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Two Sides to Every Murder
From the author of How to Survive Your Murder comes a propulsive thriller about two teens who return to the site of the famous murder case that sealed their fates.
Most people’s births aren’t immortalized in a police report—but Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s life looks pretty perfect . . . until she discovers the man she calls dad is not her biological father. Now she wants answers about her bloodline, and the only place she knows to look is Camp Lost Lake.
Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer—but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name.
Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder.
Most people’s births aren’t immortalized in a police report—but Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s life looks pretty perfect . . . until she discovers the man she calls dad is not her biological father. Now she wants answers about her bloodline, and the only place she knows to look is Camp Lost Lake.
Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer—but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name.
Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2024
518 people are currently reading
67162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,837 reviews
February 3, 2025
Karen M. McManus meets Holly Jackson in the YA thriller that must be on your reading list this summer.
I don't even know where to start because this was just *perfection* (visualize a chef’s kiss gesture).
I could lie and tell about the hundreds of times I've guessed who did what - I was very close, tho -, how the horror-like woods scenes were just too much to imagine or that the end is too similar to a cosmic justice to be genuine… but nothing would be true.
Two Sides to Every Murder is the story that’ll keep you holding your breath chapter after chapter, while adding new information to the imaginary board you'll have to build to contain all the knowledge you’ll end up having about the night when a witch came out of the woods to kill three innocent people at a lake summer camp.
If this isn't creepy enough, I don't know what is.
↠ 4 stars
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
I don't even know where to start because this was just *perfection* (visualize a chef’s kiss gesture).
I could lie and tell about the hundreds of times I've guessed who did what - I was very close, tho -, how the horror-like woods scenes were just too much to imagine or that the end is too similar to a cosmic justice to be genuine… but nothing would be true.
Two Sides to Every Murder is the story that’ll keep you holding your breath chapter after chapter, while adding new information to the imaginary board you'll have to build to contain all the knowledge you’ll end up having about the night when a witch came out of the woods to kill three innocent people at a lake summer camp.
If this isn't creepy enough, I don't know what is.
↠ 4 stars
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 24, 2025
Campy and dramatic, Two Sides to Every Murder delivered a fun, twisted, and slightly-OTT Slasher-inspired Summer Teen Scream. We're talking a secluded forest and archery!
While not perfect, I found it to be highly-entertaining. It did its job. When I put on my Teenage Megs hat and thought about it, I knew: I would have loved this as a teen.
As an Adult, who's still a fan of the Teen Scream, I appreciate everything this author brought to the page.
This story revolves around two main characters, Reagan and Olivia, who end up both returning to the defunct summer camp, Camp Lost Lake, that shaped both of their lives after a series of brutal murders occurred at the camp.
Olivia was actually born on the night of the murders at the camp. Crazy, right? But it's true. Her mother was on the grounds, an employee of the camp, and whether it was the stress or just nature's way, she went into labor and gave birth as the heinous crimes were occurring.
Due to that, the crimes and the camp are never far from Olivia's mind. Now the camp is going to be reopened, and Olivia heads there as a volunteer to help clean things up and get the place ready for its new iteration.
In the midst of all this, Olivia has just been delivered some shocking news. She's found out, thanks to some genetic testing, that her Dad isn't really her biological father. She's hoping once she gets to the camp, she can search for answers about who her bio-dad actually is.
Then we have Reagan, who has been on the run with her Mom all her life. Her Mom was suspected to be the Lost Lake Killer, but Reagan knows that isn't true.
Nevertheless, they have to live under the radar and Reagan has never truly felt settled. Determined to clear her Mom's name, Reagan decides to return to Camp Lost Lake, along with her best friend, Jack, to search for evidence that could help determine who the real killer is.
We also get some sections from the past that take us through the events of the night of the original murders at Camp Lost Lake. Eventually, as you would expected, everything comes together, quite nicely IMO.
From the very start this was giving me all the Summer Camp vibes I wanted. I could picture this abandoned campground that they're trying to bring back to life. Deep in the woods and cut off from prying eyes.
In the beginning, I did find the back and forth between Olivia and Reagan's perspectives a little confusing. They're a lot alike and of the same age, so their narrative voice was fairly similar. Once those two characters come into contact with one another though, that problem disappeared.
With Olivia's parentage questions, and a killer on the loose stalking through this woods, this was very The Parent Trap meets Friday the 13th and I was all about those vibes.
I was surprised, like this did go Slasher. It felt like a Slasher, there were Slasher scenes, I could picture it as a movie. It was so engaging and fun.
I was also laughing, because let's be honest, it's campy, in a Campy Horror way, so you have attractive teen characters lusting over each other, even while trying to escape the clutches of a masked killer.
I love how the teens were in this abandoned, secluded location, literally with a killer on the loose and at times, you couldn't feel any sense of urgency.
Hahahaha -- it's all, who is gonna hook up with who, who is kissing who, whose feelings are getting hurt -- like can we play the Match Game later!? After we survive this!?
I know some more mature Readers perhaps would be annoyed by this, but I was all about the character drama, and let's be honest, when I was 16, if there was a new attractive teen in my orbit, I would've be trying to put myself in the best possible light as well. Teens gonna teen.
Silliness aside, we did get a why and it was a solid one. I actually wasn't really expecting that serious of a why this was all happening. It was a delightful surprise.
It made sense and I really enjoyed how it all played out at the end. It was tense, exciting and even included a eyebrow-raising double twist!!!
I would recommend this to YA Thriller/Horror Readers, particularly if you enjoy Campy, or Slasher vibes.
Thank you to the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
While not perfect, I found it to be highly-entertaining. It did its job. When I put on my Teenage Megs hat and thought about it, I knew: I would have loved this as a teen.
As an Adult, who's still a fan of the Teen Scream, I appreciate everything this author brought to the page.
This story revolves around two main characters, Reagan and Olivia, who end up both returning to the defunct summer camp, Camp Lost Lake, that shaped both of their lives after a series of brutal murders occurred at the camp.
Olivia was actually born on the night of the murders at the camp. Crazy, right? But it's true. Her mother was on the grounds, an employee of the camp, and whether it was the stress or just nature's way, she went into labor and gave birth as the heinous crimes were occurring.
Due to that, the crimes and the camp are never far from Olivia's mind. Now the camp is going to be reopened, and Olivia heads there as a volunteer to help clean things up and get the place ready for its new iteration.
In the midst of all this, Olivia has just been delivered some shocking news. She's found out, thanks to some genetic testing, that her Dad isn't really her biological father. She's hoping once she gets to the camp, she can search for answers about who her bio-dad actually is.
Then we have Reagan, who has been on the run with her Mom all her life. Her Mom was suspected to be the Lost Lake Killer, but Reagan knows that isn't true.
Nevertheless, they have to live under the radar and Reagan has never truly felt settled. Determined to clear her Mom's name, Reagan decides to return to Camp Lost Lake, along with her best friend, Jack, to search for evidence that could help determine who the real killer is.
We also get some sections from the past that take us through the events of the night of the original murders at Camp Lost Lake. Eventually, as you would expected, everything comes together, quite nicely IMO.
From the very start this was giving me all the Summer Camp vibes I wanted. I could picture this abandoned campground that they're trying to bring back to life. Deep in the woods and cut off from prying eyes.
In the beginning, I did find the back and forth between Olivia and Reagan's perspectives a little confusing. They're a lot alike and of the same age, so their narrative voice was fairly similar. Once those two characters come into contact with one another though, that problem disappeared.
With Olivia's parentage questions, and a killer on the loose stalking through this woods, this was very The Parent Trap meets Friday the 13th and I was all about those vibes.
I was surprised, like this did go Slasher. It felt like a Slasher, there were Slasher scenes, I could picture it as a movie. It was so engaging and fun.
I was also laughing, because let's be honest, it's campy, in a Campy Horror way, so you have attractive teen characters lusting over each other, even while trying to escape the clutches of a masked killer.
I love how the teens were in this abandoned, secluded location, literally with a killer on the loose and at times, you couldn't feel any sense of urgency.
Hahahaha -- it's all, who is gonna hook up with who, who is kissing who, whose feelings are getting hurt -- like can we play the Match Game later!? After we survive this!?
I know some more mature Readers perhaps would be annoyed by this, but I was all about the character drama, and let's be honest, when I was 16, if there was a new attractive teen in my orbit, I would've be trying to put myself in the best possible light as well. Teens gonna teen.
Silliness aside, we did get a why and it was a solid one. I actually wasn't really expecting that serious of a why this was all happening. It was a delightful surprise.
It made sense and I really enjoyed how it all played out at the end. It was tense, exciting and even included a eyebrow-raising double twist!!!
I would recommend this to YA Thriller/Horror Readers, particularly if you enjoy Campy, or Slasher vibes.
Thank you to the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Want to read
June 4, 2024
꒰🔪 ꒱ؘ-pre-read
dnf just because i have too much going on rn
__________
GUESS WHO JUST GOT THEIR FIRST ARC??????? (everyone cheer for me)
dnf just because i have too much going on rn
__________
GUESS WHO JUST GOT THEIR FIRST ARC??????? (everyone cheer for me)
June 28, 2024
Absolutely geared towards the young adult audience, the plot itself had solid potential. However, the execution could've used a bit more finesse to truly shine. The unexpected twist, though, was quite a delightful surprise.
August 4, 2024
Most people’s births aren’t immortalized in a police report—but Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s life looks pretty perfect…until she discovers the man she calls dad is not her biological father. Now she wants answers about her bloodline, and the only place she knows to look is Camp Lost Lake.
Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer—but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name.
Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder.
Fast-paced, action-packed, and with a definite horror movie feel, Two Sides to Every Murder also shocked me to my core. A clever plot that would be perfect for fans of Holly Jackson or Karen M. McManus, the only hint that this was a YA thriller was the age of the characters. After all, the plot was finely layered with shrewd observations about people and their behaviors. Altogether, it made the whole book feel much deeper than you’d expect a slasher-esque storyline to be given how thought-provoking it ultimately was.
The plot itself was truly impressive. From the creepy setting of a storm-riddled summer camp long left abandoned to the multiple twists and turns that kept me firmly in the dark, there wasn’t a thing not to love. I mean, the ever ratcheting tension and adrenaline-pumping action just didn’t let up. Essentially one long climax from beginning to end, it was no surprise that I inhaled this whole book in just one single sitting. So I’m not kidding when I recommend not picking it up until your chores are complete and you have no plans in sight. Otherwise, you’ll surely end up ignoring them all just to read one more page more times than you can count.
All in all, the binge-worthy premise was everything it promised and more. Told via dual POVs and with plenty of flashbacks, this plot will keep you on the edge of your seat whether you’re fifteen or fifty. I do wish the conclusion had had a bit more meat to it in the end, but all of my questions were answered before the last page. Ultimately, it was a masterclass in suspense and foreboding that had my fingers utterly flying, so do yourself a favor and grab your copy today. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Danielle Valentine and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 25, 2024
Trigger warning: none of substance
Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer—but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name.
Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder.
Fast-paced, action-packed, and with a definite horror movie feel, Two Sides to Every Murder also shocked me to my core. A clever plot that would be perfect for fans of Holly Jackson or Karen M. McManus, the only hint that this was a YA thriller was the age of the characters. After all, the plot was finely layered with shrewd observations about people and their behaviors. Altogether, it made the whole book feel much deeper than you’d expect a slasher-esque storyline to be given how thought-provoking it ultimately was.
The plot itself was truly impressive. From the creepy setting of a storm-riddled summer camp long left abandoned to the multiple twists and turns that kept me firmly in the dark, there wasn’t a thing not to love. I mean, the ever ratcheting tension and adrenaline-pumping action just didn’t let up. Essentially one long climax from beginning to end, it was no surprise that I inhaled this whole book in just one single sitting. So I’m not kidding when I recommend not picking it up until your chores are complete and you have no plans in sight. Otherwise, you’ll surely end up ignoring them all just to read one more page more times than you can count.
All in all, the binge-worthy premise was everything it promised and more. Told via dual POVs and with plenty of flashbacks, this plot will keep you on the edge of your seat whether you’re fifteen or fifty. I do wish the conclusion had had a bit more meat to it in the end, but all of my questions were answered before the last page. Ultimately, it was a masterclass in suspense and foreboding that had my fingers utterly flying, so do yourself a favor and grab your copy today. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Danielle Valentine and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 25, 2024
Trigger warning: none of substance
September 4, 2024
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🩸꒱ — 2,5 ★
"𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕."
I wasn't surprised by the reveal who the witch of lost lake was, since I predicted it pretty early on. The killer was quite obvious, if you paid a little more attention to it. The plot twists weren't shocking enough, as I guessed most of them, except the last one. But, tbh, it felt kinda unnecessary, if you ask me. So, overall, it wasn't a bad read, but I just read better murder mysteries.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🩸꒱ pre-read
That's the last book I'm gonna read before going back to school, so let's goo
"𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕."
I wasn't surprised by the reveal who the witch of lost lake was, since I predicted it pretty early on. The killer was quite obvious, if you paid a little more attention to it. The plot twists weren't shocking enough, as I guessed most of them, except the last one. But, tbh, it felt kinda unnecessary, if you ask me. So, overall, it wasn't a bad read, but I just read better murder mysteries.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🩸꒱ pre-read
That's the last book I'm gonna read before going back to school, so let's goo
November 9, 2025
Who am I to resist the charm of a camp slasher mystery that reminisces the millennium version of Fear Street: Part Two - 1978, which is also based on "Friday the 13th!"
Grab your popcorn, find your most comfy spot, and enjoy this full, twisty page-turner that you may not consume in more than one sitting. Because as soon as you start, you won't want to stop until you reach the final chapter.
Multi-narrations take us back and forth between 2008 when the Camp Lost Lake murders occurred and the present time when two girls' paths are crossed to solve two unknown mysteries—Reagan and Olivia—who might have more in common than their thirst to reveal the secrets their mothers told them.
Olivia D'Angelis, the younger daughter of the family who owns Camp Lost Lake, where her mother gave birth in the middle of the camp massacre. She accidentally finds out from an ancestor's site that her biological father is someone else, and she decides to go to the place where everything started to fish out more information about her upbringing.
Reagan Eleanor is on the run with her mother when a podcaster starts digging out about the Camp Lost Lake massacre, and she finds out the terrifying witch of Lost Lake, who ran away from the crime scene after killing her husband and son, is her mother Lori Knight. But she cannot accept that this woman, who did everything to give her a proper living style, might be a killer. She yearns to get her old life back without running for her life, which means she needs to go to Camp Lost Lake to trace the evidence to find out who put the blame on her mother and exonerate her as it should be. But as soon as she walks into the camp land with Jack, her only friend she has harboring feelings for, she realizes there's someone in the camp copycatting the crimes the witch of Lost Lake committed. Could the person be the same killer or a partner?
She also feels like her mother kept more secrets from her as soon as she meets with Olivia. The girls' common plan turns into staying alive when a serial killer is on the loose. Could they achieve to find out the truth and bring long-time justice? First, they have to find a way to be the last girls!
This was a fast, engaging, one-sitting page-turner I truly enjoyed and graded with four stars, recommending slasher thriller/YA mystery fans!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP- Penguin Young Readers Group/G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Grab your popcorn, find your most comfy spot, and enjoy this full, twisty page-turner that you may not consume in more than one sitting. Because as soon as you start, you won't want to stop until you reach the final chapter.
Multi-narrations take us back and forth between 2008 when the Camp Lost Lake murders occurred and the present time when two girls' paths are crossed to solve two unknown mysteries—Reagan and Olivia—who might have more in common than their thirst to reveal the secrets their mothers told them.
Olivia D'Angelis, the younger daughter of the family who owns Camp Lost Lake, where her mother gave birth in the middle of the camp massacre. She accidentally finds out from an ancestor's site that her biological father is someone else, and she decides to go to the place where everything started to fish out more information about her upbringing.
Reagan Eleanor is on the run with her mother when a podcaster starts digging out about the Camp Lost Lake massacre, and she finds out the terrifying witch of Lost Lake, who ran away from the crime scene after killing her husband and son, is her mother Lori Knight. But she cannot accept that this woman, who did everything to give her a proper living style, might be a killer. She yearns to get her old life back without running for her life, which means she needs to go to Camp Lost Lake to trace the evidence to find out who put the blame on her mother and exonerate her as it should be. But as soon as she walks into the camp land with Jack, her only friend she has harboring feelings for, she realizes there's someone in the camp copycatting the crimes the witch of Lost Lake committed. Could the person be the same killer or a partner?
She also feels like her mother kept more secrets from her as soon as she meets with Olivia. The girls' common plan turns into staying alive when a serial killer is on the loose. Could they achieve to find out the truth and bring long-time justice? First, they have to find a way to be the last girls!
This was a fast, engaging, one-sitting page-turner I truly enjoyed and graded with four stars, recommending slasher thriller/YA mystery fans!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP- Penguin Young Readers Group/G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
March 27, 2024
3 stars★
“She said that even strong people need to fall apart. And if you go too long without letting yourself do that, your body’s going to do it for you. We’re not made of stone.”
We follow two teenage girls who find themselves at the center of a chilling mystery. Olivia, who was born at the camp where a notorious murder took place, and Reagan, whose mother was accused of the crime, are both determined to uncover the truth. When Camp Lost Lake reopens and they start digging for answers, they soon realize that a killer is on the loose and danger lurks around every corner.
I enjoyed how we to experience the perspectives of both Olivia and Reagan and even got those flashbacks to the original Lost Lake murders from 16 years ago. I managed to guess a few of plot twists. Even though I had a hunch about what was coming, the overall pacing of the book still had me hooked and entertained. I felt like the inclusion of romance subplot didn’t need to happen as it took away from suspenseful moments in the story. I think the last twist at the end wasn’t needed.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
“She said that even strong people need to fall apart. And if you go too long without letting yourself do that, your body’s going to do it for you. We’re not made of stone.”
We follow two teenage girls who find themselves at the center of a chilling mystery. Olivia, who was born at the camp where a notorious murder took place, and Reagan, whose mother was accused of the crime, are both determined to uncover the truth. When Camp Lost Lake reopens and they start digging for answers, they soon realize that a killer is on the loose and danger lurks around every corner.
I enjoyed how we to experience the perspectives of both Olivia and Reagan and even got those flashbacks to the original Lost Lake murders from 16 years ago. I managed to guess a few of plot twists. Even though I had a hunch about what was coming, the overall pacing of the book still had me hooked and entertained. I felt like the inclusion of romance subplot didn’t need to happen as it took away from suspenseful moments in the story. I think the last twist at the end wasn’t needed.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
June 12, 2024
This was a fun summer camp slasher novel. It took me a little bit to get all of the people/story straight but then it was pretty predictable but still a lot of fun. I have to say that summer camp horror is one of my favorite horror tropes and with a camp called Camp Lost Lake was there ever a chance there wouldn’t be bodies? When the myth of the witch of Camp Lost Lake was born so was Olivia at the parking lot of the camp. Olivia has recently learned that her father isn’t her father and the only place she can think of for answers is the old camp that is being revitalized. Reagan’s mother is believed to be the witch of camp lost lake and she’s been on the run Reagan’s whole life. Ever since a podcast revitalized interest Reagan has lost her normal life. Reagan is headed to Camp Lost Lake to find the answers that can clear her mother’s name so she can have her life back. Both girls are in for some surprises and a whole lot of running. This was a fun and wild ride, one that would make a great movie. Definitely will be looking up this author again in the future.
February 2, 2024
"I don’t care about being nice anymore. Nice girls die in situations like this."
Welcome to Camp Lost Lake where the water is warm and the forest is murderous.
While reading the synopsis, two things popped into my head and I was giddy with excitement. The first is Sleepaway Camp and then Friday the 13th. Horror lovers love a good camp murder. The evil smile didn’t leave my face…
Now, Danielle Valentine has never disappointed me because her horror is always on point and terrifying. Plus those endings will give anyone a panic attack. Unpopular opinion. (Please don’t hate me) This wasn’t my favorite and it really let me down.
The story left me kind of bored, the characters were dull at times, and the mysteries within were very obvious. She took the typical cliches of horror and added them as her twists. I guessed them very early on and I exclaimed a lot while reading. Don’t think I’ve said, “Oh, come on!" with an eye roll more than while reading this. The very last page was my favorite thing about this book.
I’m a woman who loves a campy b-horror movie/book. That’s kind of where this was headed but it just didn’t hold up for me. I’m in pain for saying that because Valentine is one of my favorites but this was just an okay read for me.
Two Sides to Every Murder was okay with a very predictable ending. The why was so frustrating and I wish it didn’t head in that direction. The campy feel was great and the murders were fun. Just don’t expect the brilliance as her last horror mystery.
Welcome to Camp Lost Lake where the water is warm and the forest is murderous.
While reading the synopsis, two things popped into my head and I was giddy with excitement. The first is Sleepaway Camp and then Friday the 13th. Horror lovers love a good camp murder. The evil smile didn’t leave my face…
Now, Danielle Valentine has never disappointed me because her horror is always on point and terrifying. Plus those endings will give anyone a panic attack. Unpopular opinion. (Please don’t hate me) This wasn’t my favorite and it really let me down.
The story left me kind of bored, the characters were dull at times, and the mysteries within were very obvious. She took the typical cliches of horror and added them as her twists. I guessed them very early on and I exclaimed a lot while reading. Don’t think I’ve said, “Oh, come on!" with an eye roll more than while reading this. The very last page was my favorite thing about this book.
I’m a woman who loves a campy b-horror movie/book. That’s kind of where this was headed but it just didn’t hold up for me. I’m in pain for saying that because Valentine is one of my favorites but this was just an okay read for me.
Two Sides to Every Murder was okay with a very predictable ending. The why was so frustrating and I wish it didn’t head in that direction. The campy feel was great and the murders were fun. Just don’t expect the brilliance as her last horror mystery.
January 25, 2024
2 ⭐️ oooof I wasn’t expecting to not like this given the plot summary! This was an ARC on netgalley, so it isn’t out yet.
This is a prime example of a good idea but badly executed. It had so much potential! This was VERY ya. At first I was kind of liking the book, but then it just got really cringy. I usually like YA books, but this one I was skimming just to avoid reading the teenager dialogue. There was teens falling for people they only met an hour before, and three pages about them flirting about what they put in oatmeal 😅 I get maybe the author was trying to be inclusive, but it felt forced. We don’t need a love triangle in a less than 300 page murder book.
It was honestly like watching a bad horror slasher movie lol. I was about to give it 3 stars until the ending because I figured maybe I’m just too old for this book and younger audiences would love it. But that very end was ridiculous 🤣
I really wanted to read delicate condition by this author but now I’m nervous I won’t like it.
Even though I didn’t like this, I’m still thankful I was given the opportunity to read and review this early!
This is a prime example of a good idea but badly executed. It had so much potential! This was VERY ya. At first I was kind of liking the book, but then it just got really cringy. I usually like YA books, but this one I was skimming just to avoid reading the teenager dialogue. There was teens falling for people they only met an hour before, and three pages about them flirting about what they put in oatmeal 😅 I get maybe the author was trying to be inclusive, but it felt forced. We don’t need a love triangle in a less than 300 page murder book.
It was honestly like watching a bad horror slasher movie lol. I was about to give it 3 stars until the ending because I figured maybe I’m just too old for this book and younger audiences would love it. But that very end was ridiculous 🤣
I really wanted to read delicate condition by this author but now I’m nervous I won’t like it.
Even though I didn’t like this, I’m still thankful I was given the opportunity to read and review this early!
dnf
July 13, 2024I don't read horror but I saw Alex Finke is one of the narrators and I LOVED her in Ready or Not so I'm gonna give it a go.
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Wish me luck!
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Can't do it, DNF at 46%
I'm too anxious as is
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Wish me luck!
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Can't do it, DNF at 46%
I'm too anxious as is
November 24, 2024
I am absolutely flabbergasted. I'm just staring at the wall and I don't know what to do with my life. Holy mother of thrillers, what was this?!
Here’s a thing not enough people talk about: thinking you might die doesn’t actually make you less horny.
“I just realized I don’t know your name,” he says. “Oh.” I feel my cheeks heat up, which makes absolutely no sense. He asked me to tell him my name, not have his babies. “It’s—” “I think I’m going to call you Mickey,” he says before I can answer. “Mickey?” My eyebrows go up. “You mean, like the mouse?” “No, like Mickey Joseph, the fastest QB the Cornhuskers have ever had. I’m pretty sure you beat his record when you tried to run away from me earlier.” He smiles at me and, for a second, I think he’s going to say something else, but he just shakes his head and walks back into the other room. My stomach twists. Mickey.
I don't know how to write any more AND keep this spoiler-free, because my brain is devoid of anything other than shock and 1001 theories about what happens next. That CLIFFHANGER— I'm so stunned. 🫣
Here’s a thing not enough people talk about: thinking you might die doesn’t actually make you less horny.
“I just realized I don’t know your name,” he says. “Oh.” I feel my cheeks heat up, which makes absolutely no sense. He asked me to tell him my name, not have his babies. “It’s—” “I think I’m going to call you Mickey,” he says before I can answer. “Mickey?” My eyebrows go up. “You mean, like the mouse?” “No, like Mickey Joseph, the fastest QB the Cornhuskers have ever had. I’m pretty sure you beat his record when you tried to run away from me earlier.” He smiles at me and, for a second, I think he’s going to say something else, but he just shakes his head and walks back into the other room. My stomach twists. Mickey.
I don't know how to write any more AND keep this spoiler-free, because my brain is devoid of anything other than shock and 1001 theories about what happens next. That CLIFFHANGER— I'm so stunned. 🫣
January 20, 2024
Let me just start by saying I read this all in one sitting-I couldn't put it down! While there were some aspects that were a bit predictable, I still wasn't sure how things were going to play out right up until the very end. I loved the very fast pacing of this book as well as the dual POV.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is fan of thrillers (even if YA is not usually your thing). I really enjoyed this one!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is fan of thrillers (even if YA is not usually your thing). I really enjoyed this one!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2024
This was exactly what I want out of a YA thriller!!! Also now I’m terrified of a bow and arrow omfg. It would’ve been five stars but there’s just ONE thing left unresolved and I’m very confused. It’s kinda like a side thing so not thaaaat important but I’m also like ????
I received a free audiobook from PRHaudio. All opinions are honest and my own.
I received a free audiobook from PRHaudio. All opinions are honest and my own.
July 16, 2024
Try to convince me this book wasn’t written by a twelve year old
April 29, 2025
I liked the book, the story drew you in, the characters were likeable (well some more than others) i feel it could've been longer than it was, but still a good book
November 19, 2024
🏹🩸Two sides to every murder🩸🏹 ~ 2.5 stars
”Even strong people need to fall apart.”
I don’t know how to feel about this one. It was so boring from the get-go. 3/4’s of the book the author spends all her time trying to confuse you, which is what a good mystery writer should do. Just not in the way your head is gonna fall off. Before I got overly confused I predicted the killer. I’m used to doing this so it doesn’t take away from the story for me.
🏹🩸
Let’s talk writing, like I said before it was confusing. The dual pov was choppy and poorly executed. The fmc were carbon copies of each other expect for a few things, which made it difficult to even remember who’s pov you were reading. I found myself flipping to the beginning of that chapter just to see. The alternating timelines were placed choppy especially in the beginning as I’d they didn’t actually know where to put them. Like it was a last minute addition.
🏹🩸
Can we take a minute to discuss how dumb all the characters are? Especially the ones we are following the most? Olivia, Reagan and their two friends I don’t care to remember the names of. I found myself annoyed with Olivia and Reagan constantly🫠 also can we reframe from kissing ppl we just met when being hunted down my a murderer?
🏹🩸
The best thing about this book was the over looked parts. One in particular that tied in with the very end. Olivia and Reagan were so concerned over their own mothers (in the 2008 murder) they couldn’t see pass there eye balls. In order to see who was the actual murder in the first place which is ironic considering that’s why Reagan went there in the first place👀
“You have to feel your feelings, even the unpleasant ones.”
”Even strong people need to fall apart.”
I don’t know how to feel about this one. It was so boring from the get-go. 3/4’s of the book the author spends all her time trying to confuse you, which is what a good mystery writer should do. Just not in the way your head is gonna fall off. Before I got overly confused I predicted the killer. I’m used to doing this so it doesn’t take away from the story for me.
🏹🩸
Let’s talk writing, like I said before it was confusing. The dual pov was choppy and poorly executed. The fmc were carbon copies of each other expect for a few things, which made it difficult to even remember who’s pov you were reading. I found myself flipping to the beginning of that chapter just to see. The alternating timelines were placed choppy especially in the beginning as I’d they didn’t actually know where to put them. Like it was a last minute addition.
🏹🩸
Can we take a minute to discuss how dumb all the characters are? Especially the ones we are following the most? Olivia, Reagan and their two friends I don’t care to remember the names of. I found myself annoyed with Olivia and Reagan constantly🫠 also can we reframe from kissing ppl we just met when being hunted down my a murderer?
🏹🩸
The best thing about this book was the over looked parts. One in particular that tied in with the very end. Olivia and Reagan were so concerned over their own mothers (in the 2008 murder) they couldn’t see pass there eye balls. In order to see who was the actual murder in the first place which is ironic considering that’s why Reagan went there in the first place👀
“You have to feel your feelings, even the unpleasant ones.”
May 16, 2024
I loved this thriller from the very first page. This was so compulsively readable! I vibed with the author’s writing style immediately, and I started this pretty late at night, only intended to read just a few pages, but ended up not being able to put it down because it grabbed my instantly.
Two teenagers have their lives tied back to Camp Lost Lake, a camp that closed down back in 2008 after some mysterious murders committed by the Witch of Lost Lake. Olivia finds out from an ancestry test that her dad isn’t her biological dad, and suspects that her real dad is the husband murdered by Lori, the supposed Witch of Lost Lake. Regan, on the other hand, is none other than the daughter of the Lori Knight, the alleged killer. Regan sneaks off to go to the reopening of Camp Lost Lake, determined to find the true killer so her and her mom can stop living on the run. Both of these girls have reasons to go back to Camp Lost Lake and both of them seek answers.
This book was so gripping, and I just wanted to get to the end because I had no clue how this was going to end. It was expertly plotted, a Frieda McFadden level of well planned.
This is a super quick read, perfect for a summer read you could finish in one sitting on the beach. This was SO much fun! Any thriller and murder mystery fan will love this one! Danielle Valentine is definitely on my radar now. I’m a fan!
Thank you to Netgalley and GP Putnam for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
Two teenagers have their lives tied back to Camp Lost Lake, a camp that closed down back in 2008 after some mysterious murders committed by the Witch of Lost Lake. Olivia finds out from an ancestry test that her dad isn’t her biological dad, and suspects that her real dad is the husband murdered by Lori, the supposed Witch of Lost Lake. Regan, on the other hand, is none other than the daughter of the Lori Knight, the alleged killer. Regan sneaks off to go to the reopening of Camp Lost Lake, determined to find the true killer so her and her mom can stop living on the run. Both of these girls have reasons to go back to Camp Lost Lake and both of them seek answers.
This book was so gripping, and I just wanted to get to the end because I had no clue how this was going to end. It was expertly plotted, a Frieda McFadden level of well planned.
This is a super quick read, perfect for a summer read you could finish in one sitting on the beach. This was SO much fun! Any thriller and murder mystery fan will love this one! Danielle Valentine is definitely on my radar now. I’m a fan!
Thank you to Netgalley and GP Putnam for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
February 5, 2025
This was a hard for me to get into unfortunately. The teen scene just isn’t, well, MY scene.
This is most definitely a YA mystery about a couple murders and a missing camper. A story of legends, campers have been telling the story around campfires for almost two decades.
The audiobook multi-narration was fun, and I was able to easily slip right into the story. The narrator’s were excellent!
It was hard to rate this one because although I appreciate a good mystery, I struggled with the highschool teen pov. If you dig this type of book, you’ll probably really like this!
I think the story structure could have been a little better, but ultimately was a fun sort of listen.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy in exchange for a review!
This is most definitely a YA mystery about a couple murders and a missing camper. A story of legends, campers have been telling the story around campfires for almost two decades.
The audiobook multi-narration was fun, and I was able to easily slip right into the story. The narrator’s were excellent!
It was hard to rate this one because although I appreciate a good mystery, I struggled with the highschool teen pov. If you dig this type of book, you’ll probably really like this!
I think the story structure could have been a little better, but ultimately was a fun sort of listen.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy in exchange for a review!
October 23, 2024
This was my first book I ever read by this author and to me it felt like a this felt like a worse YA version of a McFadden book. it wasn’t a bad book. I was engaged and interested for the first half and then slowly felt like it went on too long. the concept could’ve been done way better, & felt like the romance part was an unnecessary plot line. Also the plot twists were very predictable until the final one, I just left confused lol.
September 2, 2024
4.5/5
I had never read Danielle Valentine, either under this pseudonym or her actual name (Danielle Vega), but I definitely need to read more of her books now. I loved every minute of Two Sides to Every Murder, and the only reason I am giving it a 4.5/5 is due to some confusion as to which character was speaking at times. There is lots of action throughout and while I will say by the time we got to the reveal I was expecting who the killer was, this in no way took away from my enjoyment. I loved the various viewpoints and when we got to the end this also helped to make it clear which characters did what and where each of their motivations came from. Well, mostly…
The audiobook is very well done with Valerie Rose Lohman, Alex Finke & Hillary Huber as the narrators. There is some police documentation mixed in with the various viewpoints and I loved where Huber’s narration came in. All 3 did a fantastic job though, and I loved the audiobook just as much as the book itself. Two Sides to Every Murder was a very engaging and pacey read, and I adored the setting of Camp Lost Lake. It gave me all the eerie vibes and was the perfect place for all the secrets that were being hidden to make their way into the light. If you enjoy twisty young adult horror/thrillers this is a great one to go with!
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I had never read Danielle Valentine, either under this pseudonym or her actual name (Danielle Vega), but I definitely need to read more of her books now. I loved every minute of Two Sides to Every Murder, and the only reason I am giving it a 4.5/5 is due to some confusion as to which character was speaking at times. There is lots of action throughout and while I will say by the time we got to the reveal I was expecting who the killer was, this in no way took away from my enjoyment. I loved the various viewpoints and when we got to the end this also helped to make it clear which characters did what and where each of their motivations came from. Well, mostly…
The audiobook is very well done with Valerie Rose Lohman, Alex Finke & Hillary Huber as the narrators. There is some police documentation mixed in with the various viewpoints and I loved where Huber’s narration came in. All 3 did a fantastic job though, and I loved the audiobook just as much as the book itself. Two Sides to Every Murder was a very engaging and pacey read, and I adored the setting of Camp Lost Lake. It gave me all the eerie vibes and was the perfect place for all the secrets that were being hidden to make their way into the light. If you enjoy twisty young adult horror/thrillers this is a great one to go with!
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 8, 2025
!! free netgalley in exchange for review !!
i know this review is a little late considering the book came out 4 days ago but i have really been STRUGGLING (capital S of course) to get through it.
from the start, i was pretty intrigued with the premise and characters because they all had motives that made sense, and going into it i could understand what i (thought) we were setting up to do. But then the thriller picks up at %30 and i felt blind-sighted but in a way, i kind of liked it because irl things are sudden like that but at the same time i was just like ???
as the book went on i started to like the characters less and less not only because of the choices they were making but the dialogue was really juvenile so instead of thinking as the characters at 16 (which is the age they're supposed to be) i kept picturing 13 year olds because everything about this screamed middle school...
that's not even mentioning how everything was basically spelled out for us from the start and though i will admit that i was not expecting the plot twist, i was expecting the parent trap-like situation that was going on after the FMCs found each other and i love how everyone just glossed over that.
this whole book feels like a first draft, between the wattpad writing and the amount of slasher tropes thrown in, feels like maybe we shouldn't do this again...ever.
like....never.
i know this review is a little late considering the book came out 4 days ago but i have really been STRUGGLING (capital S of course) to get through it.
from the start, i was pretty intrigued with the premise and characters because they all had motives that made sense, and going into it i could understand what i (thought) we were setting up to do. But then the thriller picks up at %30 and i felt blind-sighted but in a way, i kind of liked it because irl things are sudden like that but at the same time i was just like ???
as the book went on i started to like the characters less and less not only because of the choices they were making but the dialogue was really juvenile so instead of thinking as the characters at 16 (which is the age they're supposed to be) i kept picturing 13 year olds because everything about this screamed middle school...
that's not even mentioning how everything was basically spelled out for us from the start and though i will admit that i was not expecting the plot twist, i was expecting the parent trap-like situation that was going on after the FMCs found each other and i love how everyone just glossed over that.
this whole book feels like a first draft, between the wattpad writing and the amount of slasher tropes thrown in, feels like maybe we shouldn't do this again...ever.
like....never.
October 28, 2025
3,5 Sterne. Ich musste beim Lesen irgendwie immer wieder an Camp Heimweh aus KIM POSSIBLE denken Himmel, fand ich die Folgen damals gruselig!
TWO SIDES TO EVERY MURDER bringt zwei POVs mit sich: Olivia möchte den Geheimnissen ihrer Familie auf den Grund gehen, während Reagan die Unschuld ihrer Mutter beweisen will, denn diese wird bis heute für den Dreifachmord in Camp Lost Lake vor 17 Jahren verantwortlich gemacht.
Ich mochte die flotte Erzählstruktur und die verschiedenen Blickwinkel, welche manche sogar bis in die Vergangenheit reichen. Das hat der Geschichte nicht nur Tempo, sondern mir auch eine breite Basis zum Miträtseln gegeben. Diese Kombi machte das Buch für mich zu einem Pageturner, von dem ich 250 Seiten an einem Abend verschlungen habe. Ich wurde von den Geheimnissen und der gruseligen Camp-Atmosphäre regelrecht durch die Seiten getrieben, immer auf der Suche nach dem nächsten versteckten Hinweis, der nächsten Wahrheit oder Lüge. TWO SIDES TO EVERY MURDER war für mich ein Spannungstitel, bei dem ich Spaß hatte zu knobeln und zu kombinieren. Vorab erahnte Plot Twists haben mich nicht enttäuscht, sondern fühlten sich an wie eine Belohnung – denn sie bewiesen, dass ich mit meiner kleinen Backseat-Ermittlung richtig lag.
Das Buch ist schnelle Unterhaltung. Auf 320 Seiten passiert ziemlich viel, was meinen Leserausch kontinuierlich befeuert hat, der Geschichte aber auch Tiefe und teilweise sogar ein wenig Realitätsnähe genommen hat. Zumal zwischen all den bedrohlichen, unheimlichen Waldszenen und fast schon „Teenie-Splatter“-Sequenzen auch noch Romance einen Platz finden sollte. Für mich hätte das nicht sein gemusst – gefühlt hätte der Raum anders besser verwendet werden können.
TWO SIDES TO EVERY MURDER bringt zwei POVs mit sich: Olivia möchte den Geheimnissen ihrer Familie auf den Grund gehen, während Reagan die Unschuld ihrer Mutter beweisen will, denn diese wird bis heute für den Dreifachmord in Camp Lost Lake vor 17 Jahren verantwortlich gemacht.
Ich mochte die flotte Erzählstruktur und die verschiedenen Blickwinkel, welche manche sogar bis in die Vergangenheit reichen. Das hat der Geschichte nicht nur Tempo, sondern mir auch eine breite Basis zum Miträtseln gegeben. Diese Kombi machte das Buch für mich zu einem Pageturner, von dem ich 250 Seiten an einem Abend verschlungen habe. Ich wurde von den Geheimnissen und der gruseligen Camp-Atmosphäre regelrecht durch die Seiten getrieben, immer auf der Suche nach dem nächsten versteckten Hinweis, der nächsten Wahrheit oder Lüge. TWO SIDES TO EVERY MURDER war für mich ein Spannungstitel, bei dem ich Spaß hatte zu knobeln und zu kombinieren. Vorab erahnte Plot Twists haben mich nicht enttäuscht, sondern fühlten sich an wie eine Belohnung – denn sie bewiesen, dass ich mit meiner kleinen Backseat-Ermittlung richtig lag.
Das Buch ist schnelle Unterhaltung. Auf 320 Seiten passiert ziemlich viel, was meinen Leserausch kontinuierlich befeuert hat, der Geschichte aber auch Tiefe und teilweise sogar ein wenig Realitätsnähe genommen hat. Zumal zwischen all den bedrohlichen, unheimlichen Waldszenen und fast schon „Teenie-Splatter“-Sequenzen auch noch Romance einen Platz finden sollte. Für mich hätte das nicht sein gemusst – gefühlt hätte der Raum anders besser verwendet werden können.
June 9, 2024
17 years ago at Camp Lost Lake murders took place and a child was born. Reagan and her mother have been in hiding ever since because her mother was accused of the crime. Olivia was born that night and wants answers from the past. Camp Lost Lake is reopening and Reagan and Olivia are going back. Their lives collide and chaos erupts. This was an edge of your seat read with plenty of twists and turns that I couldn’t hardly put down. Thanks NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for this eARC that will be released June 25,2024!
June 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I wanted to love this one more than I did. Her other book How to Survive Your Murder was phenomenal, so I had high expectations going into this one. Nothing is inherently bad about this book it just didn’t wow me. There are a lot of characters to keep straight and it took me a bit to wrap my head around them all. The “twists” were predictable and I think she did such a good job in the above referenced book with the twists that I was expecting that here as well. I also wasn’t crazy about the camp setting. Just didn’t really do anything for me. At times I was screaming in my head MOVE/ RUN / BE QUIET!!! Typical in the slasher genre, so I think that was spot on writing wise. Not a bad book, but nothing I’m going to be telling everyone to read.
📖 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ @penguinteen ᴀɴᴅ @netgalley ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʀᴄ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖
I wanted to love this one more than I did. Her other book How to Survive Your Murder was phenomenal, so I had high expectations going into this one. Nothing is inherently bad about this book it just didn’t wow me. There are a lot of characters to keep straight and it took me a bit to wrap my head around them all. The “twists” were predictable and I think she did such a good job in the above referenced book with the twists that I was expecting that here as well. I also wasn’t crazy about the camp setting. Just didn’t really do anything for me. At times I was screaming in my head MOVE/ RUN / BE QUIET!!! Typical in the slasher genre, so I think that was spot on writing wise. Not a bad book, but nothing I’m going to be telling everyone to read.
📖 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ @penguinteen ᴀɴᴅ @netgalley ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʀᴄ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖
May 31, 2024
Having enjoyed the author's previous novel ( it was 5 stars for me,) I was looking forward to reading her latest -- Two Sides to Every Murder. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
I got confused with the characters. They just were not developed enough to differentiate one from another. And the changing timelines didn't help as they seemed to crossover randomly.
The plot is the typical whodunit. And while I do enjoy a good whodunit, Two Sides didn't grab me and take me away. I seem to think that the confusion with the characters and timelines took away any suspense the novel may have had.
Needless to say, I had to move on rather than struggle to continue. A one star DNF at 39%
I received a DRC from Penguin Group through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
I got confused with the characters. They just were not developed enough to differentiate one from another. And the changing timelines didn't help as they seemed to crossover randomly.
The plot is the typical whodunit. And while I do enjoy a good whodunit, Two Sides didn't grab me and take me away. I seem to think that the confusion with the characters and timelines took away any suspense the novel may have had.
Needless to say, I had to move on rather than struggle to continue. A one star DNF at 39%
I received a DRC from Penguin Group through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 14, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review for this book. All I can say is... wow. This kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. Although I did piece together one of the mysteries, the twists just kept coming. I'm a fan of Danielle Valentine's other books, but I think this is my new favorite. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun, twisty, edge of your seat thriller!
August 28, 2024
4.25/5
I cannot believe this book doesn’t have 4 stars. This read like a YA Freida McFadden book
🎢 unexpected twists and turn
👥 multiple POVs
🔃 alternating timelines
🤯mind-blowing ending
Don’t just this book based on its goodreads ratings.
It is absolutely unputdownable.
I cannot believe this book doesn’t have 4 stars. This read like a YA Freida McFadden book
🎢 unexpected twists and turn
👥 multiple POVs
🔃 alternating timelines
🤯mind-blowing ending
Don’t just this book based on its goodreads ratings.
It is absolutely unputdownable.
December 2, 2024
Young Adult genre with an off-the-wall thriller about two teenage girls drawn back to the site of a gruesome triple homicide many years ago.
An old summer camp called Camp Lost Lake was shut Sixteen years ago due to several murders. Video tape of a woman wearing a witch mask killing two people with a bow and arrow, and a third person went missing and was never found. There was enough evidence to pin the murders on Lori Knight, but before she could be arrested, Lori took off and has been a fugitive ever since.
Lori’s sixteen year old daughter Reagan doesn’t believe her mother could ever kill anyone, she's returned to prove her innocence.
2/5 The story is narrated in first person (usually) by Olivia and Reagan, with the chapters in the past written in third person. And Olivia’s and Reagan’s voices sounded exactly the same, unfortunately, so it was tough keep it straight.
... the Gimicky suprise at the end was entertaining while I read it. Felt a little anticlimactic to me, and honestly, the killer’s motivation to kill didn’t really make sense. A good surprise holds up on being reread (think Tyler Durden fight club). Good surprises don't just have foreshadowing, but deepen the storyline and add something. This was not the case.
An old summer camp called Camp Lost Lake was shut Sixteen years ago due to several murders. Video tape of a woman wearing a witch mask killing two people with a bow and arrow, and a third person went missing and was never found. There was enough evidence to pin the murders on Lori Knight, but before she could be arrested, Lori took off and has been a fugitive ever since.
Lori’s sixteen year old daughter Reagan doesn’t believe her mother could ever kill anyone, she's returned to prove her innocence.
2/5 The story is narrated in first person (usually) by Olivia and Reagan, with the chapters in the past written in third person. And Olivia’s and Reagan’s voices sounded exactly the same, unfortunately, so it was tough keep it straight.
... the Gimicky suprise at the end was entertaining while I read it. Felt a little anticlimactic to me, and honestly, the killer’s motivation to kill didn’t really make sense. A good surprise holds up on being reread (think Tyler Durden fight club). Good surprises don't just have foreshadowing, but deepen the storyline and add something. This was not the case.
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