Teenagers doing illegal stuff and pretty much acting like Mystery Inc. is my actual favorite thing ever!!

I enjoyed Liz Lawson writing and the pacing of this book, unfortunately i absolutely despised Ally for 75% of the book. Female characters like her feel extremely one dimensional to me and I truly felt like she could’ve been handled in a far better way while still being a stubborn character.

The mystery was good, I enjoyed how all of the characters were equally involved and each had different skills that helped make it feel more real. I did guess the ending after the first few chapters, which I think just happens after you read a lot of ya mysteries/thriller!

Overall, a great fast-paced book with fantastic twist and plot!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an early copy in exchange for an honest review! :)

Murder between Friends had so much potential but unfortunately the ending felt extremely rushed. I also felt the characters were not developed as much as they could have been. But solid 4 stars.

This was a fast paced thriller. It’s about 3 friends who friendship is rocky after one of them sends a friend’s brother to prison for two years.

Grace suddenly thinks she didn’t see who she thinks that night of their teachers murder. Her friends, Ally and Henry, start to do some digging. This book has a lot of twist and connections with their past that leads to them actually solving their teachers murder and unfortunately sending another loved one to jail.

Solid book with all the elements that you look for in a "murder." I like the tense that this book holds throughout. With its twists figuring out "who done it" was an active exercise throughout the book.

I liked the mystery and especially that there were two mysteries entwined that were solved. I just did not like any of the characters. Henry was okay just trying to get by with all the hate thrown at him for his brother's "guilt". Ally any angry, little snot and Grace, an easily intimidated wet noodle of a person. Maybe that's how I'm supposed to feel about them. Other reviews state that this is a "fast-paced" ride and I disagree with that statement. It took me forever to finish as I found it slow in parts and didn't want to pick it up however it's still good enough that I wanted to finish.

2.5 stars

Thank you to Random House Children for this ARC.

This book started out so good. It was unputdownable. Then the confession happened. No one confesses to murder (accidentally or not) for no reason. The confession felt like it was thrown in just because the book needed to end and it was the easiest way to get there. I was headed for a solid 5 star but because of the last 10% I had to drop it down to a 4.

To start, there were a lot of grammatical errors as well as incorrect words being used. However, I am not holding that against the book because I am hoping the editors will get this fixed before publishing. One of the biggest issues was in the chapter Ally meets Jamel in the coffee shop, at some point Jamel starts being called "Fraser". However, I could not find any explanation as to this change in his name and was confused for a solid minute before realizing they were one in the same.
Now onto the story itself. It was an easy read, albeit a bit predictable. Ally could be quite insufferable at times, and both Grace and Henry had their moments as well. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt in that they are teenagers, so at least the author was true to their age in how self involved they were. Going back to the predictability factor, I was able to guess what Berkley was up to almost from the start. Evan was also flagged as a person of interest from the beginning. I was very surprised by how the book ended, which doesn't happen often since I am an avid mystery reader, so props to the author for that. All in all, I did enjoy the book and it held my interest the entire time because I wanted to see how the puzzle pieces fit. But the characters need work, and the various criminal plot lines need more depth/detail.

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson is a gripping and emotional thriller that pulls readers into a tangled web of mystery, betrayal, and the complexities of friendship. From the very first chapter, the story exudes a sense of intrigue, leaving you questioning where the plot will lead. The initial mystery is masterfully crafted, keeping you hooked as each revelation peels back another layer of the truth.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its exploration of trust and doubt. Grace’s internal struggle is palpable as she questions what she’s always believed to be true. Watching her navigate her conflicting emotions and the shifting dynamics with Henry and Ally is both tense and compelling. The strained relationships between the three former friends are written with depth and nuance, making it easy to empathize with all sides of the conflict.

While the beginning is shrouded in mystery and unpredictability, the ending does lean into more familiar thriller territory. The conclusion, though satisfying, is somewhat predictable for seasoned mystery readers. However, this doesn’t diminish the emotional impact of the journey. The themes of friendship, justice, and redemption remain powerful and resonant.

Liz Lawson’s writing is sharp and emotionally charged, capturing the tension and weight of the characters’ decisions. Her portrayal of teenage friendship—its fragility, loyalty, and betrayals—feels authentic and raw. The pacing is well-executed, with each chapter building on the last, keeping readers engaged until the final page.

Murder Between Friends is a thought-provoking thriller that will appeal to fans of twisty mysteries with emotional depth. While the ending may be more predictable than the setup suggests, the character development and emotional stakes more than make up for it. It’s a story that asks tough questions about trust, memory, and the limits of friendship—and it’s one that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

interesting and engaging mystery with a very straightforward end and not a lot of twists. 3.5 stars, tsym for the arc. rounded up.

This was a fun read and I am so happy I got the chance to have a preview of this book. This had all
The elements of a perfect thriller book.

As someone who’s always loved young adult mysteries, this book really hit the mark for me! The story follows Grace, Henry, and Ally—three friends who grew up together but became estranged after Grace's testimony put Henry's brother, Jake, in prison for a murder. Two years later, Jake is released due to a mistrial, and suddenly, everything’s up in the air. Grace starts doubting what she saw the night of the murder, and things get even more complicated as the friends are forced to confront the truth.

What I really loved was how the book is told from the perspectives of all three characters. It gave me the chance to understand each of their motivations, fears, and struggles on a deeper level. The dynamics between them felt so real—like the kind of tension and history you’d expect from people who once were best friends but have been torn apart. I especially connected with Ally. Her frustration and desire for justice really resonated with me, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time.

The 'teens solving a crime' trope worked so well here. I thought I had the mystery figured out, but there were so many twists and surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending completely threw me off, in a good way!

That said, the way the police were portrayed felt a bit exaggerated at times. Their incompetence was obvious and didn’t quite feel believable, but honestly, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the rest of the book.

This book was a total page-turner for me. I couldn’t put it down, and I highly recommend it if you love YA mysteries with great character development and plenty of suspense. It definitely kept me guessing!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.