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Emma
Emma's move to a new city promised a fresh start where she could leave her problems behind. But for this high school senior, the problems are just beginning.
When an innocent prank on a few classmates results in a student's death, Emma is suddenly thrust into a murder investigation that threatens to bring dark secrets to light. The investigation takes an unexpected turn when evidence is found linking Emma to the crime. To complicate matters, a traumatic event at home throws her world further into chaos, unraveling her personal life. While struggling to cope with her new reality, tensions mount within her close-knit circle of friends, and Emma learns not everything about the night of the student's murder is as it seems.
She's not the only one holding onto secrets.
Suspicions are cast, doubt spreads, and trust fades.
How far will Emma go to bury the truth before she loses everything she holds dear?
When an innocent prank on a few classmates results in a student's death, Emma is suddenly thrust into a murder investigation that threatens to bring dark secrets to light. The investigation takes an unexpected turn when evidence is found linking Emma to the crime. To complicate matters, a traumatic event at home throws her world further into chaos, unraveling her personal life. While struggling to cope with her new reality, tensions mount within her close-knit circle of friends, and Emma learns not everything about the night of the student's murder is as it seems.
She's not the only one holding onto secrets.
Suspicions are cast, doubt spreads, and trust fades.
How far will Emma go to bury the truth before she loses everything she holds dear?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2024
8 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 6, 2024
"Holy sh!t!" - Me by the end of this book.
I am rarely shocked by a twist and I was stunned. Did not see it coming, at all.
This book is fast paced and impossible to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
I am rarely shocked by a twist and I was stunned. Did not see it coming, at all.
This book is fast paced and impossible to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
January 3, 2025
"Emma" by Jeff VanOudenhove is a gripping, intense teenage slasher that expertly weaves suspense, secrets, and suspicion into its narrative. The story follows Emma, a seemingly ordinary teen whose world unravels when she becomes entangled in a series of increasingly dangerous events. VanOudenhove builds a tense atmosphere, keeping readers on edge with every twist and turn. The pacing is relentless, and the characters—especially Emma—are well-developed, drawing you into their complex, often dark motivations. The blend of high school drama with terrifying slasher elements creates a thrilling, unpredictable read. Perfect for fans of suspense and mystery, this novel keeps you questioning who can be trusted until the very end.
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December 7, 2024Not rating this bc I didn’t finish it. I made a deal with myself to read at least 1/3 of a book before I DNF. I read up to 30%, said wtf, and skipped to the end. Where I said “wtf” again.
He wrote this for his 14 year old niece according to the note at the end, but honestly it seems more like a 14 year old wrote it. One of the characters says, “So what’s going on gals,” and I’m 38 and visibly scrunched my face. Maybe I’m not the primary audience for this? Immature, far fetched, story line crazy and all over the place.
He wrote this for his 14 year old niece according to the note at the end, but honestly it seems more like a 14 year old wrote it. One of the characters says, “So what’s going on gals,” and I’m 38 and visibly scrunched my face. Maybe I’m not the primary audience for this? Immature, far fetched, story line crazy and all over the place.
January 7, 2025
I’ll give this 2 stars because I should have realized that since it was about high school kids it would be written for such an audience. I did not enjoy the writing! The back and forth bickering of immature kids. I struggled getting through the book!! Then the ending, sorry! I was not a fan! The more I think about this book the more I want to give it one star!
December 1, 2024
This is an unrelenting, edge-of-your-seat thriller that masterfully weaves high school drama, psychological tension, and moral complexity into a story you won’t be able to put down. From the very first page, the stakes are sky-high as Emma’s fresh start turns into a nightmare of suspicion, betrayal, and chilling secrets.
VanOudenhove does an exceptional job of crafting a protagonist who is deeply flawed yet utterly compelling. Emma’s struggle to navigate the fallout of a deadly prank and her frantic attempts to protect her hidden truths make her journey raw and relatable. The twists are expertly timed, keeping you guessing about who can be trusted and what really happened that fateful night.
But Emma isn’t just a gripping mystery—it’s also a poignant exploration of guilt, loyalty, and the lengths we go to protect ourselves and those we love. The book’s layered characters, simmering tension, and shocking revelations build to an explosive finale that leaves you questioning everything.
This is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers with heart. VanOudenhove’s storytelling is razor-sharp, and Emma is a haunting reminder that secrets never stay buried for long.
VanOudenhove does an exceptional job of crafting a protagonist who is deeply flawed yet utterly compelling. Emma’s struggle to navigate the fallout of a deadly prank and her frantic attempts to protect her hidden truths make her journey raw and relatable. The twists are expertly timed, keeping you guessing about who can be trusted and what really happened that fateful night.
But Emma isn’t just a gripping mystery—it’s also a poignant exploration of guilt, loyalty, and the lengths we go to protect ourselves and those we love. The book’s layered characters, simmering tension, and shocking revelations build to an explosive finale that leaves you questioning everything.
This is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers with heart. VanOudenhove’s storytelling is razor-sharp, and Emma is a haunting reminder that secrets never stay buried for long.
January 8, 2025
When Emma moves to a new city she's hoping for a fresh start, a chance to leave her problems behind.
The move isn't as smooth as she hoped for, Bellamy High School has its cliques, and Emma knows her fair share of secrets involving students and staff alike.
When an innocent prank results in a student's death, and then an unrelated serious incident happens at home. Emma's life becomes more complicated than she ever imagined.
Emma's not the only one holding onto secrets. This fast-paced thriller will keep you guessing until the very end! A great story of twists and turns to keep up your interest all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fantastic job, Jeff.
The move isn't as smooth as she hoped for, Bellamy High School has its cliques, and Emma knows her fair share of secrets involving students and staff alike.
When an innocent prank results in a student's death, and then an unrelated serious incident happens at home. Emma's life becomes more complicated than she ever imagined.
Emma's not the only one holding onto secrets. This fast-paced thriller will keep you guessing until the very end! A great story of twists and turns to keep up your interest all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fantastic job, Jeff.
January 25, 2025
Love Jeff and all his books
Emma is a quick paced YA novel that will draw you in right from the start. Different from Jeff's other books but still a work of art and so creative. I was able to start and finish this book within 2 days but could easily have finished in one. What a twisted end to the novel though. As always I highly recommend Jeff and his novels. Jeff is a fantastic author with a captivating mind that he so graciously transfers to paper and such different perspectives in his writing style.
Emma is a quick paced YA novel that will draw you in right from the start. Different from Jeff's other books but still a work of art and so creative. I was able to start and finish this book within 2 days but could easily have finished in one. What a twisted end to the novel though. As always I highly recommend Jeff and his novels. Jeff is a fantastic author with a captivating mind that he so graciously transfers to paper and such different perspectives in his writing style.
January 3, 2026
This is a fast-paced thriller that pulls you in quickly. Emma collects secrets and uses them when she needs to, but someone knows she has a secret of her own. When one of her classmates is murdered and things at home start falling apart, Emma is suddenly dealing with more lies and secrets than she can handle.
This book kept me hooked the whole time. It moves quickly, stays tense, and kept me guessing until the end. I thought I knew where it was going, but I was wrong. The ending surprised me, which made it a really satisfying read.
This book kept me hooked the whole time. It moves quickly, stays tense, and kept me guessing until the end. I thought I knew where it was going, but I was wrong. The ending surprised me, which made it a really satisfying read.
December 19, 2024
⭐⭐⭐/5
I typically do not read books about high schoolers, so I was a little skeptical however I did enjoy the book. This book is a quick read and something you can read in a few days or even a day. Some of the chapters were kind of slow and not really much happening. The ending was great in my opinion. I did not see that coming and that is something I really enjoyed about this book. The ending.
I typically do not read books about high schoolers, so I was a little skeptical however I did enjoy the book. This book is a quick read and something you can read in a few days or even a day. Some of the chapters were kind of slow and not really much happening. The ending was great in my opinion. I did not see that coming and that is something I really enjoyed about this book. The ending.
January 1, 2025
Secrets
I enjoyed this book. Although it was written for his niece I could relate to how students treat each other in high school. High schoolers always have secrets from each other. I never saw the twist coming at the end which was great. I am definitely going to look into the author's other books.
I enjoyed this book. Although it was written for his niece I could relate to how students treat each other in high school. High schoolers always have secrets from each other. I never saw the twist coming at the end which was great. I am definitely going to look into the author's other books.
December 4, 2024
Fantastic, fun and fast-paced
I read this book in a day! It was well-written and kept your interest throughout. I loved the bits of humor mixed in as well. The twists and turns don't disappoint! I can't wait to read another from this talented author.
I read this book in a day! It was well-written and kept your interest throughout. I loved the bits of humor mixed in as well. The twists and turns don't disappoint! I can't wait to read another from this talented author.
December 6, 2024
Emma is the keeper of many secrets and she knows how to use them like weapons. Don't underestimate her!
The story moves very quickly and when the end hits, it's so good! I could not put it down. I'll have to check out more of Jeff's books!
The story moves very quickly and when the end hits, it's so good! I could not put it down. I'll have to check out more of Jeff's books!
December 17, 2024
Unexpected Ending
This is a fast read that is suitable for younger readers. I don’t usually read books about high school students, but I really enjoyed this one. I love that I had no idea ‘who dunnit’ until the very end.
This is a fast read that is suitable for younger readers. I don’t usually read books about high school students, but I really enjoyed this one. I love that I had no idea ‘who dunnit’ until the very end.
March 3, 2025
I’d settle around 3.5 stars for this one! This was a quick, 2-day read that definitely had me turning the pages. I’d describe it as a YA popcorn thriller with a nice little twist that I didn’t figure out.
September 15, 2025
A Must Read.....
I could not put this book down,,,I read it in 24 hours. Every chapter held my attention and craving more, you will not regret reading this. You will regret it's over...
I could not put this book down,,,I read it in 24 hours. Every chapter held my attention and craving more, you will not regret reading this. You will regret it's over...
January 2, 2025
Holy smokes. What a book! I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down! I cannot wait to read more books by Jeff!
January 2, 2025
Emma was such a great YA thriller. Definitely had more adult themes to it. 10/10 loved the ending and all the twists and turns! I was not expecting that last little twist. Not at all!
January 6, 2025
I’m at a loss with this book! I think my jaw is still on the floor. Jeff VanOudenhove is so good with twists!
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January 6, 2025Decent quick read. Didn’t wrap up really until the last like 10ish pages. Not my favorite and never made me gasp and say “WTF?!” But still a decent murder mystery
June 27, 2025
the twistsssss!
Was suggested to read this book BY THE AUTHOR in a fb group for a challenge I was trying to complete and I’m so glad I did! One of my top 5 books I’ve read!
Was suggested to read this book BY THE AUTHOR in a fb group for a challenge I was trying to complete and I’m so glad I did! One of my top 5 books I’ve read!
August 18, 2025
That ending! Loved it!
October 23, 2025
This book had me so invested, didn't expect the ending at all. was worth the read! pretty sure this falls under YA.
December 6, 2025
I did not see that twist coming!!! Another very good book by Jeff VanOudenhove 👏 I have read and loved them all except the Dark Series! I will be reading those next!!
January 10, 2026
Page turner !!
Ending was not expected. This was a great book!! I couldn't believe who the real murderer was and you won't either!
Ending was not expected. This was a great book!! I couldn't believe who the real murderer was and you won't either!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews