This book is based on Brooke returning to her home town 20 years after her best friend Bailey was murdered.

I really enjoyed this book it was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I liked Brooke’s character, emphasised with her and wanted her to find out the truth.

I enjoyed the way the novel was told in the past and also the present and think this made it so much more interesting.

I didn’t guess the killer straight away and suspected most of the characters at some point which I think shows this book has been written well and the final plot twist was excellent.

That’s to Netgalley, Bookouture and Laura Wolfe for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

A woman returns to her hometown on the anniversary of her friend’s death. Someone in town is not happy about her return and makes that very clear. Include a nosy podcaster looking into the past death and you’ve got the recipe for a good mystery story. You are introduced to a number of characters, but the author does a good job of reminding you of their story throughout the book. Everything is well intertwined and I kept engaged the entire story. This is definitely more of a who-done-it book versus something gory, which I liked. The ending was good and left you wondering on your own what could happen next to some of the characters.

Wonderful story, great setting, intriguing and thrilling, this is how I would describe this story.
Brooke returns to her hometown to clear out her mams house following her death, returning is also bringing to the fore the death of Brooke’s former best friend Bailey who died on the night of high school prom.
Baileys death has always seemed suspicious to Brooke and when Brooke meets a podcaster who is in town looking into the death, Brooke is forced to look back and look into what happened that night. With other players involved what really happened that night and does danger still lurk in the small town…..
Brilliant book, I raced through it, cracking read.

Twenty years ago, my best friend, Bailey, was found dead by the train tracks, half of our friendship locket missing from her pale neck. She never took that off. Officially, it was ruled a tragic accident – but I knew better. She’d been crowned prom queen only hours earlier, and someone’s jealousy had finally gotten to them.…….
Omg what a thrill of a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Twisty and full of suspence. I was on the edge of my seat. Gripped from start to finish. Read in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend. 5*

Laura Wolfe is quickly becoming one of my favorites! I recently read Two Widows and enjoyed it so I was thrilled to read Prom Queen. Told from Brooke’s point of view, alternating between the past and the present, we learn what really happened to her best friend, Bailey, on prom night 20 years ago. The many twists and turns kept me on my toes, and the epilogue was something else! I especially enjoyed the fact that it takes place in my home state of Michigan.

Thank you to Laura Wolfe, NetGalley, and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

To quote a character from my favorite final girl's franchise, "If they'd watch Prom Night, they'd save time! There's a formula to it. A very simple formula! EVERYBODY'S A SUSPECT!" That last line is one of my favorite tropes, and it's executed well in this story about what really happened to the late prom queen.

Holy bananas Batman! That was a fun book. On prom night after, Brooke’s best friend Bailey was found dead by the railroad tracks. The police quickly surmised that she had committed suicide. But now, twenty years later, a true crime podcaster is investigating the incident, and she believes Bailey was murdered.

Hannah, the true crime podcaster, essentially blackmails Brooke into helping her interview the “suspects”. I don’t like Hannah, but I don’t think we were supposed to. Brooke is very likeable, and we soon understand how she blamed herself for her friend’s suicide, and how this has caused problems for her in her life.

The entire story is told from Brooke’s perspective. There are two timelines – the modern investigation and the year in high school leading up to Bailey’s murder. This is not a YA book and the high school pieces are a small element to help better understand who the suspects are and the events leading up to prom.

This is a very quick read. I finished it in two days – which never happens in my busy life! The writing style reminds me of Freida McFadden, and I think fans of her books will really enjoy this one. There are twists – and more twists – right up to the final page. I figured out some of the twists, but not all of them, and I loved how the ending left us wanting more!

My rating is four stars. The writing style wasn’t my favorite, but I know many readers love this simple style. Readers who are looking for a very quick read, with suspense and twists will enjoy this one.


Thank you to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for this advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

This book pulled me out of a slump!
17 year old Bailey Maddox is believed to have killed herself over 20 years ago after being announced Prom Queen.
When her best friend comes back to town to renovate her childhood home, she discovers Hannah Meads is there to try and uncover the truth for her podcast.
The two of them uncover a small town's buried secrets and leave you feeling unable to trust anyone, even your closest friends.
I couldn't put this one down once it got going and loved the small town vibes and the characters.
Cannot wait to read more from this author!
5/5⭐️

This is a story of suspicion and friendship. Bailey and Brooke had been the best of friends all throughout their childhood, but on the night of their senior prom Bailey was found dead hours after being crowned Prom Queen. Years later Brooke returns to their town and still questions whether Bailey’s death was suspicious or intentional.
I loved how we see Brooke return to her past and whilst she doesn’t want to help a podcast researcher investigating the Prom Queen’s death, she is totally curious about what happened to her friend and wants to protect her even in death.
Dotting back and forth from her childhood to the current day Wolfe explores a childhood friendship and how people can hold onto hatred and jealousies for years to come.
Quite an enjoyable read and there’s even twists that make you wonder if there will be a sequel.

I love whodunits and I love multiple timelines, so I thought this was great! I liked the small town claustrophobia with everyone knowing each other's business, and grudges still being kept after 20 years. The cast of characters was very good, and I think I suspected just about everyone at one point. I did think the pacing was a little slow for the first half of the book, but WOW the epilogue made up for any misgivings I had.

Brooke's friend, Bailey died twenty years previously. They were not on good terms when Bailey died after being hit by a train when she jumped off a bridge.
Brooke is back in town to sell her Late mother's house, and a podcaster asks her to speak on the podcast, and claims that Bailey was pushed off the bridge.
Brooke doesn't realise that she is one of the main suspects of Bailey's death.

What a twisty book this is! When I say it is unputdownable, I mean it! The characters are all suspects, and little tidbits of information and clues are exposed throughout the book, leading the reader to a different suspect, until the very end, there is an absolutely wicked twist, involving characters one never even considered!

Laura Wolfe certainly knows how to entertain her readers and keep them engrossed and guessing!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

So I’ve just finished reading Laura Wolfe's upcoming release: Prom Queen and we NEED to talk about it.
 
This one is a "whodunit" style psychological thriller and the story follows a woman named Brooke who has to return to her childhood home and the small town she grew up in.
20 years prior to this return, Brooke's best friend Bailey was found dead by the train tracks just hours after being crowned prom queen.
In the end, Bailey’s death had been ruled a tragic accident, but many people in this town, including Brooke, always had their suspicions surrounding the circumstances of this death and were convinced it was something a bit more sinister.
 
Fast forwarding those 20 years to the present day and with Brooke's return, she is constantly reminded of her late best friend Bailey. People in town, including former classmates are very weary and suspicious of Brooke - thinking she had something to do with Bailey's death.
After a very unique and particular necklace belonging to Bailey resurfaces, Brooke starts to feel like she is being being watched and followed - she receives threatening notes and hears strange noises late at night in her house. It's clear that somebody in this town does not want Brooke here, nor do they want her digging up the past to find out what REALLY happened on that night 20 years ago.
 
Honestly, this was SUCH a great book. I read it on my Kindle in literally one sitting and could not put it down. It's told from a dual timeline: so the past, leading up to what happened on that night and the present day. It is super easy to follow along with that shift between timelines, which I love. This was such a fun and fast paced read. I was so intrigued by the story itself and I LOVE a good book that constantly keeps you guessing with what's going on and who's behind it all.
 
Although I did pick one of the twists in this book, I did NOT pick the main twist at the end. But thennnn, THE EPILOGUE HELLO???! My jaw DROPPED!!
This was truly such a great read and I think I have now found another brilliant thriller and suspense author!

Even though they are not the same, I think if you have read the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series by Holly Jackson, you will really love this one!

Thank you so much to Netgalley for sending this ARC through 🫶🏼

Thank you so much to Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read Laura Wolfe's newest amazing thriller, "Prom Queen," prior to publication!

I'm still fairly new into the world of thrillers, especially ones set in small towns where everybody has a skeleton in their closet. That being said, if I was to base my opinion on small town thrillers on this book alone - oh my gosh, you've got me hooked.

Wolfe has EXPERTLY woven a tale of completely relatable and normal characters while simultaneously casting heavy suspicion upon each and every person. I must have changed my guess as to the killer's identity ten times, and I was STILL blown away by the discovery, not to mention the epilogue twist that wraps up the novel.

I could not put "Prom Queen" down - I NEEDED to know what had happened. Laura Wolfe has penned a new bestseller that is hauntingly good, and will have you questioning the true natures of those in your own personal life. Absolutely amazing from start to finish.

Prom Queen is I Know What You Did Last Summer meets Carrie in the best way possible.

I actually was totally addicted to this book. I could not put it down. It was fast paced, fun and thrilling all at once. I really liked Brooke as a character, and it had a small town vibe with a slew of eccentric and interesting people within. The twists were shocking, and just like Brooke, I had suspected everyone at one point. However, I didn’t see the truth coming. Plus, the final twist was just mind-blowing. Add this to your TBR!

My only criticism is that I am getting tired of the true crime podcast trope in thrillers. It’s probably the third or fourth book I’ve read this year that centers around a podcast. I understand that’s the age we’re in, but it does feel slightly tired. I’m looking for something new!

I’m so glad I chose to read this book – it was better than expected and introduced me to a new favorite author! Soon after the death of her mother, Brooke returns to her hometown to clear out and fix up her childhood home. But instead of nostalgia and happy memories, she’s only reminded of twenty years ago when her best friend, Bailey, was found dead, a presumed suicide. Not everyone believed that, of course, especially with all the drama surrounding her and her friends. Brooke tries not to focus on those events, but on returning home, she keeps seeing people and places that remind her of the past. When she spends time with her old friends, Dan and Lacey, they can’t help but continually reminisce about Bailey, spouting their different theories on what happened.

Brooke soon discovers that she’s not the only one determined to find answers and that someone else does not approve. The typical intimidating but cowardly gesture of notes left in her house and on her car, and the sense of being watched, all make Brooke fear that danger doesn’t exist solely in the past. Just how far will someone go to keep Bailey’s death a mystery?

One of the things I loved best about this book was that every time the reader begins to suspect a particular person, the author has Brooke do the same. It’s uncanny and keeps you off-kilter as you read. Because surely, if Brooke suspects them and lays out the pros and cons of them being involved, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they turn out to be. Or would it…? The story isn’t just a fun mystery, it’s quite engaging and realistic. While you feel sorry for certain characters, you also want to tell them to grow up and stop being so obnoxious! This is one story that shouldn’t be missed!

Omg whaaaat!!!!! Ok first, if you are one of those people who don't read the epilogue in books, READ THIS EPILOGUE!!! That plot twist!!! Another 5 star read by Laura Wolfe. I'm in love with her writing and the way she really makes you feel like you're in the scene with the characters. Loved this one!

Brooke returns after 20 years to Cove Haven, the place where she grew up, and lived her prom night, which marked her forever for being the day her best friend died. While the police investigation determined that the death was a suicide, Brooke has never been very sure of it, feeling guilt for how things happened, and after 20 years she seems not to be the only one who continues to think about it, since a podcast is in charge of reliving this mystery. Brooke will be forced to take part in this investigation, which will lead her to suspect her former schoolmates and friends.

This book reads extremely fast, it is very entertaining as it is narrated in chapters divided between present and past, with a lot of intrigue and suspense. I personally like YA books but this one has the best of both worlds, being a story of the past, seen now from the point of view of adults.I personally like YA books but this one has the best of both worlds, being a story of the past, seen now from the point of view of adults.

I think if you liked "A Good Girls Guide to Murder" or "The Night Shift" you will enjoy this book.

Finally, I loved the ending, nothing more you could ask for.

Awesome cover! Really interesting thriller and a glimpse into the mind of high school girls. This book was full of twists I didn't anticipate! Can't wait for more from Wolfe. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

#PromQueen #NetGalley is a fantastic story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Brooke and Bailey were best friends, but something changed and Bailey takes her life on prom night.
A podcaster reopens the story, looking for the truth of what really happened on that awful night.
I've been reading quite a few thrillers lately and this was is very good.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭.

Bailey and Brooke were the best of friends until high school social groups changed everything. When Bailey became a cheerleader, her free time was consumed by practice and new friends. Brooke, a quieter, more artsy type, accepted that the hierarchy had shifted but still tried to remain Bailey's friend. However, it soon becomes clear that Bailey isn't interested in maintaining the friendship, and when Brooke overhears something in the school bathroom that she knows will shatter her former friend, she decides that it's apt punishment.

But Brooke regrets that decision when, after the fateful dance, Bailey is said to have jumped to her death by the train tracks. Curiously, Bailey was not wearing her half of the friendship necklace that Brooke had gifted her years before. Even during the most tumultuous parts of their friendship, Bailey never took it off. Could jealousy over Bailey's crowning of Prom Queen have caused her death? Twenty years pass and Brooke returns home to settle her mother's estate and prepare her house for sale. But when Brooke encounters a stranger in a cafe who is wearing Bailey's half of the necklace, all of the old questions come rushing back...was Bailey's death a suicide as it was ruled, or was Brooke right all along in suspecting murder?

Anyone who even remotely had a hard time in high school will have those old insecurities and memories come surging back. It is one of the toughest places to navigate for teenage girls, and the author did an excellent job portraying the hurt that girls can inflict on one another. I loved both the addition of the podcast and the subtle commentary about those who peak in high school. The red herrings were superbly done, and I had no clue what happened to Bailey until the big reveal. Another winner from this author! Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this early read. PROM QUEEN will publish October 9, 2023.