4 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2024/06/25/two-sides-to-every-murder-by-danielle-valentine-review/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Slasher Alert at Band Camp

I thoroughly enjoyed Delicate Condition and so couldn’t wait to see what this author came up with next. I guess I wasn’t really expecting a teen slasher at a lakeside camp but this one worked for me and kept me reading into the wee hours.

Camp Lost Lake closed down years ago following a number of murders. The suspected murderer managed to slip through the police’s fingers although at the time a local myth grew about the witch in the woods and this urban myth is one that still refuses to go away, kept alive by the mysterious disappearance of a number of hikers through the woods over the years .

Now, a generation later, the camp is reopening and the locals are rallying round to get the place ready. A group of teenagers have descended on the place to help. What could possibly go wrong?

I really had a good time reading this. It’s a bit cheesy, there are two sweet little unconnected romances which seem to have been thrown in simply to keep your mind otherwise occupied (and away from clues) and there are plenty of secrets and lies.

Okay, if you’re a horror aficionado this might have some plot holes, to be fair, I found myself stumbling over one or two (maybe not plot holes so much as puzzlers) myself but I’d already decided to simply run with this and enjoy it for what it is. Which for me was one of those stories where young people keep doing eye rollingly ill-advised things like running off into the forest alone, at night, during a storm. Because of course you would. Or finding time to gaze at each other longingly whilst a complete psychopath is creeping around with a bow and arrow. I think I was in the mood for some popcorn munching thrills and this story was a case of the right book at the right time.

I realise I’ve not mentioned much about the plot. I’m wary of giving away spoilers. I mentioned secrets above. Basically, one young girl has unwittingly discovered something about her family that has turned everything on its head and is determined to have some answers at camp. Another young girl is heading to camp with a friend, also in search of answers, her aim, to prove someone’s innocence.

What you can expect.

Fast pacing.

Never a dull moment.

Some dreadful decisions that make you want to turn into a pantomime audience shouting “he’s behind you!”

Sideline romances.

Young people rushing headlong towards disaster without a care in the world.

A storyline that I didn’t manage to unpick (although you might manage to do so).

A totally OTT ending in the style of all good slasher stories.

I would say that this isn’t too horror soaked so if you’re in search of a dramatic body count type slasher you won’t find it here. Which is perhaps why it was more my cup of tea.

In conclusion this kept me engaged and entertained.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4 of 5 popcorn munching stars

Thank you to the publishers for an early copy of this book! 3.5 stars. I thought this was a compelling setting and storyline. I felt like the characters could have been a little more developed. I enjoyed that it shifted POVs and time periods. But for me the shifting POVs got a little confusing and hard to follow at times. This is perfect for anyone who enjoys mystery novels and wants a quick fun read.

I loved this horror mystery. I could feel my adrenaline kicking in when the protagonists were running from the murderer. I was actually scared. The ending had a twist that reminded me of how Natasha Preston likes to end her stories.

Absolutely loved this!! I don’t read YA books too often because I feel like they have the tendency to come off immature, especially in the conversations.

Danielle Valentine NAILED the book. The characters were well-rounded and interesting to read about. The POV switches were easy to follow - Olivia and Reagan both had very distinct voices. I love flashbacks woven throughout the book. They were integrated at the perfect times and helped to drive the backstory behind the mystery.

In terms of the mystery itself, Valentine perfected the twists within the story. Every time I thought I had it predicted, some new evidence proved me wrong. The reveal was perfect and believable.

Jaw dropping ending. The last chapter genuinely blew my mind. The last sentence gave me chills.

After finishing Two Sides to Every Murder, I will be adding How to Solve Your Own Murder to my TBR. I can’t wait for more from Valentine.

Thank you to Penguin Group for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Olivia was born during the infamous Lost Lake murders, and it seems like the person in the witch mask may have returned.
Reagan is desperate to prove that her mother is not that witch, accused of murdering her husband, her son, and a camp counselor.

This was a pretty interesting book. The whole "twins separated at birth" plot point by now is a bit tired and played out, especially since we are not really given the right amount of clues that Olivia and Reagan are actually twins. There were also several plot holes, the most glaring of which is the fact that Reagan's mother was able to make off with a baby with no birth certificate and that baby seemingly participates in life normally? Is this something we're supposed to overlook because it's a YA book? Even YA books are supposed to clear up those loose ends before ending the book.

I'm also getting fairly tired of authors not tying up all the loose ends and then slapping on an epilogue with an explanation. I've read at least FOUR thrillers in the last couple of months that use this trope and it...it needs to stop. It's fine every once in a while, but when literally every thriller you read starts relying on this plot device, it looses it's luster and just lessens the impact of the book.

Overall, I did really enjoy the book--I read it fairly quickly and didn't want to put it down when I was reading it. The characters could have used a bit more fleshing out, because there are a lot of them to keep track of out there in the woods, and pretty much all of the male characters and some of the female characters felt interchangeable. Like some of them, their only purpose was to die. And yeah, when you need to kill of characters that is the only purpose they have...but you can still give them some life, right? This felt more like a cardboard cutout was left on the forest floor rather than an actual person.

I SWEAR I liked this book, there was a lot to like--the pacing was really good, the story itself at the heart is a really good story. I liked that we got snippets of the original investigation through crime reports and flashbacks. There were some good minor twists (though the big one you could honestly see coming even through all the trees lol) and it was compelling enough I flew through it and didn't want to put it down when I was reading it.

I think I like Valentine's adult novels (well, novel) better than her YA ones. 3.5 stars

This was a solid YA thriller! A fast paced, quick to read, twisty turny, whodunit that did not disappoint.

Being YA, the characters are young and therefore make all sorts of questionable life choices and you do have to suspend disbelief throughout, but in a YA thriller these things do not bother me one bit. I was fully entertained and there were some shocking reveals and twists. Bonus points for the queer romance thrown in for this Pride Month release!

Would totally recommend this one for fans of YA thrillers or anyone looking for a quick and easy thriller read.

Thank you Penguin Teen, NetGalley, and the author for this gifted copy.

Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine tells the story of two girls, Olivia and Reagan who go to Camp Lost Lake to find the truth about their lives and find out what each of their moms is hiding from them. Olivia has just found out the man she has been calling dad is not her dad and she hopes going back to the camp where she was born can give answers on who her father is. Reagan's mom has been accused of being the killer of 3 people who died in Camp Lost Lake and Reagan hopes by going back there she can clear her moms name.

I read How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle so when I saw this ARC was available I knew I had to apply for it and I was happy to be able to read it and now review it.

I enjoyed that this book had two PVO's, we followed the story along with the POV's of Olivia and Reagan but we also got some flashbacks on what really happened the night of the murders, I think the flashback were very helpful to show the reader what truly happened and it made it easier to understand the story throughout. Having Olivia and Reagan tell the story as it went along was a great choice and made the story much easier to follow along and be more enjoyable.

I felt the book was an easy read and I got into it pretty fast and was able to read it quickly. The book throughout had a great setting and did manage to keep me wanting to know what would happen. However, to be honest I did not love the ending of the book, I felt the killer reveal was a bit rushed and I did not enjoy the final reveal.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up as there are no half stars in here.

Thank you NetGalley and PEGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for this ARC the above review is of my own thoughts.

I love camp thriller novels, this was light and enjoyable. There were a lot of characters that I was getting confused with at first, but once I got them all straight, I enjoyed this one.

Two teenage girls who find themselves at the center of a chilling mystery. Olivia, who was born at the camp where a notorious murder took place, and Reagan, whose mother was accused of the crime, are both determined to uncover the truth. When Camp Lost Lake reopens and they start digging for answers, they soon realize that a killer is on the loose and danger lurks around every corner.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for Young Readers for this e-arc.*

I know I won’t be able to finish before this is published tomorrow but I can confidently say it will be a 4 star for me. The detail and adrenaline Ms. Danielle gives you from the first paragraph and throughout the book is what every reader longs for.

This was my first Danielle Valentine, but it won't be my last! Despite this being YA, I was glue to this book from start to finish. The end was slightly more predictable than I would have liked, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the twist. I read this book in one sitting without putting it down! The execution of this book was 5/5. I would recommend this book to all A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Fans!!

Danielle Valentine’s "Two Sides to Every Murder" is a gripping thriller that takes readers back to the eerie site of the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. While it offers an intriguing premise and some thrilling moments, it doesn’t quite live up to the high standards set by Valentine’s previous work, "How to Survive Your Murder."

The story revolves around two teens, Olivia and Reagan, whose lives are irrevocably linked by the tragic events at Camp Lost Lake. Olivia, born during the murder spree, discovers that the man she calls dad isn’t her biological father. This revelation sets her on a quest for answers about her true heritage, leading her back to the camp. Reagan, on the other hand, has spent her life on the run with her mother, who is widely believed to be the murderer. Reagan is determined to prove her mother’s innocence and clear their tarnished name.

The reopening of Camp Lost Lake presents the perfect opportunity for both girls to uncover the truth. The setting is appropriately creepy, and Valentine does a commendable job of building suspense as Olivia and Reagan dig deeper into the camp’s dark past. The dual perspectives of the protagonists add depth to the narrative, and their contrasting motivations create an interesting dynamic.

However, the novel falters in a few areas. The pacing can be uneven, with some sections dragging while others feel rushed. The character development, especially for secondary characters, feels somewhat lacking, making it harder to fully invest in the story. Additionally, while the twists and turns are engaging, they can sometimes feel a bit predictable for seasoned thriller readers.

Despite these shortcomings, "Two Sides to Every Murder" still delivers a solid mystery with enough suspense to keep readers hooked. It’s an enjoyable read, particularly for those who appreciate the campy horror vibe and the exploration of familial bonds under strain. However, fans of "How to Survive Your Murder" might find this follow-up lacking the same punch and ingenuity.

Overall, while not quite reaching the heights of Valentine’s previous work, "Two Sides to Every Murder" is a decent thriller that offers a mix of mystery, suspense, and a touch of nostalgia for classic camp horror tales. A solid three-star read for thriller enthusiasts.

*3.5 stars rounded up*
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

This book is a YA thriller/mystery about a camping kill spree and two girls who are looking for the truth years later.

The main reason I like YA is because of the fast pacing. This one was very fast paced and I loved that! I was intrigued to find out the truth behind all of these secrets.

I thought the twists were interesting but a bit predictable. I find that for a lot of YA books. However, it wasn’t necessarily bad twists so it didn’t take away from my reading.

I do feel like some of the characters annoyed me a bit and that’s why I had to lower the rating a bit. I also felt like the characters weren’t acting how people would act if that makes sense.

Overall, a solid YA mystery thriller and I would recommend!

The absolute definition of page turner. I read this in two days because I simply couldn't put it down. This story was a perfect blend of mystery, thrilling action, and dark family secrets. I enjoyed how the storyline played out and I felt like the ending was actually realistic. Deff worth the read.

3.5 stars rounded up. This was a fun, twisty YA thriller with a splash of The Parent Trap. The plot's a little on the slow side, but things do pick up eventually.

I liked the characters in this one. They kept me interested in the story. I guessed the killer's identity early on but the final twist was both predictable and bizarre. In a horror movie (which I could see this becoming), it would be a last second jump scare.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Danielle Valentine’s Two Sides to Every Murder is a captivating mystery that delves into the dark past of Camp Lost Lake. The novel follows Olivia, who discovers her true parentage linked to the infamous murders, and Reagan, who believes in her mother’s innocence and has been hiding from the public eye. As the camp reopens, both girls seek answers, but a dangerous figure is determined to keep the truth concealed. With its suspenseful plot, rich character development, and atmospheric setting, this book is a thrilling read that keeps you on edge until the very end.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC!!

16 years ago the Witch of Camp Lost lake took the lives of 3 people, taking many secrets wirh them. The camp has been shut down ever since. 16 years later Andie decides to open her family's camp at Lost Lake back up. Soon after the renovations and cleanup start at Camp Lost Lake the witch makes her return. Can their little camp survive another round? Will the town be able to keep their secrets hidden a second time?

Two Sides to Every Murder was such a fun read. I loved the camp setting, the myth of the witch, the secrets and the writing style. I felt like I was there with the characters running for my life from the witch while trying to dig up the truth about the families, witch and the camp. 4 ⭐️ read for me!!

So I literally just finished this book and this was only one of a few YA novels that really kept my attention and made me want to know what was going to happen.

𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘚𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 is a multi-POV horror/thriller YA novel. It centers around 16 year olds Olivia and Reagan.
Olivia's birth is remembered as the day of the grisly murders of Camp Lost Lake (her mother was found holding a newborn after police were called to investigate the 3 murders that happened on the camp grounds); while Reagan has lived on the run with her mother. Reagan's mother is the number one suspect in the murders.
Almost 17 years after the murders, the camp is set to reopen thanks to Olivia's older sister Andie. However, Reagan has decided to go to the camp that same day to exonerate her mother.
With the camp reopening, old secrets are bound to come out and someone is determined to keep the past in the past.

So I actually gave this book a 3.7 and rounded up. It definitely kept my attention but some of the twists were super predictable. And I was excited to read this because I did enjoy 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.
This book felt like "Scream" meets "Fear Street 1986" meets a Disney movie that I cannot name because it'll give some of the twists away lol.
One of the twist you see coming very early on, and I appreciated that the author confirmed that twist as soon as you figured it out.
The book feels like it's going one way, then takes a turn and if you read between the lines, you can kind of figure out what is going on.
BUT the ending did have my jaw on the floor; so if you are into quick thriller reads this is for you. Even if you aren't, and want a book to keep you interested (or even in a reading slump) this will do it for you.

This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down at all. The twists and turns had me gasping left and right, you didn't see any of them coming. This book follows 2 girls on the search at a camping ground where secrets, lies and stories that didn't match up. A killer on the loose? What they had to go through to get the truth on what happened the day of the 3 murders will have you shocked!!

Fast-paced, action-packed, and with a definite horror movie feel, Two Sides to Every Murder also shocked me to my core. A clever plot that would be perfect for fans of Holly Jackson or Karen M. McManus, the only hint that this was a YA thriller was the age of the characters. After all, the plot was finely layered with shrewd observations about people and their behaviors. Altogether, it made the whole book feel much deeper than you’d expect a slasher-esque storyline to be given how thought-provoking it ultimately was.

The plot itself was truly impressive. From the creepy setting of a storm-riddled summer camp long left abandoned to the multiple twists and turns that kept me firmly in the dark, there wasn’t a thing not to love. I mean, the ever ratcheting tension and adrenaline-pumping action just didn’t let up. Essentially one long climax from beginning to end, it was no surprise that I inhaled this whole book in just one single sitting. So I’m not kidding when I recommend not picking it up until your chores are complete and you have no plans in sight. Otherwise, you’ll surely end up ignoring them all just to read one more page more times than you can count.

All in all, the binge-worthy premise was everything it promised and more. Told via dual POVs and with plenty of flashbacks, this plot will keep you on the edge of your seat whether you’re fifteen or fifty. I do wish the conclusion had had a bit more meat to it in the end, but all of my questions were answered before the last page. Ultimately, it was a masterclass in suspense and foreboding that had my fingers utterly flying, so do yourself a favor and grab your copy today. Rating of 4.5 stars.

Thank you to Danielle Valentine, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.