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Reviewed by: Becky Hibbert, Elementary School Librarian Title: The One That Got Away With Murder Author: Trish Lundy Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Year: 2024 Good for Grades: 10-Adult Genre/Type of Book: Mystery
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: Language/non-graphic sex/substance use/murder Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: I became friends with the author when we were in a wedding together three years ago, and she's a wonderful human being who I'm so happy to support! If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: A dark and twisty high school murder mystery full of red herrings, cleverly placed clues, and a cast of characters that you'll love, and love to hate.
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Review:
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book, and it hooked me right from the start. Lauren O'Brien is a California native who's recently moved to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. With the dark and rocky past she left behind in California, she's hopeful for a fresh start but that won't be the case. Enter the Crestmont brothers, Robbie and Trevor, who seem to have it all: wealth, good looks, charm, and more. Except they're not exactly beloved by the community, since they seem to leave a lot of dead bodies behind; both have had their respective significant others die suspiciously. As Lauren begins a relationship with Robbie, she becomes entwined in the mystery, and then another body pops up...
Even though I was biased, this is definitely a YA mystery I'd recommend for a high school library. Lundy creates a cast of characters that is diverse, three-dimensional, and believable. This book stirred up some serious high school nostalgia for me, so I can only imagine that current teens will feel a connection to the characters, especially as they come with their own variations of teenage baggage, some heavier than others. It deals with themes of depression, acceptance, and redemption, and the resolution to the mystery will leave readers satisfied.
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