Member Reviews

In the tapestry of life, destinies often intertwine in mysterious and intricate ways. For Olivia and Reagan, two women bound by the shadows of a tragic past, their paths collide at Camp Lost Lake, a place forever stained by the crimson hues of murder. As they delve into the depths of their lineage and the enigma of Camp Lost Lake, they find themselves ensnared in a web of secrets and deceptions that threaten to unravel the very fabric of their existence. Danielle Valentine masterfully crafts a compelling narrative in Two Sides to Every Murder, a gripping tale that weaves together two distinct perspectives to unravel the haunting legacy of Camp Lost Lake. With prose that flows like a turbulent river, Valentine paints a vivid picture of a world where truth and justice remain elusive, and the weight of the past casts a long shadow over the present. Olivia, a young woman grappling with a newfound revelation about her biological father, embarks on a quest for answers that leads her to Camp Lost Lake. On the other hand, Reagan, burdened by the stigma of her mother's alleged involvement in the Camp Lost Lake murders, is determined to unearth the truth and exonerate her mother's name. As they navigate the treacherous waters of their intertwined destinies, Olivia and Reagan become entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an unseen adversary who is hell-bent on burying the past forever. With each twist and turn of the plot, Valentine keeps readers on the edge of their seats, expertly maintaining a delicate balance between heart-pounding suspense and introspective character development. The characters are richly drawn and relatable, their struggles and motivations leaping off the page with astonishing clarity. Two Sides to Every Murder is not merely a tale of murder and intrigue; it is a poignant exploration of the complexities of familial bonds, the enduring power of love, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Valentine deftly delves into the emotional turmoil that Olivia and Reagan endure as they navigate the treacherous path towards uncovering the secrets of Camp Lost Lake. The novel's setting, Camp Lost Lake, serves as a haunting backdrop to the unfolding drama. Valentine breathes life into this eerie location, imbuing it with an almost palpable sense of foreboding. The descriptions of the dilapidated cabins and the overgrown trails are so vivid that readers can almost feel the chill of the night air and the dampness of the forest floor beneath their feet. As Olivia and Reagan delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding Camp Lost Lake, they find themselves confronted with a series of shocking revelations that challenge their preconceived notions of truth and justice. Valentine skillfully weaves together past and present, expertly weaving a tapestry of events that culminate in a breathtaking climax that leaves readers reeling. Two Sides to Every Murder is a must-read for fans of mystery, suspense, and character-driven narratives. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and evocative writing, this novel promises an immersive reading experience that will linger long after the final page is turned. Danielle Valentine has crafted a masterpiece that showcases her exceptional storytelling prowess and her ability to captivate readers with tales that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche.

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Ooooh this one was fun! "Two Sides to Every Murder" had a really big "Friday the 13th vibe, or "The Quarry" if you're into narrative video games - a classic summer camp murder mystery! Olivia and Reagan were very lovable and relatable characters, making you want to see them win and figure everything out! Valentine is a new-to-me author, and I really like her pacing and writing style - I had a hard time putting this one down! My only complaint is that I wished this was a little longer! Normally my criticism is that books are too long-winded, but this one could be even better if we had a little more character and plot background to build the suspense. Thanks so much for the ARC - this one is going straight to my shelf upon release!

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Camp Lost Lake was a popular summer camp seventeen years ago. That was until a bow and arrow yielding killer started killing people. Now seventeen years later the camp is slated to reopen soon, what possibly could go wrong?

If you’re a horror fan and love Friday the 13th then this ya thriller book is for you. It’s action-packed and full of run for your life scenes. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Danielle Valentine is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

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This book was INSANE! It was so intense, it couldn't put it down, and there were so many plot twists and times when you thought you had figured everything out and then a new piece of information changed everything! I also really loved seeing how the main characters were brought together and became friends!

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First I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin Group for Young Readers for this ARC.

This was such a fast paced book. The entire thing takes place in a day. It follows two teen girls trying to solve the mystery of three killings that took place at a camp 16 years ago.

I liked Olivia and Reagan and rooted for them the entire book. This was a fun, creepy YA novel that felt like a YA novel. I liked that this book kept me on my toes and I couldn’t tell what was coming next. I was constantly worried for the girls safety and throughout the whole book I kept jumping back and forth on who the killer was. This was such a quick read. I was able to read it in one sitting.

I think my biggest complaint is that I feel like the book could have been a little longer. It felt like we never really got to know and love the characters before all the action started. And once it did the roller coaster ride didn’t end until the very last page.

Overall it was a solid YA thriller/horror novel and I rated it 3.5/5 stars rounded up to 4 for this review.

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This book did not disappoint! From the beginning it sucked me in & the story never felt dull. I kept guessing throughout the entire book & I wasn't able to predict the ending. It also seems like maybe there'd be a sequel in the future.. A girl can hope! Definitely recommend this one!

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“I was ten years old when I first heard the story of the Witch of Lost Lake.” Here are reasons to read the YA Thriller book:

Camp Lore - Lost Lake is an abandoned camp, the site of a few murders, and with an urban legend of a witch who did the killings
2 POV - we follow 2 girls, Olivia and Raegan, as they go to camp Lost Lake
The Return - for Olivia, she is helping her sister Andie reopen the camp as a wellness center.
The Truth - For Raegan, she is hoping to learn the truth of what happened 16 years ago and prove her mother was not the killer

To start with what I liked about this book, the way the book came together was very complex. There were a lot of things that made you look in different directions and the twist at the end was very interesting. Overall I liked it, but my biggest problem is this book focused so much on the plot twists and mystery, there was no time to breathe into the characters and the relationships they formed at such an intense time. You liked the characters but didn’t truly care about them. I think if the book had been longer, I would have rated it much higher.

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In 2008, three murders happened at Camp Lost Lake and the killer, Lori Knight is still at large. That night Olivia’s mother went into labor with Olivia at the camp. The camp has been long abandoned since.

Fast forward to present day, Olivia’s sister Andie is reopening the camp as a retreat. The sisters along with a bunch of locals are spending the summer cleaning up the camp to get it ready.

Alternatively, Lori’s daughter Reagan is heading to the camp to help clear her mother’s name after a podcast has sent the duo on the run for the last year.

When crucial evidence is found — evidence so profound it’s worth killing over — Olivia and Reagan are both interested in getting it but once they meet they realize they look alike … one might even say twins. But they don’t know how that’s possible. However, they don’t have time to figure it out because now they have to find the murderer who’s returned to the camp all these years later before the murderer finds them.

This story is told in dual POV of Olivia and Reagan but also flashes back to the night of the first three murders in 2008.

I did find this highly predictable about halfway through. But I did find the writing interesting enough to continue with the story. It’s like the parent trap meets 80’s slasher. The last page left me with the more interest and curiosity than the rest of the book but for a YA, it was good.

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I read “How to Survive Your Murder” lat year and loved it, so I was really excited to read this one. It did not disappoint. A bunch of teenagers hanging out at a camp that was the setting of decade old murders, yes please. I will say that I figured out the twists but that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the book. Danielle Valentine is becoming an auto buy author! Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC.

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This book was just ok to me. It definitely felt YA to me and I've noticed this with other books of hers. It was a fast read. 3.75/5 stars

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Welcome to Camp Lost Lake where the water is warm and the forest is murderous.

While reading the synopsis, two things popped into my head and I was giddy with excitement. The first is Sleepaway Camp and then Friday the 13th. Horror lovers love a good camp murder. The evil smile didn’t leave my face…

Now, Danielle Valentine has never disappointed me because her horror is always on point and terrifying. Plus those endings will give anyone a panic attack. Unpopular opinion. (Please don’t hate me) This wasn’t my favorite and it really let me down.

The story left me kind of bored, the characters were dull at times, and the mysteries within were very obvious. She took the typical cliches of horror and added them as her twists. I guessed them very early on and I exclaimed a lot while reading. Don’t think I’ve said, “Oh, come on!" with an eye roll more than while reading this. The very last page was my favorite thing about this book.

I’m a woman who loves a campy b-horror movie/book. That’s kind of where this was headed but it just didn’t hold up for me. I’m in pain for saying that because Valentine is one of my favorites but this was just an okay read for me.

Two Sides to Every Murder was okay with a very predictable ending. The why was so frustrating and I wish it didn’t head in that direction. The campy feel was great and the murders were fun. Just don’t expect the brilliance as her last horror mystery.

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I enjoyed this book! I loved how fast paced it was. It kept me intrigued and wanting more! There were so many twists! Definitely worth the read!

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I really wanted to like Two Sides to Every Murder a lot more than I did. The teen slasher premise, which takes place in an abandoned (and soon-to-reopen) summer camp, seemed right up my alley - a book that reads as a campy teenage horror flick? Sign me up!

Sadly, I have to admit that I just don't think I am the target audience for this one. For as much as I typically enjoy YA, this book was just TOO young for me, with cheesy dialogue, shallow characters, multiple instances of insta-love, and WAY too much suspension of disbelief.

Despite knowing exactly which character was which, I still found myself getting mixed up by some of the POV switches in the early chapters, because Olivia and Reagan read as practically the same character. It got easier as the story went on, but still, there were too many plot holes and inconsistencies that didn't always line up (I will add spoilers to my Goodreads review). I thought the killer's motivations were weak, and with a limited cast of characters, I had every single one of the twists figured out by the halfway mark (aside from that VERY last sentence, which was just ridiculously unnecessary).

I'm giving this one 3 stars instead of 2 because I do think that younger readers will enjoy this more than I did, and it's a fast-paced and quick read that will keep their attention. Just be sure to check your logic at the door and go into it with the same type of expectations that you'd have for a mediocre horror flick.

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"Two Sides to Every Murder" is the perfect book for anyone who loves YA thrillers and mysteries! This whodunit book was fast-paced and kept my eyes glued to it for two days straight. I enjoyed the dual perspectives and the timeline jumps; there were also a lot of plot twists that made the book super engaging! The ending had me speechless, and I wish there was more.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I got my hands on an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book, and let me just say – wow! It had me hooked from beginning to end, constantly keeping me on the edge of my seat. Even though I figured out one of the mysteries, the story threw curveballs that I didn't see coming. As a fan of Danielle Valentine's other books, I think this one might just be my new favorite. If you're into thrilling and twisty stories that keep you guessing, I highly recommend giving it a go!

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This book was ok. I think the fact it is written for a younger audience made it less appealing for me. I didn’t realize it was a YA book until after I was approved to read it. This is my fault.

Seventeen years ago, three people were murdered at Camp Lost Lake. The prime suspect, Lori, is on the run. Her daughter Raegan wants to know the truth and clear her mother’s name so they can stop hiding. Olivia, the daughter of the Camp’s owners, has just found out her father is not really her biological father. Both girls go to Camp Lost Lake to find answers. As the bodies stack up, long-kept secrets are revealed.

This book is very fast paced and full of action. I finished it in two settings. I liked that the story took place at a camp because it reminded me of old horror movies growing up. There were some unexpected twists that were clever. My main problem with the story was the interaction and dialogue between the teens. Again, I think that the fact I am older led to my annoyance. I think if I was younger, I wouldn’t have been bothered by the characters as much. I thought that the reasoning behind the murders could have been a bit stronger. The very end of the book was a complete surprise and I felt it could have a bit more explanation. Overall if you are a teen looking for a thriller, I think you will like this book.

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I have a bone to pick with Danielle Valentine. And it's how dare you write these books.

I can't put them down once I start. I am all about the slasher thrillers she has been putting out. I'm still hung up on How To Survive Your Murder...hoping for an eventual sequel.

But after reading this. I feel like she loves to hook us and then leave just enough hanging so we are just like GIVE ME MORE.

Well played Danielle, well played indeed.

I'm addicted to these books. I'll be forever autobuying this authors work.

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I was instantly hooked! The fact it started off how it did, made me a fan. It set the tone for what was to come. I appreciated the different POVs and flashbacks to help put the pieces together. Although I did get confused at times when a new character was introduced, it all made sense as I kept reading. It felt like I was reading a script to a movie and solving a crime. I could not put it down! Very few of the plot twists were a bit predictable but still very enjoyable. Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller, true crime kind of read!

So grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book!

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This book was full of so many twists up until the very last page! I have never read anything by Danielle before and will now be checking out more of her books!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for the ARC in exchange for a review.

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This YA thriller was a fast paced and easy read. I read it over a couple days but kept thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it.

Olivia is a 16 year old girl seeking answers about her family after learning the man who raised her is not her father and Reagan is the daughter of an alleged murder on the run looking for answers to clear her moms name. Both cross paths at Camp Lost Lake where 16 years ago 3 people were murdered. It is being reopened again by Olivia’s big sister Andie. The two cross paths and begin to uncover answers, all while someone is hoping to keep those secrets quiet, even going as far as murder to silence them. Now Reagan and Olivia don’t know who they can trust, including each other as they try to evade the murderer.

I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was great paced and enjoyed the characters. I did figure out a couple of the twists before they happened but others I never saw coming. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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