What a great read! Some parts were hard to follow or to better word it, had me confused but isn’t that was a good mystery thriller is supposed to do? Job well done!!

This was a nice book. It was fun trying to figure out where things were going to go, and the book took it in a direction that I wasn't expecting. But I do have to say that I had to take a break and put this book down multiple times because I got really angry at the characters. Like I wanted to fight kind of angry.

Great cover for this book. As far as YA mysteries go, this is a solid read. Ally is the most annoying character, so judgmental and hot headed. I liked how all 3 friends contributed to figuring out everything. I thought I solved who the murderer was but I was wrong more than once. There’s a great twist at the end. The ending was very exciting. I think my students would enjoy this. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

Set in a small, gossip-ridden community, Murder Between Friends dives into a world where secrets can be lethal. The story follows Ally Copeland, a headstrong and resourceful teen, who finds herself tangled in a dangerous web as she attempts to uncover the truth behind the murder of her teacher. However, the deeper she digs, the clearer it becomes that the truth will challenge friendships, trust, and her own safety.

Ally’s character is as sharp as her determination, and the supporting cast, Henry and Grace, brings layers to the story with their emotional
transformations and moral dilemmas. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the dynamics of high school relationships form the backbone of the narrative. Readers will find themselves torn between identifying with the characters' choices and questioning their actions.

Liz Lawson's writing style is candid, immersive, and perfectly attuned to a young adult audience. She masterfully combines witty dialogue with gripping suspense, placing the reader in the heart of the action and drama. Take, for instance, the tension in this scene:

“‘So, what are you doing here, Ally Copeland?’ he says. I pull myself out from under the desk. If I’m going to have any chance of making it out of here, I can’t be tucked into that cramped space. Evan moves back allowing me to climb to my feet. ‘I— I was—’ I take a step toward the front door. ‘I made a mistake. Coming here. I actually have to go.…’”

Moments like this showcase Lawson's ability to create vivid, edge-of-your-seat scenes with a natural, conversational tone that feels authentic to her teenage characters.

The book maintains a fast pace throughout, pulling readers into Ally's world and not letting go until the final page. The structure feels deliberate, with each chapter uncovering new elements of the mystery while building tension. Though the relentless pace keeps the reader engaged, it might leave little time for deeper exploration of some supporting characters.

One of the unique elements of Murder Between Friends is its expert combination of high action and teen drama. Readers not only become engrossed in the murder mystery but are also drawn into the interpersonal dynamics of adolescence—crushes, jealousy, and complicated friendships—that make the stakes feel even more relatable and real.

Opinion

Strengths:
• The pacing is relentless, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
• Ally Copeland is a standout protagonist—smart, flawed, and brave, making her relatable for young adult readers.
• The seamless integration of action and teen drama feels authentic and drives the story forward.
Weaknesses:
• While the story shines in its lead-up to the climax, a few minor characters could have been more developed to add additional emotional weight.
• Readers outside the young adult age group may find the drama occasionally overpowering.

Despite these minor criticisms, Murder Between Friends is a page-turner that delivers exactly what it promises—a thrilling mystery laced with twists, turns, and the challenges of teenage friendship.

This book is perfect for young adult readers and mystery lovers who enjoy fast-paced stories with strong emotional undercurrents. Teen drama enthusiasts will find the relationships and interactions particularly relatable. It’s equally an enjoyable choice for an adult reader looking to revisit the emotional intricacies of adolescence through an engaging mystery.

Murder Between Friends solidifies Liz Lawson’s reputation as a talented storyteller in the young adult genre. With its blend of high-stakes action, emotional drama, and a gripping plot, this book is a must-read for fans of YA mysteries and anyone looking for a fresh take on teen friendships and betrayal.

If you’re ready for a wild ride filled with twists, tension, and memorable characters, grab a copy of Murder Between Friends—you won’t be able to put it down!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's and Delacorte Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own because it is my first amendment right as a United States citizen. Ally and her father, the journalists in the book, would be proud.

This book has so many salacious elements - it’s an American suburbia take-down. Drugs! Sex! Murder! Mean girls! When life is boring, what else are the kids going to get up to? #amirite

Unfortunately, the writing is simplistic, the multiple POV just made it glaringly obvious that only Ally is likeable, and the plot was not intricate enough given the preceding two points. I figured out who the actual killer was 18% of the way into the book (I can state this with confidence, as I noted my suspicion in my Kindle). You’ve got to have one of the things to make a book recommendable - characters, writing, or plot.

As this book was mediocre in all three of these elements, I do not recommend.

Who Killed Mrs. Applebaum?!!!
This was a quirky, fast-paced whodunnit that had my attention from the beginning. See, Grace’s word got Jake locked up for the murder of one of their teachers. But now, she may not be too sure of what she saw since she never saw the guys face. With the help of Aly and Jake’s brother, Henry, they decide to take it upon themselves to discover who killed her, while realizing that the town may just be the sketchiest since multiple people keep telling them to leave it alone.

Fun for all ages! I really liked this book and will be adding it to my physical collection. As a first time read by the author, am heavily looking forward to her next release!

Amazing book will definitely recommend to friends and family love the characters development. Love the plot line

I would say it definitely has potential but needs to be tweaked a little. Once the true murderer was found, they just confessed to everything. I liked the second murderer twist but again, they just confessed as soon as they were found out. I think a little bit more denial and this would be a great book.

There were a lot of errors that I noted in my kindle that I'd like to send to you for consideration before you release this book to everyone. Please advise how I might can get that to you.

I actually really enjoyed this book. I'm a thriller reader and had to keep reminding myself that this is a YA and won't be as graphic or dark. But it delivered! You have the -who done it- aspect, thriller, suspense, a sprinkle of romance, and a good twist ending. I love it! I think it will get great reviews!

Thank you SO much for allowing me to get a look it before publication! I'm honored.

This story was excellent. From the first moment the story was engaging. There were times I thought I had the mystery solved, but this story built twists upon twists, seamlessly coming to an epic conclusion.

This was such a great mystery book. I really loved it and how it all came together. Good for all ages really I don’t think anything was too adult. 3 friends set out to prove one of their brothers innocence in a murder of a teacher and they get all Nancy drew and figure out way more. Some really great twists too just when you think you know. It was a very quick and easy read. I read this in 2 sittings.

I got this early from @netgalley for my honest review.
This book releases in April 2025 and I will be getting a physical copy!! :)

I loved all the twists with this. The broken friendships. The angst of having to face the past and accept that it might not have been what you always though. Forgiveness and reforming old bonds. Coming together to fully find the truth and understanding that sometimes the tragedies that happen to us do not have to be the things that define us. This was a fun read!

I didn't like this. There is one thread we are following for the mystery, and when we find out where that thread ACTUALLY leads, we just never hear about it again, even though it's also fully a crime. The whole book is about a boy and his best friend trying to clear the boy's brother's name, but the boy's brother is a total dick and I never got any kind of indication that they were EVER close enough for any of it to matter. I didn't mind the final reveal very much, but overall, it just doesn't stand up against other YA mysteries to me. However, I think adult enjoyment of YA mysteries and teen enjoyment of YA mysteries are very obviously two different things and I don't see why teens wouldn't like the drama attached to this one. Not everything has to be super logical for its reader base!

Grace, Henry, and Ally all grew up on the same block and were forever best friends. Until Graces testimony put Henry’s brother, Jake away for killing their English teacher. Two years later, Jake is out of prison due to a mistrial and Grace is questioning what she saw the night of the murder. When Grace goes to Jake about what she did-or didn’t see that night-Jake’s reaction is troublesome. He doesn’t want Grace to get involved-even if it means she helps prove his innocence. There is definitely more to the story than anyone knows and Grace wants to figure it out. Is it possible to mend things between the original three best friends and also figure out the truth? With Jake’s new trial coming up quick, the friends put themselves in danger-because if Jake isn’t to blame, that means the real killer is out there and definitely doesn’t want the truth to come to light.

This was a very interesting read and kept me engaged throughout. It had plot twists throughout and I would most definitely recommend to friends! Thank you for the advance copy of this book!

I loved this one! I really like Liz Lawson’s books. The YA thrillers are so good, one of my favorite genres. This was a great story and I enjoyed the plot.

Three estranged friends have to work together to figure out who really killed their high school English teacher. Can they leave the past behind them and figure out who the true killer is?

After Grace Topham testified against her boyfriend’s brother and sent him to prison for murder, Henry, and their friend Ally went their separate ways. When Jake gets out on a technicality, it makes Grace, Ally, and Henry wonder who really killed their teacher. They decide to put the past behind them and work together to dig into the time surrounding the murder and they make some discoveries that change everything.

This is a classic case of who done it that will leave you guessing until the very end!

Enjoyable book that kept me guessing throughout. I absolutely did not see the final twist. Highly recommend.

First I want to say thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for letting me read this ARC!

This book was good, a little slow for me at some points personally, but I don't think I am the target audience.

All I could think the entire time reading this book was “I feel like I’ve seen this episode of scooby doo before”. I think if some of the language was changed, this would have been a great read for maybe a 13 year old.

Well-paced, easy to read, and fun mystery with a few twists on the way. The characters were engaging and realistic, and the way the adults wanted the kids to stop made it feel very real (sometimes I wonder what the parents are doing that they let their kids run around, solving murders!). Highly enjoyable.