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Pub. Date: 5.6.25

Julie Soto never disappoints, and her debut YA thriller is no exception!

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, twists, and turns. I’m still thinking about that epilogue!! 😱

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

First of all, thank you for the ARC!

📌Pub Date May 06 2025

And thanks to my friend who sent me the link, which made me want to read the book.

I love these kinds of mystical stories, a group of teenagers, mysteries.

At times, I found it a bit boring and wanted to shake the heroine, but eventually, she came to her senses and spoke out, which I liked.

This is my first book by the author, and I enjoyed the easy style; I definitely want to read her future works.

In the last chapters, I was a bit nervous, waiting for a huge shocking moment, and there was indeed one, though the epilogue left me somewhat puzzled.

All the characters are different, with their own struggles, secrets, and pain; they are not perfect.

The story is told from the perspective of the FMC, which gives a sense of an unreliable narrator.

The ending left me with a feeling of an open conclusion and several questions.

I enjoyed reading this book with friends who also received the ARC; we noticed more details and explained to each other what we understood.

A group of teenagers, their acquaintance has taken her life, and someone among them is guilty, or not? Who is truly a friend, and how not to feel out of place?

They are called the Thrashers, and they are suspected of bullying that drove their friend, who doesn't want to leave them after her demise.

• Suicide
• Domestic violence
• A popular group of school kids
• Mysteries
• Secret texts
• Unrequited love
• Spirits

📓🛁🚙👗📱

The Thrashers is an electrifying mix of suspense, high school drama, and psychological tension that grips you from the very first page. With razor-sharp writing and an expertly woven mystery, this book keeps you on edge, making you question every character’s motives until the very end.

Jodi Dillon is the perfect protagonist—an outsider thrust into the elite world of New Helvetia High’s most exclusive friend group. The Thrashers are everything: wealthy, untouchable, and dangerously magnetic. But when Emily Mills dies under mysterious circumstances, Jodi finds herself caught in a web of secrets, lies, and eerie messages that suggest Emily’s presence isn’t gone for good.

Soto masterfully builds tension, balancing the glamour and recklessness of adolescence with the chilling reality of deception and betrayal. The characters are flawed, fascinating, and utterly compelling, making it impossible not to get emotionally invested.

“I never wanted her to die. I just wanted her to disappear.” “That’s the same thing to girls like us.”

The Thrashers was my first Julie Soto book and certainly will not be my last!! I absolutely adored this thriller novel. I went outside of my comfort zone and tried another new book genre and it did not disappoint! Also, that quote above hit so hard when I read it! This book was so deep and the message it sent was so powerful.

I loved Jodi and how she stood up to not only one but two important people in her life! I originally thought I’d lean toward loving one of the guys but by the end of the book I was rooting for the other!

The ending left me reeling and now I have so many questions. I always knew something was up but wasn’t quite expecting THAT!! Please tell me we’ll get a sequel because I need answers and to see a certain two characters get a happy ending!!

This book definitely gave me Pretty Little Liars and One of Us is Lying vibes, so if you loved either of those, then be sure to check this one out! Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for an advanced copy! The Thrashers releases on May 6!

P.S. Julian made me cry by the end of the book. I genuinely feel bad for him and hope we get to see more of his story. When he was the only one who showed up to see the play and also when he drove 2 hours to come help Jodi when she got drunk were two scenes that made me smile! I never believed he did any of those things because he wanted to just get on her good side because she was to testify against him.

Everyone wants to be them.

The Thrashers are the most popular group at New Helvetia High. When a girl--who desperately wanted to be a Thrasher--dies, strange and terrifying things begin to happen to the group. And a recovered journal threatens their innocence in her death. This YA debut from Julie Soto is a non-stop thrilling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, desperate to solve the mystery.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It's been a while since a YA book captivated me like The Thrashers. The book gripped me from the first page. I love Julie Soto's writing and especially loved the way she told this story. A must read for young adults and adults who love the mystery/thriller genre.

I absolutely love Julie Soto, so I was excited to receive the ARC for The Thrashers and it did not disappoint! This is a YA (paranormal) Thriller. From the Prologue to the Epilogue, I was completely drawn into the world of The Thrashers with the first sentence. The story begins with Emily Mills, who so desperately wanted to be a Thrasher, committing suicide. The book is told from Jodi Dillon's perspective (third person point of view) as she navigates her life after Emily's death and questions what she knows about her friends/their dynamics as the results of the investigation of Emily's death is revealed to her.

And can I just say THE EPILOGUE. I can't stop thinking about that ending. 10/10 recommend this book.

If Julie writes it, I will read it.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

There’s a well-known group of five friends at school called the Thrashers, named after their leader’s last name. Emily desperately wanted to be one of them, but they refused to let her into their circle. Some time later, she takes her own life. As the investigation begins, The Thrashers find themselves at the center of it all.

This thriller is aimed at a teen audience, but it's so gripping and intense that adults will love it too.

The book hooked me from the very first pages. I kept coming up with different theories and guesses, yet the ending still caught me off guard! I didn’t see that coming, and even after finishing, I can’t stop thinking about it. The author didn’t provide direct answers to every question, which makes it a great book to read with someone and discuss certain moments.

There’s a small romantic subplot, and I was rooting for these characters so much that I’d love to read a sequel.

Julie Soto can do no wrong, and I’ll read anything she writes!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Wednesday Books) for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

4.5 stars!

It took me a bit to get into this book but once I was in, I couldn't put it down. This story definitely has some trigger warnings but overall I really enjoyed the story of Jodi and her friends (The Trashers) navigating the death of a classmate, kind of friend, Emily, and allegations in Emily's journal against the group including harassment, bullying and even rape. There were supernatural elements I didn't expect including seeing a medium and a ouija board séance that were different from other YA thrillers I've read. The crumbs of a little romance in this story was just delightful and had be smiling to balance out some of the more intense subject matter like alcoholism, abuse, and suicide. The ending just rocked my world and has me longing for a sequel. Julie Soto is a master in Dramione and romance and now she excels in YA too. I'll read anything she reads and you should too!

When I requested this ARC, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I fell in love with Julie Soto’s first two novels and basically decided I’d read anything she writes (still true!), so I hit request without even reading the synopsis. I am so glad I did! This book was nothing like I expected, and I mean that in the best way.

At first, The Thrashers gave me serious 13 Reasons Why vibes, so I thought I knew where things were headed, but I was totally wrong. This book was packed with twists and turns that I never saw coming, keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Soto masterfully shifts perspectives, making readers see characters in an entirely new light by the end. My perspective on some of the characters changed dramatically, and that ending - incredible! I would absolutely pick up a sequel to find out what happens next.

My one critique is the way Jodi’s text messages from her friends are formatted. Having them written in the same paragraph as Jodi's narration or inner monologue made some sections difficult to follow, and I found myself rereading a few times to fully grasp what was happening. Separating them into their own lines would have made the reading experience smoother.

That said, I loved this book. Honestly, it might have just turned me into a thriller fan—it was that compelling!

Huge thanks to @juliesotowrites and @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read and review this ARC of The Thrashers! I was completely hooked from start to finish—such a thrilling ride! Can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this one.

A cross between Pretty Little Liars and that ‘80s movie The Heathers, Thrashers follows a group of five popular high schoolers known collectively as “Thrashers”, the last name of the group’s de facto leader.

While on the surface this is a thriller about the death of a classmate, Thrashers is really about high school cliques and the damage they inflict not just on those outside of the group, but also on those inside as they seek to maintain their status by any means necessary. Soto’s work is a poignant statement on bullying, ambivalence, and the damage of ignoring the effects our actions and words have on one another.

I’m a huge fan of Soto’s previous works and, while I preferred the others to this, that is likely because YA isn’t my #1 genre whereas contemporary romance is.

I hope we get a sequel after that epilogue!

Thanks for NetGalley for the ARC ♥️

My rating: (5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this book! I have to admit, at first, I planned to skip this book (I love watching teen dramas but rarely read them), but when I saw it on NetGalley, I just couldn't resist 😅 And I have no regrets! At first, I thought the book would be in the style of Elite, but it actually reminded me more of Pretty Little Liars and Thirteen Reasons Why. It's got that Before I Fall book/movie vibe.

It's the perfect pick for buddy reads or a book club—I can personally attest to that! (I read it with my friends who also got the ARC.) While it's aimed at a teen audience, I'm sure older readers will find it just as engaging.

The plot blends teenage drama, the intensity of a thrilling mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. I absolutely loved how the story unfolded, with its morally gray characters, unexpected twists, and a reference to Forget Me Not (was it really, or am I imagining things?).

I'm sure this book will stay on my mind for a while, and I can't wait for the next novel from Julie Soto!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

If this book doesn’t top all of the YA bestseller charts upon release I will be shocked.

The Thrashers is about a teen girl, Emily, who dies at her own hand and the popular group of kids are implicated in causing her death. Jodi Dillon, a member of that group that doesn’t exactly fit the mold, tries to find the real story behind the accusations that arise after Emily is gone. This book is a mystery thriller with so many twists and turns and even some paranormal vibes thrown in the mix. It was a fast, fun read and I quickly became invested… there is SO much going on in the book. Not only the current drama with Jodi’s friends, but Jodi also has past and present family drama and a surprising love interest to boot.

Fans of Julie Soto will eat this up, despite it being firmly YA. I will say that I wasn’t a fan of the epilogue although others may love it. Enjoy the ride because this book is a trip!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read an early copy.

I’ll admit that I was a little nervous going into this book, as it’s not my go-to genre. I’m too sensitive for anything too dark. However, Julie Soto is such a great writer that I knew I needed to read it.

The Thrashers did not disappoint! Julie Soto’s ability to tell a story is top notch! I spent the whole book engaged in what was happening, and trying to unravel the mystery with Jodi.

Thank you, NetGalley for the arc!

4.25 stars: this is the type or book where I was reading it at every chance I got. Waiting for food to cook, reading while I ate, maybe a little when I shouldn’t have been reading….but this story was so entrancing I couldn’t look away! The writing style made it impossible to not binge this in one or two sittings.

Thrashers is a deeply intriguing, provocative, and thought-provoking YA novel that delves into the complexities of high school hierarchies, the costs of belonging to a friendship group, and the weight of triggering subjects like suicide, stalking, obsession, self-destruction, and body shaming.

The story opens with the tragic suicide of Emily Mills, a 17-year-old girl, on her prom night. She is found drowned in a bathtub, wearing her gown, with her final words etched into the scene. This haunting beginning sets the tone for the rest of the novel.

We are then introduced to the Thrashers, a group of privileged, highly popular students who dominate their school’s social scene. Led by Zack Thrasher, whose last name defines the group, they draw others into their orbit like bees to honey—or, more accurately, like moths to a flame. Zack has a habit of discarding people once he grows bored or finds them no longer useful, often ghosting or humiliating them to the point of erasure.

Jodi Dillon, the protagonist, stands apart from the rest of the Thrashers. Unlike her wealthy, stunning friends Lucy and Paige, Jodi doesn’t come from money, isn’t conventionally beautiful, and lacks the talents that define her peers—be it acting, sports, or academic excellence. She lives with her alcoholic father, who can be cruel when drunk, and has essentially raised herself. Despite her insecurities, Jodi is certain of two things: she has been in love with Zack Thrasher since childhood, and she is terrified of being “trashed” and cast out of the group like so many others before her.

Jodi had a complicated relationship with Emily. While not exactly friends, she tolerated her and even visited Emily’s home to study, enduring her intrusive questions about her personal life. Meanwhile, the rest of the Thrashers relentlessly teased Emily, who was desperate to join their group and obsessed with Zack. Emily’s hopes of sharing a limo with the Thrashers on prom night were shattered when she took her own life.

When Emily’s diary is discovered, it reveals that she was raped by one of the Thrashers and that her suicide was the result of relentless psychological bullying by the group. This revelation sparks a criminal investigation, and the Thrashers—Paige, Lucy, Julian (the group’s bad boy who often targets Jodi), and Zack—find themselves facing the possibility of jail time based on the evidence in Emily’s diary and witness testimonies. Jodi is thrust into the spotlight, forced to testify against her friends.

As the investigation unfolds, Jodi begins to question everything she thought she knew about her friends and their dynamics. Did they go too far in tormenting Emily? Were they hiding secrets from her all along? Was she, too, expendable, destined to be “trashed” like Zack’s other victims? And perhaps most unsettling of all: what if the boy she loves isn’t the person she believed him to be?

Overall, Thrashers is a slow burn, and at times the mystery feels drawn out, with the pacing lagging in the middle. The big twist, while impactful, is somewhat predictable, which initially made me consider rating the book three stars. However, the way the story wraps up—coupled with an award-worthy, chilling, and utterly jaw-dropping epilogue—completely changed my mind. I rounded my rating up to 4 stars (the ending alone is worth five stars and gave me goosebumps). The novel is thought-provoking, realistic, and mysterious, leaving a lasting impression.

I highly recommend Thrashers for its gripping narrative and perfect conclusion.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for sharing this intriguing YA mystery’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Chills. This book is going to haunt me. FIVE STARS!

Who knew Miss Soto had this up her sleeve? What else is up there? Hand it over! The mystery? The suspense? The paranormal goosebump inducing “I do believe in spooks” energy?

The Thrashers is like Heathers, Final Destination, Pretty Little Liars, 13 Reasons Why and Veronica Mars all got together and threw a party.

Is the Veronica Mars portion that one of the characters IS Logan Echolls? Yes. My mind will not be changed. And I adored it. Cue *Momentary Thing” and someone start writing some more Logan Echolls inspired book boyfriends for my 17 year old crush. Thanks, much appreciated. 🖤

The Story: The Thrashers are the elite group at New Helvetia High. They are everything everyone wants to be. Too bad no one else stands a chance of ever becoming one of them.

When Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be a Thrasher, dies - the whispers about the Thrashers begin. As police investigate, and eerie messages and strange occurrences escalate, it becomes clear - Emily isn’t done with them yet…

*Trigger warnings are not provided at the start of the arc at least - hopefully they will be added prior to publishing; suicide, abuse, addiction, death of a parent. None of these are spoilers, we know most by page 5/6. Take care of yourself. ♥️

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Wednesday Books, St.Martin’s Press, Julie Soto and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review. The Thrashers comes out May 6, 2025.

Ohh this was an addictive book to read! Twisty, cliquey high school dynamics surrounding a death of a fellow student and the group accused of causing it. I flew through this one in a few hours!

the minute I saw that the arc was available for this book, I requested it. I’m not normally a big fan of thrillers but it was Julie Sotos so of course I needed to read it. I adore her books. It took me about 15% of the book to get super invested but once I was, it was impossible to put this book down.

I am a romance girly through & through so I ate up the romantic subplot. I was extremely invested in the dynamics between “the thrashers”, I loved how everything would unravel and go to shit. It was so fun reading the book & piecing everything together side by side with Jodi.

this book nailed the insecurities that teenagers go through with friends & navigating their way through high school. it definitely shows how everyone has a different perspective on themselves than the people around them.

definitely at this book to your TBR, even if you aren’t really a thriller fan. I don’t think I’ll be able stop thinking about this book.

thank you to netgalley and publishers for the e-arc!!

what a epilogue!!! this book fully takes you on a ride of twists and turns, plus unexpected revelations. i would say it really picked up at the 30% mark for me, most of the beginning was really introducing this giant cast of characters. after 30% or so, it just kept me on edge the entire time. these characters were going THROUGH it, it almost felt final destination-ish!

besides so much of the suspense of trying to figure out what exactly happened to emily, there was so much just about the unraveling of this “tight-knit” group, doubt creeps into the sincerity of their friendship, and you see insecurities and self worth come into play (which i feel is so relevant in a young adult novel).

also there is a little romance subplot which builds up as the intensity of the investigation into the thrashers builds up as well. by the end of it, i was completely hooked and the epilogue had my jaw on the floor!!

be prepared for a little spooky, a little suspense. and a lot of mystery. i need more thrillers by julie, this was such a fun surprise!!

I Found Julie Soto from a dramoine fanfic group. Read a couple of her books, they've been banger after banger so far and this one is no exception! YA, much less thriller is definitely not my go to genre but I was hooked the entire time. At no point in time did I really know what was gonna happen next, and I was so invested I finished this one in around 24 hours! Could not stop! Great palate cleanser if this isn’t your genre too. The ending of the epilogue though ?!?! I NEED MORE!

thank you St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books& Netgalley for the Earc!