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Through Our Teeth: A Gripping Young Adult Mystery About Friendship, Lies, and a Search for Justice
Three teens investigate a murder—while each tries to hide their own complicated history with the dead girl—in this thought-provoking novel from award-winning author Pamela N. Harris. Perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus and Tiffany D. Jackson!
Hope Jackson is dead. Everyone is convinced she took her own life, but Liv, one of Hope’s best friends, isn’t so sure. Hope’s boyfriend, Brendan, was always jealous and possessive, and his alibi doesn’t really check out. But in the town’s eyes, Hope was just some nobody who was going to drag down golden boy Brendan.
So with the help of Hope’s other two best friends, Kizzie and Sherie, Liv is determined to bring Brendan’s actions to light. Together, they vow to make him pay.
But as their plans keep escalating, Liv begins to have second thoughts—especially as she’s realizing that Brendan may not be the only one with the motive or opportunity to kill Hope. Is Liv really getting justice for Hope, or is she just helping one of Hope’s so-called friends cover up their lies?
Hope Jackson is dead. Everyone is convinced she took her own life, but Liv, one of Hope’s best friends, isn’t so sure. Hope’s boyfriend, Brendan, was always jealous and possessive, and his alibi doesn’t really check out. But in the town’s eyes, Hope was just some nobody who was going to drag down golden boy Brendan.
So with the help of Hope’s other two best friends, Kizzie and Sherie, Liv is determined to bring Brendan’s actions to light. Together, they vow to make him pay.
But as their plans keep escalating, Liv begins to have second thoughts—especially as she’s realizing that Brendan may not be the only one with the motive or opportunity to kill Hope. Is Liv really getting justice for Hope, or is she just helping one of Hope’s so-called friends cover up their lies?
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
18 people are currently reading
6338 people want to read
About the author
Pamela N. Harris
4 books141 followersBorn and somewhat raised in Newport News, Virginia, also affectionately known as “Bad News.” A former school counselor by day, she received her bachelor’s in English and a master’s in school counseling at Old Dominion University, her M.F.A in creative writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision at William and Mary. When she isn’t writing, Pam is rewatching Leonardo DiCaprio movies, playing with her kiddos, and pretending to enjoy exercising.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 6, 2025
“I wasn’t just writing a whodunit about believing Black women; I was also spotlighting mental health in the Black community. So as you dive into this story, I hope you’re not just experiencing thrills and chills (because there’s a lot of murder and mayhem), but that you also might see how these characters cope, survive, and sometimes even thrive while fighting against the stigma of mental health issues.”
If this doesn’t reel you in, I don’t know what would! From the beginning, these characters had a way of drawing you in and making you emotionally invested. They are young, so you already have a soft spot for them, but the complexities of these characters gets you even more invested. This teen group is struggling after the sudden death of one of their friends/classmates. Liv is taking it the hardest as Hope was her best friend, but there were so many more layers to the story to be unfolded.
I enjoy the alternating timelines that goes from the past (before Hope’s death) to the present as this teen group tries to investigate the suspicious circumstances that occurred. Everyone’s a suspect, tempers flare, loyalties are tested and this was simply one heck of a ride. This isn’t just a story you breeze through, it’s one that sticks with you long after the last page. It’s powerful, heartbreaking at times, but also filled with resilience and hope. Would definitely recommend this YA thriller.
Publication Date: 09.16.25
If this doesn’t reel you in, I don’t know what would! From the beginning, these characters had a way of drawing you in and making you emotionally invested. They are young, so you already have a soft spot for them, but the complexities of these characters gets you even more invested. This teen group is struggling after the sudden death of one of their friends/classmates. Liv is taking it the hardest as Hope was her best friend, but there were so many more layers to the story to be unfolded.
I enjoy the alternating timelines that goes from the past (before Hope’s death) to the present as this teen group tries to investigate the suspicious circumstances that occurred. Everyone’s a suspect, tempers flare, loyalties are tested and this was simply one heck of a ride. This isn’t just a story you breeze through, it’s one that sticks with you long after the last page. It’s powerful, heartbreaking at times, but also filled with resilience and hope. Would definitely recommend this YA thriller.
Publication Date: 09.16.25
January 22, 2026
This is my first read by Pamela N. Harris and I genuinely enjoyed it from beginning to end! I recommend you add this book to your TBR. You will not be disappointed.
October 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
October 22, 2025
Spooky Szn
This was a dark and twisty YA murder mystery. I kept second guessing who I thought was the villain. The entitled rich kids all seemed to be shady. I didn’t trust any of them. It turned into a locked room slasher story. That eliminated a few suspects. I was really surprised by the person that was hunting them down. That twist was interesting. I was disappointed when the truth about Hope’s murder came out because I wanted to believe they were a better person. This was a good book to read before Halloween.
This was a dark and twisty YA murder mystery. I kept second guessing who I thought was the villain. The entitled rich kids all seemed to be shady. I didn’t trust any of them. It turned into a locked room slasher story. That eliminated a few suspects. I was really surprised by the person that was hunting them down. That twist was interesting. I was disappointed when the truth about Hope’s murder came out because I wanted to believe they were a better person. This was a good book to read before Halloween.
May 30, 2025
I loved this. I had no idea which way it was going based on the book summary, and it was different than what I expected. In this case, different worked. Come solve a murder, or get murdered in the process. Make sure to add this to your TBR. It will be out in September of 2025. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this arc!
April 28, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
THROUGH OUR TEETH by Pamela N. Harris
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins (QuillTreeBooks) for the earc (Sept 16)
Hope Jackson is dead, and those closest to her: Liv, Kizzie, and Sherri team up to prove that she was m*rdered---that she didn't jump. As their plan draws out, Liv begins to second guess whether Brendan---Hope's ex boyfriend---is guilty. Then, the bodies start dropping.
What started as a way to get Brendan to confess turns into a m*rder mystery that takes place in an unfinished house.
THROUGH OUR TEETH is a locked room thriller with flashbacks to help tell the story. With its multitude of secrets, drama, and d*ath this book had me on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out the whodunit before the final, mind-blowing reveal.
This book was gripping and shocking. It left me bewildered, especially when it seemed like everything was said and done---tied up and solved. I did guess part of the reveal, but that was basically as it was playing out. THROUGH OUR TEETH discusses very graphic topics that may be triggering for some, so check triggers or what not before reading.
THROUGH OUR TEETH by Pamela N. Harris
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins (QuillTreeBooks) for the earc (Sept 16)
Hope Jackson is dead, and those closest to her: Liv, Kizzie, and Sherri team up to prove that she was m*rdered---that she didn't jump. As their plan draws out, Liv begins to second guess whether Brendan---Hope's ex boyfriend---is guilty. Then, the bodies start dropping.
What started as a way to get Brendan to confess turns into a m*rder mystery that takes place in an unfinished house.
THROUGH OUR TEETH is a locked room thriller with flashbacks to help tell the story. With its multitude of secrets, drama, and d*ath this book had me on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out the whodunit before the final, mind-blowing reveal.
This book was gripping and shocking. It left me bewildered, especially when it seemed like everything was said and done---tied up and solved. I did guess part of the reveal, but that was basically as it was playing out. THROUGH OUR TEETH discusses very graphic topics that may be triggering for some, so check triggers or what not before reading.
April 24, 2025
4.25⭐️ I really enjoyed this YA mystery! It melted me intrigued throughout to where I read it all today. One big thing that kept it from being a 5⭐️ read was that it came off like an older person trying to sound younger. The language that was used in the dialogue was a bit too much to where I think in some teens will find it corny but it’s not so bad that it’ll turn them off completely. What solidifies that thought (and what made it even more engaging as a 47 year old) is all the references to culture/ entertainment from the late 80’s, early 90’s. It seemed a bit implausible that that many teens would be “in the know” about such things but it was fun.
I did figure out the culprit and twists well before they were mentioned but it wasn’t overly in your face and it was well constructed as it didn’t come out of thin air.
This book comes out September 16th 2025 so get it on your TBR or on order for school libraries as it’s sure to be a great addition.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Quill Tree Books and imprint of Harper Collins Children’s through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I did figure out the culprit and twists well before they were mentioned but it wasn’t overly in your face and it was well constructed as it didn’t come out of thin air.
This book comes out September 16th 2025 so get it on your TBR or on order for school libraries as it’s sure to be a great addition.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Quill Tree Books and imprint of Harper Collins Children’s through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
June 17, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Quill Tree Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Through Our Teeth” is a psychological thriller with bite; it’s gritty, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant. Pamela N. Harris crafts a gripping locked-room mystery layered with tension, trauma, and truth, all centered on a group of teens trying to make sense of their friend’s tragic death.
Hope Jackson is gone--officially ruled a suicide—but her best friends Liv, Kizzie, and Sherri aren’t convinced. Fueled by grief and suspicion, they hatch a plan to confront Brendan, Hope’s ex-boyfriend, and force a confession. But what begins as an amateur interrogation quickly unravels into chaos when Brendan ends up drugged, tied up, and stuck in a storm-trapped mansion with a growing group of panicked teens. Then the bodies start dropping.
Harris expertly ratchets up the tension as the story shifts from revenge plot to survival thriller. With power outages, a dwindling number of suspects, and paranoia escalating, the characters are forced to question not just each other but themselves. Is one of them the killer? Or is someone else lurking among them?
The book’s real strength lies in its layered characters and sharp emotional depth. Liv, our narrator, struggles with anxiety and doubt, making her an especially compelling lead. The dynamics between the girls, particularly the sometimes-toxic, often-heartbreaking bonds of friendship, feel raw and real. Kizzie’s ride-or-die loyalty, Sherri’s volatility, and Liv’s internal battles underscore the pressures young Black women face when coping with trauma, grief, and expectations to be “strong.”
Beneath the thriller exterior lies a powerful exploration of mental health, especially within the Black community, as well as the far-reaching impact of toxic relationships, both romantic and platonic. Themes of suicide, self-harm, domestic violence, and emotional abuse are handled with care, though readers should be aware of the content warnings.
The plot is twisty and unpredictable. While some may piece together parts of the mystery early on, the full reveal still manages to shock, with a conclusion that is both satisfying and poignant. Hope's story gets the justice it deserves, and the emotional fallout feels earned and authentic.
Overall, “Through Our Teeth” is more than a thriller—it's a story of grief, guilt, and growth. It’s about what happens when silence festers, when justice feels out of reach, and when the truth hurts more than the lies we tell ourselves. With strong character development, sharp social commentary, and pulse-pounding suspense, this book leaves a lasting impact.
“Through Our Teeth” is a psychological thriller with bite; it’s gritty, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant. Pamela N. Harris crafts a gripping locked-room mystery layered with tension, trauma, and truth, all centered on a group of teens trying to make sense of their friend’s tragic death.
Hope Jackson is gone--officially ruled a suicide—but her best friends Liv, Kizzie, and Sherri aren’t convinced. Fueled by grief and suspicion, they hatch a plan to confront Brendan, Hope’s ex-boyfriend, and force a confession. But what begins as an amateur interrogation quickly unravels into chaos when Brendan ends up drugged, tied up, and stuck in a storm-trapped mansion with a growing group of panicked teens. Then the bodies start dropping.
Harris expertly ratchets up the tension as the story shifts from revenge plot to survival thriller. With power outages, a dwindling number of suspects, and paranoia escalating, the characters are forced to question not just each other but themselves. Is one of them the killer? Or is someone else lurking among them?
The book’s real strength lies in its layered characters and sharp emotional depth. Liv, our narrator, struggles with anxiety and doubt, making her an especially compelling lead. The dynamics between the girls, particularly the sometimes-toxic, often-heartbreaking bonds of friendship, feel raw and real. Kizzie’s ride-or-die loyalty, Sherri’s volatility, and Liv’s internal battles underscore the pressures young Black women face when coping with trauma, grief, and expectations to be “strong.”
Beneath the thriller exterior lies a powerful exploration of mental health, especially within the Black community, as well as the far-reaching impact of toxic relationships, both romantic and platonic. Themes of suicide, self-harm, domestic violence, and emotional abuse are handled with care, though readers should be aware of the content warnings.
The plot is twisty and unpredictable. While some may piece together parts of the mystery early on, the full reveal still manages to shock, with a conclusion that is both satisfying and poignant. Hope's story gets the justice it deserves, and the emotional fallout feels earned and authentic.
Overall, “Through Our Teeth” is more than a thriller—it's a story of grief, guilt, and growth. It’s about what happens when silence festers, when justice feels out of reach, and when the truth hurts more than the lies we tell ourselves. With strong character development, sharp social commentary, and pulse-pounding suspense, this book leaves a lasting impact.
Read
October 28, 2025If Pretty Little Liars & 13 Reasons Why had a baby featuring Black teens at the epicenter—this would be it. It’s twisty, emotional, & packed with “murder, murder, kill, kill” energy from start to finish. (Seriously—trigger warning for violence, trauma, & abuse.) I think I might need a grief counselor after turning that last page because my emotions are everywhere.
Pamela N. Harris clearly set out to spotlight how often Black girls & women aren’t believed when they speak up about abuse—& that message definitely resonates. But honestly, I don’t think it was fully fulfilled here. The truth is, there are always three sides to every story: yours, theirs, & the truth—somewhere in the messy middle.
I also wish the book had shown more positive portrayals &/or outcomes of seeking mental health help, not just focusing on the girls’ struggles. However, I can appreciate the fact that Harris didn't romanticize or pretty up mental health issues. Delving deeper into the mental health of the Black male characters could've been an intriguing vantage point for the audience as well.. Still, I understand that the author’s goal was to emphasize the disbelief & persecution Black girls face when confronting abuse, & that theme came through powerfully.
Plot-wise? I was hooked. Couldn’t stop turning the pages. The pacing & tension kept me on edge, even when I wanted to throw my phone across the room (eBook reader here). Although I wonder—what happened to Brendan? He got a raw deal. It felt like everyone wanted him to face consequences while dodging accountability for their own actions. That imbalance definitely left me irritated.
Plus, I don’t know why, but a part of me kept wishing this whole story would turn out to be some kind of Halloween prank that went way too far—& that all the dead people would just get up at the end so I could breathe again. 😩
Overall, Through Our Teeth is a gripping, emotionally charged read that opens the door to important conversations about truth, accountability, & the protection (or lack thereof) of Black girls. It’s not perfect, but it is powerful. Definitely worth the read!
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
Pamela N. Harris clearly set out to spotlight how often Black girls & women aren’t believed when they speak up about abuse—& that message definitely resonates. But honestly, I don’t think it was fully fulfilled here. The truth is, there are always three sides to every story: yours, theirs, & the truth—somewhere in the messy middle.
I also wish the book had shown more positive portrayals &/or outcomes of seeking mental health help, not just focusing on the girls’ struggles. However, I can appreciate the fact that Harris didn't romanticize or pretty up mental health issues. Delving deeper into the mental health of the Black male characters could've been an intriguing vantage point for the audience as well.. Still, I understand that the author’s goal was to emphasize the disbelief & persecution Black girls face when confronting abuse, & that theme came through powerfully.
Plot-wise? I was hooked. Couldn’t stop turning the pages. The pacing & tension kept me on edge, even when I wanted to throw my phone across the room (eBook reader here). Although I wonder—what happened to Brendan? He got a raw deal. It felt like everyone wanted him to face consequences while dodging accountability for their own actions. That imbalance definitely left me irritated.
Plus, I don’t know why, but a part of me kept wishing this whole story would turn out to be some kind of Halloween prank that went way too far—& that all the dead people would just get up at the end so I could breathe again. 😩
Overall, Through Our Teeth is a gripping, emotionally charged read that opens the door to important conversations about truth, accountability, & the protection (or lack thereof) of Black girls. It’s not perfect, but it is powerful. Definitely worth the read!
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
September 16, 2025
📖 Title: Through Our Teeth-a standalone
✍🏾 Author: Pamela N. Harris-new to me author
📅Publication date: 9-16-25 | Read: 9-16-25
📃 Format: e-Book 368 pgs.
Genre:
*Mystery/Thriller
*YA
*AA Interests
*Horror
Tropes:
*friend groups
*mental illness
*LGBTQIA+ rep
*amateur sleuths
👆🏾POV: 1st person single
⚠️TW: racism, depression/anxiety/panic attacks, murder, suicide-mentioned, online bullying, leaked nude photos, domestic abuse
🌎 Setting: VA- past & present
Summary: Still grieving the death of her BFF Hope, Liv doesn't believe she killed herself. She and her two BFFs Kizzy and Sherie lure Brendan (Hope's boyfriend) to a construction site to make him confess to killing Hope. Liv starts having second thoughts about Brendan being the killer and someone comes to the isolated house killing them.
👩🏾 Heroine: Olivia "Liv" Porter-high school senior, was BFFs w/ Hope and Brendan. Hope and Brendan started dating and Liv and Brendan flirted w/ each other at the same time.
🎭 Other Characters:
* Hope Jackson-Liv's BFF, died 6 months ago to suicide
* Kizzy Chan-half-black, black Chinese lesbian, met Hope @ at a mental health facility
* Brendan Jean-18, the town golden boy and basketball star of the Sedgefield Stingrays
* Sherie Jacobs-on the swim team, BFFs with Kizzy and Liv
* Dayvon Jenkins-Hope's neighbor/Brendan's friend
* Asher-Brendan's friend
* Tia Shepherd-classmate who lost her sister Sierra- killed by police 5 years ago during a mental health crisis
* Jace Martinez-in the friend group and likes Liv
🤔 My Thoughts: I thought Kizzy was a hostile and danger to everyone around her. Liv was weary around her-as she should have been-but knew there was more to Hope's death. There was cheating, betrayal, and abuse intertwined with mental illness. I loved the commentary on "believe black women" because they are the most disrespected in society.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 0/5🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books | Quill Tree Books, and Pamela N. Harris for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Pamela N. Harris-new to me author
📅Publication date: 9-16-25 | Read: 9-16-25
📃 Format: e-Book 368 pgs.
Genre:
*Mystery/Thriller
*YA
*AA Interests
*Horror
Tropes:
*friend groups
*mental illness
*LGBTQIA+ rep
*amateur sleuths
👆🏾POV: 1st person single
⚠️TW: racism, depression/anxiety/panic attacks, murder, suicide-mentioned, online bullying, leaked nude photos, domestic abuse
🌎 Setting: VA- past & present
Summary: Still grieving the death of her BFF Hope, Liv doesn't believe she killed herself. She and her two BFFs Kizzy and Sherie lure Brendan (Hope's boyfriend) to a construction site to make him confess to killing Hope. Liv starts having second thoughts about Brendan being the killer and someone comes to the isolated house killing them.
👩🏾 Heroine: Olivia "Liv" Porter-high school senior, was BFFs w/ Hope and Brendan. Hope and Brendan started dating and Liv and Brendan flirted w/ each other at the same time.
🎭 Other Characters:
* Hope Jackson-Liv's BFF, died 6 months ago to suicide
* Kizzy Chan-half-black, black Chinese lesbian, met Hope @ at a mental health facility
* Brendan Jean-18, the town golden boy and basketball star of the Sedgefield Stingrays
* Sherie Jacobs-on the swim team, BFFs with Kizzy and Liv
* Dayvon Jenkins-Hope's neighbor/Brendan's friend
* Asher-Brendan's friend
* Tia Shepherd-classmate who lost her sister Sierra- killed by police 5 years ago during a mental health crisis
* Jace Martinez-in the friend group and likes Liv
🤔 My Thoughts: I thought Kizzy was a hostile and danger to everyone around her. Liv was weary around her-as she should have been-but knew there was more to Hope's death. There was cheating, betrayal, and abuse intertwined with mental illness. I loved the commentary on "believe black women" because they are the most disrespected in society.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 0/5🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books | Quill Tree Books, and Pamela N. Harris for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
August 22, 2025
~~Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!~~
2.5/5 stars rounded down.
I dunno. There was good ideas here, but, ultimately, it was the execution that felt lacking to me.
I expected this book to take place over time, not in one single night with flashbacks in every other chapter. The synopsis felt very misleading that way. The flashbacks, especially, were tools that were used to either reveal info to the readers the characters were about to guess, expand upon Liz & co.'s lore, and pull thinly veiled red herrings. This formula can be done right, but here, it kinda felt both prolonged and rushed.
The cast were primarily fodder. The only important ones are Liz, Kizzy, Brendan, Hope, and Tia. Any other name/character mentioned didn't matter all that much in the long run. It also didn't help the majority of these characters' interactions was them arguing constantly. I understand why, because everyone is literally a suspect while trying to prove/maintain innocence, but it was still wasn't all that enjoyable for me to read, personally. The only character I was intrigued by was Liv, because the portrayal of her struggles with anxiety and the toxic friendship she had with Hope.
I feel like it the synopsis was more accurate to what happened, my expectations would have probably been more accepting, but, as is, I can't find it in myself to like this book more than I wanted to.
2.5/5 stars rounded down.
I dunno. There was good ideas here, but, ultimately, it was the execution that felt lacking to me.
I expected this book to take place over time, not in one single night with flashbacks in every other chapter. The synopsis felt very misleading that way. The flashbacks, especially, were tools that were used to either reveal info to the readers the characters were about to guess, expand upon Liz & co.'s lore, and pull thinly veiled red herrings. This formula can be done right, but here, it kinda felt both prolonged and rushed.
The cast were primarily fodder. The only important ones are Liz, Kizzy, Brendan, Hope, and Tia. Any other name/character mentioned didn't matter all that much in the long run. It also didn't help the majority of these characters' interactions was them arguing constantly. I understand why, because everyone is literally a suspect while trying to prove/maintain innocence, but it was still wasn't all that enjoyable for me to read, personally. The only character I was intrigued by was Liv, because the portrayal of her struggles with anxiety and the toxic friendship she had with Hope.
I feel like it the synopsis was more accurate to what happened, my expectations would have probably been more accepting, but, as is, I can't find it in myself to like this book more than I wanted to.
September 18, 2025
Thank you to Books Forward PR, Quill Tree Books, and Pamela N. Harris for the ARC copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While Through Our Teeth hooks you with its twists and tense atmosphere, what lingers is its thoughtful attention to themes of mental health within the Black community and the need to believe and protect victims of domestic violence.
Liv joins Kizzy and Sherie in a misguided plan to force a confession out of Hope’s abusive ex. But when a storm hits, trapping them, along with a few unexpected guests, in a remote smart home that locks down, secrets begin to unravel fast. With no way out and someone picking them off one by one, suspicion turns inward. It spreads quickly, and they begin to fear one another, while the real danger may be lurking closer than they realize.
Each chapter brings new revelations, plot twists, and rising tension that kept me completely on edge. Liv’s journey is as emotional as it is terrifying, especially as she’s forced to confront uncomfortable truths about herself, her friends, and the role they each played in what happened to Hope.
I’m giving this one four because there were moments toward the end that felt a little rushed or unclear. A few more answers or details would’ve polished the ending. That said, Pamela N. Harris delivers a fast paced plot, emotionally complex characters that challenge you to question every motive and keep you guessing until the very last page.
While Through Our Teeth hooks you with its twists and tense atmosphere, what lingers is its thoughtful attention to themes of mental health within the Black community and the need to believe and protect victims of domestic violence.
Liv joins Kizzy and Sherie in a misguided plan to force a confession out of Hope’s abusive ex. But when a storm hits, trapping them, along with a few unexpected guests, in a remote smart home that locks down, secrets begin to unravel fast. With no way out and someone picking them off one by one, suspicion turns inward. It spreads quickly, and they begin to fear one another, while the real danger may be lurking closer than they realize.
Each chapter brings new revelations, plot twists, and rising tension that kept me completely on edge. Liv’s journey is as emotional as it is terrifying, especially as she’s forced to confront uncomfortable truths about herself, her friends, and the role they each played in what happened to Hope.
I’m giving this one four because there were moments toward the end that felt a little rushed or unclear. A few more answers or details would’ve polished the ending. That said, Pamela N. Harris delivers a fast paced plot, emotionally complex characters that challenge you to question every motive and keep you guessing until the very last page.
October 28, 2025
4.5 stars
"Now do you believe me?"
"How ironic that something that brought a kid joy will potentially reveal pain."
"It's hard hiding when the person across from you always knows how to find you."
Big thanks to Epic Tastemakers for the finished copy! Wow! This was so so so good! I really had no clue the way the story was going to go, and as I realized this is a bit of a ya slasher type of vibe of a story, I was extremely intrigued. That key notion captivated me and immersed me into this twisty story. This is a very fast paced ya mystery thriller that tackles on the negative impacts / high school growing pains and social experiences. I think the author did a phenomenal job tackling heavy themes, and its negative impact for young people in high school. Every character in this story added to the messy, chaotic plot line, and each character was fleshed out as well. I loved the mystery, creepy, and petrifying vibes within the house because I truly could not figure out who to believe and who was lying (until the very last second before it was revealed.) I also liked the pacing and the current story telling meshing with with the past story telling as well, it was always easy to figure out which tense the story was taken place in. I enjoyed this a lot and will definitely be reading more by this author!
"Now do you believe me?"
"How ironic that something that brought a kid joy will potentially reveal pain."
"It's hard hiding when the person across from you always knows how to find you."
Big thanks to Epic Tastemakers for the finished copy! Wow! This was so so so good! I really had no clue the way the story was going to go, and as I realized this is a bit of a ya slasher type of vibe of a story, I was extremely intrigued. That key notion captivated me and immersed me into this twisty story. This is a very fast paced ya mystery thriller that tackles on the negative impacts / high school growing pains and social experiences. I think the author did a phenomenal job tackling heavy themes, and its negative impact for young people in high school. Every character in this story added to the messy, chaotic plot line, and each character was fleshed out as well. I loved the mystery, creepy, and petrifying vibes within the house because I truly could not figure out who to believe and who was lying (until the very last second before it was revealed.) I also liked the pacing and the current story telling meshing with with the past story telling as well, it was always easy to figure out which tense the story was taken place in. I enjoyed this a lot and will definitely be reading more by this author!
November 20, 2025
I’ve been on the hunt for a YA thriller that actually delivers tension, emotion, and a mystery I can’t predict — and Through Our Teeth did exactly that. Harris gives us a locked-room mystery with a modern twist: a grief-stricken teen trapped in a high-tech smart home, surrounded by people she should trust… yet absolutely cannot.
Liv’s voice pulled me in immediately. Her grief is raw, her confusion is real, and her loyalty to Hope — even after death — shapes every decision she makes. Harris writes her in a way that makes you protective of her, frustrated with her, and deeply connected to her all at once.
What impressed me most is how Harris structured this narrative. The alternating timelines — the “before” and “after” of Hope’s death — work like puzzle pieces that constantly shift, forcing you to reevaluate everything you think you know. Nobody is safe from suspicion, and that tension never lets up. I genuinely went back and forth on who I believed, and Harris never let me get too comfortable.
The friendship dynamics were another standout. This teen group is messy, grieving, complicated, and loyal in all the wrong and right ways. Their emotional weight feels authentic, not simplified for YA. You see how trauma sharpens certain traits and buries others. Harris writes teens with respect — flawed, honest, and layered.
Liv’s voice pulled me in immediately. Her grief is raw, her confusion is real, and her loyalty to Hope — even after death — shapes every decision she makes. Harris writes her in a way that makes you protective of her, frustrated with her, and deeply connected to her all at once.
What impressed me most is how Harris structured this narrative. The alternating timelines — the “before” and “after” of Hope’s death — work like puzzle pieces that constantly shift, forcing you to reevaluate everything you think you know. Nobody is safe from suspicion, and that tension never lets up. I genuinely went back and forth on who I believed, and Harris never let me get too comfortable.
The friendship dynamics were another standout. This teen group is messy, grieving, complicated, and loyal in all the wrong and right ways. Their emotional weight feels authentic, not simplified for YA. You see how trauma sharpens certain traits and buries others. Harris writes teens with respect — flawed, honest, and layered.
July 24, 2025
When I first started reading this, I wasn't sure where it was going. It took me on a ride!
I had the opportunity to read this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It starts off with our MC Liv in her words testing "the social waters"at a party. She was MIA for a while after her best friend Hope passed away. Brendan (Hope's boyfriend) was suspected in her death. But he had an alibi.
Things are complicated. Liv and Brendan are also besties with reciprocated (yet not acted upon) feelings for each other.
The book alternates between the present and the past when Hope was alive.
There are twists and turns, mystery and teen angst.
Loved that the characters are fleshed out and, the actual feelings of not being sure who did what.
It's very current with the smart house, social media and cultural references.
The tension between Brendan and Liv is palpable.
This is a book that will keep you guessing. It's well written, the cover art is beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading another of Pamela Harris's books.
4.5 stars. Liv wasn't always likable. None of the characters were. But who would be under the circumstances?
I had the opportunity to read this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It starts off with our MC Liv in her words testing "the social waters"at a party. She was MIA for a while after her best friend Hope passed away. Brendan (Hope's boyfriend) was suspected in her death. But he had an alibi.
Things are complicated. Liv and Brendan are also besties with reciprocated (yet not acted upon) feelings for each other.
The book alternates between the present and the past when Hope was alive.
There are twists and turns, mystery and teen angst.
Loved that the characters are fleshed out and, the actual feelings of not being sure who did what.
It's very current with the smart house, social media and cultural references.
The tension between Brendan and Liv is palpable.
This is a book that will keep you guessing. It's well written, the cover art is beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading another of Pamela Harris's books.
4.5 stars. Liv wasn't always likable. None of the characters were. But who would be under the circumstances?
September 16, 2025
I'm pretty YA selective, but when I saw "for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson", I had to hit request.
📖: Liv's best friend Hope died. Some people say she took her own life. Some people are convinced it was her boyfriend, Brendon. Liv and her friends are determined to find out the truth. If Brendon did it, they are going to make him pay.
🤝: This may be a good fit if you enjoy:
- action from the get-go
- a strong message
- dual timelines coming together
💭: What a wild ride! When I pick up a YA book, I need to have my expectations set appropriately to get ready for teen dialogue and brain function. 😆😮💨 I loved the author's note at the beginning talking about the inspiration and message of the story. Then the action started, and it didn't let up. If you're looking for an I Know What You Did Last Summer-style mystery, this could be it. I wasn't super surprised by the reveal, but I was still hooked trying to figure out how the story played out as the past was revealed alongside the present.
Pub Day: 9/16
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for early access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
📖: Liv's best friend Hope died. Some people say she took her own life. Some people are convinced it was her boyfriend, Brendon. Liv and her friends are determined to find out the truth. If Brendon did it, they are going to make him pay.
🤝: This may be a good fit if you enjoy:
- action from the get-go
- a strong message
- dual timelines coming together
💭: What a wild ride! When I pick up a YA book, I need to have my expectations set appropriately to get ready for teen dialogue and brain function. 😆😮💨 I loved the author's note at the beginning talking about the inspiration and message of the story. Then the action started, and it didn't let up. If you're looking for an I Know What You Did Last Summer-style mystery, this could be it. I wasn't super surprised by the reveal, but I was still hooked trying to figure out how the story played out as the past was revealed alongside the present.
Pub Day: 9/16
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for early access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2025
Through Our Teeth by Pamela N. Harris is a tense, twisty YA thriller that asks how far you’d go for justice and what happens when you’re not sure you’re on the right side anymore.
When Hope Jackson dies, everyone chalks it up to suicide. Everyone except Liv. She knows her best friend would never do that, and she’s certain Hope’s controlling boyfriend, Brendan, had something to do with it. With the help of Hope’s other two best friends, Liv sets out to take Brendan down.
But the deeper they dig the more Liv starts to question everything about Brendan, about Hope’s other friends, and about herself. If Brendan isn’t the killer then who is?
Fast-paced and sharp-edged, this book is full of messy friendships, buried secrets, and the kind of moral gray areas that stick with you. It’s perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or One of Us Is Lying, but with an even darker, more personal bite.
⚡️Thank you Books Forward PR and Pamela N. Harris for sharing this book with me!
When Hope Jackson dies, everyone chalks it up to suicide. Everyone except Liv. She knows her best friend would never do that, and she’s certain Hope’s controlling boyfriend, Brendan, had something to do with it. With the help of Hope’s other two best friends, Liv sets out to take Brendan down.
But the deeper they dig the more Liv starts to question everything about Brendan, about Hope’s other friends, and about herself. If Brendan isn’t the killer then who is?
Fast-paced and sharp-edged, this book is full of messy friendships, buried secrets, and the kind of moral gray areas that stick with you. It’s perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or One of Us Is Lying, but with an even darker, more personal bite.
⚡️Thank you Books Forward PR and Pamela N. Harris for sharing this book with me!
November 16, 2025
This book was a ride. You start with a group of teenagers. You end with murder, lies, deception, and a feeling of unease.
You meet Liv, a track star who is grieving the loss of her best friend. She used to be the life of every party, but in her hurt, she's withdrawn. Slowly, through her interactions with other members of her friend group, you realize that there is something suspicious about the death of a supposed suicide victim.
Suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of a prank gone very wrong. There is a killer among them. Who can they trust?
Every chapter brought a fresh twist, and even though I thought I had it pegged a few times, I didn't ever get it quite right.
The story will leave you questioning right and wrong and rooting for unlikeable people.
Definitely a good YA read for spooky season or if you like thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
You meet Liv, a track star who is grieving the loss of her best friend. She used to be the life of every party, but in her hurt, she's withdrawn. Slowly, through her interactions with other members of her friend group, you realize that there is something suspicious about the death of a supposed suicide victim.
Suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of a prank gone very wrong. There is a killer among them. Who can they trust?
Every chapter brought a fresh twist, and even though I thought I had it pegged a few times, I didn't ever get it quite right.
The story will leave you questioning right and wrong and rooting for unlikeable people.
Definitely a good YA read for spooky season or if you like thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
March 31, 2025
Book Review: Through Our Teeth by Pamela N. Harris
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hey, hey, my favorites 😁💚. #annieethebookiee is back with another book review. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of Through Our Teeth.
Through Our Teeth is a gripping exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of growing up. Pamela N. Harris weaves a narrative that is both thought-provoking and poignant, with characters that feel real and relatable. The author does an excellent job of balancing emotional depth with moments of lightness, making this an engaging and multifaceted read.
While the pacing was a bit slow at times, the story's emotional payoff and the well-developed characters make it a worthwhile read. If you're looking for a book that tackles complex themes with heart, Through Our Teeth is definitely worth checking out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hey, hey, my favorites 😁💚. #annieethebookiee is back with another book review. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of Through Our Teeth.
Through Our Teeth is a gripping exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of growing up. Pamela N. Harris weaves a narrative that is both thought-provoking and poignant, with characters that feel real and relatable. The author does an excellent job of balancing emotional depth with moments of lightness, making this an engaging and multifaceted read.
While the pacing was a bit slow at times, the story's emotional payoff and the well-developed characters make it a worthwhile read. If you're looking for a book that tackles complex themes with heart, Through Our Teeth is definitely worth checking out.
September 16, 2025
Peekaboo 👀 I see you…
Because honestly, who can really be trusted?! The lengths these characters went to uncover the real cause of death were wild. The mix of unreliable storylines and that then/now timeline meant I had to pay close attention…but that’s exactly what made this such a good read.
Every 3–4 chapters I was convinced the killer was someone new…only to find out they’d been right there the entire time 😩. The twists, the motives, the misdirection…yeah this book me second guessing until the very end.
And another thing…mental health is real. We’ve got to start learning how to read the signs and truly be there for our family and friends. This story was a reminder of just how important that is.
Because honestly, who can really be trusted?! The lengths these characters went to uncover the real cause of death were wild. The mix of unreliable storylines and that then/now timeline meant I had to pay close attention…but that’s exactly what made this such a good read.
Every 3–4 chapters I was convinced the killer was someone new…only to find out they’d been right there the entire time 😩. The twists, the motives, the misdirection…yeah this book me second guessing until the very end.
And another thing…mental health is real. We’ve got to start learning how to read the signs and truly be there for our family and friends. This story was a reminder of just how important that is.
June 30, 2025
Thank you, HarperCollins Children's Books | Quill Tree Books, for providing the copy of Through Our Teeth by Pamela N. Harris. This was a thrilling locked room mystery that kept me guessing until the end. It made me glad my high school years are far behind me! I loved the relationships between the friends and the frenemies too. The characters were multidimensional, and I loved all of the secrets they hid. It’s a good reminder for teens that everyone isn’t what you think they are, and they don’t always show their true feelings! I enjoyed the pop culture references that were sprinkled in the story. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
July 12, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and Harper Collins Children books for the arc for my honest review.
5 out of 5/First pov
How far would you go to solve your friends murder? Hope Jackson is dead. Everything thinks she did it herself but Liv who is one of hope's best friend isn't so sure. Hope's boyfriends, Brendan was always jealous so he is suspect number one. Will they solve the murder or will more blood be shed in the search for the truth?
Wow, I loved this book. It's a locked room thriller with flashbacks to help tell the story. I had no clue where the story was going and it felt like anything come happen. I didn't trust a single character because they were all very complex.
5 out of 5/First pov
How far would you go to solve your friends murder? Hope Jackson is dead. Everything thinks she did it herself but Liv who is one of hope's best friend isn't so sure. Hope's boyfriends, Brendan was always jealous so he is suspect number one. Will they solve the murder or will more blood be shed in the search for the truth?
Wow, I loved this book. It's a locked room thriller with flashbacks to help tell the story. I had no clue where the story was going and it felt like anything come happen. I didn't trust a single character because they were all very complex.
August 25, 2025
✨Top Read of the Year✨
I have no words. This book completely wrecked me—in the best way possible. Through Our Teeth is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. A book has NEVER had me this on edge and genuinely scared at the same time.
Pamela Harrison crafted a story that had my heart pounding, my jaw dropping, and my brain screaming “just one more chapter” until the very end. The twists, the tension, the atmosphere—perfection.
This isn’t just a thriller. It’s a gut punch, a warning, and a haunting reflection all wrapped into one. I already know this one will stay with me for a long time.
✨ Hands down, my top read of the year.
I have no words. This book completely wrecked me—in the best way possible. Through Our Teeth is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. A book has NEVER had me this on edge and genuinely scared at the same time.
Pamela Harrison crafted a story that had my heart pounding, my jaw dropping, and my brain screaming “just one more chapter” until the very end. The twists, the tension, the atmosphere—perfection.
This isn’t just a thriller. It’s a gut punch, a warning, and a haunting reflection all wrapped into one. I already know this one will stay with me for a long time.
✨ Hands down, my top read of the year.
October 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed Through Our Teeth, especially the themes it explores such as mental health, grief, and the importance of believing women. I also liked the unreliable narrator aspect as it kept me guessing and unsure who to trust.
I enjoyed that the main events take place over a single evening. The flashback chapters worked well to explain what was happening and why the characters behaved the way they did.
Some parts dragged and I didn’t really connect with the characters as they were all very messy and unhinged. Overall, I liked it and it was my first time reading this author. I would probably read her work again! ☺️
I enjoyed Through Our Teeth, especially the themes it explores such as mental health, grief, and the importance of believing women. I also liked the unreliable narrator aspect as it kept me guessing and unsure who to trust.
I enjoyed that the main events take place over a single evening. The flashback chapters worked well to explain what was happening and why the characters behaved the way they did.
Some parts dragged and I didn’t really connect with the characters as they were all very messy and unhinged. Overall, I liked it and it was my first time reading this author. I would probably read her work again! ☺️
November 6, 2025
For Fans Of: Tiffany D. Jackson, Karen M. McManus
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
Genre: 💥 Teen Mystery
Violence: 🔪🔪🔪🔪
Spice: 🔥🔥
TW: Ghosting, kidnapping
Premise: Hope’s death was ruled a suicide. Her friends aren’t convinced. But as they close in on the boyfriend to force a confession, the death toll starts to rise and their own complicated histories with the dead girl come to light.
Thoughts: I’m always searching for authors who scratch my YA thriller itch. And Harris just shot to the top of my must-read list. This tightly plotted novel offers a fresh take on the locked room mystery—1 of my favorite tropes—by trapping Liv in a smart home with a finite list of suspects. Harris structures Liv’s 1st person narrative in such a masterful way that the reader can’t rule out any of them—for Hope’s murder or the terror stalking their steps through the mansion. When someone starts killing the teens, Harris ratchets up the suspense further with a new question: are they really alone? But the author’s skill isn’t limited to plot. Her nuanced characters show that anyone can be a villain or a hero, given the right motivation. Needless to say, I will be checking out Harris’s earlier novels—When You Look Like Us and This Town is on Fire—and anxiously awaiting her next offering.
Thank you to Quill Tree Books & Harper Collins for a gifted book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
Genre: 💥 Teen Mystery
Violence: 🔪🔪🔪🔪
Spice: 🔥🔥
TW: Ghosting, kidnapping
Premise: Hope’s death was ruled a suicide. Her friends aren’t convinced. But as they close in on the boyfriend to force a confession, the death toll starts to rise and their own complicated histories with the dead girl come to light.
Thoughts: I’m always searching for authors who scratch my YA thriller itch. And Harris just shot to the top of my must-read list. This tightly plotted novel offers a fresh take on the locked room mystery—1 of my favorite tropes—by trapping Liv in a smart home with a finite list of suspects. Harris structures Liv’s 1st person narrative in such a masterful way that the reader can’t rule out any of them—for Hope’s murder or the terror stalking their steps through the mansion. When someone starts killing the teens, Harris ratchets up the suspense further with a new question: are they really alone? But the author’s skill isn’t limited to plot. Her nuanced characters show that anyone can be a villain or a hero, given the right motivation. Needless to say, I will be checking out Harris’s earlier novels—When You Look Like Us and This Town is on Fire—and anxiously awaiting her next offering.
Thank you to Quill Tree Books & Harper Collins for a gifted book in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Through Our Teeth delves into the mystery of death. Everyone has their own motivations, their own secrets. With a death like this, there's this layer of the performance of loss, of sadness, of reminiscing. We see these accounts of deeper friendships all juxtaposed with the hollowness of true grief. And yet we realize that loss is not one level. There's sadness and love, but there's also anger and resentment. It's not one dimensional. Through Our Teeth is about unraveling what really happened and all these misconceptions. It asks us whether we can really know anyone.
Through Our Teeth delves into the mystery of death. Everyone has their own motivations, their own secrets. With a death like this, there's this layer of the performance of loss, of sadness, of reminiscing. We see these accounts of deeper friendships all juxtaposed with the hollowness of true grief. And yet we realize that loss is not one level. There's sadness and love, but there's also anger and resentment. It's not one dimensional. Through Our Teeth is about unraveling what really happened and all these misconceptions. It asks us whether we can really know anyone.
October 13, 2025
*3.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was one hell of a ride. The plot completely took me by surprised over and over again. I was shook. However, I felt like we kinda stayed surface level with the characters. They didn't feel very layered. They were messy but I felt like something was missing. I didn't get the chance to properly connect with them. But the plot was so enthralling, I didn't mind the character part too much. I'll definitely be checking out more books by this author!
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was one hell of a ride. The plot completely took me by surprised over and over again. I was shook. However, I felt like we kinda stayed surface level with the characters. They didn't feel very layered. They were messy but I felt like something was missing. I didn't get the chance to properly connect with them. But the plot was so enthralling, I didn't mind the character part too much. I'll definitely be checking out more books by this author!
November 17, 2025
This was an interesting revenge story. It definitely creeped me out reading it in the evening. Masked intruders, thumps, and screaming in the middle of a thunderstorm while the lights are out. That would creep anyone out. The setting was excellent, and I liked the revenge themes too. And when the plan goes sideways, you’re left wondering if the girls will know what to do next. This one is twisted and perfect for any YA horror lovers.
Thank you to @quilltreebooks for the gifted copy.
Thank you to @quilltreebooks for the gifted copy.
December 13, 2025
In Through Our Teeth, Liz, Kizzy and Sherie want to find out if their friend, Hope's boyfriend, Brandon killed her. It's the way their go about it that makes this an interesting book. I didn't expect there to be another player taking the friends out one by one. The reveals were expected but still were worth it. The final reveal shocked me because of who it turned out to be.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
September 4, 2025
the ideas overall were interesting, but I didn't find the execution that great. none of the characters were likeable, but also none of them were super connectable with either. the twists worked quite well, but lost some of their impact when you just couldn't care about the characters that much. 3.25 stars. tysm for the arc.
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