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Thorn City
Suspected murder, eclectic food trucks, and artisanal just another day in Thorn City.
It’s the night of the Rose City Ripe for Disruption gala—a gathering of Portland’s elite. Dressed to kill in sparkling minidresses, best friends Lisa and Jamie attend as “paid to party” girls. They plan an evening of fake flirtations, karaoke playlists, and of course, grazing the catering.
Past and present collide when Lisa stumbles across Ellen, a ruthless politician who also happens to be Lisa’s estranged mother. Awkward . . . When Lisa was sixteen, Ellen had her kidnapped and taken to the Lost Lake Academy—a notorious boarding school for troubled youth.
To make matters worse, Lisa’s boyfriend Patrick crashes the party to meet his new boss—Portland's food cart drug kingpin.
These unfortunate encounters spur Lisa into making a fateful choice that traps her, Jamie, and Patrick in Ellen’s web.
As earth-shattering secrets are revealed, will they survive Ellen’s schemes or be sacrificed to her blind ambition?
It’s the night of the Rose City Ripe for Disruption gala—a gathering of Portland’s elite. Dressed to kill in sparkling minidresses, best friends Lisa and Jamie attend as “paid to party” girls. They plan an evening of fake flirtations, karaoke playlists, and of course, grazing the catering.
Past and present collide when Lisa stumbles across Ellen, a ruthless politician who also happens to be Lisa’s estranged mother. Awkward . . . When Lisa was sixteen, Ellen had her kidnapped and taken to the Lost Lake Academy—a notorious boarding school for troubled youth.
To make matters worse, Lisa’s boyfriend Patrick crashes the party to meet his new boss—Portland's food cart drug kingpin.
These unfortunate encounters spur Lisa into making a fateful choice that traps her, Jamie, and Patrick in Ellen’s web.
As earth-shattering secrets are revealed, will they survive Ellen’s schemes or be sacrificed to her blind ambition?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2024
8 people are currently reading
6283 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Statz
2 books61 followersPamela Statz grew up in Wisconsin and attended UW Madison earning degrees in Journalism and History. Pamela has worked in media and advertising for Lucasfilm, WIRED, Nike, and Wieden+Kennedy. She currently splits her time between Portland and Manzanita, Oregon, with her husband Justin Graham and their giant dog Hooper. “Thorn City” is her first novel. Connect at pamelastatz.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 10, 2023
an amazing well written book by pamela statz
twists and turns and not knowing what is going to happen next i really enjoyed this!
twists and turns and not knowing what is going to happen next i really enjoyed this!
May 12, 2024
4.5 Stars Rounded Up To 5!
Such a fun and entertaining read that will keep you on your toes!
Super intriguing plot- I was very invested throughout the whole story. It wrapped up with a satisfying ending too. Well developed characters and lots of drama and humor as well.
It was very fast paced and just around 300 pages, so can you can easily fly through it!
Such a great debut! Recommend checking this one out!🩷
Thank you @pamelastatz for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
Such a fun and entertaining read that will keep you on your toes!
Super intriguing plot- I was very invested throughout the whole story. It wrapped up with a satisfying ending too. Well developed characters and lots of drama and humor as well.
It was very fast paced and just around 300 pages, so can you can easily fly through it!
Such a great debut! Recommend checking this one out!🩷
Thank you @pamelastatz for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
May 10, 2024
I love this book! It’s got seriously dark humor and the events that take place are outrageous. It’s a fun read that keeps you entertained and on pins and needles. Every Portland Oregon native is going to love the local call outs! A fun read that I cannot recommend enough!
July 8, 2024
A fun mystery set in Portland!
May 10, 2025
If you're like me, a mystery-thriller reader who loves a fast pace, compelling storyline, and prose infused with mischievous humor, you'll love Thorn City. I'd get to the end of a chapter and couldn't put it down. Get ready for less sleep! The characters are complex and interesting, and the Portland, Oregon, background is authentic. You can't go wrong with Thorn City.
July 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book - beginning to end! love love loved all the Portland references and locations. The writing style, the characters and situations really pulled me deep into the story and read the whole book in a single weekend. cannot wait for the Thorn City follow-up.
June 10, 2024
Having lived in Portland for 23 years, I especially enjoyed the local humor wrapped inside the dark mystery. It's a quick and engaging read—hard to put down and perfect for my recent travel days. A delicious debut novel, I'm looking forward to her followups. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA fiction and mysteries. It had me chuckling and wishing my flight was just a little bit longer, lol. I decided to sit at the baggage claim so I could finish it.
May 27, 2024
Could not put it down! Great characters, kinetic story, efficient and fun style + if you live in Portland, it’s a full of fun references to local specifics.
May 13, 2024
Thorn City is a clever, fast-paced romp through the City of Roses. The characters are collectively damaged, funny and endearing — and their past traumas and present tribulations spin together into a satisfying page-turner of a story. I took this on vacation and devoured it!
May 5, 2024
Thorn City by Pamela Statz: Lisa Salter is the struggling, twenty-something daughter of the ambitious mayor of Portland, OR. Set in Portland, OR there's wonderful, local (artisanal?) characters who I recognize from the city I live in - which just like the book - has slackers, overachievers, and many creative ways to accomplish their goals. The characters make this a fun read. Plus, the context is so wonderfully Pacific Northwest. I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun fiction read, even if they have never eat at food cart before. ;)
May 17, 2024
Summary:
Jamie and Lisa are dressed to the nines and ready to make some easy money being party hostesses at a swanky gala in Portland—and find themselves right in the middle of the crime lords of the city. This party is a catalyst for lots of life changes, drama, and danger.
Title: Thorn City
Author: Pamela Statz
@pamelastatz
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 3.75/5
No spice
Tropes:
Chosen Family
Mystery/Thriller
Mob vibes
Strong Female Friendships
Triggers:
Murder
Hidden identity
Parent loss
Substance/alcohol use and abuse
Whitney’s Thoughts:
I read this book in one day—I was really invested in the story and wanted to know what was going to happen! There are a lot of characters and that was a little hard to follow and made for some super fast pacing. I think I would have really loved it more if the book focused just on Lisa and Patrick instead of all the major players so much. This is a compelling first novel and was a good read!
Jamie and Lisa are dressed to the nines and ready to make some easy money being party hostesses at a swanky gala in Portland—and find themselves right in the middle of the crime lords of the city. This party is a catalyst for lots of life changes, drama, and danger.
Title: Thorn City
Author: Pamela Statz
@pamelastatz
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 3.75/5
No spice
Tropes:
Chosen Family
Mystery/Thriller
Mob vibes
Strong Female Friendships
Triggers:
Murder
Hidden identity
Parent loss
Substance/alcohol use and abuse
Whitney’s Thoughts:
I read this book in one day—I was really invested in the story and wanted to know what was going to happen! There are a lot of characters and that was a little hard to follow and made for some super fast pacing. I think I would have really loved it more if the book focused just on Lisa and Patrick instead of all the major players so much. This is a compelling first novel and was a good read!
February 17, 2024
This book was perfect to read when cooped up for a snow storm. I felt totally immersed in the main characters' Portland world and towards the end I was flying through to find out the ending. The characters had interesting and extensive back stories that seem to be setting up for a book 2, which I would gladly read. Overall- an interesting and winding mystery set in a cute world which had a satisfying conclusion. I definitely recommend it!
February 2, 2024
Thanks for the ARC!
Loved the fast pace of this thriller. Has my favorite mix of humor, drama mixed with a few nice twists. The friendship between Lisa, Jamie and Patrick feels very real, as does the tension between Lisa and her mom. The sense of place is really strong too. I'm adding the restaurants (the ones that are real anyway!) to my go to lists! Really enjoyed it!
Loved the fast pace of this thriller. Has my favorite mix of humor, drama mixed with a few nice twists. The friendship between Lisa, Jamie and Patrick feels very real, as does the tension between Lisa and her mom. The sense of place is really strong too. I'm adding the restaurants (the ones that are real anyway!) to my go to lists! Really enjoyed it!
March 20, 2024
I read Thorn City in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! I love a good mystery book and this one truly kept me on my toes. It was also very cool to see Portland brought to life in this story. Thank you thank you for the advanced copy! I cannot wait for the next book!
April 6, 2024
This had ALOT of things going on and alot of different relationship dynamics not sure what to classify it under but I did enjoy it and think you may too happy reading
August 13, 2025
A fast, funny, and slightly chaotic ride through Portland’s weirder side!
If you like stories that are fast, clever, and just a little bit bonkers, in the best way, this is a great pick. Bonus points if you’re familiar with Portland, but it’s entertaining either way. Statz really nails the Portland vibe, with plenty of insider nods to the city’s culture and quirks. The tone shifts between humorous and sharp, with moments of emotional depth, particularly in Lisa’s strained relationship with her mother. Some scenes get a bit busy with characters and backstory, but the pacing keeps things moving!
If you like stories that are fast, clever, and just a little bit bonkers, in the best way, this is a great pick. Bonus points if you’re familiar with Portland, but it’s entertaining either way. Statz really nails the Portland vibe, with plenty of insider nods to the city’s culture and quirks. The tone shifts between humorous and sharp, with moments of emotional depth, particularly in Lisa’s strained relationship with her mother. Some scenes get a bit busy with characters and backstory, but the pacing keeps things moving!
December 9, 2024
Thorn City by Pamela Statz kept me on the edge of my seat! Between its fast-paced plot and quirky characters, it was difficult to put down. I was constantly surprised by how Pamela was able to get the main cast of characters back together, and the twists and turns kept me hooked. I definitely reccomend for people who like thrillers, relate to intriquing characters, and love Portland's culture.
August 14, 2025
I typically don't go for mystery books, but Thorn City is a page turner. I read it in one sitting and didn't once feel like putting it down. The pacing is great, and as a Portlander I feel like the city is represented authentically with its unique character. The dark humor is effective, the primary characters are complex and dynamic, and there are no fluff chapters--every passage feels like it's there for a reason. If Statz writes a follow up, I'll read it.
June 22, 2024
What a fun book! Quirky characters, crazy schemes, and a wild scene at the end. Kept me on my toes!!
June 26, 2024
Great Fun Read!
The author brings to life a thrilling story settled in the trends of Portland. I found the book delightfully written and easy to binge-read.
The author brings to life a thrilling story settled in the trends of Portland. I found the book delightfully written and easy to binge-read.
August 15, 2024
2 stars. Looking at the reviews it makes me think I read a different book? Maybe it wasn’t meant to be an audiobook..
April 9, 2025
Truly kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot thickens with each page. Drama! Crime! Romance! You will not be able to put it down!!!
September 10, 2024
this book was so different than what i expected in all the right ways. after being in a reading slump for a couple of weeks, i finished this one in a day and a half. it's a very unique piece in the thriller genre, and definitely worth the read!
November 5, 2024
This is a 4.5 stars for me.
The storyline doesn't have any dull moments, but I was definitely confused at points, like "wait, are these two characters not supposed to be in college? Where does that fit in with this schedule?" but it was explained later on. I also don't know how to feel about the sidekick token Asian character (Jamie) who, as opposed to the rest of the main characters, doesn't really undergo a lot of growth throughout the story (she's kinda one-dimensional).
However, 10/10 for a mystery book, I felt the pacing was appropriate and the twists were interesting. In this day and age, I might question a young 20-something not properly stalking her boyfriend on google and therefore not realizing his dad is a well-known public figure but their last name is generic enough that it checks out.
The storyline doesn't have any dull moments, but I was definitely confused at points, like "wait, are these two characters not supposed to be in college? Where does that fit in with this schedule?" but it was explained later on. I also don't know how to feel about the sidekick token Asian character (Jamie) who, as opposed to the rest of the main characters, doesn't really undergo a lot of growth throughout the story (she's kinda one-dimensional).
However, 10/10 for a mystery book, I felt the pacing was appropriate and the twists were interesting. In this day and age, I might question a young 20-something not properly stalking her boyfriend on google and therefore not realizing his dad is a well-known public figure but their last name is generic enough that it checks out.
May 16, 2025
A fun, fast-paced read of murder and miscues!
Read this quick page-turner on a plane ride from PDX to NYC. This would be a fun film to make, especially since it showcases Portland.
Read this quick page-turner on a plane ride from PDX to NYC. This would be a fun film to make, especially since it showcases Portland.
October 5, 2023
What can I say? I like my novels like I like my martinis, with a twist, and Thorn City doesn’t disappoint! Author Pamela Statz, hooks readers in with a blend of suspense and humor as secrets, betrayals and food-trucks unleash murderous consequences.
“Patrick walked through a maze of carts, including personal favorites Sorry Hips! Hamburgers and You’ll Love our Yule Logs. The food cart pod oozed with quaint Portland charm; the casual observer would never have guessed its darker purpose.”
Readers will love the book’s characters. Pitch-perfect characterizations and fierce and funny dialogue make each one complicated and compelling. Their web of relationships adds another dimension to the mystery while portraying the strength of female friendships, the anguish of parent-child bonds and the corruptibility of low-life highbrows.
As the characters ricochet through Thorn City itself, a portrait of Portland emerges as vivid as any character creating a glitzy and gritty backdrop to the action.
The result is a thrilling debut you don’t want to miss from an author to watch out for. Dare I hope for a second round in a sequel?
Thanks to the author and publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy (ARC) of Thorn City so I can offer this candid review.
“Patrick walked through a maze of carts, including personal favorites Sorry Hips! Hamburgers and You’ll Love our Yule Logs. The food cart pod oozed with quaint Portland charm; the casual observer would never have guessed its darker purpose.”
Readers will love the book’s characters. Pitch-perfect characterizations and fierce and funny dialogue make each one complicated and compelling. Their web of relationships adds another dimension to the mystery while portraying the strength of female friendships, the anguish of parent-child bonds and the corruptibility of low-life highbrows.
As the characters ricochet through Thorn City itself, a portrait of Portland emerges as vivid as any character creating a glitzy and gritty backdrop to the action.
The result is a thrilling debut you don’t want to miss from an author to watch out for. Dare I hope for a second round in a sequel?
Thanks to the author and publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy (ARC) of Thorn City so I can offer this candid review.
September 11, 2024
This popped up as a "suggested for you" on one of my apps. The synopsis sounded intriguing so I downloaded the audiobook.
Now, maybe, I would have enjoyed the book more had I read it rather than listened to it. On the positive side, the storyline is very easy to follow. The book is listed as a thriller but it's more like a mystery. Not much thrill but a lot of background story, scene setting and a mystery to be solved.
The downside was the narration. There is a huge difference of listening to a narrator as opposed to listening to someone just read a book outloud. In this case, the narrator was the author. While I get it, reading your own book saves money, it is not always the best option. In comparison to skilled narrators who have emotion and the ability to change from one character to another, this author was very monotone and there was no distinction between characters. Basically, just reading the book out loud.
My recommendation, skip the audio, read the book.
Now, maybe, I would have enjoyed the book more had I read it rather than listened to it. On the positive side, the storyline is very easy to follow. The book is listed as a thriller but it's more like a mystery. Not much thrill but a lot of background story, scene setting and a mystery to be solved.
The downside was the narration. There is a huge difference of listening to a narrator as opposed to listening to someone just read a book outloud. In this case, the narrator was the author. While I get it, reading your own book saves money, it is not always the best option. In comparison to skilled narrators who have emotion and the ability to change from one character to another, this author was very monotone and there was no distinction between characters. Basically, just reading the book out loud.
My recommendation, skip the audio, read the book.
December 8, 2025
This book was a gripping read that I could not put down. From the very first page, there was a tense and high-stakes situation that set the stage for a compelling thriller. There wasn't a moment while reading this book where I was bored or didn't understand what was going on. This is the first book in a while that had me staring blankly, shocked at the twists that came up. The narrative is a little complex and fast-paced, but the author does a really good job at threading the plot together in a way that isn't confusing. If you are looking for a suspenseful book that keeps you on your toes and has jaw-dropping plot twists, then this book is definitely for you!
May 4, 2024
Thorn City is a fun read full of twists and turns that keeps you, the reader, wanting to get to the next chapter. Having visited Portland it was fun revisiting the city through the eyes of the characters in Thorn City. The story has a it all a mystey, a bit of humor and surprise twists. I love a book that keeps me wondering and wanting more. Pamela Statz has done a great job on her first time out. Can't wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommend this fun novel
December 9, 2025
Thorn City by Pamela Statz is an engaging, multi-voiced story set against the backdrop of notable Portland locations, creating an authentic and familiar atmosphere for readers who recognize them. With a large ensemble of characters, it’s easy to forget who is who and why they are significant; however, Statz makes following along effortless by intentionally introducing them gradually in the beginning. The “food cart drug cartel” was a clever way of displaying a continuing problem in the city of Portland while creating a suspenseful story with a new twist at every turn. While this novel’s backdrop is the city’s drug problem, I think the main theme is the complications of a mother/daughter relationship. I found the relationship between Lisa and her mother especially engaging and relatable. I think no matter the background, anyone who is a mother or daughter can relate to the complex dynamic between Lisa and Ellen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews