclusion, “The One That Got Away with Murder” is a commendable debut that holds its own in the realm of YA thrillers. Trish Lundy showcases her ability to craft a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged from start to finish. If you’re a fan of authors like Karen McManus and Holly Jackson, this novel should undoubtedly find a place on your bookshelf. With its gripping plot, memorable characters, and unexpected revelations, Lundy’s debut promises an exciting future in the world of mystery fiction.

I really wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but I finished it in less than a day! I couldn't help but to keep turning the page, and I adored Lauren and Robbie! As an avid thriller reader, I kept thinking I had it figured out, but I was certainly wrong with this one. My only qualm was that the ending felt a bit too far fetched for me - I felt like it needed a few more clues sprinkled throughout to keep it from feeling so random. That being said, this was a great debut and I look forward to reading more from this author - I will definitely be adding it to my classroom library as I know my 7th graders will love it!

Two brothers, two dead ex girlfriends, need I say more? From the get go I was hooked on this book and flew through it, The twists and turns don't lead you where you think you will end up....

3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed this book. I liked all of the main characters, but the underage drinking and drug use was sometimes hard to read. Lauren also made some VERY questionable decisions, like going with Robbie to his lake house after finding out everyone thinks he murdered his girlfriend… at his lake house!?!? That was a little unbelievable for me. Still, it had some great twists and if you liked "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" I think you’ll like this one!

i loooved this book! the twists and turns were just so amazing i couldn’t put this down. it really did feel like a Holly Jackson book and i absolutely loved it. i’m so glad i got sent a copy of this it definitely didn’t disappoint!

Thank you Netgalley, MCPG, and Trish Lundy for a copy of this book. <3

For her debut novel, Lundy delivers on an enjoyable YA mystery/thriller that checks many of the boxes necessary to engage readers: death, dark histories, half truth, romance, teen drama, social media, etc.

As the token new-girl-in-town, Lauren (and the story) start off pretty unlikeable. She's hiding a dark past, lying to her mom, hooking up in a public space with a random boy she just met, and working to stay off the radar of people finding out what caused her sudden move from sunny California to college town Pennsylvania.

After we get past some VERY poor decision making on Lauren's part (and some over-trusting decisions from a mom would should be more cautious), the story settles in. High school students are being murdered, but motives are unclear and everyone's a suspect. The depth added to the characters based on who they are, who they project they are, and who they used to be adds realism to the story.

There's great pacing to the book. Nothing heart pounding, but enough to make readers ravenously turn the page, and the ending--while pretty obvious--is still satisfying.

Overall: 4 stars

I'll tell my students about: alcohol, language, sex, drugs, death/murder, trauma, stalking, violence

**Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

3.5 ⭐️

I’m impressed with this author’s debut novel “The One That Got Away With Murder”. It had plenty of plot twists that I was for sure I had guessed who did it but I was wrong again. The book has short chapters so you can definitely speed through the story.

So Lauren our MC moves to another city right before her senior year because of a fire incident that involved her ex boyfriend. She gets mixed up with Robbie, one of the Crestmont brothers who everyone claims murdered his girlfriend. Throughout the book, our MC, her new soccer teammates and friends are trying to solve the mystery. If you're a fan of the YA Mystery Thriller genre, then this is up your alley.

I was pretty upset about Lauren’s mom, so oblivious to what was going on with her daughter’s life all because of a man. Also the whole fire incident, it’s not revealed until towards the ending of the story. Our MC kept getting triggered with fires, her mom not being able to burn candles etc and we didn’t know why until towards the end .

Overall the ending did take me by surprise, the person who I really thought who did it was apparently innocent. The plot was interesting and easy to read. I think this book will appeal to a wide audience and will recommend once it releases.

Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Children's Publishing Group and Trish Laundry for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is not the story I expected.
Still, Trish Lundy’s debut novel is astonishing.

From the very first page you're hooked, wondering what happened in Lauren’s past and what is going to happen shortly, while the story unfolds in front of you with its many plot twists and frustrating situations - for once, I think she wasn't even near at being too harsh on her mom.
Kinda of predictable that whoever you think did it, didnt’t do anything, but the suspects will keep you busy long enough.

For fans of Karen M. McManus, this is another good example of how to write a mystery story without doing too much or too less.

Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Okay, this book surprised me in the end. I was very annoyed in the beginning, particularly by the MC being a complete bonehead. I'll say it again: who in their right mind would WILLINGLY go on a weekend trip w/ the guy they've known for just a few weeks, right AFTER they find out he's suspected of murdering his former girlfriend (at that same lake house). She's the type who'd get murdered first in a horror movie.

But it did get better. The mystery got twistier, and I must admit, I was surprised by the ending. But I still think it needed a little more? I still don't fully understand the motivations behind the murders. And the scene where [Redacted] monologues was just stupid, and clearly a poorly handled plot device bc how else would we hear why they murdered Vic and Jess.

I’m going to be completely honest, I did struggle reading this book.

BUT, the ending was perfect and it was such a good twist!!! I also loved that the FMC was able to get some closure.

Such a unique book, I loved the plot, and oh my god the characters were so amazing!! I definitely will be recommending it!!

A very compelling debut novel!

YA female main characters are usually very hit or miss for me and I have to say, I really liked Lauren. I felt like she had a really clear internal voice and acted her age, even if that resulted in some more than questionable decisions. I especially liked how Lauren and Robbie’s relationship did not take over the whole book. Their focus was appropriately on the actual murders taking place around them.

I really appreciated how there was always more than 1 viable suspect until the very end. Some murder mysteries make identifying the real killer too obvious by spending a lot of time developing a random minor character, which can only be for the purpose of a big plot twist reveal.

The author mostly avoided using Gen Z references that won’t age well (though I’ve never seen music described as alt-J-esque). However, there are some YA tropes that I personally don’t like. For example, there’s a Gossip Girl-type Instagram account that posts rumors/gossip about the students.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A gritty, twisty ride. What a book! Bad girl meets bad boy, but really, it's nothing like that at all. The characters are great. I enjoyed all of them, even their odd behavior at times. I can say that I thought I had it figured out, but then it twisted, and I was like, OH My, I did not see that one coming.

Lets start this with WOW. This book had so many plot twists and I LOVED it! Just when you think you figured everything out, you didn't. I read this book in not even 24 hours I could not put it down. I had to know what happened next. A lot happens but it is very easy to follow and not get lost with the details. The only thing that prevented me giving this 5 stars is the " bad guy" didn't make a lot of sense in the ending. I didn't really see a clear motive and was confused as to why it was them who did it. Other than that this was an amazing book and I have already told my fellow book lovers to look out for this title when it comes out!

WOW. Okay I really did not see that ending coming. What a wildly wonderful tale of intrigue, deception, teenage drama, and deviousness. You think you know what's going on and then the path this tale takes whips you around and takes you on a wild ride in an entirely different direction. This was AWESOME!

WOW OKAY WOW!! It's been a while since I read YA but I devoured this book. I love YA and I think the mysteries and thrillers in YA can be good if a little unrealistic. I felt like the characters and the plot in this novel was realistic as can be (because it's still a fiction novel and a fantastic one). This was right up my alley and I'm almost sad I finished reading it already!

A major, major thank you to the author, publishers, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC!

I love Lauren. She's really going through it during this novel and it was refreshing to have a MC who has flaws, who is dealing with issues the way a teenager in her predicament might. And to have her admit her mistakes and own up to them amongst her friends. And to have her stand up for herself throughout the book and not be a frustrating character. I loved her character arc and growth throughout the story and I was sad to let her go once I finished reading.

Robbie is also really going through it and kind of dealing with similar issues as Lauren. His character arc was also so well drawn out. I honestly can't say much about Robbie without spoiling because he's an integral part of the story.

The final reveal though! I read a lot of thrillers and mysteries so I was stumped as to what the twist could be. It hit me right at the beginning of the chapter in which everything comes to light and I didn't guess up until then. The mystery and Lauren & co's investigation kept me on my toes. I loved how a certain theory that seemed to make sense was fleshed out because it reminded me that these are still teenagers and they will be wrong sometimes with the information they have and don't have.

I'm also not a big romance person but the romance in this book was *chef's kiss*. Just absolutely perfect and minimal (because there's dead people and a murderer to find) so I felt it was appropriate, fitting, and believable. I also love that there had to be growth in the characters to have a healthy foundation for it and the outlook looks great on that front.

This novel was such a refreshing read and got me back on my YA groove.

The book hangover after this is going to be tough - I already miss our group of high school athletes and outcasts navigating what to do and how to handle life in Happy Valley, PA. I'm so proud of them. Love the name of the city btw

"The One That Got Away With Murder" was an absolutely gripping read! The author crafted an intriguing tale of mystery and suspense .

From start to finish the storyline held my attention, it was a fast-paced unputdownable read . I had many whodunnit theories but I didn't guess the big reveal at all.

If you're a fan of the YA Mystery Thriller genre, I'd consider this one to be a must-read! I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

Thank you Trish Laundry, Net Galley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group: Henry Holt and Co for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Wow. This fast-paced debut novel kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through.

Yay! The killer has finally been discovered. Oh, nevermind, it’s not them, it’s this other person. Nope. Not them either…

And the ending…What?! I had my theories on who the killer was, but I did NOT see that twist coming at all. My mouth literally fell open.

5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review. Trish Lundy has definitely been added to my list of favorite authors.