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The Trespassers
A house party turns deadly in this tightly wound thriller set against an icy Alaskan winter.
Finley, Mya, River, and Eli were inseparable as kids, running wild on Alaska’s vast wide-open spaces. Then tragedy struck, and Finley moved to the lower 48. But now it’s Senior year, and Finley’s back in Anchorage. When Mya throws a house party on a snowy Valentine’s Day night, it’s supposed to be a chance for the friends to heal old wounds. But an encounter with a mysterious stranger quickly turns the evening into a nightmare.
As the group scrambles to cover up what they’ve done, the fault lines they’ve grown so good at ignoring begin to crack as the police investigate and the media hounds them. Are they the most vicious teens in America, or deeply misunderstood? Everyone wants to know—even the teens themselves.
Fast-paced and thrillingly tense, The Trespassers explores guilt, loyalty, and the complex nature of friendship.
Finley, Mya, River, and Eli were inseparable as kids, running wild on Alaska’s vast wide-open spaces. Then tragedy struck, and Finley moved to the lower 48. But now it’s Senior year, and Finley’s back in Anchorage. When Mya throws a house party on a snowy Valentine’s Day night, it’s supposed to be a chance for the friends to heal old wounds. But an encounter with a mysterious stranger quickly turns the evening into a nightmare.
As the group scrambles to cover up what they’ve done, the fault lines they’ve grown so good at ignoring begin to crack as the police investigate and the media hounds them. Are they the most vicious teens in America, or deeply misunderstood? Everyone wants to know—even the teens themselves.
Fast-paced and thrillingly tense, The Trespassers explores guilt, loyalty, and the complex nature of friendship.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2025
15 people are currently reading
5181 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
14 books513 followersI am the author of two thrillers, FRIENDS LIKE THESE and LIES LIKE WILDFIRE from Delacorte Press. I also write middle-grade fantasy stories, THE GUARDIAN HERD and RIDERS OF THE REALM from HarperCollins Children's Books. THE PET WASHER is my indie novel.
Praise for LIES LIKE WILDFIRE
"Consider this a must-have thriller." School Library Journal
"Five Fiery Stars for this bingeable, edge-of-your-seat, twisty thriller." NATASHA PRESTON, New York Times bestselling author of The Lake
"Twisty and fast-paced and visceral. I couldn't put this one down." KATIE COTUGNO, New York Timesbestselling author of 99 Days
"A twisty, fast-paced thriller about accountability, guilt, jealousy, and survival." Kirkus
Praise for The Guardian Herd Series
“Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down.” School Library Journal
“Filled with fantastical action, and rich with description. A well-paced and engrossing story. Alvarez has created a series that will be beloved by readers.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer." Publishers Weekly
"The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd." Booklist
"This epic adventure is richly developed. Compelling." Kirkus Reviews
“From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. It’s a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you.” (Peter Lerangis, New York Times bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series)
Praise for LIES LIKE WILDFIRE
"Consider this a must-have thriller." School Library Journal
"Five Fiery Stars for this bingeable, edge-of-your-seat, twisty thriller." NATASHA PRESTON, New York Times bestselling author of The Lake
"Twisty and fast-paced and visceral. I couldn't put this one down." KATIE COTUGNO, New York Timesbestselling author of 99 Days
"A twisty, fast-paced thriller about accountability, guilt, jealousy, and survival." Kirkus
Praise for The Guardian Herd Series
“Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down.” School Library Journal
“Filled with fantastical action, and rich with description. A well-paced and engrossing story. Alvarez has created a series that will be beloved by readers.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer." Publishers Weekly
"The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd." Booklist
"This epic adventure is richly developed. Compelling." Kirkus Reviews
“From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. It’s a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you.” (Peter Lerangis, New York Times bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 16, 2025
Hot damn! A thought-provoking tale that packed together fast-paced thrills with plenty of emotion, The Trespassers was a definite hole in one for this thriller lover. Despite the fact that it was a YA novel, the deeply poignant storyline brought depth to the plot that I absolutely wasn’t expecting. At the same time, the toxic friendships, sky-high tension, and creepy, atmospheric setting kept me flying through the short, addictive chapters as I craved to find out what was coming next for this small group of “friends.” After all, with relatable young adult characters who displayed true-to-life teen behavior, I had no difficulty remembering myself at their age. That being said, many of their actions put them on the morally gray side of the equation. But then, what is a teenager without bad decisions?
All said and done, with perfect pacing and plenty of characters that I couldn’t trust, this complex yet easy-to-follow murder mystery was the perfect rollercoaster ride of suspense. Thanks to the eerie feel and thrill-packed plot, I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. You see, it was a deft combo of I Know What You Did Last Summer and One of Us Is Lying. Exploring friendship, guilt, and the weight of long-buried secrets, I was easily immersed in this haunting story as it twisted and turned. Besides, I’m always game for a book that mixes thriller and horror elements into one delicious dark tale. Add in a series of reveals that caught me out several times, and I was won over completely. Bravo, Ms. Alvarez, this was one heck of a blockbuster and I loved every minute. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In the frozen wilderness of Alaska, Finley, Mya, River, and Eli were inseparable—until tragedy shattered their bond and drove Finley away. Now it’s senior year, and she’s back, hoping to reclaim the friendships she lost. But when Mya throws a house party on a snowy night, Finley realizes the group isn’t what it used to be. And maybe they never were.
Then a stranger crashes the party. Then someone ends up dead. Then everything unravels.
As the four teens scramble to hide what happened, their secrets begin to surface—and the lies they tell each other might be the most dangerous of all. How far will they go to protect each other? And who’s worth saving?
Thank you to Jennifer Lynn Alvarez and Delacorte Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 28, 2025
All said and done, with perfect pacing and plenty of characters that I couldn’t trust, this complex yet easy-to-follow murder mystery was the perfect rollercoaster ride of suspense. Thanks to the eerie feel and thrill-packed plot, I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. You see, it was a deft combo of I Know What You Did Last Summer and One of Us Is Lying. Exploring friendship, guilt, and the weight of long-buried secrets, I was easily immersed in this haunting story as it twisted and turned. Besides, I’m always game for a book that mixes thriller and horror elements into one delicious dark tale. Add in a series of reveals that caught me out several times, and I was won over completely. Bravo, Ms. Alvarez, this was one heck of a blockbuster and I loved every minute. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In the frozen wilderness of Alaska, Finley, Mya, River, and Eli were inseparable—until tragedy shattered their bond and drove Finley away. Now it’s senior year, and she’s back, hoping to reclaim the friendships she lost. But when Mya throws a house party on a snowy night, Finley realizes the group isn’t what it used to be. And maybe they never were.
Then a stranger crashes the party. Then someone ends up dead. Then everything unravels.
As the four teens scramble to hide what happened, their secrets begin to surface—and the lies they tell each other might be the most dangerous of all. How far will they go to protect each other? And who’s worth saving?
Thank you to Jennifer Lynn Alvarez and Delacorte Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 28, 2025
June 1, 2025
ARC for review. To be published October 26, 2025.
2 stars
Finley has returned to Anchorage for her senior year of high school ; she and her mother spent four years in Los Angeles after Finley’s dad died after killing her friend River’s father. Now she is back with her lifelong best friends, River, Mya and Eli.
However, while Finley has become a good girl in L.A., her old friends haven’t changed and while the four are partying one night a dreadful incident occurs. What will happen to the four friends.
Are high school seniors really this stupid? Or, I don’t know, maybe I was too, and I’ve just forgotten, though I do think that, now, with the popularity of “CSI” and all the true crime stuff out there, I would never, even as a 17 year old, expect to get away with anything. Plus my parents would have beat my ass all the way down to the police station, so there’s that. There were also a couple of things I found quite annoying, but they are spoilers, so I won’t mention them.
I really like YA, but GOOD YA, and I don’t see enough of it. But I rate these books as ME reading YA, however I always try to say whether I think a fourteen or fifteen year old might like it. And they might like this. I just didn’t.
2 stars
Finley has returned to Anchorage for her senior year of high school ; she and her mother spent four years in Los Angeles after Finley’s dad died after killing her friend River’s father. Now she is back with her lifelong best friends, River, Mya and Eli.
However, while Finley has become a good girl in L.A., her old friends haven’t changed and while the four are partying one night a dreadful incident occurs. What will happen to the four friends.
Are high school seniors really this stupid? Or, I don’t know, maybe I was too, and I’ve just forgotten, though I do think that, now, with the popularity of “CSI” and all the true crime stuff out there, I would never, even as a 17 year old, expect to get away with anything. Plus my parents would have beat my ass all the way down to the police station, so there’s that. There were also a couple of things I found quite annoying, but they are spoilers, so I won’t mention them.
I really like YA, but GOOD YA, and I don’t see enough of it. But I rate these books as ME reading YA, however I always try to say whether I think a fourteen or fifteen year old might like it. And they might like this. I just didn’t.
November 29, 2025
1⭐️
ARC Review
The longest 7 hours that I have spent with my Kindle…😒😒😒…
Book’s Tagline: Wrong place. Wrong time. Wrong friends.
My Tagline: Wrong book. Wrong person. My mistake.
I said this once and I have no problem saying it again: I really need to read the synopsis better before I click the request button on NetGalley for an ARC. No. Seriously. The Trespassers mark my fifth ARC that I have failed to enjoy. What in the world is going on here?
Originally, I went into The Trespassers thinking that I was going to read a book about deadly secrets, heartbreaking betrayal, and deadly revenge. Instead, The Trespassers is truly about how secrets and lies often lead to the destruction of a friendship and turn said friendship toxic. How these same secrets and lies can push people to lose sight of themselves and cause some irreversible damage and not just to one’s wellbeing but also to their family. The Trespassers is the prime example of when you know people shouldn’t be your friend then you should listen to your gut and just walk away. There is honestly nothing wrong with entering High School or participating in your everyday life and sometimes leaving people, especially those who can’t see you for you, alone and search for like-minded friends.
There three reasons why I have chosen to rate The Trespassers a 1 star reading experience:
Reason #1: The friendship group sucked times ten. This book is told from Finley Dunn’s POV and Mya Green’s POV. In all honesty, this is the book’s biggest mistake. Being inside these two FMC’s head annoyed the crap out of me. Both girls disliked each other and blamed each other for their own problems and mistakes. I wish I could say that one was worse than the other but that would be lying. Finely whined for 93% of the book and Mya was just plain fake for that same percentage. Both chicks kept asking for loyalty when neither one couldn’t even give it in return. Adding Eli Kalluk and River Madden to the mix made this story even more difficult to read. All Eli cared about was having sex with Mya and joking around about killing Finley. And River was just too weak-minded. A reader might come to feel bad for River over time but, by the end of the book, a reader will find themselves just shaking their head and probably rolling their eyes. There was absolutely no character growth happening between these four “friends.” I was through with all them after Chapter 9.
Reason #2: This book failed to be an escapable read. Unless you are the type of reader who enjoys YA novels that focus on toxic relationships and friendships then this book will not be your cup of tea. The Trespassers is the type of book that goes beyond typical teenagers making mistakes. You have parents who set bad examples for their children. Over zealous police officers willing to humiliate a person, via the media, without gathering all of the facts. An adult male constantly harassing an 18 year-old girl (his reason be damned.) and even telling her that he wanted to hit her (like seriously. A man wanting to hit a woman. What world do we honestly live in?) This book is not a relaxing read. It is both stressful and aggravating. Requesting this is simply my fault and thinking that this book was going to be anything other than what it was will stay with me for a long time. All of this brings me to reason number 3.
Reason #3: I am the wrong audience for this book. Again, I went into this book thinking I was going to be reading some of my favorite troupes but instead, I spent 60 chapters reading the one troupe that I highly dislike. Upon finishing Chapter Two, I truly wanted to DNF this book. I could smell the fake friendship coming a mile away. I could tell that I was going to dislike this story rather quickly. Even though this book contains a justifiable ending, I still couldn’t bring myself to enjoy this. I feel like I have spent the entire year of 2025 reading some the most mediocre books that contain some of the worst characters imaginable. With 2026 around the corner, I truly hope YA authors are working hard to get this genre back to an acceptable and enjoyable reading experience. My heart is wide open and waiting to read some books that will be 5 stars.
In my opinion, The Trespassers is a very predictable and a reader will either become curious about the storyline, aggravated about the storyline, or both by the end of Chapter One. The two positive aspects of this book, though, is that: (a) the chapters are very short and (b) this book manages to be fast-paced. Outside of these two aspects, I honestly don’t know how well others will enjoy this book. Can this book find its own audience? Sure. Will this book grow in reviews and readership? There is a possibility. I honestly think that books like The Trespassers only work for readers who enjoy YA novels that feature toxic friends and family members; readers who are capable of looking past teenagers normal mistakes; and readers who enjoy reading hard topics. If you like reading for an escapable aspect then this book most definitely won’t be for you.
Upon finishing The Trespassers, I decided to read the synopsis of Jennifer Lynn Alvarez’s two other YA novels. It appears that writing books about toxic friendships is her thing. It also appears that writing about clueless adults is also her thing. Because the toxic friendship troupe is so overused as well as an over zealous police force and clueless parents, The Trespassers will be the only book that I read by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez. I genuinely want to wish Jennifer Lynn Alvarez the best on her future endeavors, especially her writing career.
Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
ARC Review
The longest 7 hours that I have spent with my Kindle…😒😒😒…
Book’s Tagline: Wrong place. Wrong time. Wrong friends.
My Tagline: Wrong book. Wrong person. My mistake.
I said this once and I have no problem saying it again: I really need to read the synopsis better before I click the request button on NetGalley for an ARC. No. Seriously. The Trespassers mark my fifth ARC that I have failed to enjoy. What in the world is going on here?
Originally, I went into The Trespassers thinking that I was going to read a book about deadly secrets, heartbreaking betrayal, and deadly revenge. Instead, The Trespassers is truly about how secrets and lies often lead to the destruction of a friendship and turn said friendship toxic. How these same secrets and lies can push people to lose sight of themselves and cause some irreversible damage and not just to one’s wellbeing but also to their family. The Trespassers is the prime example of when you know people shouldn’t be your friend then you should listen to your gut and just walk away. There is honestly nothing wrong with entering High School or participating in your everyday life and sometimes leaving people, especially those who can’t see you for you, alone and search for like-minded friends.
There three reasons why I have chosen to rate The Trespassers a 1 star reading experience:
Reason #1: The friendship group sucked times ten. This book is told from Finley Dunn’s POV and Mya Green’s POV. In all honesty, this is the book’s biggest mistake. Being inside these two FMC’s head annoyed the crap out of me. Both girls disliked each other and blamed each other for their own problems and mistakes. I wish I could say that one was worse than the other but that would be lying. Finely whined for 93% of the book and Mya was just plain fake for that same percentage. Both chicks kept asking for loyalty when neither one couldn’t even give it in return. Adding Eli Kalluk and River Madden to the mix made this story even more difficult to read. All Eli cared about was having sex with Mya and joking around about killing Finley. And River was just too weak-minded. A reader might come to feel bad for River over time but, by the end of the book, a reader will find themselves just shaking their head and probably rolling their eyes. There was absolutely no character growth happening between these four “friends.” I was through with all them after Chapter 9.
Reason #2: This book failed to be an escapable read. Unless you are the type of reader who enjoys YA novels that focus on toxic relationships and friendships then this book will not be your cup of tea. The Trespassers is the type of book that goes beyond typical teenagers making mistakes. You have parents who set bad examples for their children. Over zealous police officers willing to humiliate a person, via the media, without gathering all of the facts. An adult male constantly harassing an 18 year-old girl (his reason be damned.) and even telling her that he wanted to hit her (like seriously. A man wanting to hit a woman. What world do we honestly live in?) This book is not a relaxing read. It is both stressful and aggravating. Requesting this is simply my fault and thinking that this book was going to be anything other than what it was will stay with me for a long time. All of this brings me to reason number 3.
Reason #3: I am the wrong audience for this book. Again, I went into this book thinking I was going to be reading some of my favorite troupes but instead, I spent 60 chapters reading the one troupe that I highly dislike. Upon finishing Chapter Two, I truly wanted to DNF this book. I could smell the fake friendship coming a mile away. I could tell that I was going to dislike this story rather quickly. Even though this book contains a justifiable ending, I still couldn’t bring myself to enjoy this. I feel like I have spent the entire year of 2025 reading some the most mediocre books that contain some of the worst characters imaginable. With 2026 around the corner, I truly hope YA authors are working hard to get this genre back to an acceptable and enjoyable reading experience. My heart is wide open and waiting to read some books that will be 5 stars.
In my opinion, The Trespassers is a very predictable and a reader will either become curious about the storyline, aggravated about the storyline, or both by the end of Chapter One. The two positive aspects of this book, though, is that: (a) the chapters are very short and (b) this book manages to be fast-paced. Outside of these two aspects, I honestly don’t know how well others will enjoy this book. Can this book find its own audience? Sure. Will this book grow in reviews and readership? There is a possibility. I honestly think that books like The Trespassers only work for readers who enjoy YA novels that feature toxic friends and family members; readers who are capable of looking past teenagers normal mistakes; and readers who enjoy reading hard topics. If you like reading for an escapable aspect then this book most definitely won’t be for you.
Upon finishing The Trespassers, I decided to read the synopsis of Jennifer Lynn Alvarez’s two other YA novels. It appears that writing books about toxic friendships is her thing. It also appears that writing about clueless adults is also her thing. Because the toxic friendship troupe is so overused as well as an over zealous police force and clueless parents, The Trespassers will be the only book that I read by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez. I genuinely want to wish Jennifer Lynn Alvarez the best on her future endeavors, especially her writing career.
Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
February 1, 2026
another great reminder of why I never want kids
January 23, 2026
•My Rating: 4/5•
• mystery thriller • ya • toxic friendship • returning to one’s roots • secrets, lies, & betrayals • Alaska setting • present and past timelines • dual POV
The older I get, the less I like a lot of the YA that’s out there, but this Author writes in a way that still works for me. The story pulled me in effortlessly and kept me until the end. Did it have its share of issues? Sure, but none too serious that they ruined the story for me.
🎙️Julia Knippen & Jen Zhao were both good.
• mystery thriller • ya • toxic friendship • returning to one’s roots • secrets, lies, & betrayals • Alaska setting • present and past timelines • dual POV
The older I get, the less I like a lot of the YA that’s out there, but this Author writes in a way that still works for me. The story pulled me in effortlessly and kept me until the end. Did it have its share of issues? Sure, but none too serious that they ruined the story for me.
🎙️Julia Knippen & Jen Zhao were both good.
August 10, 2025
JLA never misses! I Know What You Did Last Summer meets We Were Liars. I love her toxic friendships and murder mysteries, but the choice to make one POV first person and the other third was a surprisingly great contrast to each girl’s psyche and the stark differences between them. Definitely don’t skip if you like more thrillers for Halloween than horror.
July 6, 2025
The Trespassers follows four friends after a house party goes terribly wrong. Finley has just returned back home to Alaska after living in LA for four years following the death of her father. She falls back in with her three best friends, Mya, River, and Eli. They throw a Valentine’s Day house party at Mya’s mom’s modal home and find a stranger squatting in the house. When he attacks Finley, she defends herself and the friends decide to cover up the assault. But when people start asking questions and the stranger doesn’t turn up, cracks grow between the friends as secrets threaten to bury them.
This was a fun mystery thriller with a great setting. The Alaskan winter made for a very dramatic and intense setting that I thoroughly enjoyed. The author did a great job creating a lovely atmosphere. I really enjoyed the exploration of this complicated friendship group as their loyalty is tested. I did find it a little slow and predictable, but the last 20% really picks up and I enjoyed where the author ended things.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. They’re all very morally gray and it was fascinating to read about their motives and morals and where their lines were. I did feel really bad for Finley. She made herself a better version of herself in LA and when she came back to Alaska she sunk into old routines. I liked the exploration of realizing your old friends aren’t necessarily good for you anymore. I didn’t love Mya at first but I found I really enjoyed her chapters by the end and her character arc was really well done.
Overall, if you love twisty YA thrillers with morally gray characters, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out.
Thank you to Penguin Teen CA and Netgalley for the arc!
This was a fun mystery thriller with a great setting. The Alaskan winter made for a very dramatic and intense setting that I thoroughly enjoyed. The author did a great job creating a lovely atmosphere. I really enjoyed the exploration of this complicated friendship group as their loyalty is tested. I did find it a little slow and predictable, but the last 20% really picks up and I enjoyed where the author ended things.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. They’re all very morally gray and it was fascinating to read about their motives and morals and where their lines were. I did feel really bad for Finley. She made herself a better version of herself in LA and when she came back to Alaska she sunk into old routines. I liked the exploration of realizing your old friends aren’t necessarily good for you anymore. I didn’t love Mya at first but I found I really enjoyed her chapters by the end and her character arc was really well done.
Overall, if you love twisty YA thrillers with morally gray characters, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out.
Thank you to Penguin Teen CA and Netgalley for the arc!
December 29, 2025
This is a story about the dangers of long winters and teenage boredom. Thank you so much PRHA for the ALC!
I can't decide how I feel about this?! There are basically zero details of my thoughts that I can share without giving something away, but essentially I was stressed from the 10th chapter on. The setting, the dual narrative and the mounting sense of dread all really worked for me- buuuuut I could rant for more characters than I'm allowed about the ending (and everyone I read with had to hear all about it.
Anyway maybe just stay in California next time.
I can't decide how I feel about this?! There are basically zero details of my thoughts that I can share without giving something away, but essentially I was stressed from the 10th chapter on. The setting, the dual narrative and the mounting sense of dread all really worked for me- buuuuut I could rant for more characters than I'm allowed about the ending (and everyone I read with had to hear all about it.
Anyway maybe just stay in California next time.
February 1, 2026
A story about friends, lies and tragedy.
I had high hopes for this book, but was let down by the plot. It was predictable and repetitive. Don’t get me started on the unlikeable characters, that annoyed me non-stop.
I had high hopes for this book, but was let down by the plot. It was predictable and repetitive. Don’t get me started on the unlikeable characters, that annoyed me non-stop.
May 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
THE TRESPASSERS by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Thank you Netgalley and GetUnderlined for the earc (Oct 28)
Before tragedy struck and Finley moved away from Alaska, she, Mya, River, and Eli were inseparable. Now she's back. When Mya throws a party on Valentine's night, it's supposed to be a fun get together, but that changes when a stranger shows up. The group tries to cover up what they've done, but secrets don't stay secrets forever. They were all trespassing afterall.
I've read Alvarez's other YA thrillers, and THE TRESPASSERS has been my favorite---though the other two were just as well-crafted and thrilling. This book starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the last, heart-pounding page.THE TRESPASSERS is a gripping thriller that is wickedly good with its secrets, drama, and romance. This book is fast-paced, and the short chapters help love it along in a way that is much appreciated. Each chapter delivered a punch until the final blow that left me heartbroken and speechless.
I loved this book and how suspenseful it was. This was easily devourable, and I finished it so quickly---reading it in under a day. I felt so bad for Finley, and at times her friends. I hated what they went through, but I hated what happened..
I highly recommend this.
THE TRESPASSERS by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Thank you Netgalley and GetUnderlined for the earc (Oct 28)
Before tragedy struck and Finley moved away from Alaska, she, Mya, River, and Eli were inseparable. Now she's back. When Mya throws a party on Valentine's night, it's supposed to be a fun get together, but that changes when a stranger shows up. The group tries to cover up what they've done, but secrets don't stay secrets forever. They were all trespassing afterall.
I've read Alvarez's other YA thrillers, and THE TRESPASSERS has been my favorite---though the other two were just as well-crafted and thrilling. This book starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the last, heart-pounding page.THE TRESPASSERS is a gripping thriller that is wickedly good with its secrets, drama, and romance. This book is fast-paced, and the short chapters help love it along in a way that is much appreciated. Each chapter delivered a punch until the final blow that left me heartbroken and speechless.
I loved this book and how suspenseful it was. This was easily devourable, and I finished it so quickly---reading it in under a day. I felt so bad for Finley, and at times her friends. I hated what they went through, but I hated what happened..
I highly recommend this.
August 15, 2025
Devoured, per usual! I was in a book rut and this one pulled me out. Every one of Jennifer’s books keeps me on the edge of my seat and this was no exception. The characters are well developed and there are themes of empathy, mystery and surprise throughout. I enjoyed the Alaskan setting and the complexity of family dynamics and friendships.
September 6, 2025
Absolutely captivating read! Alaska is as much a character in this story as the rest of the cast. This is a smart, character driven thriller with outcomes you won’t see coming. You’re never sure who you’re siding with until the very end, and even then it’s not black and white - kind of like real life. The plot is easy to follow but a true page turner. Highly enjoyed this advance copy.
January 26, 2026
Welcome back!
I was recently really wanting to read a mystery book, and I just did not see one on my shelf right away that I was super hype to grab, so I went to Libby and scrolled through new mystery audiobooks. After scrolling through Libby a little, I came up with three to four possible reads, and then I read a chapter from each and ended up choosing The Trespassers, which was a book I had on my Goodreads want-to-read list.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Finley used to live in Aslaska and she has a small friend group, but she moved away with her mother. After living in sunny California for several years and having a completely different life, she is now back in Alaska for her senior year. It’s a big change, despite growing up here. Once back in town and kind of settled, she meets up with her old friends and is invited to attend a party at one of their houses. This should be a good time to catch up and kind of fix relationships. However, the group quickly finds themselves in trouble when a stranger starts to lurk. But is this person really a stranger? What is the group trying to hide from? Or who?
This was an interesting and very layered mystery/thriller. It was definitely a snowy read, which matches the vibes outside of my window. I might try another book by the author in the future (though I do not know if there are any more, so I will need to investigate), but in the meantime, I am on to my next read!
Goodreads Rating: 3 Stars
I was recently really wanting to read a mystery book, and I just did not see one on my shelf right away that I was super hype to grab, so I went to Libby and scrolled through new mystery audiobooks. After scrolling through Libby a little, I came up with three to four possible reads, and then I read a chapter from each and ended up choosing The Trespassers, which was a book I had on my Goodreads want-to-read list.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Finley used to live in Aslaska and she has a small friend group, but she moved away with her mother. After living in sunny California for several years and having a completely different life, she is now back in Alaska for her senior year. It’s a big change, despite growing up here. Once back in town and kind of settled, she meets up with her old friends and is invited to attend a party at one of their houses. This should be a good time to catch up and kind of fix relationships. However, the group quickly finds themselves in trouble when a stranger starts to lurk. But is this person really a stranger? What is the group trying to hide from? Or who?
This was an interesting and very layered mystery/thriller. It was definitely a snowy read, which matches the vibes outside of my window. I might try another book by the author in the future (though I do not know if there are any more, so I will need to investigate), but in the meantime, I am on to my next read!
Goodreads Rating: 3 Stars
February 21, 2026
This book was difficult to finish but I pushed through. At first, I thought the story was all right, and the characters were just messy. The writing isn’t great—it’s repetitive, lacks rhythm in places, and relies on some childlike dialogue—but I can overlook that to a point.
What I can’t overlook is the overplayed vague statements (regularly repeated) to create suspense—statements about “the thing she’ll never tell about”. Let us find out when the time comes or give us some motivation. Don’t foreshadow for the sake of foreshadowing. It’s like teasing the reader with a dangling carrot so many times that the reader decides they don’t really like carrots anyway.
Then, there’s the character inconsistency. Every chapter, it’s impossible to know who’s going to be on what side of an argument. Character decisions are also poor, with all the “planning” the characters do immediately undercut by illogical conclusions or impractical concessions. I don’t know if I’ve ever before read a book where the characters actively make decisions that very predictably make it EASIER for them to get caught.
This novel is a mess. It reads like an unedited first draft.
What I can’t overlook is the overplayed vague statements (regularly repeated) to create suspense—statements about “the thing she’ll never tell about”. Let us find out when the time comes or give us some motivation. Don’t foreshadow for the sake of foreshadowing. It’s like teasing the reader with a dangling carrot so many times that the reader decides they don’t really like carrots anyway.
Then, there’s the character inconsistency. Every chapter, it’s impossible to know who’s going to be on what side of an argument. Character decisions are also poor, with all the “planning” the characters do immediately undercut by illogical conclusions or impractical concessions. I don’t know if I’ve ever before read a book where the characters actively make decisions that very predictably make it EASIER for them to get caught.
This novel is a mess. It reads like an unedited first draft.
January 8, 2026
Yet another thriller brought to you by: trashy teens making terrible decisions while drunk & high (also horny).
The thing is, I really liked JLA's first two thrillers, and after a multi-year hiatus I was psyched she finally had a new release. Alas, it is populated by 100% awful characters and revolves around a soapbox about homelessness, without a sufficiently fast-paced or twisty mystery to make up for it. Still compelling enough to keep me reading to the end, and the Alaskan setting gave it an edge, but I will quickly forget this one. If you are on the fence and not an Alvarez loyalist like me, go ahead and skip it.
Side note: I listened to this on audio because my library didn't get a physical copy (narrated by Julia Knippen & Jen Zhao), which was fine performance-wise but even at 1.25x speed, the story felt too long.
The thing is, I really liked JLA's first two thrillers, and after a multi-year hiatus I was psyched she finally had a new release. Alas, it is populated by 100% awful characters and revolves around a soapbox about homelessness, without a sufficiently fast-paced or twisty mystery to make up for it. Still compelling enough to keep me reading to the end, and the Alaskan setting gave it an edge, but I will quickly forget this one. If you are on the fence and not an Alvarez loyalist like me, go ahead and skip it.
Side note: I listened to this on audio because my library didn't get a physical copy (narrated by Julia Knippen & Jen Zhao), which was fine performance-wise but even at 1.25x speed, the story felt too long.
December 28, 2025
I wasn’t expecting that ending. I couldn’t put this down! The characters were all annoying and frustrating but the writing and story kept me coming back.
August 22, 2025
I love love love Jennifer Alvarez’s characters. They are flawed and funny and smart and they make big,big mistakes. You never quite know who you can trust in her cast of characters. The Trespassers is a twisty, fast-paced story of a group of four teens in Alaska. Everything from the setting to the motives to the relationships to the outfit descriptions was a delight to read. Highly recommend.
May 16, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC! If you’re looking for an adventure-filled read that keeps you guessing, The Trespassers by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez is a fantastic pick! This gripping story takes readers into the mysterious world of a group of teens who stumble upon an abandoned, supposedly haunted lodge deep in the woods. But what starts as a spooky exploration quickly turns into a heart-racing mystery filled with secrets, danger, and unexpected twists. Alvarez masterfully captures the thrill of teenage curiosity—imagine sneaking out into the night, only to find more than you bargained for. The characters are relatable and lively, each with their own quirks and fears, which makes their journey all the more engaging. The creepy atmosphere is perfectly balanced with moments of humor and friendship, making it an exciting yet fun read. The pacing is just right, keeping me eager to turn pages, and the suspense builds steadily as they uncover clues about the lodge’s dark history. While a few plot points might seem a tad predictable, the overall vibe is exhilarating and satisfying. The Trespassers is perfect for anyone who loves teen mysteries, ghost stories, or just a good adventure with some spooky sparks flying. Definitely a 4-star read—thrilling, fun, and well worth the journey!
June 24, 2025
Loved this fun horror story! Read in one sitting. Very atmospheric, loved the characters & their backstories! Would definitely read more by this author!
May 19, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez delivers another unforgettable YA thriller with “The Trespassers”—a suspense-filled, emotionally complex story that explores friendship, betrayal, guilt, and the haunting consequences of buried secrets. Set against the stark, atmospheric backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, this story plunges you into a web of lies that refuses to stay hidden.
Finley is returning to her hometown in Alaska for the first time since the tragic death of her father—a death shrouded in mystery and deception. Once inseparable from her childhood friends Mya, River, and Eli, Finley finds herself re-entering a dynamic that has shifted in troubling ways. When a stranger crashes a Valentine’s Day party the group throws at a supposedly haunted lodge, a shocking incident occurs that forces them all into panic. What follows is a desperate attempt to cover up the truth, but the lies they've built begin to crack under pressure.
Finley is a deeply sympathetic and believable protagonist. Wracked with guilt over a horrifying accident involving an unhoused man, she wrestles with the weight of her decisions, even as she’s manipulated by those she once trusted. Her grief and confusion are palpable, especially as she slowly uncovers a long-held secret surrounding her father’s death—one her friends have been hiding for years. Mya, in particular, emerges as a compelling but unreliable character. Her willingness to protect the group at Finley’s expense highlights the blurred lines between loyalty and self-preservation.
Alvarez expertly balances fast-paced thrills with meaningful emotional stakes. The story unfolds in short, punchy chapters that keep the tension sky-high. Twists arrive with regularity, yet never feel cheap. Instead, each reveal deepens the mystery and intensifies the stakes, especially as the teens navigate legal troubles, splintering trust, and their own inner demons.
Themes of homelessness, trauma, and cycles of abuse give the story depth beyond its pulse-pounding surface. Alvarez doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of her characters’ choices, and the moral ambiguity adds weight to the final twist—an unexpected revelation about the unhoused man and Finley's dad that shifts the entire narrative in a powerful way. The ending is both tragic and redemptive, giving each character the chance to face the truth and find some measure of closure.
And then there’s the setting - icy, remote Alaska, which Alvarez uses to stunning effect. It adds not just atmosphere but an emotional chill that seeps into every scene. Much like she did with nature in her previous thrillers, Alvarez makes the landscape a silent, menacing character of its own.
Overall, “The Trespassers” is a razor-sharp, emotionally resonant thriller packed with tension, twists, and the emotional wreckage of long-held secrets. Alvarez proves yet again that she’s a master of teen suspense, delivering a story as thoughtful as it is terrifying. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers, survival stories, and twisty tales about loyalty, guilt, and the lies we tell to protect the people we love.
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez delivers another unforgettable YA thriller with “The Trespassers”—a suspense-filled, emotionally complex story that explores friendship, betrayal, guilt, and the haunting consequences of buried secrets. Set against the stark, atmospheric backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, this story plunges you into a web of lies that refuses to stay hidden.
Finley is returning to her hometown in Alaska for the first time since the tragic death of her father—a death shrouded in mystery and deception. Once inseparable from her childhood friends Mya, River, and Eli, Finley finds herself re-entering a dynamic that has shifted in troubling ways. When a stranger crashes a Valentine’s Day party the group throws at a supposedly haunted lodge, a shocking incident occurs that forces them all into panic. What follows is a desperate attempt to cover up the truth, but the lies they've built begin to crack under pressure.
Finley is a deeply sympathetic and believable protagonist. Wracked with guilt over a horrifying accident involving an unhoused man, she wrestles with the weight of her decisions, even as she’s manipulated by those she once trusted. Her grief and confusion are palpable, especially as she slowly uncovers a long-held secret surrounding her father’s death—one her friends have been hiding for years. Mya, in particular, emerges as a compelling but unreliable character. Her willingness to protect the group at Finley’s expense highlights the blurred lines between loyalty and self-preservation.
Alvarez expertly balances fast-paced thrills with meaningful emotional stakes. The story unfolds in short, punchy chapters that keep the tension sky-high. Twists arrive with regularity, yet never feel cheap. Instead, each reveal deepens the mystery and intensifies the stakes, especially as the teens navigate legal troubles, splintering trust, and their own inner demons.
Themes of homelessness, trauma, and cycles of abuse give the story depth beyond its pulse-pounding surface. Alvarez doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of her characters’ choices, and the moral ambiguity adds weight to the final twist—an unexpected revelation about the unhoused man and Finley's dad that shifts the entire narrative in a powerful way. The ending is both tragic and redemptive, giving each character the chance to face the truth and find some measure of closure.
And then there’s the setting - icy, remote Alaska, which Alvarez uses to stunning effect. It adds not just atmosphere but an emotional chill that seeps into every scene. Much like she did with nature in her previous thrillers, Alvarez makes the landscape a silent, menacing character of its own.
Overall, “The Trespassers” is a razor-sharp, emotionally resonant thriller packed with tension, twists, and the emotional wreckage of long-held secrets. Alvarez proves yet again that she’s a master of teen suspense, delivering a story as thoughtful as it is terrifying. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers, survival stories, and twisty tales about loyalty, guilt, and the lies we tell to protect the people we love.
January 18, 2026
Finley has moved back to Anchorage, Alaska after four years of healthy, sunny life in LA. She and her mom left years ago after a tragic dispute left both her father and her best friend’s father dead. But now Finley has inherited her grandmother’s home and car and she’s back in Anchorage with Eli, Mya, and River, her close-knit friend group that’s insular to the point of being compared to the Cullens from Twilight. They are all seniors in high school and Finley has her eye on college, but her friends waste no time getting her off track. Soon Finley is skipping school, partying, and even contemplating a relationship with her best friend River. Then a party in a new development’s empty model home gets out of control and an unhoused man who was hiding out there attacks the teens. What follows is a nightmare – the man goes missing, Finley is blamed for his disappearance and possible murder, and the teens’ friendship begins to fracture under the weight of their secrets. Local protests about the abuse of unhoused individuals and the lack of affordable housing in Anchorage erupt and threaten to hit the national news. Finley feels especially distraught because she and her mother struggled with homelessness for a while in Los Angeles.
Most chapters are from Finley’s first person point of view, but occasional chapters are third person from Mya’s perspective. The reader knows before Finley that her friends are not being completely honest with her, but the ultimate twists in the plot line don’t appear until the final pages. Most characters are white, but Eli’s last name indicates he is native Alaskan. The pacing is very quick and the plot never lets up. I read this in just one day. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Most chapters are from Finley’s first person point of view, but occasional chapters are third person from Mya’s perspective. The reader knows before Finley that her friends are not being completely honest with her, but the ultimate twists in the plot line don’t appear until the final pages. Most characters are white, but Eli’s last name indicates he is native Alaskan. The pacing is very quick and the plot never lets up. I read this in just one day. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
June 7, 2025
I really wish I could give this a 3.5 cause for me that’s really kind of where it landed. I really liked the concept of the story. Finley returns home to Alaska after being in LA and has to reunite with her old best friends who were There when her father committed murder. But what she is quickly realizing is that old friends don’t always mean good friends, and that while she may have changed and grown, it’s not entirely clear whether they have. As the book progresses, you realize that everybody has secrets from each other, and from themselves, and then once those secrets come out, nobody’s life is going to be the same. Everybody in this book is a little morally gray and it’s not we’ll clear who you should feel badly for. There was a lot of interesting commentary around on how people and how they are treated in this world and how that needs to change. For me the downside of this book was I just thought it was too long. There was a lot of alluding to things, but it took a really long time to get there and I think that if it had been shorter, we would’ve gotten there quicker with the same payoff
December 12, 2025
Thank you to Jennifer, NetGalley, and Delacorte Press for the e-arc of The Trespassers in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, the premise of the book was good, but it had some moments where it fell flat for me. I felt like it had a slower start and then had moments throughout the story that moved slow. Which isn’t necessarily what I’m looking for in a thriller. I recognize this one is YA though so that could be why it had moments of moving slower.
I enjoyed the setting and loved the atmosphere that is being set in Alaska created. I enjoyed the tension built with the pivotal event of the story and drama storyline between the friends. However, I found the characters to all be a little flat and wanted a little more from them.
Overall, the book is a decent YA thriller and would still recommend people read it. There are moments where it is fast-paced and it has a good amount of suspense built!
Overall, the premise of the book was good, but it had some moments where it fell flat for me. I felt like it had a slower start and then had moments throughout the story that moved slow. Which isn’t necessarily what I’m looking for in a thriller. I recognize this one is YA though so that could be why it had moments of moving slower.
I enjoyed the setting and loved the atmosphere that is being set in Alaska created. I enjoyed the tension built with the pivotal event of the story and drama storyline between the friends. However, I found the characters to all be a little flat and wanted a little more from them.
Overall, the book is a decent YA thriller and would still recommend people read it. There are moments where it is fast-paced and it has a good amount of suspense built!
January 1, 2026
I absolutely loved that The Trespassers is set in Alaska. Placing the novel during Alaska’s long, dark winter months added an extra layer of eeriness and tension that made the atmosphere feel cold, isolated, and unsettling. Finley has just moved back to Alaska during the final months of her senior year hoping to settle back into a life she once knew. She reconnects with her old friend group (Eli, Mya, and River) and quickly falls back into familiar but destructive habits including partying, drinking, and using drugs.
On Valentine’s night, the group throws a party at Mya’s mom’s spec house unaware that the evening will end in tragedy. What begins as a reckless night spirals into something far darker, shattering their friend group when the night turns deadly. In the aftermath, Finley is forced to confront uncomfortable truths as she begins uncovering secrets from both the past and the present. She realizes that the people she trusted most may not be who she thought they were.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.
On Valentine’s night, the group throws a party at Mya’s mom’s spec house unaware that the evening will end in tragedy. What begins as a reckless night spirals into something far darker, shattering their friend group when the night turns deadly. In the aftermath, Finley is forced to confront uncomfortable truths as she begins uncovering secrets from both the past and the present. She realizes that the people she trusted most may not be who she thought they were.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.
December 14, 2025
I really liked reading this book, because it had a great story to it. I was interested in continuing it each day & anxiously wondering what would happen in the end. The dynamics between the group of friends was a bit tricky to say the least. On one hand there was the connection with Finley & River, while on the other hand, the story showed the vibes between Eli & Mya. Overall, the book had me intrigued as to how everything would play out from the well kept secrets between them. I would recommend this book to someone that is looking for a good YA thriller, with a theme of dark secrets & friendship betrayal.
April 8, 2025
Another tense and twisty hit! With The Trespassers, Jennifer establishes herself as your go-to thriller read when the tension and mystery revolves involves a group of friends, secrets, lies and murder! And just as she did with the forest in LIES LIKE WILDFIRE and the coast with FRIENDS LIKE THESE, Jennifer uses setting as almost another character, this time frosting each tense moment with the chilly Alaskan setting. You will not want to miss this one! (I was offered an advanced reading in exchange for an honest review.)
May 5, 2025
She's done it again. A web of lies, questionable friendships, and twisted secrets that come alive in the woods.
Alvarez takes us on a suspenseful journey with The Trespassers that had me gasping aloud with every secret uncovered. Alvarez digs into the damage we do for the people we love and the lies we tell to survive.
Intense, nerve-wracking and heart-pounding in all of the best ways, with deeper storylines about abuse cycles, homelessness and guilt — Alvarez writes fear like it’s second nature.
Alvarez takes us on a suspenseful journey with The Trespassers that had me gasping aloud with every secret uncovered. Alvarez digs into the damage we do for the people we love and the lies we tell to survive.
Intense, nerve-wracking and heart-pounding in all of the best ways, with deeper storylines about abuse cycles, homelessness and guilt — Alvarez writes fear like it’s second nature.
October 13, 2025
YA
The Trespassers follows four best friends where one night will change them forever and reveal secrets meant to be kept buried. Finley, Ely, Mya and River have been friends forever. They decide to skip the Valentines Day dance to have a private party in a show home owned by Mya's mom. What starts as fun erupts in chaos as Finley discovers a homeless man in the house. She pushes him away and down the stairs. The decisions that follow keep you on the edge of your seat guessing what really happened, who is lying and what the heck the secret from the past is! Great fast paced read!
The Trespassers follows four best friends where one night will change them forever and reveal secrets meant to be kept buried. Finley, Ely, Mya and River have been friends forever. They decide to skip the Valentines Day dance to have a private party in a show home owned by Mya's mom. What starts as fun erupts in chaos as Finley discovers a homeless man in the house. She pushes him away and down the stairs. The decisions that follow keep you on the edge of your seat guessing what really happened, who is lying and what the heck the secret from the past is! Great fast paced read!
October 31, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jennifer Lynn Alvarez for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Trespassers coming out October 28, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It wasn’t quite what I thought I’d be. I wasn’t into the characters and story as I thought I would be. Some of the themes were a surprise. I would check out other books by this author.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It wasn’t quite what I thought I’d be. I wasn’t into the characters and story as I thought I would be. Some of the themes were a surprise. I would check out other books by this author.
November 10, 2025
The crime and drama angle is quite interesting and unique, and my rating would probably be 3,5/5 if it wasn't for the protagonists. What an insufferable bunch of teens. Finley can't stop whining. Mya can't stop decide for everyone what's best for them, gaslighting if necessary. Eli can't keep his pants on. And River has no spine whatsoever. Granted, there's a redemption arc, but sadly not much room for character development. Plus, some of the "revelatory truths" were really easy to guess.
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