I think this author writes good YA thrillers but it just wasn’t for me. I have been very picky this new year.

🔪┊ “ forever, my life will be divided into two halves, a before and after, one with sarah and one, horrifically, without. ”

The Meadowbrook Murders is a dual POV mystery novel, switching between Amy, the roommate and best friend of one of the victims, and Liz, the editor-in-chief of the high school's newspaper. The story takes place at Meadowbrook Academy, and 'impossible-to-get-into boarding school,' just as school as about to start up again.

I liked Amy's inner thoughts and how she dealt with the murder of her best friend! I honestly felt bad for her through all of the stuff she went through, from being brought in for questioning to being accused of the murders by her supposed friends. Liz, on the other hand, was a typical journalist for most of the novel; that is to say, she only cared about getting the 'story' and didn't really care about who she hurt. It was only around the 70% point that she realized how to handle her journalism with grace, which was unfortunately a little too late for me to come to like her. I didn't really buy their friendship by the end of it; while it makes sense that there would be some level of understand between them after everything, I don't see their friendship lasting. Overall, I would have been fine if it had just been Amy's POV.

I thought the mystery was an interesting one, though I was able to figure out who the killer was and what their motive was early on. It was definitely entertaining to watch the mystery unfold, however!

This was a very solid thriller. It drew me in straight away and was fast paced and very gripping. I enjoyed getting chapters from both Amy and Liz and liked how they slowly developed trust and friendship. The plot made me theorize multiple times throughout the book and second guess my theories, in kept me interested the whole time, 4.5 stars!

I knew who the killer was very early on but it was a fun ride! I wished I liked the characters a little more though!

The setting is a boarding school, two teen kids are killed, the roommate Amy doesn’t hear a thing, but she discovers them. Now there is a hunt for the killer, and these kids are keeping secrets. This book, kept me on edge, I needed to keep reading, because there was a lot of things that did not make sense, but it was so juicy at the same time, because there was so many secrets that gets revealed, and you think you know who did it but it’s not who you think it is. That sentence was intense. I apologize for that, lol…. Then we have Ami‘s new roommate Liz who is the editor of their school newspaper, and everyone is trying to stay away from her…. It was a hot mess. The end went by really fast and it was action packed, but I will say this a page turner.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

A very quick read about murder of 2 students in the dorm and all the twist and turns (and secrets) that will unravel who the killer is. Not one of my favorite reads but could appeal to many who like Dark Academia Thrillers. I'm not in agreement with the comparison to Holly Jacksons Good Girls Guide to Murder. Because of the comparison I was a bit let down.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review


Set for publishing February 4,2025

I love a dark academia book and really wanted to love this book. While I did like it, I didn’t love it. It had the potential to be fantastic, but there were some plot points that were quite developed enough and the pacing drug in some points. Even with those issues, it was still an enjoyable read.

The Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman is a compelling mystery with a gripping premise that kept me engaged for most of the story. The small-town secrets and suspenseful twists were intriguing, and the characters had potential, but some felt underdeveloped. The pacing was uneven, with certain parts dragging while others rushed through important moments. Despite these flaws, it was an entertaining read overall.

The Meadowbrook Murders is an engaging mystery that hooks you right from the start. Set in a small town, the story follows a young woman who becomes tangled in a series of chilling murders. Goodman builds suspense well, with plenty of twists that keep you guessing.

The protagonist is relatable, and the small-town dynamics feel real. The pacing is just right, moving quickly but without feeling rushed. The book mixes mystery with a look at secrets, trust, and community.

If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers and unexpected twists, this book is for you.

3.5 stars !!

this is a dark academia read set at meadowbrook academy where a chilling mystery unfolds. after a party amy returns to her dorm but when she wakes up she finds something she never thought she would see, her best friend sarah and her boyfriend ryan dead but who could have killed them?

liz is the editor chief of the school’s gazette and she is determined to find out the truth behind the murders. she sees the investigations as a chance to create an issue that could launch her future by solving and sharing about the crime at the boarding school.

i’m on vacation and really enjoyed reading this one !! everybody should meet amy and liz as they team up to solve the mystery of that night ! the killer’s motive was insane and wild as always but i bet all readers will feel just as shocked as i did. i highly recommend this to the fans of mystery !! i felt really bad for amy because she had to uncover secrets right after her friends died :(

thank you to netgalley, penguin group and jessica goodman for the arc !!! this is my first jessica goodman book but it wont be the last !

This felt at times like a cookie cutter YA thriller - best friends murder ; unlikely friendship etc … but I enjoyed writing and the overall story ( even though I guessed the killer early on ) and the journalism angle was actually quite an interesting addition to the story - especially these days when people will post / write anything on social media and the news

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review

My rating 3.5 ⭐️

I was so extremely lucky to receive an arc of this book and I can't say thank you enough. I dived right in and I know they warn you at the start that this is an unfinished book but from page one to the very last I was invested and entranced I loved everything about this book. The characters were great and so realistic. The story was interesting and suspenseful and even though I did guess who the killer was, it didn't make the story any less enjoyable nor did it take away anything. I would love to get this actual physical book as well. Everyone should read this!!

A murder mystery set at a high school boarding school and an unlikely friendship? I was hooked from the start!

Secrets are never safe at Meadowbrook Academy. When Amy's best friend Sarah and her boyfriend are murdered during senior week, Amy is devasted by the loss of her friend and the future they had planned. But suspicion quickly falls on Amy - she was the last person to see Sarah alive they fought that night, and she lied to protect her boyfriend. Enter Liz, the ambitious editor of the school newspaper. As Liz investigates, she forms an unexpected friendship with Amy. Together, they work to solve the case, uncovering shocking truths about friendships, secrets, and each other - while the killer is still on the loose.

I loved the strong beginning and ending, but the middle dragged a bit with unnecessary details and characters. Unfortunately, I figured out the killer's identity before the reveal. Still, it was a quick and entertaining read overall. Plus, Liz is such a great character!

Thanks to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, and Jessica Goodman for granting me access to this book. All opinions are my own.

I am a big fan of Jessica Goodman, her books consistently deliver complex and compelling characters, and the mystery always pulls me in. This book was no different! I loved the wealthy boarding school setting in this one, as well as the dual perspective of a very privileged student and a scholarship student. I almost wish this book had started before the murders, just so I could have had more time with the characters and learn more about them. I found them so engaging and wasn't ready for the book to end.

Jessica Goodman’s "The Meadowbrook Murders" is a thrilling novel that masterfully weaves together mystery, suspense, and complex characters. Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Meadowbrook, the story unravels a dark and twisted tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The novel follows the story of Emma Miller, a high school senior whose life is turned upside down when the bodies of two classmates are discovered in the woods near their school. Emma, a bright and determined young woman with a passion for journalism, finds herself drawn to the case, unable to resist the urge to uncover the truth. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers that Meadowbrook is not as serene as it appears, and that everyone in town has secrets they would rather keep buried.

Goodman excels at creating a rich and immersive setting. Meadowbrook is portrayed with meticulous detail, from its picturesque streets and cozy cafes to the dark, foreboding woods where the bodies were found. This contrast between the town’s outward charm and the sinister events that unfold within it adds a layer of tension and intrigue to the story.

The characters in "The Meadowbrook Murders" are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Emma is a compelling protagonist whose determination and intelligence make her an engaging character to follow. Her personal struggles, including dealing with the recent death of her father and the pressures of senior year, add depth to her character and make her journey all the more relatable. The secondary characters, including Emma’s friends, family, and the various townspeople, each play a significant role in the unfolding mystery. Goodman skillfully weaves their backstories and motivations into the narrative, creating a web of intrigue that keeps readers guessing.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is its exploration of themes such as trust, loyalty, and the impact of secrets on a community. As Emma digs deeper into the lives of those around her, she begins to question who she can trust and whether the truth is worth uncovering. Goodman’s portrayal of the ripple effects of the murders on the Meadowbrook community is both realistic and thought-provoking, highlighting how trauma can bring out both the best and worst in people.

The pacing of "The Meadowbrook Murders" is expertly handled. Goodman balances the slow burn of the investigation with moments of intense action and revelation. Each chapter ends on a suspenseful note, compelling readers to keep turning the pages. The clues and red herrings are cleverly placed, ensuring that the mystery remains intriguing without becoming overly convoluted.

Goodman’s writing style is both engaging and accessible. Her descriptive prose brings the setting and characters to life, while her dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities. The tension and suspense are palpable throughout the novel, with each twist and turn adding to the overall sense of unease and urgency.

The resolution of the mystery is both satisfying and surprising. Goodman ties up the various plot threads in a way that feels organic and true to the story, while also leaving readers with a sense of lingering unease. The final revelations are handled with skill, providing a conclusion that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

A captivating and well-crafted mystery, this book will appeal to fans of the genre. With its compelling characters, richly detailed setting, and expertly paced plot, it is a novel that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last. Goodman has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making "The Meadowbrook Murders" a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a big fan of Jessica Goodman, reading all four of her previous titles which average as 4 star reads, and The Meadowbrook Murders was no different. It was a little slow, but did get a faster the closer to the end you got. The murders on a prestigious prep school campus with roommates present and unharmed reminded me of the tragedy in Idaho making it feel a little more 'real' and 'possible' which made the story darker. This might be a lot for a young reader, but as an adult, it didn't read as a young adult novel. I read this book cover to cover in 24 hours. Fans of Goodman should add this to their TBR.
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Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Meadowbrook Murders kept me at the edge of my seat! I couldn’t put it down and I flew through it! It was tense, suspenseful, and I didn’t know who to trust. I loved that it was dual POV and that both characters were so different from each other and each had different perspectives on the crime.

Just couldn’t get into this story as it wasn’t for me. Read up until 65% and had to dnf it.

I recommend as always that you read it yourself to determine if it’s for you.

Thanks to and galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In The Meadowbrook Murders, two students are murdered in their dorm room and it sends the school into a frenzy, to figuring who did the is horrific crime. The story is told in two POV’s of Amy who was the deceased best friend and Liz who is the editor of the school newspaper wanting to cover the story. The story is in investigation of who did it, who was involved and what lines are crossed to find out the truth.

This was an okay story. I love a YA story as much as the next person but this one kinda dragged on. It was entertaining for the first 40% and then I was ready for the story to reach a conclusion. By the time the killer was revealed, I had already guessed who it was. I didn’t really like Liz’s POV because I felt like she did not add much to the story 🤷🏾‍♀️. Overall I gave it 3 ⭐️. If this sounds like something you would like it comes out February 4, 2025.