Books Like...

'The Fear' by Natasha Preston follows the main character Izzy as she navigates through a series of murders happening in her school. As the killings escalate, Izzy struggles to figure out who she can trust and works to keep her family safe while investigating the murders. The story is filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and well-developed characters like Izzy, her sister Lia, and her classmates Axel and Sydney. The fast-paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a gripping and thrilling read that is hard to put down.

'All Your Twisted Secrets' by Diana Urban follows the gripping story of six high school seniors trapped in a room with a deadly ultimatum - choose one to die or they all perish. Through dual timelines, the narrative unfolds the intricate past histories and secrets of each character, leading to surprising plot twists triggered by their hidden truths. Urban skillfully weaves modern themes of substance abuse, social media, and teen suicide into the storyline, creating a high school thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The author's writing style, characterized by vivid prose and a balanced mix of Hitchcockian thriller and light-hearted YA elements, captivates readers as they delve into the depths of teenage life with unexpected dark undertones. The characters, particularly the protagonist Amber Prescott, are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their struggles and the moral dilemmas they face in a suspenseful locked room escape room scenario.

Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban is a suspenseful novel that follows Jade Miller, a college student who embarks on a semester-long cruise program to study abroad. However, her excitement is dampened when she discovers her ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend on the same cruise, leading to a series of mysterious events including a possible murder. The book combines elements of a whodunit mystery with a thrilling locked room scenario set on a cruise ship, allowing readers to vicariously experience the intrigue and suspense through Jade's eyes. Urban's writing style keeps the readers engaged with a mix of suspense, twists, and a touch of the supernatural.

Friends Like These, by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, is a gripping YA mystery that follows high schoolers Jessica and Jake as they navigate love, betrayal, and dark secrets. Entering their senior year, they find themselves tangled in a web of lies after attending a chaotic party thrown by Jake's ex-girlfriend, Tegan. When Tegan goes missing the next day, the duo must confront their friends and unravel the mystery, all while dealing with their own romantic tensions and personal mistakes. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of unexpected twists, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

Alvarez's writing style is engaging, utilizing dual perspectives to give depth to the characters and the unfolding story. The narratives breathe life into the experiences of the flawed protagonists, making them relatable even during their moments of poor judgment. The author's clever handling of heavy themes, like toxic friendships and the complexities of sexual assault, adds layers to the story. With its unpredictable turns and an emotional rollercoaster, Friends Like These is a perfect blend of teen drama and mystery.

Jennifer Donnelly's 'These Shallow Graves' is set in 1890s New York City and follows the story of Jo Montfort, a young woman from a wealthy family who dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter. When Jo's father is found dead under suspicious circumstances, she embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind his death. Teaming up with a young reporter, Jo delves into her family's secrets and uncovers a world she never knew existed, all while navigating the societal expectations of her time. The book blends mystery, historical details, and a touch of romance as Jo unravels the mystery surrounding her father's demise.

Ellery and her twin brother, Ezra, move to their mother's hometown to live with their grandmother while their mother is in rehab. The town has a dark history of missing girls and murders, with Ellery becoming the focus of a new threat. As secrets unravel and mysterious events unfold, the siblings find themselves entangled in a suspenseful and intriguing mystery in the small town of Echo Ridge. The book is narrated from multiple perspectives, providing twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.

The story delves into themes of secrets, small-town mysteries, and the complexities of family relationships. With a fast-paced narrative, well-developed characters like Ellery and Malcolm, and a chilling setting, the book offers a thrilling and engaging read for fans of YA mystery thrillers. The author's writing style captivates readers with suspenseful plot twists, intricate storylines, and compelling characters, making it a must-read for those who enjoy a blend of suspense, intrigue, and psychological thrillers.

The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas is a YA mystery that follows Monica, whose sister was part of a cheerleading squad that was disbanded five years ago after multiple deaths within the team. Monica finds her sister's cell phone and starts investigating the accidents, uncovering inconsistencies and secrets. The book alternates between past and present, revealing the dark events that led to the disbandment of the cheerleading team and Monica's relentless pursuit of the truth.

At Claflin Academy, a group of five girls known as The Ivies have set their sights on getting into their assigned Ivy League schools through underhanded means. When one of the Ivies is murdered after being accepted into Harvard, scholarship student Olivia finds herself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal among the elite group. The plot unfolds with a mix of red herrings, complex friendships, and dark secrets, leading Olivia on a suspenseful investigation within the private academy.

Donne's writing style in "The Ivies" skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into the competitive world of college admissions, portraying a cast of characters that are both nuanced and morally gray. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged with its gripping plot and realistic relationship dynamics, ultimately delivering a thrilling and atmospheric experience that explores themes of ambition, privilege, and betrayal.

"That Weekend" by Kara Thomas is a gripping YA mystery thriller that follows Claire, who wakes up alone and injured on a hiking trail with no memory of the past 48 hours, while her best friends Kat and Jesse are missing. As Claire struggles to piece together what happened, she becomes the center of attention as everyone looks to her for answers. The story unfolds with twists and turns, leading Claire to embark on her own investigation to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her friends. The plot keeps readers on edge as they follow Claire's journey through chaos, secrets, and shocking revelations, culminating in a powerful and emotional conclusion.

Kara Thomas weaves a suspenseful and compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, memory loss, and the consequences of secrets, creating a dark and twisted atmosphere that adds depth to the story. With well-developed characters, unexpected twists, and a sense of urgency that drives the plot forward, "That Weekend" offers a thrilling reading experience that explores the complexities of teenage relationships and the impact of traumatic events on the characters' lives.

June Hur's 'The Red Palace' is a historical mystery set in Korea during the Joseon dynasty that follows Nurse Hyeon as she and Inspector Seo Eojin work together to discover who is responsible for killing 4 women within the palace. The plot unfolds with a murder mystery that keeps readers engaged, while exploring themes of female strength, societal expectations, and relationships in a historical setting. The writing style is described as immersive, with a sparseness that allows readers' minds to engage actively in the story, creating a beautiful scene setting that brings the 1750s Joseon Korea to life.