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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
About the author
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
13 books531 followersJennifer Lynn Alvarez is an award-winning novelist, writing books for adults, teens, and children. THE MISSING SEASON is her adult debut. Her pacy, cinematic stories have been translated across the globe and optioned for television. LIES LIKE WILDFIRE is her award-winning thriller, inspired by the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Sonoma County and based on personal experience. She earned her degree in English Literature from UC Berkeley and volunteers for SCBWI. Jennifer currently lives in the Nashville area with her husband and a cat with a misspelled name. Find her at jenniferlynnalvarez.com, Facebook, and Instagram.
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 63 reviews
November 7, 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
November 24, 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!!!
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.
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.
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!
June 27, 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.
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.
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.
June 1, 2026
Content warnings: death, murder, death of a parent (in the past, flashbacks), drug use, mental health, bullying, child abuse, stalking, gaslighting, blood.
3.5 stars
I read this weeks ago and I have forgotten a lot of the details other than the fact that it's set in Alaska and it's something of a second chance story, except with a friendship group and also things go horribly wrong. The Alaskan setting worked well, and I appreciated the discussions of homelessness and people turning to drugs out of desperation. And yet the crime aspect of it was kind of...forgettable.
3.5 stars
I read this weeks ago and I have forgotten a lot of the details other than the fact that it's set in Alaska and it's something of a second chance story, except with a friendship group and also things go horribly wrong. The Alaskan setting worked well, and I appreciated the discussions of homelessness and people turning to drugs out of desperation. And yet the crime aspect of it was kind of...forgettable.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
May 6, 2026
Honestly speaking, I bought this book because I was attracted to the word "Trespassers" and the beautiful dark green cover! I just put that book in my arms at the bookstore without knowing if this author is for me as I have never attempted any of her books before. To my pleasant surprise, I actually enjoyed the writing of this author very much and I felt the reading was really smooth along the way. It is not a ground breaking thriller but I liked it very much somehow. I found it compelling and highly enjoyable. I got hooked from the start until the end. This will not be the first and last book I am going to read by this author. Do give a try to this author's works if you have not try any of them before.
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.
February 25, 2026
Finley moves back to the Alaska town that she grew up in and falls back into the same friends that she used to constantly get in trouble with. She's missing her straight and narrow friends back in California, but decides that she has changed, her friends in Alaska sure have too, right? But after a Valentines Day party gone wrong Finley is quickly realizing that perhaps nothing has changed, no one actually trusts her, they're all lying to her, and she may be able have a life in Alaska after this after all. Even though Finley tries to do the right thing it seems to lead her into worse trouble, and when the police knock on her door, she isn't sure if she should try to protect herself, or her supposed friends. To top it all off the entire reason they left Alaska in the first place may have been a lie, yet again another lies her friends may have been keeping from her...
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!
January 13, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
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.
September 14, 2026
It was interesting, but the entire thing could have been avoided if they had just told the police right away. It was very frustrating. And it really really annoyed me that Finley was on his side the entire time. He is the one who attacked her and River and pulled out her hair! Of COURSE she would defend herself! It made me so so annoyed that Finley kept blaming herself and making out Jason Walker to be the good guy in that situation. He’s the one who attacked them FIRST!
Mya was annoying too because she kept peer pressuring Finley into staying silent.
I also found the entire media thing extremely unrealistic. I don’t think the media would have ever been on Jason’s side in the real world. I understand that this book was advocating for the rights of homeless people— this was a very obvious theme ever since we found out Jason may be homeless—but I really really really don’t think the media would be on some random homeless dude’s side. I think they would have accused him of being a druggie who r*ped her, like they did later on in the book.
I am all for the message of the story that homeless people shouldn’t be treated horribly, I just think the way that message was conveyed wasn’t realistic. I also liked the message of telling the truth and being honest.
I was upset that Finley didn’t forgive River at the end. I would understand not forgiving him for the hiding Jason’s body thing, but I don’t know why she didn’t forgive him for killing his dad. Anyway, I was sad their relationship didn’t continue at the end. And for some reason, I really liked Eli and Mya’s secret relationship and thought it was very cute. Even though Mya wasn’t a good friend or good person, I was proud of her for sacrificing herself to save Finley and was sad when she died.
I was also very surprised at the plot twist of River having killed his father, and that he was the one who hid the body. That plot twist added an extra star.
I also really liked how Finley’s California friends were always there for her and encouraged her to be good.
All in all, this was a mid book. I liked it and it kept me going, but there were a lot of elements that annoyed me. I really liked the descriptions of Alaska, though, and can tell the author grew up there.
Mya was annoying too because she kept peer pressuring Finley into staying silent.
I also found the entire media thing extremely unrealistic. I don’t think the media would have ever been on Jason’s side in the real world. I understand that this book was advocating for the rights of homeless people— this was a very obvious theme ever since we found out Jason may be homeless—but I really really really don’t think the media would be on some random homeless dude’s side. I think they would have accused him of being a druggie who r*ped her, like they did later on in the book.
I am all for the message of the story that homeless people shouldn’t be treated horribly, I just think the way that message was conveyed wasn’t realistic. I also liked the message of telling the truth and being honest.
I was upset that Finley didn’t forgive River at the end. I would understand not forgiving him for the hiding Jason’s body thing, but I don’t know why she didn’t forgive him for killing his dad. Anyway, I was sad their relationship didn’t continue at the end. And for some reason, I really liked Eli and Mya’s secret relationship and thought it was very cute. Even though Mya wasn’t a good friend or good person, I was proud of her for sacrificing herself to save Finley and was sad when she died.
I was also very surprised at the plot twist of River having killed his father, and that he was the one who hid the body. That plot twist added an extra star.
I also really liked how Finley’s California friends were always there for her and encouraged her to be good.
All in all, this was a mid book. I liked it and it kept me going, but there were a lot of elements that annoyed me. I really liked the descriptions of Alaska, though, and can tell the author grew up there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2026
“I close my eyes and transport backward, to days that were drenched in adventure and dripping with laughter, days when we believed in magic – when our stuffed animals could speak, kisses were gross, and growing up felt optional — days when our fathers were alive and our families formed a community. We can’t go home again, not the way it was, not ever. My jumbled feelings unravel with a soft breath.
But I can move forward.
The days are getting longer, the snow is melting, and good memories of camping, swimming, and fishing with my father fill the dark spaces of my past. My childhood is behind me; but so are its secrets.”
Wrong place, wrong time, wrong people.
❄️🔒🌲
Chekhov’s 3-Second Auger was fucking cinema I’m being so serious
Kinda like the Avatar trilogy in that the first YA thriller was fire (in more ways than one lol), the second one was still good but kinda the first one again, and this one was a mix of the two.
Although that’s not to complain. And while there are three things apparent as Alvarez’s MO when it comes to YA thrillers (group of teens, a mistake they bury else they face legal trouble that snowballs, and a missing person), this time the missing person was not a member of the group of teens.
I spent most of this book feeling fiery anger at Mya for manipulating Finley and for guilt-tripping her, but the ending just completely stole all that away from me. God-damn redemption arcs, they will never not be the way to my heart. Also, definitely Cookie is the one responsible for it all, not her impressionable 17-year old kid.
AND THE FACT THAT THE LAST THOUGHT MYA EVER HAD WAS REALISING THAT SHE LOVED ELI BECAUSE HE CAME TO SAVE HER WITH THE THREE-SECOND AUGER?? “Please be okay, baby, I love you.” I’M SICK
I also LOVE the parallels with the teenagers and their parents, how Finley and Mya are exactly the same as Terry and Cookie.
I see a lot of myself in my mother, and a lot of my friends in their mothers. Thankfully though, none of us are legal liars ;j
WAIT I almost starting crying at this on pages 181-182:
“I grip my cup to keep my hands from trembling. ‘I told you I’m sorry.’ My heart cracks and I slide to the floor. My mum slides down too, and collects me in her arms. I release all my stress and worries into her embrace, sobbing and sniffling. Why didn’t I call her? I’m eighteen, but she’s my mother; she’ll always be my mother – the one I can trust the most, the one who will do anything to help me.”
A few days ago I just read this book for a few hours ‘cuz it was so good, and I was just lazing in my mum’s bed while I did, while she was doing her own thing on her phone and then napping. And I read this part, and I looked at her snoozing next to me and smiled. I’m so so privileged to have the family I do, and the mother I have; I know there are far too many people who aren’t as lucky.
I love the character of Brady too, that he didn’t want revenge on the reckless teens who got his brother killed, he just wanted them to honestly, earnestly do better. AND CLODAGH THE MVP ‼️
So many bad things happened in quick succession but somehow Princess Fiona the moose of Anchorage getting hit by a truck and put down was the hardest blow
A bittersweet ending that reminds me very much of Six Must Die. A good and fun read overall, and I honestly think I’d be happy if Ms Alvarez kept writing YA Thrillers like these for the rest of her life, because they don’t feel repetitive or predictable.
AND THANK YOU TO MY (NEW!!! LOCAL!!!!) BOOKSTORE FOR SHOPPING THIS AMERICAN BOOK TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER IN TEN DAYS!!!! 🫶🏻
Forgot to add I also love that Olivia and Imani were actual good friends AND that each of these thrillers instil such dread in me, they make the threat of legal repercussions so daunting!
But I can move forward.
The days are getting longer, the snow is melting, and good memories of camping, swimming, and fishing with my father fill the dark spaces of my past. My childhood is behind me; but so are its secrets.”
Wrong place, wrong time, wrong people.
❄️🔒🌲
Chekhov’s 3-Second Auger was fucking cinema I’m being so serious
Kinda like the Avatar trilogy in that the first YA thriller was fire (in more ways than one lol), the second one was still good but kinda the first one again, and this one was a mix of the two.
Although that’s not to complain. And while there are three things apparent as Alvarez’s MO when it comes to YA thrillers (group of teens, a mistake they bury else they face legal trouble that snowballs, and a missing person), this time the missing person was not a member of the group of teens.
I spent most of this book feeling fiery anger at Mya for manipulating Finley and for guilt-tripping her, but the ending just completely stole all that away from me. God-damn redemption arcs, they will never not be the way to my heart. Also, definitely Cookie is the one responsible for it all, not her impressionable 17-year old kid.
AND THE FACT THAT THE LAST THOUGHT MYA EVER HAD WAS REALISING THAT SHE LOVED ELI BECAUSE HE CAME TO SAVE HER WITH THE THREE-SECOND AUGER?? “Please be okay, baby, I love you.” I’M SICK
I also LOVE the parallels with the teenagers and their parents, how Finley and Mya are exactly the same as Terry and Cookie.
I see a lot of myself in my mother, and a lot of my friends in their mothers. Thankfully though, none of us are legal liars ;j
WAIT I almost starting crying at this on pages 181-182:
“I grip my cup to keep my hands from trembling. ‘I told you I’m sorry.’ My heart cracks and I slide to the floor. My mum slides down too, and collects me in her arms. I release all my stress and worries into her embrace, sobbing and sniffling. Why didn’t I call her? I’m eighteen, but she’s my mother; she’ll always be my mother – the one I can trust the most, the one who will do anything to help me.”
A few days ago I just read this book for a few hours ‘cuz it was so good, and I was just lazing in my mum’s bed while I did, while she was doing her own thing on her phone and then napping. And I read this part, and I looked at her snoozing next to me and smiled. I’m so so privileged to have the family I do, and the mother I have; I know there are far too many people who aren’t as lucky.
I love the character of Brady too, that he didn’t want revenge on the reckless teens who got his brother killed, he just wanted them to honestly, earnestly do better. AND CLODAGH THE MVP ‼️
So many bad things happened in quick succession but somehow Princess Fiona the moose of Anchorage getting hit by a truck and put down was the hardest blow
A bittersweet ending that reminds me very much of Six Must Die. A good and fun read overall, and I honestly think I’d be happy if Ms Alvarez kept writing YA Thrillers like these for the rest of her life, because they don’t feel repetitive or predictable.
AND THANK YOU TO MY (NEW!!! LOCAL!!!!) BOOKSTORE FOR SHOPPING THIS AMERICAN BOOK TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER IN TEN DAYS!!!! 🫶🏻
Forgot to add I also love that Olivia and Imani were actual good friends AND that each of these thrillers instil such dread in me, they make the threat of legal repercussions so daunting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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...
May 30, 2026
The main character was annoying. Like I get it, your friends are terrible influences, but GROW A SPINE. Literally half the book wouldn't have happened if she would've stuck up for herself. On the other hand, if she listened to them about Jason Walker, she wouldn't have gotten arrested or even suspected for at all or even just for a very long time. She even talks about how she is super easily influenced by the people around her but does NOTHING to change it. Her grades are basically shot at the end of the book because she just gives up on school, so even though she was found not guilty, her chances at a good future are gone. Additionally, she just immediately goes back into the friend group even though they are terrible influences and gets into a relationship with River within two seconds of seeing him. This book was okay, but again, Finley was SUPER annoying to me.
Also, they were stupid to think they could get away with murder, I've literally read enough and watched enough things to know dumping a body in a ditch or the body "walking" away is not the best way to get away with murder. It's literally Alaska-someone says something along the lines of "missing bodies always turn up when the ice melts" that would've at least been more plausible than River sticking him in a ditch. Have they never seen a cop show???
Finley spends 95% of this book acting immature and annoying as heck. Eli literally threatens her not to reveal that she was involved-the general toxicity of this book between characters made me want to stop reading. Unfortunately, I finished it. BIG MISTAKE.
Also, they were stupid to think they could get away with murder, I've literally read enough and watched enough things to know dumping a body in a ditch or the body "walking" away is not the best way to get away with murder. It's literally Alaska-someone says something along the lines of "missing bodies always turn up when the ice melts" that would've at least been more plausible than River sticking him in a ditch. Have they never seen a cop show???
Finley spends 95% of this book acting immature and annoying as heck. Eli literally threatens her not to reveal that she was involved-the general toxicity of this book between characters made me want to stop reading. Unfortunately, I finished it. BIG MISTAKE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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
September 5, 2026
When I first started this one, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. It just didn’t catch my attention, and I debated DNFing it. I am so glad that I didn’t!
The second half of the book was so much better than the slow beginning. When the police were involved, the tension was amped up. Finley and Mya were both panicking and trying to figure out how to fix things and everything was going down so quickly. The ending was insane and I was left in shock by some of the characters’ actions. I did call the twists and reveals earlier on, but seeing Finley learn the truth was kind of heartbreaking.
The writing style and the pacing were decent. I did find the book slower and clunkier at the beginning, but it found its footing in the middle and I thought it finished on a good note. I liked that Finley’s POV was first person and Mya’s was third person. It was an interesting distinction between the chapters. I didn’t love the way Mya constantly talked around the secrets she was keeping. One or two mentions is fine, but it was almost every chapter that she referenced these secrets without actually telling the audience anything. This is because these later become the dramatic reveal for Finley.
The second half of the book was so much better than the slow beginning. When the police were involved, the tension was amped up. Finley and Mya were both panicking and trying to figure out how to fix things and everything was going down so quickly. The ending was insane and I was left in shock by some of the characters’ actions. I did call the twists and reveals earlier on, but seeing Finley learn the truth was kind of heartbreaking.
The writing style and the pacing were decent. I did find the book slower and clunkier at the beginning, but it found its footing in the middle and I thought it finished on a good note. I liked that Finley’s POV was first person and Mya’s was third person. It was an interesting distinction between the chapters. I didn’t love the way Mya constantly talked around the secrets she was keeping. One or two mentions is fine, but it was almost every chapter that she referenced these secrets without actually telling the audience anything. This is because these later become the dramatic reveal for Finley.
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!
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