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What Lies Beneath the Flowers
Two best friends set out to find a missing socialite in the hopes of claiming a hefty reward. But what happens when their investigation forces them to question both their morals and their friendship, in this twisty modern retelling of the classic novel Great Expectations?
It-girl Estella Aubergine is everything Pippa and Bidi are wealthy, popular, influential—missing. But all that could change. Once they find Estella and collect the life-changing reward money her reclusive mother is offering, the overdue bills on Pippa’s family deli will be paid off and Bidi’s summer internship rejections will turn into yeses. They’ll be local celebrities.
Stepping into Estella’s upper-class world to get answers requires navigating razor-sharp compliments and airbrushed lies from Estella’s snobbish friends at Beaumont Academy. Even the administrators at the prestigious school seem to know more than they let on.
The further Pippa and Bidi dig, the more they begin to question themselves, their, futures, and their own friendship. And as each day passes with no solid leads about Estella’s disappearance, the girls hold onto one the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
It-girl Estella Aubergine is everything Pippa and Bidi are wealthy, popular, influential—missing. But all that could change. Once they find Estella and collect the life-changing reward money her reclusive mother is offering, the overdue bills on Pippa’s family deli will be paid off and Bidi’s summer internship rejections will turn into yeses. They’ll be local celebrities.
Stepping into Estella’s upper-class world to get answers requires navigating razor-sharp compliments and airbrushed lies from Estella’s snobbish friends at Beaumont Academy. Even the administrators at the prestigious school seem to know more than they let on.
The further Pippa and Bidi dig, the more they begin to question themselves, their, futures, and their own friendship. And as each day passes with no solid leads about Estella’s disappearance, the girls hold onto one the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Hardcover
First published July 14, 2026
About the author
Natasha Diaz
6 books226 followersNatasha Díaz is an award winning author and screenwriter currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. Natasha’s scripts have been developed at FX and Disney. Her essays can be found in The Establishment and Huffington Post. She is an anthology contributor to Wild Tongues Can’t be Tamed, For the Rest of us, and instant USA Today bestselling Black Girl power. Natasha coauthored two novels told in stories, The Grimoire of Grave Fates and House Party. Her debut novel, Color Me In is available wherever books are sold and her sophomore novel, What Lies Beneath the Flowers is out summer 2026.
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Did Not Finish
August 23, 2026dnf , rtc
July 7, 2026
3 Stars
I'm conflicted on this review, because there were parts of this book that I adored and parts of it that I hated. But I guess a book based on Dickens couldn't really go any other way for me, right? I did like the Dickensian flavor that this book captures while absolutely, definitely being a product of the 2020s. It's a book full whimsical characters and the plight of poverty mixed with some social commentary mixed in that has the flavor of Dickens while being updated for the concerns of 2026. And I loved that. But there were times the fun characters were too fun, over-the-top in a way that just didn't work for me. And as much as I liked the complex relationship dynamics underpinning this book, I just never connected with them. I felt like I was perpetually one step behind but not in a fun, investigation sort of way. I was one step behind in understanding the characters, so I was always just a little bit lost or disconnected. And that's a real shame.
Anyway, a hard book for me to review because the bones are there, and they're so good. I'm just not quite sure the execution did it justice. But there's more to dig into here, and all of that will be available over at Gateway Reviews on July 17, 2026. Stop by if you feel so inclined! Just because it wasn't quite for me doesn't mean it won't be another reader's favorite book this year.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
I'm conflicted on this review, because there were parts of this book that I adored and parts of it that I hated. But I guess a book based on Dickens couldn't really go any other way for me, right? I did like the Dickensian flavor that this book captures while absolutely, definitely being a product of the 2020s. It's a book full whimsical characters and the plight of poverty mixed with some social commentary mixed in that has the flavor of Dickens while being updated for the concerns of 2026. And I loved that. But there were times the fun characters were too fun, over-the-top in a way that just didn't work for me. And as much as I liked the complex relationship dynamics underpinning this book, I just never connected with them. I felt like I was perpetually one step behind but not in a fun, investigation sort of way. I was one step behind in understanding the characters, so I was always just a little bit lost or disconnected. And that's a real shame.
Anyway, a hard book for me to review because the bones are there, and they're so good. I'm just not quite sure the execution did it justice. But there's more to dig into here, and all of that will be available over at Gateway Reviews on July 17, 2026. Stop by if you feel so inclined! Just because it wasn't quite for me doesn't mean it won't be another reader's favorite book this year.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
July 19, 2026
Bidi and Pippa could have never imagined what they were getting themselves into in their quest to find Estella Aubergine after she goes missing. There is a lot at stake for both of them, including the hefty cash prize, but the weight of secrets and the truth finally coming to light raises the stakes even higher.
“But lies, like gardens, are easily plucked if you know where to look.”
Everyone in this story seemed like they had something to hide. I was rooting for Bidi and Pippa’s success the entire time even after their friendship came to a head.
What a clever and cunning title that fits perfectly, embodying the novel’s themes of buried secrets, deception, and the consequences of the truth.
The way the story came together had me in shocked and things continued to be twisty all the way up to the final pages.
If you enjoy YA mystery thrillers with twists, then I definitely recommend What Lies Beneath The Flowers by Natasha Díaz.
“But lies, like gardens, are easily plucked if you know where to look.”
Everyone in this story seemed like they had something to hide. I was rooting for Bidi and Pippa’s success the entire time even after their friendship came to a head.
What a clever and cunning title that fits perfectly, embodying the novel’s themes of buried secrets, deception, and the consequences of the truth.
The way the story came together had me in shocked and things continued to be twisty all the way up to the final pages.
If you enjoy YA mystery thrillers with twists, then I definitely recommend What Lies Beneath The Flowers by Natasha Díaz.
June 3, 2026
A fast paced great read! Pippa and Bidi are on the hunt for a missing socialite for the reward money. They have bumps and I’m sure some bruises while trying to find out what happened and where could Estella be. A fun read that I definitely recommend to all ages. Happy reading!
I received from Netgalley as an ARC
I received from Netgalley as an ARC
November 3, 2026
TW: alcoholism, child abandonment, drugging
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher which does not influence my review.
Natasha Díaz’s What Lies Beneath the Flowers is a YA mystery that explores the ties that you are born with and the ones you choose. Pippa and her aunt are struggling to survive off their small corner shop. The neighborhood is ever-evolving and often leaves long-term local residents with little options. Her best friend Bidi is struggling under all the responsibilities that have been placed on her shoulders. She doesn’t exactly have a choice in the matter because at the end of the day, someone has to clean up the messes left by others. When local It Girl, Estella Aubergine, goes missing, Pippa convinces herself that finding the truth and collecting the reward money would help her stay in San Francisco for good. But Estella and her people are from a different world where the people will do anything to protect their image, their wealth, and their carefully guarded secrets. Infiltrating this world may bring Pippa and Bidi closer to the truth, but it also will test their friendship and bring them into the crosshairs of the culprit.
Pippa and Bidi have been best friends for years, but they navigate the world very differently. Pippa expresses herself through her art. She is a free thinker who believes grabbing a hold of any opportunity before it slips through your fingers. This often means she runs into things without considering the consequences. She’s spent so much of her life feeling unwanted and wants to succeed on her own merits, but is still dealing with her mother’s abandonment and how that has shaped her as a person. Unlike Pippa, Bidi is a planner. She intends to run for local government as soon as she turns eighteen. She is devoted to her community and believes in improving conditions for those around her. She is ambitious and driven, and often takes on too much. She believes community should come before all else and sometimes this blinds her. Both characters are equally stubborn, much to the detriment of themselves and their investigation. Much of the story puts these two characters at odds with one another and I would have liked to have seen them working together more as I believe their strengths and weaknesses are better balanced when they are together. But knowing someone inside and out can also be a double edge sword. It means Pippa and Bidi never have to explain themselves to each other, but it also means they know the things each of them tries to keep hidden from the world and even sometimes themselves.
What Lies Beneath the Flowers by Natasha Díaz is full of twists and turns as these two girls find themselves butting heads with duplicitous people, digging up long-buried secrets, and dodging dangerous people.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher which does not influence my review.
Natasha Díaz’s What Lies Beneath the Flowers is a YA mystery that explores the ties that you are born with and the ones you choose. Pippa and her aunt are struggling to survive off their small corner shop. The neighborhood is ever-evolving and often leaves long-term local residents with little options. Her best friend Bidi is struggling under all the responsibilities that have been placed on her shoulders. She doesn’t exactly have a choice in the matter because at the end of the day, someone has to clean up the messes left by others. When local It Girl, Estella Aubergine, goes missing, Pippa convinces herself that finding the truth and collecting the reward money would help her stay in San Francisco for good. But Estella and her people are from a different world where the people will do anything to protect their image, their wealth, and their carefully guarded secrets. Infiltrating this world may bring Pippa and Bidi closer to the truth, but it also will test their friendship and bring them into the crosshairs of the culprit.
Pippa and Bidi have been best friends for years, but they navigate the world very differently. Pippa expresses herself through her art. She is a free thinker who believes grabbing a hold of any opportunity before it slips through your fingers. This often means she runs into things without considering the consequences. She’s spent so much of her life feeling unwanted and wants to succeed on her own merits, but is still dealing with her mother’s abandonment and how that has shaped her as a person. Unlike Pippa, Bidi is a planner. She intends to run for local government as soon as she turns eighteen. She is devoted to her community and believes in improving conditions for those around her. She is ambitious and driven, and often takes on too much. She believes community should come before all else and sometimes this blinds her. Both characters are equally stubborn, much to the detriment of themselves and their investigation. Much of the story puts these two characters at odds with one another and I would have liked to have seen them working together more as I believe their strengths and weaknesses are better balanced when they are together. But knowing someone inside and out can also be a double edge sword. It means Pippa and Bidi never have to explain themselves to each other, but it also means they know the things each of them tries to keep hidden from the world and even sometimes themselves.
What Lies Beneath the Flowers by Natasha Díaz is full of twists and turns as these two girls find themselves butting heads with duplicitous people, digging up long-buried secrets, and dodging dangerous people.
Did Not Finish
July 24, 2026I was worried this might be too YA for me, and when the fmc conveniently you got into the school where the missing girl went, and the substitute librarian who has conveniently never met any of the students conveniently drops the school skeleton key on the floor and announce that’s what it is, I knew this was too YA. DNF at 21%
May 30, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I read Diaz' debut, Color Me In, and I absolutely loved it. What Lies Beneath The Flowers is very different. This is a very well executed YA mystery.
Pippa and Bidi are best friends in San Francisco, 17 year olds about to have their last summer before senior year of high school. They have goals. Then an It Girl, Estella Aubergine vanishes, in a possible kidnapping, and Pippa decides to investigate so she can get her hands on much needed reward money to save her aunt's deli.
There are some very interesting characters here, and I felt Diaz really captured teenager lingo very well. Sometimes, when reading YA, it seems like no actual Gen Z would talk like a millennial.
There's a lot of twists and secrets to be uncovered. One I sort of guessed, to an extent, but not fully fleshed out. I don't want to give anything away, but I really enjoyed the suspense. Pippa's knowledge about flowers was extraordinary. I didn't fully understand everything, particularly Estella's ex-girlfriend and her minion she called Two.
Don't miss the opportunity to read this book when it comes out July 14, 2026.
Pippa and Bidi are best friends in San Francisco, 17 year olds about to have their last summer before senior year of high school. They have goals. Then an It Girl, Estella Aubergine vanishes, in a possible kidnapping, and Pippa decides to investigate so she can get her hands on much needed reward money to save her aunt's deli.
There are some very interesting characters here, and I felt Diaz really captured teenager lingo very well. Sometimes, when reading YA, it seems like no actual Gen Z would talk like a millennial.
There's a lot of twists and secrets to be uncovered. One I sort of guessed, to an extent, but not fully fleshed out. I don't want to give anything away, but I really enjoyed the suspense. Pippa's knowledge about flowers was extraordinary. I didn't fully understand everything, particularly Estella's ex-girlfriend and her minion she called Two.
Don't miss the opportunity to read this book when it comes out July 14, 2026.
July 17, 2026
The summer read of 2026! Join best friends Bidi and Pippa solve the mystery to find teen socialite Estella Aubergine in a modern female-centered multicultural retelling of Great Expectations set in San Francisco. Aside from a much needed updated class commentary, Diaz’ poetic prose will have you cackling and gasping for air. She paints a cinematic picture ***cough—make this into a limited series Netflix**** this would also be a great update for any high school comparative lit class! Definitely more engaging and relatable than the Dickens classic. Cannot wait for more from this author! The Audiobook is also fabulous!
Did Not Finish
October 8, 2026I'm sorry, they're such pick-mes 😭
August 16, 2026
I enjoy reading YA but I tend to stick to romance so when I saw an ALC opportunity to listen to a mystery/thriller by a new to me author I jumped on it immediately!
The blurb is intriguing and I really enjoyed the narrating by Nayib Felix, Sacha Chambers, Atlanta Amado, Elsa Lepecki Bean and Ashley J. Hobbs.
I adored Pippa and Bidi and could absolutely see both their point of view if I'm being honest.
Did I forsee the mystery unravelled at the end? No, I did not. And I was pleased with that fact even though it left me a bit sorrowful.
Did I want a lil bit more romance? Yes, that is my romance reader heart but it did not take away from my reading/ listening experience.
Loved the accents, loved the description of flowers and how honeysuckle tied into the story.
Many thanks to authour Natasha Diaz for the ALC💖 All thoughts are mine.
The blurb is intriguing and I really enjoyed the narrating by Nayib Felix, Sacha Chambers, Atlanta Amado, Elsa Lepecki Bean and Ashley J. Hobbs.
I adored Pippa and Bidi and could absolutely see both their point of view if I'm being honest.
Did I forsee the mystery unravelled at the end? No, I did not. And I was pleased with that fact even though it left me a bit sorrowful.
Did I want a lil bit more romance? Yes, that is my romance reader heart but it did not take away from my reading/ listening experience.
Loved the accents, loved the description of flowers and how honeysuckle tied into the story.
Many thanks to authour Natasha Diaz for the ALC💖 All thoughts are mine.
August 11, 2026
This was an average read for me.
July 17, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up! thank you to NetGalley for this eARC
this is a solid YA mystery/thriller that aims to tackle some pretty heavy topics. it starts relatively slow as we get to know our two main characters, Bidi and Pippa, who are best friends. they are looking to make quick money by solving a local missing persons case after Pippa trespasses and sees the influencer, a teenager their age who goes to the nearby prep school, get kidnapped.
i enjoyed the plot of this book, and how lively and warm Bidi's family felt even though most of the characterization happened off of the page. however, the dialogue (although funny at times) did read like a disney channel show, which is not really my taste. this is very obviously a YA book, and there is nothing wrong with reading these as an adult, but i wish that the social commentary was less spelled out so that the reader could see for themselves the obvious class disparities.
Bidi is headstrong and opportunistic, which she has to be, but it was still bothersome to read how she was so focused on herself rather than her best friend. i felt like the relationship between Pippa and Bidi didn't feel as emotionally involved as it should have, especially when they are essentially all the other person has.
however, the book reads quickly and the prose is well-written and flowery, which fits the book so well! i think a lot of younger readers would enjoy this.
this is a solid YA mystery/thriller that aims to tackle some pretty heavy topics. it starts relatively slow as we get to know our two main characters, Bidi and Pippa, who are best friends. they are looking to make quick money by solving a local missing persons case after Pippa trespasses and sees the influencer, a teenager their age who goes to the nearby prep school, get kidnapped.
i enjoyed the plot of this book, and how lively and warm Bidi's family felt even though most of the characterization happened off of the page. however, the dialogue (although funny at times) did read like a disney channel show, which is not really my taste. this is very obviously a YA book, and there is nothing wrong with reading these as an adult, but i wish that the social commentary was less spelled out so that the reader could see for themselves the obvious class disparities.
Bidi is headstrong and opportunistic, which she has to be, but it was still bothersome to read how she was so focused on herself rather than her best friend. i felt like the relationship between Pippa and Bidi didn't feel as emotionally involved as it should have, especially when they are essentially all the other person has.
however, the book reads quickly and the prose is well-written and flowery, which fits the book so well! i think a lot of younger readers would enjoy this.
July 30, 2026
A slow start but a ton of twists and turns. Well written.
July 15, 2026
I’ve never read great expectations so I truly had no idea what to expect going into this book. Teenagers should really not be trying to solve crimes on their own.
The main characters are both headstrong girls who don’t like taking no for an answer. I used to be called head strong and stubborn too. I know that these are character flaws that can also be great qualities in the right circumstances.
The writing was easy to read but I did feel like there was a lot of buzzwords in the books to really make it clear that these were teenage girls. I don’t know how well it will stand up to the test of time because of it but regardless I enjoyed the story and the twist at the end.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
The main characters are both headstrong girls who don’t like taking no for an answer. I used to be called head strong and stubborn too. I know that these are character flaws that can also be great qualities in the right circumstances.
The writing was easy to read but I did feel like there was a lot of buzzwords in the books to really make it clear that these were teenage girls. I don’t know how well it will stand up to the test of time because of it but regardless I enjoyed the story and the twist at the end.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
July 6, 2026
The search for a missing girl in San Francisco uncovers dark secrets and tests the friendship between Pippa and Bidi.
Pippa's family's business is on the brink of failure. Bidi is an overachiever who hasn't managed to get into any of the summer internships she applied for. When socialite and local darling Estelle goes missing, Bidi and Pippa are compelled to find her. Their reasons are different, but their determination is in equal measure. While they do both truly want to find her safe, the reward money could really help... it could save the business, or help to aid Bidi's dream to be the youngest person on the city council.
They hit the ground running, but begin to butt heads pretty quickly. The more they dig, the more questions they have, and a wedge forms between them, taking their investigations in different directions. I enjoyed that their friendship and the various facets of it were such a prominent part of the story. I loved both Pippa and Bidi, both intelligent and fierce. This book really delves into family and longing for connection, and the importance of community. It highlights injustice toward marginalized people, but also demonstrates how money and influence factors into it.
This mystery that the girls find themselves at the center of is so good. It is dark and twisted, and we want to watch Bidi and Pippa bring it all crashing down. They are coming of age and looking for purpose. Both have strong morals and and love their community. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it.
Pippa's family's business is on the brink of failure. Bidi is an overachiever who hasn't managed to get into any of the summer internships she applied for. When socialite and local darling Estelle goes missing, Bidi and Pippa are compelled to find her. Their reasons are different, but their determination is in equal measure. While they do both truly want to find her safe, the reward money could really help... it could save the business, or help to aid Bidi's dream to be the youngest person on the city council.
They hit the ground running, but begin to butt heads pretty quickly. The more they dig, the more questions they have, and a wedge forms between them, taking their investigations in different directions. I enjoyed that their friendship and the various facets of it were such a prominent part of the story. I loved both Pippa and Bidi, both intelligent and fierce. This book really delves into family and longing for connection, and the importance of community. It highlights injustice toward marginalized people, but also demonstrates how money and influence factors into it.
This mystery that the girls find themselves at the center of is so good. It is dark and twisted, and we want to watch Bidi and Pippa bring it all crashing down. They are coming of age and looking for purpose. Both have strong morals and and love their community. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it.
July 11, 2026
The families of Pippa and best friend Bidi are barely scraping by in their gentrifying neighborhood so when wealthy local teen Estella disappears, finding her and claiming the reward money would be a game changer. As they investigate, they turn up corruption, betrayal, and some unexpected family but Estella remains elusive. Intriguing character work! Great Expectations homage with a dose of mystery and horror.
June 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Natasha Diaz for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What Lies Beneath the Flowers was an interesting read with a unique premise and an underlying mystery that kept me curious about how everything would unfold. The story touches on some compelling themes, and there were moments that held my attention and encouraged me to keep reading.
For me, the pacing felt slower than expected, and I had a difficult time fully connecting with the story early on.
Overall, this was a mixed reading experience. Although it didn’t completely work for me, I appreciated the author’s storytelling and can see this book finding an audience among readers who enjoy slower-paced, character-focused mysteries. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it and would be interested in trying more from this author in the future.
What Lies Beneath the Flowers was an interesting read with a unique premise and an underlying mystery that kept me curious about how everything would unfold. The story touches on some compelling themes, and there were moments that held my attention and encouraged me to keep reading.
For me, the pacing felt slower than expected, and I had a difficult time fully connecting with the story early on.
Overall, this was a mixed reading experience. Although it didn’t completely work for me, I appreciated the author’s storytelling and can see this book finding an audience among readers who enjoy slower-paced, character-focused mysteries. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it and would be interested in trying more from this author in the future.
April 8, 2026
I'm giving this book of four out of five.
I got this book from netgalley and was so excited to read it because of the description sounded great. I almost gave up on this book about a quarter of the way through. I thought the beginning was a bit too slow and was bored at first. I am so glad that I kept going and the twist was not something I expected.
I would recommend.
I got this book from netgalley and was so excited to read it because of the description sounded great. I almost gave up on this book about a quarter of the way through. I thought the beginning was a bit too slow and was bored at first. I am so glad that I kept going and the twist was not something I expected.
I would recommend.
August 12, 2026
What Lies Beneath the Flowers by Natasha Díaz is a very different kind of YA mystery. The story follows two best friends, Pippa and Bidi, who become increasingly likable as the story progresses. Told primarily through their dual perspectives, with a few additional POVs sprinkled in, we get to see each girl’s individual reasons for wanting to find Estelle, a missing teenage girl in San Francisco. Their motivations may differ, but their determination is equally strong. And while they genuinely want to bring Estelle home safely, the reward money could certainly help both of them. What begins as an attempt to find a missing girl quickly uncovers dark secrets, buried truths, and plenty of reasons to question who can be trusted.
The multiple POVs and the shifts between Then and Now add an interesting layer to the mystery, although I did find some of the chapter endings a little abrupt and occasionally confusing. The pacing was also a bit slow for me in places, but the twists, reveals, and underlying mystery kept me invested.
I also listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nayib Feliz, Sacha Chambers, Atlanta Amado, Elsa Lepecki Beach, and Ashley J. Hobbs. I really enjoyed having multiple narrators bring the different perspectives and voices to life. The full cast worked especially well with a story that moves between characters and timelines, making it easier to distinguish the different POVs and adding another layer to the unfolding mystery. The narration helped keep me engaged even during some of the slower-paced sections.
Everyone in this story seemed to have something to hide, and I loved trying to piece together what was really happening. The deeper Pippa and Bidi dig, the more they uncover about the past—and the more their friendship is tested. At its heart, this is just as much a story about friendship as it is about mystery. It explores all those complicated emotions that come with loving someone: support, resentment, loyalty, betrayal, anger, and the occasional feeling that you could just rip their hair out.
I especially loved how the story explores the secrets we keep from even our closest friends and the ways those secrets can change a relationship. Pippa and Bidi’s friendship is messy and complicated, but I found myself rooting for them the entire way, even when everything between them came to a head.
And that title? What Lies Beneath the Flowers is incredibly clever and fitting, perfectly capturing the novel’s themes of buried secrets, deception, and the consequences of uncovering the truth. The way everything ultimately came together genuinely shocked me, and the story remained twisty right up until the final pages.
While the pacing was a little slow for me, the mystery, twists, and complicated friendship at its heart ultimately made this an enjoyable read. If you enjoy YA mystery thrillers with secrets, multiple perspectives, and plenty of twists, I definitely recommend What Lies Beneath the Flowers.
If you enjoy YA mystery thrillers filled with secrets, friendship drama, and plenty of twists, I definitely recommend What Lies Beneath the Flowers by Natasha Díaz.
Natasha, thank you so much for introducing me to this amazing story and libro.fm for the audio!
The multiple POVs and the shifts between Then and Now add an interesting layer to the mystery, although I did find some of the chapter endings a little abrupt and occasionally confusing. The pacing was also a bit slow for me in places, but the twists, reveals, and underlying mystery kept me invested.
I also listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nayib Feliz, Sacha Chambers, Atlanta Amado, Elsa Lepecki Beach, and Ashley J. Hobbs. I really enjoyed having multiple narrators bring the different perspectives and voices to life. The full cast worked especially well with a story that moves between characters and timelines, making it easier to distinguish the different POVs and adding another layer to the unfolding mystery. The narration helped keep me engaged even during some of the slower-paced sections.
Everyone in this story seemed to have something to hide, and I loved trying to piece together what was really happening. The deeper Pippa and Bidi dig, the more they uncover about the past—and the more their friendship is tested. At its heart, this is just as much a story about friendship as it is about mystery. It explores all those complicated emotions that come with loving someone: support, resentment, loyalty, betrayal, anger, and the occasional feeling that you could just rip their hair out.
I especially loved how the story explores the secrets we keep from even our closest friends and the ways those secrets can change a relationship. Pippa and Bidi’s friendship is messy and complicated, but I found myself rooting for them the entire way, even when everything between them came to a head.
And that title? What Lies Beneath the Flowers is incredibly clever and fitting, perfectly capturing the novel’s themes of buried secrets, deception, and the consequences of uncovering the truth. The way everything ultimately came together genuinely shocked me, and the story remained twisty right up until the final pages.
While the pacing was a little slow for me, the mystery, twists, and complicated friendship at its heart ultimately made this an enjoyable read. If you enjoy YA mystery thrillers with secrets, multiple perspectives, and plenty of twists, I definitely recommend What Lies Beneath the Flowers.
If you enjoy YA mystery thrillers filled with secrets, friendship drama, and plenty of twists, I definitely recommend What Lies Beneath the Flowers by Natasha Díaz.
Natasha, thank you so much for introducing me to this amazing story and libro.fm for the audio!
July 12, 2026
⭐⭐⭐💫
WHAT LIES BENEATH THE FLOWERS by Natasha Diaz (July 14, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley, RHC, GetUnderlined and Delacorte for the eArc
When Estella Aubergine goes missing, Pippa and Bidi team up to find her...and collect the reward.
WHAT LIES BENEATH THE FLOWERS is a YA mystery. This is dual point-of-view story(until a few others are sprinkled in) that follows two best friends that become likeable as the story progresses. Because this is multi pov, we're able to see both girls' reasoning for wanting to find Estella; this also sets up for a bit of confusion since I found some of the chapters to end at odd spots.
I really wanted to love this one. There were a few twists throughout that were both shocking yet predictable once the lead up to the twist was on the page (Does that make sense?) I couldn't help but get stuck on a few things. Without spoiling, one thing that stuck out was how the description changed from one sentence to the next contradicting the previous thing. I know you're not supposed to quote an arc, but: "She looks small. Not small, but frail..." (Chapter 5); it kept going on and on. WHAT LIES BENEATH THE FLOWERS where something similar happened as the example (changed but in a different scenario, different character, an emotion, etc. It almost felt like a word count grab... You know? One or two things would have sufficed, but it was multiple paragraphs. "Like, like, like, like, like." Incessant, unnecessary to the story.
WHAT LIES BENEATH THE FLOWERS moves at a slower pace than I would have expected from the premise. It didn't feel as risky as searching for a missing person, especially when bl*od's involved should have. The build-up may have fell short at times, but the overall revelations almost made up for some of the things I've complained about.
WHAT LIES BENEATH THE FLOWERS by Natasha Diaz (July 14, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley, RHC, GetUnderlined and Delacorte for the eArc
When Estella Aubergine goes missing, Pippa and Bidi team up to find her...and collect the reward.
WHAT LIES BENEATH THE FLOWERS is a YA mystery. This is dual point-of-view story(until a few others are sprinkled in) that follows two best friends that become likeable as the story progresses. Because this is multi pov, we're able to see both girls' reasoning for wanting to find Estella; this also sets up for a bit of confusion since I found some of the chapters to end at odd spots.
I really wanted to love this one. There were a few twists throughout that were both shocking yet predictable once the lead up to the twist was on the page (Does that make sense?) I couldn't help but get stuck on a few things. Without spoiling, one thing that stuck out was how the description changed from one sentence to the next contradicting the previous thing. I know you're not supposed to quote an arc, but: "She looks small. Not small, but frail..." (Chapter 5); it kept going on and on. WHAT LIES BENEATH THE FLOWERS where something similar happened as the example (changed but in a different scenario, different character, an emotion, etc. It almost felt like a word count grab... You know? One or two things would have sufficed, but it was multiple paragraphs. "Like, like, like, like, like." Incessant, unnecessary to the story.
WHAT LIES BENEATH THE FLOWERS moves at a slower pace than I would have expected from the premise. It didn't feel as risky as searching for a missing person, especially when bl*od's involved should have. The build-up may have fell short at times, but the overall revelations almost made up for some of the things I've complained about.
July 5, 2026
3 stars
There's a lot to like about this new novel from Diaz. Admittedly, I found myself getting pretty wrapped up in the source material, and this distracted me from enjoying this more, I suspect.
Pippa and Bidi are in the Bay Area trying to locate Estella, a wealthy lost girl. There are few locations that offer more opportunities to highlight diverse identities, needs, and barriers, and the exploration of that complexity felt too limited: a missed opportunity. I was constantly thinking about different neighborhoods, specific interactions, and even particular events and community organizations that could have made this novel feel more authentic to the time and place and to young people actually living in this area. These characters are relatively limited in their experiences and ideas, and that is a mismatch for me with actual Bay Area teens, too.
Along with some missed character and location-related moments, I found this pacing to be quite slow. Again, this may have been impacted by assumptions related to the source material, but having read a lot of remixes and retellings, I'm not convinced that's the exclusive challenge.
I've read other short works by this author and am very interested in reading more from Diaz.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
There's a lot to like about this new novel from Diaz. Admittedly, I found myself getting pretty wrapped up in the source material, and this distracted me from enjoying this more, I suspect.
Pippa and Bidi are in the Bay Area trying to locate Estella, a wealthy lost girl. There are few locations that offer more opportunities to highlight diverse identities, needs, and barriers, and the exploration of that complexity felt too limited: a missed opportunity. I was constantly thinking about different neighborhoods, specific interactions, and even particular events and community organizations that could have made this novel feel more authentic to the time and place and to young people actually living in this area. These characters are relatively limited in their experiences and ideas, and that is a mismatch for me with actual Bay Area teens, too.
Along with some missed character and location-related moments, I found this pacing to be quite slow. Again, this may have been impacted by assumptions related to the source material, but having read a lot of remixes and retellings, I'm not convinced that's the exclusive challenge.
I've read other short works by this author and am very interested in reading more from Diaz.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
March 30, 2026
Oh boy, I'm the first review on Goodreads and that's terrifying!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
As a premise, I thought it was really interesting. In practice, it was really slow. The first five chapters - as well as the last three or so - could have been removed and I don't think anything would've been changed in the long run. It was a lot of miscommunication and lies, withholding information and unnecessarily hurt feelings. I get that that sort of stuff happens, but it seemed, again, unnecessary.
I usually appreciate dual POV but the duality disappeared as more characters were added. Those chapters, to me, felt more like Diaz wasn't sure how to convey the information from Pippa or Bidi's POVs so she switched. And while the writing was really nice and consistent on a technical level, it left every character sounding exactly the same.
My last gripe is just how unrealistic the rest of the world seemed. The gossip columns, the odd lack of paparazzi, the cops, the teachers and other educational staff, and the healthcare professionals. Everything wasn't how things would be in reality. Too much leniency. It was frustrating just how unprofessional every adult was within their respective jobs.
Obviously, it wasn't for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
As a premise, I thought it was really interesting. In practice, it was really slow. The first five chapters - as well as the last three or so - could have been removed and I don't think anything would've been changed in the long run. It was a lot of miscommunication and lies, withholding information and unnecessarily hurt feelings. I get that that sort of stuff happens, but it seemed, again, unnecessary.
I usually appreciate dual POV but the duality disappeared as more characters were added. Those chapters, to me, felt more like Diaz wasn't sure how to convey the information from Pippa or Bidi's POVs so she switched. And while the writing was really nice and consistent on a technical level, it left every character sounding exactly the same.
My last gripe is just how unrealistic the rest of the world seemed. The gossip columns, the odd lack of paparazzi, the cops, the teachers and other educational staff, and the healthcare professionals. Everything wasn't how things would be in reality. Too much leniency. It was frustrating just how unprofessional every adult was within their respective jobs.
Obviously, it wasn't for me.
August 2, 2026
2/5
Ok, so, I went into this book blind.
I recalled it being on my tbr and thought the cover looked interesting so I checked it out. I quickly found the plot split between past and present to be very engaging, but I feel like because of this some characters were left still in the shadows by the end of the book.
The two present day POVs were the main focus I would say of the book, but I had a hard time keeping the duo straight in my head because there wasn’t anything definite of the two to keep them apart for me in my head. I did like Pippa’s story more than Bidi’s, but by the time it got to the climax I found myself unmoved by the surprise because I wasn’t able to fully get into the characters.
Overall, it was an interesting plot with dual POVs that caused more confusion than clarity for me
Ok, so, I went into this book blind.
I recalled it being on my tbr and thought the cover looked interesting so I checked it out. I quickly found the plot split between past and present to be very engaging, but I feel like because of this some characters were left still in the shadows by the end of the book.
The two present day POVs were the main focus I would say of the book, but I had a hard time keeping the duo straight in my head because there wasn’t anything definite of the two to keep them apart for me in my head. I did like Pippa’s story more than Bidi’s, but by the time it got to the climax I found myself unmoved by the surprise because I wasn’t able to fully get into the characters.
Overall, it was an interesting plot with dual POVs that caused more confusion than clarity for me
June 30, 2026
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
What Lies Beneath the Flowers is a story about unraveling the past. About the secrets that never stay buried, the mystery beneath the roots, and soil which soaks up all. Featuring multiple perspectives, timelines from Then and Now, the mystery and action is like a tide which sweeps us away. What I loved was this story about friendship in all of its complexity with love, resentment, and support all tangling up with betrayal and anger. The ways in which we can love someone and still want to rip out of hair. What Lies Beneath the Flowers is a story about the push and pull of friendship, of the secrets we hide from our best friends, and the escape we keep running towards.
What Lies Beneath the Flowers is a story about unraveling the past. About the secrets that never stay buried, the mystery beneath the roots, and soil which soaks up all. Featuring multiple perspectives, timelines from Then and Now, the mystery and action is like a tide which sweeps us away. What I loved was this story about friendship in all of its complexity with love, resentment, and support all tangling up with betrayal and anger. The ways in which we can love someone and still want to rip out of hair. What Lies Beneath the Flowers is a story about the push and pull of friendship, of the secrets we hide from our best friends, and the escape we keep running towards.
September 29, 2026
This book was just one of the most fabulous and creative thrillers I’ve read in a very long time. The writing was so much better than your average thriller, and you could tell the author put so much care into each word that she wrote.
It didn’t really feel like YA to me because it was just so compelling and such a beautiful beautifully told story that appeals to adults as well. From the descriptions of Brazilian food, to the beautiful motif of flowers, the care that went into writing the book is so clear.
But it was also just a great thriller with great twists!
It didn’t really feel like YA to me because it was just so compelling and such a beautiful beautifully told story that appeals to adults as well. From the descriptions of Brazilian food, to the beautiful motif of flowers, the care that went into writing the book is so clear.
But it was also just a great thriller with great twists!
June 11, 2026
Thank you, Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press, for providing the copy of What Lies Beneath the Flowers by Natasha Díaz. This was a slow starter and it took forever to get into the actual story. The resolution was great though and I was shocked at how it all came together, so if you like an unexpected reveal, this book is perfect for you. I’m not sure it was for me, though, and I found myself checking out during the last few chapters. 3 stars.
October 19, 2026
Thank you yo NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.
DNF at 28%. The two main characters read exactly the same. I can't differentiate between them.
DNF at 28%. The two main characters read exactly the same. I can't differentiate between them.
June 28, 2026
This book was a winding road and it had a lot of curved balls thrown at me. Super interesting great spooky read.
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