What do you think?
Rate this book
Gaslit
A psychological thriller about a night of babysitting that turns fatal and a girl determined to figure out if the gas leak was an accident, perfect for fans of E. Lockhart's We Were Liars.
“A masterclass in suspenseful storytelling”—Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying
Ella was supposed to be out with friends. But a blinding headache and a twist of fate leave her babysitting instead.
Only, when she arrives, the house is quiet, the door is wide open—and the air reeks of gas. She manages to call 911, but not everyone survives.
As Ella struggles to recover, cracks begin to form in the investigation. Whispers, memories, and buried motives point to something sinister. The gas leak might not have been an accident after all. And someone might be out to kill Ella next.
The door's open, the gas is leaking, and nothing is what it seems—your next book club obsession starts here.
“A masterclass in suspenseful storytelling”—Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying
Ella was supposed to be out with friends. But a blinding headache and a twist of fate leave her babysitting instead.
Only, when she arrives, the house is quiet, the door is wide open—and the air reeks of gas. She manages to call 911, but not everyone survives.
As Ella struggles to recover, cracks begin to form in the investigation. Whispers, memories, and buried motives point to something sinister. The gas leak might not have been an accident after all. And someone might be out to kill Ella next.
The door's open, the gas is leaking, and nothing is what it seems—your next book club obsession starts here.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
48 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
When I first heard that the author of Silent Sisters was releasing a brand-new novel, I could hardly contain my excitement. I immediately hit that request button on NetGalley with all the enthusiasm in the world, practically begging the bookish universe to grant my wish. When the approval landed in my inbox, I didn’t even pause to read the synopsis—I dove straight in. The eerie, beautifully designed cover already hinted at the unsettling ride ahead. And the title Gaslit? A brilliant choice that works on multiple levels, reflecting both the literal danger and the manipulative emotional currents running through the story. From the opening chapter, I braced myself for sharp twists and dark turns—this author never delivers a straightforward mystery—and sure enough, I was hit with layers of intrigue, suspicion, and heartbreak.
The story follows Ella, a young woman already battling a devastating brain tumor diagnosis. Determined to stay strong, she cancels her New Year’s Eve plans with her best friend Sierra and agrees to help her beloved Aunt Julie by babysitting her little cousin Joey. But what seems like a quiet evening quickly unravels into a nightmare. The house is dark, the door is ajar, and a faint smell of gas lingers in the air. Ella discovers her cousins and aunt unconscious inside, dragging the children to safety—but tragically losing her aunt in the process.
Though authorities at first call it an accident, Ella’s instincts tell her otherwise. Wracked with grief, she begins investigating on her own. Her search soon collides with Dominic, the troubled next-door neighbor, who has his own conflicts with Ella’s teenage cousin Chris. Together, Ella and Dominic uncover threads of insurance fraud, family secrets, and motives darker than she could have imagined. Meanwhile, anonymous threats arrive, warning Ella to stop digging. But she refuses, driven by loyalty to the woman who was like a second mother to her—even as the strain worsens her health and pushes her to the brink.
What makes this story so compelling is its balance between external suspense and Ella’s deeply personal battle. Her migraines, exhaustion, and vulnerability mirror the claustrophobic danger of a house filled with gas. She’s a protagonist whose body may be failing, but whose spirit refuses to quit. That emotional duality is where the book truly shines.
Now, I’ll admit—I didn’t find Gaslit quite as jaw-droppingly clever as Silent Sisters. I guessed several twists and even spotted the culprit before the final reveal. But that doesn’t mean the journey wasn’t gripping. In fact, one late-game twist completely blindsided me, making me gasp out loud. The last quarter is where the book fully delivers on its promise, tying threads together in a way that is both shocking and satisfying.
Overall: Gaslit is a dark, chilling psychological thriller that left me unsettled—in the best way. It’s about grief, loyalty, and how far one young woman will go to uncover the truth, even when her own life hangs in the balance. While I still hold Silent Sisters as my personal favorite, this sophomore novel proves the author is no one-hit wonder. The writing is sharp, the pacing quick, and Ella is a heroine readers won’t easily forget.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press for providing me with this ARC. I truly appreciate the chance to continue reading this author’s haunting, twist-filled stories—and I’ll eagerly line up for whatever comes next.
medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter<
When I first heard that the author of Silent Sisters was releasing a brand-new novel, I could hardly contain my excitement. I immediately hit that request button on NetGalley with all the enthusiasm in the world, practically begging the bookish universe to grant my wish. When the approval landed in my inbox, I didn’t even pause to read the synopsis—I dove straight in. The eerie, beautifully designed cover already hinted at the unsettling ride ahead. And the title Gaslit? A brilliant choice that works on multiple levels, reflecting both the literal danger and the manipulative emotional currents running through the story. From the opening chapter, I braced myself for sharp twists and dark turns—this author never delivers a straightforward mystery—and sure enough, I was hit with layers of intrigue, suspicion, and heartbreak.
The story follows Ella, a young woman already battling a devastating brain tumor diagnosis. Determined to stay strong, she cancels her New Year’s Eve plans with her best friend Sierra and agrees to help her beloved Aunt Julie by babysitting her little cousin Joey. But what seems like a quiet evening quickly unravels into a nightmare. The house is dark, the door is ajar, and a faint smell of gas lingers in the air. Ella discovers her cousins and aunt unconscious inside, dragging the children to safety—but tragically losing her aunt in the process.
Though authorities at first call it an accident, Ella’s instincts tell her otherwise. Wracked with grief, she begins investigating on her own. Her search soon collides with Dominic, the troubled next-door neighbor, who has his own conflicts with Ella’s teenage cousin Chris. Together, Ella and Dominic uncover threads of insurance fraud, family secrets, and motives darker than she could have imagined. Meanwhile, anonymous threats arrive, warning Ella to stop digging. But she refuses, driven by loyalty to the woman who was like a second mother to her—even as the strain worsens her health and pushes her to the brink.
What makes this story so compelling is its balance between external suspense and Ella’s deeply personal battle. Her migraines, exhaustion, and vulnerability mirror the claustrophobic danger of a house filled with gas. She’s a protagonist whose body may be failing, but whose spirit refuses to quit. That emotional duality is where the book truly shines.
Now, I’ll admit—I didn’t find Gaslit quite as jaw-droppingly clever as Silent Sisters. I guessed several twists and even spotted the culprit before the final reveal. But that doesn’t mean the journey wasn’t gripping. In fact, one late-game twist completely blindsided me, making me gasp out loud. The last quarter is where the book fully delivers on its promise, tying threads together in a way that is both shocking and satisfying.
Overall: Gaslit is a dark, chilling psychological thriller that left me unsettled—in the best way. It’s about grief, loyalty, and how far one young woman will go to uncover the truth, even when her own life hangs in the balance. While I still hold Silent Sisters as my personal favorite, this sophomore novel proves the author is no one-hit wonder. The writing is sharp, the pacing quick, and Ella is a heroine readers won’t easily forget.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press for providing me with this ARC. I truly appreciate the chance to continue reading this author’s haunting, twist-filled stories—and I’ll eagerly line up for whatever comes next.
medium blog
twitter<
June 10, 2025
Characters that pull your heart and twists that turn into tears!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC!
Ella’s last-minute favor for her aunt turned into a nightmare the moment she pulled up to the house. Instead of a fun evening of babysitting, she discovered her aunt and cousins sprawled across the floor, rendered unconscious by a silent, deadly gas leak. But the nightmare didn't end there; it was merely the opening act for the chaos that followed. As the situation spirals out of control, a chilling question emerges: if the gas leak wasn't an accident who started it?
I absolutely love the use of an unreliable narrator! It constantly made me question what was real and what wasn’t. The story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, delivering twist after twist that completely upended my expectations. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the story proved me wrong again. The character development was especially compelling, and I felt a strong connection to Ella and her unwavering love for her family. This is a gripping, fast-paced mystery and a perfect recommendation for middle and high school readers looking for a thrilling read.
Ella’s last-minute favor for her aunt turned into a nightmare the moment she pulled up to the house. Instead of a fun evening of babysitting, she discovered her aunt and cousins sprawled across the floor, rendered unconscious by a silent, deadly gas leak. But the nightmare didn't end there; it was merely the opening act for the chaos that followed. As the situation spirals out of control, a chilling question emerges: if the gas leak wasn't an accident who started it?
I absolutely love the use of an unreliable narrator! It constantly made me question what was real and what wasn’t. The story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, delivering twist after twist that completely upended my expectations. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the story proved me wrong again. The character development was especially compelling, and I felt a strong connection to Ella and her unwavering love for her family. This is a gripping, fast-paced mystery and a perfect recommendation for middle and high school readers looking for a thrilling read.
January 15, 2026
Ella, who has a brain tumor, loses her beloved aunt Julie in a house fire on New Year’s Eve. Ella rescues her teenage cousin Chris and his seven-year-old brother Joey, wracked with guilt she couldn’t save Julie. Deemed arson by purposely cut gas line, Ella and Chris do their own shadow investigation. Their prime suspect, Julie’s boyfriend. Soon Ella doesn’t know who she can trust, including herself.
Megan Davidhizar’s sophomore novel, GASLIT, is every bit as good as her debut SILENT SISTER. Ella’s brain tumor adds an element to her already complex character, making me question her reliability at times. The secrecy surrounding her condition Ella insisted on keeping pushed friends away.
Davidhizar’s clever use of the title GASLIT made me wonder whether the word was meant literally, from the gas fire or figuratively or perhaps both.
Megan Davidhizar’s sophomore novel, GASLIT, is every bit as good as her debut SILENT SISTER. Ella’s brain tumor adds an element to her already complex character, making me question her reliability at times. The secrecy surrounding her condition Ella insisted on keeping pushed friends away.
Davidhizar’s clever use of the title GASLIT made me wonder whether the word was meant literally, from the gas fire or figuratively or perhaps both.
January 1, 2026
4.5 Because I knew who it was, but I enjoyed this. And unfortunately I can’t tell you my favorite part because it’s a spoiler 🤦🏾♀️🤣 Real review to come to my blog.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
My first read by this author and it did not disappoint.
Good character development and fast paced that sucked me in right away. I will definitely recommend to all my YA readers. Plot twists, psychological thiller and romantic interest. Perfect mix for my students.
My first read by this author and it did not disappoint.
Good character development and fast paced that sucked me in right away. I will definitely recommend to all my YA readers. Plot twists, psychological thiller and romantic interest. Perfect mix for my students.
October 23, 2025
never going near my dryer again
January 19, 2026
Ella suffers migraines and has had a hard time getting people to take her pain seriously. She is fiercely independent and doesn’t want anyone giving her special treatment which is why hardly anyone knows that her migraines are actually caused by a brain tumour.
It’s New Years Eve and Ella agrees to babysit for her cousin Joey but when she reaches the house the door is open and she can smell gas. She tries to rescue both her cousins but fails to save her aunt.
With the help of a cute but dangerous neighbour she attempts to figure out who would try to hurt her family. But once people start to learn of her illness they begin to look at her differently. Can she fight to be believed while also fighting to survive?
The first half of the book will have you gripped trying to figure out what happened and who was behind it while the second half will keep you up all night second guessing what is real and what is in Ella’s head.
Fantastically written, you can’t help but feel connected to Ella as she starts to question everything she knows and wonder who she can trust. The frustration of not having her pain taken seriously is palpable and you really feel for her when even the people closest to her start to doubt if she’s even telling the truth.
The only downfall for me was the level of emotional intelligence the writer gives to the 6 year old boy in the story. His level of understanding of adult conversations and his calm placidness in the face of massive trauma just didn’t ring true for me and my experience with children. I feel like maybe if he had been older I might have believed his reactions more.
Despite that, I became absolutely swallowed by this story and could not put it down. The twists were brilliantly incorporated giving you just enough hints to create the same confusion in the reader as the characters are experiencing.
It’s New Years Eve and Ella agrees to babysit for her cousin Joey but when she reaches the house the door is open and she can smell gas. She tries to rescue both her cousins but fails to save her aunt.
With the help of a cute but dangerous neighbour she attempts to figure out who would try to hurt her family. But once people start to learn of her illness they begin to look at her differently. Can she fight to be believed while also fighting to survive?
The first half of the book will have you gripped trying to figure out what happened and who was behind it while the second half will keep you up all night second guessing what is real and what is in Ella’s head.
Fantastically written, you can’t help but feel connected to Ella as she starts to question everything she knows and wonder who she can trust. The frustration of not having her pain taken seriously is palpable and you really feel for her when even the people closest to her start to doubt if she’s even telling the truth.
The only downfall for me was the level of emotional intelligence the writer gives to the 6 year old boy in the story. His level of understanding of adult conversations and his calm placidness in the face of massive trauma just didn’t ring true for me and my experience with children. I feel like maybe if he had been older I might have believed his reactions more.
Despite that, I became absolutely swallowed by this story and could not put it down. The twists were brilliantly incorporated giving you just enough hints to create the same confusion in the reader as the characters are experiencing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5⭐
✨️Thank you to #partner @prhaudio & Megan Davidhizar for my gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
#PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer
Gaslit is an entertaining, easy YA thriller that is suspenseful and eerie. The writing grabbed me and flowed nicely, the story was easy to follow and the plot was intriguing. For me, it is still a little bit of a mixed bag. It didn't always maintain the same pace, I thought it was a little slow to get to the twists. Once they started coming they were just all jumbled together and some left me confused. I felt like the author tried to do too much too fast. Also, it was a little predictable for me anyways, I knew who the culprit was from the start.
The characters did need a little more development for my liking. I liked how the narrator was unreliable due to her brain tumour, it added that constant doubt which was fun. I feel this book had a lot of potential but some little things were missed to make it that much more enjoyable. I do think younger readers will definitely enjoy this one, as it is easy and simple to read.
Overall, it was a solid YA thriller, definitely suited for beginner thriller readers also. It wasn't a bad book, I just feel it had more that could've been explored.
🎧 The narration by Karissa Vacker was excellent as always. She kept me hooked and engaged throughout. Really delivered a stellar performance. The emotions, fear, confusion were felt through her performance. It truly enhanced my experience of the book.
✨️Thank you to #partner @prhaudio & Megan Davidhizar for my gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
#PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer
Gaslit is an entertaining, easy YA thriller that is suspenseful and eerie. The writing grabbed me and flowed nicely, the story was easy to follow and the plot was intriguing. For me, it is still a little bit of a mixed bag. It didn't always maintain the same pace, I thought it was a little slow to get to the twists. Once they started coming they were just all jumbled together and some left me confused. I felt like the author tried to do too much too fast. Also, it was a little predictable for me anyways, I knew who the culprit was from the start.
The characters did need a little more development for my liking. I liked how the narrator was unreliable due to her brain tumour, it added that constant doubt which was fun. I feel this book had a lot of potential but some little things were missed to make it that much more enjoyable. I do think younger readers will definitely enjoy this one, as it is easy and simple to read.
Overall, it was a solid YA thriller, definitely suited for beginner thriller readers also. It wasn't a bad book, I just feel it had more that could've been explored.
🎧 The narration by Karissa Vacker was excellent as always. She kept me hooked and engaged throughout. Really delivered a stellar performance. The emotions, fear, confusion were felt through her performance. It truly enhanced my experience of the book.
January 14, 2026
Ella is struggling with horrific migraines that are being caused by a brain tumour. It's making it difficult for her to have any semblance of normalcy. So, she's free on New Year's Eve to babysit for her family. She arrives at the house to find her aunt and cousins unconscious from a gas leak.
While recovering from the incident, Ella is left reeling from the trauma of the night. The more she thinks about it, the more confident she becomes that this wasn't an accident.
🏠Young Adult Fiction
🔍Psychological Thriller
🏠Gas Leak Investigation
🔍Mental Health & Trauma
🏠Romance Subplot
'Gaslit' is a fast-paced psychological thriller that features a suspicious death, a teenage sleuth, and lots of plot twists. The premise is a great way of reminding people to learn more about preventing gas leaks in their homes.
Ella's determination to investigate is juxtaposed with her medical condition being ignored. It emphasizes her motivation to figure out what happened, as well as her panic when people don't believe her. The plot constantly circles back to whether the heroine can trust her own mind. It's an intriguing concept that could've been better executed.
This book includes a small romance subplot with Dominic, her aunt's neighbour. It's meant to add an important character and break up the intensity of the plot. Their relationship isn't overly interesting, but it does contribute to some of the suspense.
Fans of Holly Jackson might find this interesting.
While recovering from the incident, Ella is left reeling from the trauma of the night. The more she thinks about it, the more confident she becomes that this wasn't an accident.
🏠Young Adult Fiction
🔍Psychological Thriller
🏠Gas Leak Investigation
🔍Mental Health & Trauma
🏠Romance Subplot
'Gaslit' is a fast-paced psychological thriller that features a suspicious death, a teenage sleuth, and lots of plot twists. The premise is a great way of reminding people to learn more about preventing gas leaks in their homes.
Ella's determination to investigate is juxtaposed with her medical condition being ignored. It emphasizes her motivation to figure out what happened, as well as her panic when people don't believe her. The plot constantly circles back to whether the heroine can trust her own mind. It's an intriguing concept that could've been better executed.
This book includes a small romance subplot with Dominic, her aunt's neighbour. It's meant to add an important character and break up the intensity of the plot. Their relationship isn't overly interesting, but it does contribute to some of the suspense.
Fans of Holly Jackson might find this interesting.
January 15, 2026
3.5 stars
A fast paced twisty YA thriller about the aftermath of a tragedy in a young teens life. You can really feel the emotional turmoil the FMC grapples with.
This book held my interest and I enjoyed the plots twists. A great mystery/thriller for teens.
Thank you NetGalley and RHCB for this ARC!
A fast paced twisty YA thriller about the aftermath of a tragedy in a young teens life. You can really feel the emotional turmoil the FMC grapples with.
This book held my interest and I enjoyed the plots twists. A great mystery/thriller for teens.
Thank you NetGalley and RHCB for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you, Penguin Teen Canada, for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS BLURRED-OUT SPOILERS**
Rating: 2/5⭐
Quick Summary: This story follows a young girl named Ella who is often crippled by her debilitating migraines. When a migraine keeps her from attending her New Year's Eve plans, she gets recruited by her aunt Julie to babysit her younger cousin, Joey. When Ella arrives at her aunt's house, she finds the door open, her two cousins and aunt lying unconscious on the floor, and the house reeking of gas. As she tries to recover from the tragic events, more and more lies surface, causing Ella to question everything.
Final Thoughts: I quite enjoyed how easy it was to slip into the story. The characters were easy to understand, and the setting was scenic and pleasant. I also really loved that the dog's name was Hank. There is just something about an animal having a generic human name that makes me chuckle! Overall, this book was a quick and snappy read.
Initially, I was very excited to get my hands on this book. I am quite a fan of unreliable narrators, but I must say that this book ultimately disappointed me. I don't think that this book is a case of an unreliable narrator, but rather a case of an author who lies. There comes a time when you want to have a twist in your story and pull the rug out from beneath your readers, but when the rug is flipped upside down several times in a row, the twists turn more into confusion than surprises. This book takes place over the course of only a few days, but the pace was initially very slow, then all of a sudden there was twist after twist after twist, those of which simply got jumbled in my mind. When the rug you're standing on gets pulled out from under you one too many times...you decide to stop standing on said rug.
Here is an example of the confusing twists throughout the book.
And yes, that is in fact how things played out in the book.
I fear that the lead-up to the plot twists was far too obvious, hence why I think this book may fit into the middle grade category better than the young adult category. I figured out that when
There are also a few things I would personally change in this book.
Do I recommend it? maybe
Who would I recommend it to? younger readers, I would put this more into the "older" middle grade category
Age Category: young adult (but I think it is either "young" young adult or "older" middle grade, if that makes any sense at all)
POV: single POV, first person, present tense
Romance: straight romance
Spice: 0/5🌶️
Series/Standalone: standalone
Trigger Warnings: brain tumour, hallucinations, talk of su!c!de, de@th, gas leaks, de@th of a close relative, injury of a dog, car accident
Quotes Worth Remembering: "We have to learn to cope and accept, not control."
"Forgiveness doesn't mean trust."
**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS BLURRED-OUT SPOILERS**
Rating: 2/5⭐
Quick Summary: This story follows a young girl named Ella who is often crippled by her debilitating migraines. When a migraine keeps her from attending her New Year's Eve plans, she gets recruited by her aunt Julie to babysit her younger cousin, Joey. When Ella arrives at her aunt's house, she finds the door open, her two cousins and aunt lying unconscious on the floor, and the house reeking of gas. As she tries to recover from the tragic events, more and more lies surface, causing Ella to question everything.
Final Thoughts: I quite enjoyed how easy it was to slip into the story. The characters were easy to understand, and the setting was scenic and pleasant. I also really loved that the dog's name was Hank. There is just something about an animal having a generic human name that makes me chuckle! Overall, this book was a quick and snappy read.
Initially, I was very excited to get my hands on this book. I am quite a fan of unreliable narrators, but I must say that this book ultimately disappointed me. I don't think that this book is a case of an unreliable narrator, but rather a case of an author who lies. There comes a time when you want to have a twist in your story and pull the rug out from beneath your readers, but when the rug is flipped upside down several times in a row, the twists turn more into confusion than surprises. This book takes place over the course of only a few days, but the pace was initially very slow, then all of a sudden there was twist after twist after twist, those of which simply got jumbled in my mind. When the rug you're standing on gets pulled out from under you one too many times...you decide to stop standing on said rug.
Here is an example of the confusing twists throughout the book.
And yes, that is in fact how things played out in the book.
I fear that the lead-up to the plot twists was far too obvious, hence why I think this book may fit into the middle grade category better than the young adult category. I figured out that when
There are also a few things I would personally change in this book.
Do I recommend it? maybe
Who would I recommend it to? younger readers, I would put this more into the "older" middle grade category
Age Category: young adult (but I think it is either "young" young adult or "older" middle grade, if that makes any sense at all)
POV: single POV, first person, present tense
Romance: straight romance
Spice: 0/5🌶️
Series/Standalone: standalone
Trigger Warnings: brain tumour, hallucinations, talk of su!c!de, de@th, gas leaks, de@th of a close relative, injury of a dog, car accident
Quotes Worth Remembering: "We have to learn to cope and accept, not control."
"Forgiveness doesn't mean trust."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gaslit by Megan Davidhizar is a YA psychological thriller about Ella, a teenager who survives a New Year’s Eve gas leak that kills her aunt and injures her cousins. Ella becomes convinced the leak wasn’t an accident and starts investigating on her own, all while dealing with a recent brain tumor diagnosis that affects her memory, energy, and sense of what’s real. As her symptoms worsen, the people around her insist she’s imagining things, making her especially vulnerable to being gaslit.
The premise is strong. A medically vulnerable teen who suspects something terrible while everyone else dismisses her is a compelling setup, especially for a story about who gets believed. Early on, the book does a good job showing Ella’s exhaustion, pain, guilt, and determination, and those elements give the mystery some emotional weight. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me. The writing often spells things out instead of letting scenes speak for themselves, with a lot of internal monologue explaining Ella’s thoughts and suspicions. This becomes more noticeable toward the end, where clues and motivations are repeated, which drains tension instead of building it.
The structure is where the book really lost me. For most of the story, the plot moves along clearly: Ella investigates, adults don’t believe her, and her fear grows. Then, near the end, several twists come very quickly. Instead of feeling clever, they felt rushed and a bit messy. The final section stacks multiple reversals on top of each other, and rather than everything clicking into place, it felt like the book was trying out several endings at once. Because the main twist is hinted at so heavily, it was easy to guess well before the story treated it as a big reveal.
I also struggled with the characterization. Ella is clearly meant to be brave, determined, and flawed in a relatable way, but her voice often came across as self-righteous and frustrating. Moments where she might question herself or reflect on her own mistakes are usually glossed over, which makes her feel less complex than the story seems to want her to be. Most of the side characters exist mainly to serve the mystery, and their behavior shifts late in the book don’t always feel earned because we don’t spend enough time understanding them.
Thematically, the book takes on some meaningful ideas, especially disability, faith, and the way teenage girls are dismissed by adults. The disability representation is one of its stronger points. Ella’s illness and treatment affect her daily life in realistic ways, and for much of the book this feels thoughtful and grounded. The problem is that near the end, her condition starts to feel more like a plot tool than a fully integrated part of her character. The faith elements work better overall. Religion is present in a clear but low-key way that fits the story, and it never feels preachy.
Overall, Gaslit reads like a fast-paced YA thriller with a lot of heart but uneven execution. It has a gripping concept and moves quickly, especially at the start, but the over-explaining, crowded twists, and occasionally grating narrator kept it from fully working for me. That said, it’s clear the author cares deeply about the subjects she’s writing about, and she has a knack for high-concept ideas. With tighter editing and more trust in the reader, future books could really shine.
The premise is strong. A medically vulnerable teen who suspects something terrible while everyone else dismisses her is a compelling setup, especially for a story about who gets believed. Early on, the book does a good job showing Ella’s exhaustion, pain, guilt, and determination, and those elements give the mystery some emotional weight. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me. The writing often spells things out instead of letting scenes speak for themselves, with a lot of internal monologue explaining Ella’s thoughts and suspicions. This becomes more noticeable toward the end, where clues and motivations are repeated, which drains tension instead of building it.
The structure is where the book really lost me. For most of the story, the plot moves along clearly: Ella investigates, adults don’t believe her, and her fear grows. Then, near the end, several twists come very quickly. Instead of feeling clever, they felt rushed and a bit messy. The final section stacks multiple reversals on top of each other, and rather than everything clicking into place, it felt like the book was trying out several endings at once. Because the main twist is hinted at so heavily, it was easy to guess well before the story treated it as a big reveal.
I also struggled with the characterization. Ella is clearly meant to be brave, determined, and flawed in a relatable way, but her voice often came across as self-righteous and frustrating. Moments where she might question herself or reflect on her own mistakes are usually glossed over, which makes her feel less complex than the story seems to want her to be. Most of the side characters exist mainly to serve the mystery, and their behavior shifts late in the book don’t always feel earned because we don’t spend enough time understanding them.
Thematically, the book takes on some meaningful ideas, especially disability, faith, and the way teenage girls are dismissed by adults. The disability representation is one of its stronger points. Ella’s illness and treatment affect her daily life in realistic ways, and for much of the book this feels thoughtful and grounded. The problem is that near the end, her condition starts to feel more like a plot tool than a fully integrated part of her character. The faith elements work better overall. Religion is present in a clear but low-key way that fits the story, and it never feels preachy.
Overall, Gaslit reads like a fast-paced YA thriller with a lot of heart but uneven execution. It has a gripping concept and moves quickly, especially at the start, but the over-explaining, crowded twists, and occasionally grating narrator kept it from fully working for me. That said, it’s clear the author cares deeply about the subjects she’s writing about, and she has a knack for high-concept ideas. With tighter editing and more trust in the reader, future books could really shine.
August 3, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Gaslit” by Megan Davidhizar is a psychological thriller that punches with emotional weight, slow-burning suspense, and a vulnerable but determined heroine you can’t help but root for. It opens with heartbreak and ends in bittersweet clarity, unraveling themes of trauma, mental health, grief, and the terrifying uncertainty of not knowing whether the danger is real or all in your head.
When a babysitting job turns deadly, 17-year-old Ella finds herself at the epicenter of a tragedy: a gas leak claims the life of her aunt and leaves her two cousins unconscious. Ella is forced to make a devastating choice—who she can save—and she’s left grappling with not just the loss, but the guilt. Already reeling from a recent brain tumor diagnosis, Ella's world grows even more fragile as her physical symptoms worsen and her grip on reality begins to waver.
What makes “Gaslit” particularly compelling is Ella’s singular voice. Despite her tragic circumstances, she’s full of optimism, fierce determination, and an appreciation for life sharpened by her own mortality. But her strength also isolates her; she insists on solving the mystery surrounding the gas leak alone, even as her health declines and the possibility of hallucinations clouds her judgment. Can she trust what she sees? Can she even trust herself?
The plot is layered with tension and empathy. Suspicions immediately swirl around Ella’s aunt’s boyfriend, and though some twists (especially one involving Ella herself) may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers, the emotional stakes are what drive the story forward. This isn't a thriller that relies solely on shocking reveals, but rather on deep character work and emotional resonance.
Megan Davidhizar masterfully balances psychological suspense with poignant introspection. Ella’s slow unraveling, both physically and mentally, is heart-wrenching to witness. The book occasionally dips into preachy territory, particularly as Ella reflects on life lessons learned through suffering, but these moments may resonate strongly with younger YA readers. The inclusion of an Educator’s Guide shows that the book is especially well-suited for classroom discussions on topics like mental health, grief, and ethical decision-making.
The romance subplot may divide some readers; while I did appreciate the lightness it brings, I also found it distracting given Ella’s dire circumstances. That said, the love interest adds an element of warmth and connection that offsets the darker aspects of the plot.
The climax is raw and emotional, revealing painful truths that feel both inevitable and gut-wrenching. By the end, Ella learns she doesn't have to carry everything on her own, and the arc of her cousin Chris—whose own actions come under scrutiny—adds another layer of tragedy and complexity. The ending is bittersweet but satisfying, offering closure without undermining the heavy emotional journey.
Overall, “Gaslit” is a heartfelt and suspenseful YA thriller that blends a gripping mystery with a tender coming-of-age story. With its emotional depth, well-drawn characters, and themes of resilience, it’s a strong pick for both teens and educators. Perfect for those who like their thrillers with a pulse and a heart.
“Gaslit” by Megan Davidhizar is a psychological thriller that punches with emotional weight, slow-burning suspense, and a vulnerable but determined heroine you can’t help but root for. It opens with heartbreak and ends in bittersweet clarity, unraveling themes of trauma, mental health, grief, and the terrifying uncertainty of not knowing whether the danger is real or all in your head.
When a babysitting job turns deadly, 17-year-old Ella finds herself at the epicenter of a tragedy: a gas leak claims the life of her aunt and leaves her two cousins unconscious. Ella is forced to make a devastating choice—who she can save—and she’s left grappling with not just the loss, but the guilt. Already reeling from a recent brain tumor diagnosis, Ella's world grows even more fragile as her physical symptoms worsen and her grip on reality begins to waver.
What makes “Gaslit” particularly compelling is Ella’s singular voice. Despite her tragic circumstances, she’s full of optimism, fierce determination, and an appreciation for life sharpened by her own mortality. But her strength also isolates her; she insists on solving the mystery surrounding the gas leak alone, even as her health declines and the possibility of hallucinations clouds her judgment. Can she trust what she sees? Can she even trust herself?
The plot is layered with tension and empathy. Suspicions immediately swirl around Ella’s aunt’s boyfriend, and though some twists (especially one involving Ella herself) may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers, the emotional stakes are what drive the story forward. This isn't a thriller that relies solely on shocking reveals, but rather on deep character work and emotional resonance.
Megan Davidhizar masterfully balances psychological suspense with poignant introspection. Ella’s slow unraveling, both physically and mentally, is heart-wrenching to witness. The book occasionally dips into preachy territory, particularly as Ella reflects on life lessons learned through suffering, but these moments may resonate strongly with younger YA readers. The inclusion of an Educator’s Guide shows that the book is especially well-suited for classroom discussions on topics like mental health, grief, and ethical decision-making.
The romance subplot may divide some readers; while I did appreciate the lightness it brings, I also found it distracting given Ella’s dire circumstances. That said, the love interest adds an element of warmth and connection that offsets the darker aspects of the plot.
The climax is raw and emotional, revealing painful truths that feel both inevitable and gut-wrenching. By the end, Ella learns she doesn't have to carry everything on her own, and the arc of her cousin Chris—whose own actions come under scrutiny—adds another layer of tragedy and complexity. The ending is bittersweet but satisfying, offering closure without undermining the heavy emotional journey.
Overall, “Gaslit” is a heartfelt and suspenseful YA thriller that blends a gripping mystery with a tender coming-of-age story. With its emotional depth, well-drawn characters, and themes of resilience, it’s a strong pick for both teens and educators. Perfect for those who like their thrillers with a pulse and a heart.
November 12, 2025
In Gaslit, Ella finds herself caught in a web of manipulation and doubt—being gaslit both literally and emotionally. After her aunt’s death in what appears to be a deliberate gas leak, Ella becomes determined to uncover the truth. She teams up with her cousin, Chris, and Dominic—the complicated boy next door. But as she digs deeper, the truth only grows murkier, and the line between what’s real and imagined starts to blur.
When I started reading, I was really curious about how the idea of “gaslighting” would play into the mystery. As the story unfolded, I was surprised by how perfectly the title fit everything Ella was going through. Megan Davidhizar weaves layers of tension and deception that pull you in page by page, and by the time the puzzle pieces start to fall into place, it’s clear that nothing—and no one—is as it seems.
Ella is battling a recent brain tumor diagnosis, and it leaves her questioning everyone around her: the doctors who dismiss her, her overbearing mother, her unreliable friends, and the boy she’s starting to fall for. Despite her confusion and pain, she refuses to stop searching for the truth behind her aunt’s death—or the strange things happening to her own mind. What I loved most about Ella’s character is her voice. Her migraines and moments of disorientation make her doubt her reality (and us, too), which amps up the tension. For me, the realization that she’s an unreliable narrator didn’t hit until around the halfway point—and that uncertainty kept me reading late into the night.
The secondary characters really stand out as well. Chris and Dominic both add layers of mystery and emotional weight to Ella’s journey. Davidhizar does a great job flipping expectations—you think one of them is guilty, then the other, and before you know it, the story twists again. And Joey… sweet Joey. Nothing wrong with you, kiddo!
If I had one small gripe, it’s that the reveal of the motive came a bit too early and felt a little too simple, especially compared to the buildup. I wanted just a bit more chaos and drama there—but I understand why it was paced that way, given it’s under 400 pages. Still, the rest of the twists landed perfectly, keeping the momentum and tension strong all the way to the end.
Megan Davidhizar balances the thriller elements with deep emotional layers—grief, guilt, and mistrust are constant companions for Ella, and they feel authentic. The pacing is sharp, with plenty of red herrings and shocking turns, but also softer, reflective moments that let you process what Ella’s going through.
Overall, Gaslit is a tense, fast-paced thriller that explores how easily truth can be manipulated—and how hard it can be to trust yourself when everyone around you is telling you otherwise. It’s suspenseful, emotional, and addictive from start to finish.
When I started reading, I was really curious about how the idea of “gaslighting” would play into the mystery. As the story unfolded, I was surprised by how perfectly the title fit everything Ella was going through. Megan Davidhizar weaves layers of tension and deception that pull you in page by page, and by the time the puzzle pieces start to fall into place, it’s clear that nothing—and no one—is as it seems.
Ella is battling a recent brain tumor diagnosis, and it leaves her questioning everyone around her: the doctors who dismiss her, her overbearing mother, her unreliable friends, and the boy she’s starting to fall for. Despite her confusion and pain, she refuses to stop searching for the truth behind her aunt’s death—or the strange things happening to her own mind. What I loved most about Ella’s character is her voice. Her migraines and moments of disorientation make her doubt her reality (and us, too), which amps up the tension. For me, the realization that she’s an unreliable narrator didn’t hit until around the halfway point—and that uncertainty kept me reading late into the night.
The secondary characters really stand out as well. Chris and Dominic both add layers of mystery and emotional weight to Ella’s journey. Davidhizar does a great job flipping expectations—you think one of them is guilty, then the other, and before you know it, the story twists again. And Joey… sweet Joey. Nothing wrong with you, kiddo!
If I had one small gripe, it’s that the reveal of the motive came a bit too early and felt a little too simple, especially compared to the buildup. I wanted just a bit more chaos and drama there—but I understand why it was paced that way, given it’s under 400 pages. Still, the rest of the twists landed perfectly, keeping the momentum and tension strong all the way to the end.
Megan Davidhizar balances the thriller elements with deep emotional layers—grief, guilt, and mistrust are constant companions for Ella, and they feel authentic. The pacing is sharp, with plenty of red herrings and shocking turns, but also softer, reflective moments that let you process what Ella’s going through.
Overall, Gaslit is a tense, fast-paced thriller that explores how easily truth can be manipulated—and how hard it can be to trust yourself when everyone around you is telling you otherwise. It’s suspenseful, emotional, and addictive from start to finish.
September 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GASLIT by Megan Davidhizar (Jan 13, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley, RHC, Delacorte, and GetUnderlined for the earc
When a headache tied to a recent diagnosis interferes with Ella's plans, she agrees to babysit her cousin. When she arrives, the door is wide open...and there's a strange smell: gas. Despite danger, Ella rushes into the house, talks to 911, and tries to save them. But she can't save them all. As the investigation unravels, Ella realizes she may be next.
GASLIT is the heartbreaking sophomore novel from the author of SILENT SISTER. I have been looking forward to Davidhizar's next novel since I read the first. I had high hopes for this, and it did not disappoint.
GASLIT is a YA mystery/thriller that pulled me in from the first page and kept me hooked until the final page. This book takes place over a short period of time, but it has no lack of...well, anything. Each chapter brought something new: a mystery, medical diagnosis reveal, gas leak, and m*rder.
I described this as heartbreaking above. Not only does a character d*e, which is always heartbreaking, but Ella was already going through so much, and I couldn't help but root for her: survival, health, etc.
I still remember the twist from SILENT SISTER and how shocking it was, so I knew GASLIT would have a twist as shocking...if not more so. Because of this, I couldn't really decide on a whodunit because I knew that despite the characters being so sure of who they thought was responsible, that Davidhizar would throw something new into the mix, someone new. As the novel played out, twists and turns happened...each somehow more twisted than the last. One that stuck out to me was a twist that left me speechless---and made me tear up---and continued to leave me speechless until the end when everything was cleared up...and I was sure it was cleared up. And then that final reveal. I didn't want to believe it even though it crossed my mind once or twice toward the end of the book.
I loved GASLIT. It wasn't short of thrills, intrigue, or mystery. It's not quite fast-paced, but it does play out rather quick, which I loved because I had to know who was responsible and why. Also, this book had me on an emotional roller coaster. I couldn't believe what happened, and at the same time I didn't know what was happening as the confusion took over Ella, which in turn, made me confused.
GASLIT is for those who love enticing mysteries, a bad boy-esque character being pulled into the investigation, and those who think they can call a twist from a mile away. Already, I can't wait to do a reread when the book is out, and I can't wait for book three.
GASLIT by Megan Davidhizar (Jan 13, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley, RHC, Delacorte, and GetUnderlined for the earc
When a headache tied to a recent diagnosis interferes with Ella's plans, she agrees to babysit her cousin. When she arrives, the door is wide open...and there's a strange smell: gas. Despite danger, Ella rushes into the house, talks to 911, and tries to save them. But she can't save them all. As the investigation unravels, Ella realizes she may be next.
GASLIT is the heartbreaking sophomore novel from the author of SILENT SISTER. I have been looking forward to Davidhizar's next novel since I read the first. I had high hopes for this, and it did not disappoint.
GASLIT is a YA mystery/thriller that pulled me in from the first page and kept me hooked until the final page. This book takes place over a short period of time, but it has no lack of...well, anything. Each chapter brought something new: a mystery, medical diagnosis reveal, gas leak, and m*rder.
I described this as heartbreaking above. Not only does a character d*e, which is always heartbreaking, but Ella was already going through so much, and I couldn't help but root for her: survival, health, etc.
I still remember the twist from SILENT SISTER and how shocking it was, so I knew GASLIT would have a twist as shocking...if not more so. Because of this, I couldn't really decide on a whodunit because I knew that despite the characters being so sure of who they thought was responsible, that Davidhizar would throw something new into the mix, someone new. As the novel played out, twists and turns happened...each somehow more twisted than the last. One that stuck out to me was a twist that left me speechless---and made me tear up---and continued to leave me speechless until the end when everything was cleared up...and I was sure it was cleared up. And then that final reveal. I didn't want to believe it even though it crossed my mind once or twice toward the end of the book.
I loved GASLIT. It wasn't short of thrills, intrigue, or mystery. It's not quite fast-paced, but it does play out rather quick, which I loved because I had to know who was responsible and why. Also, this book had me on an emotional roller coaster. I couldn't believe what happened, and at the same time I didn't know what was happening as the confusion took over Ella, which in turn, made me confused.
GASLIT is for those who love enticing mysteries, a bad boy-esque character being pulled into the investigation, and those who think they can call a twist from a mile away. Already, I can't wait to do a reread when the book is out, and I can't wait for book three.
December 21, 2025
Gaslit is the sophomore effort of @MeganDavidhizar, and narrated by @KarissaVacker. I was #gifted the audiobook by @PRHAudio, and enjoyed this fast-paced, gripping story about a teen girl named Ella who has recently learned she has a brain tumor which is causing her devastating migraines. It explores themes of grief, risk, loyalty and how the truth can be hard to see.
As the book opens, Ella is arriving at her aunt Julie's house to babysit her little cousin, Joey. But, she arrives to a dark house, the door ajar, and a faint smell of gas. Ella finds Julie, Joey and her older cousin Chris, unconscious. Ella drags her cousins outside before succumbing to the gas. When she awakens in the hospital she is forced to grieve the loss of her aunt.
When it all labeled a horrible accident, Ella is driven to investigate on her own, convinced they are wrong. In the process she meets a neighbor named Dominic. Ella likes and trusts him and doesn't understand the bad blood between Dominic and Chris. Soon she has found what appears to be proof that the leak was no accident, what is probably insurance fraud, and even a suspect. When Ella starts receiving anonymous threats, most teens would step back leaving it to the authorities, but not Ella. She continues to push, worsening her health and putting her in danger.
Ella's personal battle with her health enriched this book, adding a level of intimacy that isn't often found in the thriller genre. It was impossible not to find compassion for this young girl. Her body is failing her, and that makes her tenacity all the more admirable. Even when she takes stupid risks, you find yourself cheering for her to find the answers.
The last quarter of the book speeds forward, filled with twists, shocking moments, and intense family drama. The author takes the time to knit together all of the open threads providing the reader with an ending that is satisfying while also making you wish for more. It is a clever story which I listened to over the course of one day.
Vacker's narration was spot on. I believed her as this smart, persistent, loving girl.
As the book opens, Ella is arriving at her aunt Julie's house to babysit her little cousin, Joey. But, she arrives to a dark house, the door ajar, and a faint smell of gas. Ella finds Julie, Joey and her older cousin Chris, unconscious. Ella drags her cousins outside before succumbing to the gas. When she awakens in the hospital she is forced to grieve the loss of her aunt.
When it all labeled a horrible accident, Ella is driven to investigate on her own, convinced they are wrong. In the process she meets a neighbor named Dominic. Ella likes and trusts him and doesn't understand the bad blood between Dominic and Chris. Soon she has found what appears to be proof that the leak was no accident, what is probably insurance fraud, and even a suspect. When Ella starts receiving anonymous threats, most teens would step back leaving it to the authorities, but not Ella. She continues to push, worsening her health and putting her in danger.
Ella's personal battle with her health enriched this book, adding a level of intimacy that isn't often found in the thriller genre. It was impossible not to find compassion for this young girl. Her body is failing her, and that makes her tenacity all the more admirable. Even when she takes stupid risks, you find yourself cheering for her to find the answers.
The last quarter of the book speeds forward, filled with twists, shocking moments, and intense family drama. The author takes the time to knit together all of the open threads providing the reader with an ending that is satisfying while also making you wish for more. It is a clever story which I listened to over the course of one day.
Vacker's narration was spot on. I believed her as this smart, persistent, loving girl.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This thriller would be a good addition to a school library. I get quite a few young readers wanting to read thrillers/murder mysteries but the content is often not suitable for them. Gaslit not only has some good moments of suspense, especially because of the unreliable narration, but the content is still suitable for upper middle-grade readers. It might even be better for younger readers, as there is a little too much introspection from the main character which made it feel like the plot twists were too heavily signposted.
This was a serendipitous read as the book's events take place over the first few days of January. Ella's New Year's Eve plans change and so she volunteers to babysit her young cousin for her Aunt. When she arrives at their isolated house the door is open but the lights are off. She smells gas and struggles to rescue her relatives from the house before succumbing to the fumes herself.
Once released from hospital, Ella returns to the house (now cleared by the police) and discovers possible evidence of sabotage. As she investigates further, several potential suspects come to light but Ella isn't sure who to trust. Especially when there is enmity between her cousin Chris and her potential love-interest, boy-next-door Dominic. Complicating matters are the side effects of her recently-diagnosed brain tumour which mean she can't even trust herself.
The book gets off to a bit of a slow start but ramps up the pace towards the end. It did feel a little too long, which will reduce its appeal to some of my students. A little less introspection and a little more character development would have made for a more satisfying read. We were told about the characters but we didn't see enough of their personalities to build a connection with them. When they come, the twists are in quick succession and more confusing than shocking. Yes, this matches up with how Ella must feel, but it didn't enhance my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, it might not satisfy veterans of the thriller genre, but it's good to have something suitable on the shelves to offer those just starting out with it.
Thanks to Harper Fire and NetGalley for the free eARC.
This was a serendipitous read as the book's events take place over the first few days of January. Ella's New Year's Eve plans change and so she volunteers to babysit her young cousin for her Aunt. When she arrives at their isolated house the door is open but the lights are off. She smells gas and struggles to rescue her relatives from the house before succumbing to the fumes herself.
Once released from hospital, Ella returns to the house (now cleared by the police) and discovers possible evidence of sabotage. As she investigates further, several potential suspects come to light but Ella isn't sure who to trust. Especially when there is enmity between her cousin Chris and her potential love-interest, boy-next-door Dominic. Complicating matters are the side effects of her recently-diagnosed brain tumour which mean she can't even trust herself.
The book gets off to a bit of a slow start but ramps up the pace towards the end. It did feel a little too long, which will reduce its appeal to some of my students. A little less introspection and a little more character development would have made for a more satisfying read. We were told about the characters but we didn't see enough of their personalities to build a connection with them. When they come, the twists are in quick succession and more confusing than shocking. Yes, this matches up with how Ella must feel, but it didn't enhance my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, it might not satisfy veterans of the thriller genre, but it's good to have something suitable on the shelves to offer those just starting out with it.
Thanks to Harper Fire and NetGalley for the free eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Gaslit by Megan Davidhizar, Elle was meant to be out with friends when a headache and a twist of fate caused by her tumor result in her being saddled with a babysitting assignment. But when she arrives at the home she's supposed to be babysit at, the house is empty and the air reeks of gas. Barely able to escape, she tried to recover as police crack into an investigation that caused the death of one of the people close to her. But not everything is as it seems, the police aren't digging deep enough, and the only person who might be able to solve the murder mystery is Elle herself.
I absolutely loved this novel. I love mysteries as a general rule, but it's very hard to trick me. Davidhizar manages to do that, time and time again, throughout the course of this narrative. She plants seeds of knowledge and red herrings of deception with a masterful hand, leading readers on until its too late to turn back. I was blown away and surprised at every twist and turn, and definitely didn't expect the end of the story! I also have to admit I've never cried when reading a mystery novel, but this would be one of my firsts while reading Davidhizar's work. Especially when everything came to light around the end of the narrative, I found tears in my eyes - not once, but twice!
I fell in love with her unique, relatable, disabled characters and how their emotions felt raw and vivid. I picked up this book because I've heard about Davidhizard and her work before, and thought it was my cup of tea. I stayed because of the perfect balance of character, plot, suspense, and intrigue. It was so well done, and I cannot wait to read more of Davidhizar's work!
I absolutely loved this novel. I love mysteries as a general rule, but it's very hard to trick me. Davidhizar manages to do that, time and time again, throughout the course of this narrative. She plants seeds of knowledge and red herrings of deception with a masterful hand, leading readers on until its too late to turn back. I was blown away and surprised at every twist and turn, and definitely didn't expect the end of the story! I also have to admit I've never cried when reading a mystery novel, but this would be one of my firsts while reading Davidhizar's work. Especially when everything came to light around the end of the narrative, I found tears in my eyes - not once, but twice!
I fell in love with her unique, relatable, disabled characters and how their emotions felt raw and vivid. I picked up this book because I've heard about Davidhizard and her work before, and thought it was my cup of tea. I stayed because of the perfect balance of character, plot, suspense, and intrigue. It was so well done, and I cannot wait to read more of Davidhizar's work!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was not simply a book I read — it was a book I experienced.
Told through the perspective of Ella, a young girl newly diagnosed with a brain tumor, this story immediately establishes emotional stakes that feel intimate and urgent. Watching Ella navigate illness, fear, and uncertainty while trying to hold onto normalcy made this a deeply affecting read from the very beginning.
When a sudden tragedy disrupts what little stability Ella has left, the novel shifts into a mystery that is both compelling and emotionally charged. The use of an unreliable narrator is especially effective here, keeping the reader questioning what is real while never feeling manipulative. I found myself constantly reassessing the story, sometimes confident in my assumptions and other times completely unsure — exactly the balance this kind of narrative requires.
While this is, at its core, a mystery, the emotional themes are what give the story its weight. The book thoughtfully explores belief, invisible illness, grief, secrecy, and the quiet damage of carrying pain alone. It also handles the idea of being misunderstood — of being defined by others’ perceptions rather than one’s truth — with remarkable care and depth.
What stood out most to me was how seamlessly the psychological elements and emotional arcs were woven into the mystery itself. The twists feel earned, and the emotional payoff is significant without being exploitative.
This is a powerful, affecting novel that I would recommend widely — not only to young readers, but to adults as well. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page.
Told through the perspective of Ella, a young girl newly diagnosed with a brain tumor, this story immediately establishes emotional stakes that feel intimate and urgent. Watching Ella navigate illness, fear, and uncertainty while trying to hold onto normalcy made this a deeply affecting read from the very beginning.
When a sudden tragedy disrupts what little stability Ella has left, the novel shifts into a mystery that is both compelling and emotionally charged. The use of an unreliable narrator is especially effective here, keeping the reader questioning what is real while never feeling manipulative. I found myself constantly reassessing the story, sometimes confident in my assumptions and other times completely unsure — exactly the balance this kind of narrative requires.
While this is, at its core, a mystery, the emotional themes are what give the story its weight. The book thoughtfully explores belief, invisible illness, grief, secrecy, and the quiet damage of carrying pain alone. It also handles the idea of being misunderstood — of being defined by others’ perceptions rather than one’s truth — with remarkable care and depth.
What stood out most to me was how seamlessly the psychological elements and emotional arcs were woven into the mystery itself. The twists feel earned, and the emotional payoff is significant without being exploitative.
This is a powerful, affecting novel that I would recommend widely — not only to young readers, but to adults as well. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 4.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Gaslit is a murder mystery, where Ella’s aunt died in a gas leak and Ella is convinced it wasn’t an accident at all.
The opening of the book was really well done! I liked the introduction to the characters, the relationship between them and the accident that happened. It was high stakes from the start and I was hooked.
The mystery aspect was really well written within the plot. Little by little more information came to light, in a gradual way that made me keep on reading. The twists that kept happening throughout also had me on the edge of my seat!
Ella is an incredible character who suffers with an illness on top of her survivor’s guilt. I loved how this was shown in the story, how that illness took over so much of her life and how it influenced the relationships around her. I thought it was really well done, and it also made Ella so much stronger for how she kept pushing and fighting to bring the truth to light.
I loved the twists, the fast-pacing and the characters a lot, but I did feel like the ending wasn’t quite on parr with the rest of the book. I got the feeling as if the ending was a bit rushed, which caused the big reveal of whodunit to not feel as big. Still, I hadn’t guessed it in the end and that’s always a bonus!
Overall, Gaslit is a brilliant YA mystery thriller, with a fast-pacing that makes it impossible to put the book down once you start reading.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Gaslit is a murder mystery, where Ella’s aunt died in a gas leak and Ella is convinced it wasn’t an accident at all.
“People say pain can’t kill you”
The opening of the book was really well done! I liked the introduction to the characters, the relationship between them and the accident that happened. It was high stakes from the start and I was hooked.
The mystery aspect was really well written within the plot. Little by little more information came to light, in a gradual way that made me keep on reading. The twists that kept happening throughout also had me on the edge of my seat!
Ella is an incredible character who suffers with an illness on top of her survivor’s guilt. I loved how this was shown in the story, how that illness took over so much of her life and how it influenced the relationships around her. I thought it was really well done, and it also made Ella so much stronger for how she kept pushing and fighting to bring the truth to light.
I loved the twists, the fast-pacing and the characters a lot, but I did feel like the ending wasn’t quite on parr with the rest of the book. I got the feeling as if the ending was a bit rushed, which caused the big reveal of whodunit to not feel as big. Still, I hadn’t guessed it in the end and that’s always a bonus!
Overall, Gaslit is a brilliant YA mystery thriller, with a fast-pacing that makes it impossible to put the book down once you start reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5/5
I really wanted to like this one. The description definitely made it seem similar to E. Lockhart's We Were Liars, but unfortunately Gaslit fell short of my expectations.
What I enjoyed:
- The pacing: This book does move pretty quickly. I was able to get through it without feeling bored or wanting to put it down.
- The general plot: The idea was there. The dual meaning of of "gaslit" was a smart foundation for the book, and I thought it was compelling that the protagonist was inherently unreliable due to her brain tumor.
What didn't work for me:
- There was *way* too much explaining. The author constantly breaks down every single possible outcome, theory, scenario for the reader. I felt like I was constantly being reminded: "YOU ARE READING A BOOK RIGHT NOW." I wish she had given the readers a little bit more credit to piece things together on their own.
- Because of the point mentioned just above, I felt like I could see the "twist" coming from the beginning. There was so much less suspense than there could have been, and this was a missed opportunity.
- The main character didn't have enough depth or development to make her particularly likable (or even unlikable in a fun-to-read way).
Ultimately, I could see some of my younger students who are newer to the thriller genre enjoying this one, but it simply didn't work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books/Delacorte Press for my advanced copy.
I really wanted to like this one. The description definitely made it seem similar to E. Lockhart's We Were Liars, but unfortunately Gaslit fell short of my expectations.
What I enjoyed:
- The pacing: This book does move pretty quickly. I was able to get through it without feeling bored or wanting to put it down.
- The general plot: The idea was there. The dual meaning of of "gaslit" was a smart foundation for the book, and I thought it was compelling that the protagonist was inherently unreliable due to her brain tumor.
What didn't work for me:
- There was *way* too much explaining. The author constantly breaks down every single possible outcome, theory, scenario for the reader. I felt like I was constantly being reminded: "YOU ARE READING A BOOK RIGHT NOW." I wish she had given the readers a little bit more credit to piece things together on their own.
- Because of the point mentioned just above, I felt like I could see the "twist" coming from the beginning. There was so much less suspense than there could have been, and this was a missed opportunity.
- The main character didn't have enough depth or development to make her particularly likable (or even unlikable in a fun-to-read way).
Ultimately, I could see some of my younger students who are newer to the thriller genre enjoying this one, but it simply didn't work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books/Delacorte Press for my advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"This wasn't a tragedy. It was purposeful. Intentional. Malicious. Murder."
Ella had big NYE plans until a crippling migraine has her cancelling on her friends. By the time she starts to feel better, it's too late to join them for their fun night out, but a dire need for a babysitter for her cousins leads to Ella heading out into the night to lend a hand. When she arrives at her Aunt's house, it's to an open door, an awful smell, and the sight of her aunt and cousins all unconscious. Was it an accident or was it murder?
I felt gaslit by this book, bruh 🙄
GASLIT by Megan Davidhizar is a YA Thriller that I do think would work better for a younger audience.
With comps to WE WERE LIARS ( I think it hits in some respects), this story centers a narrator who can't 100% be trusted based on her health issues, which feels a bit too convenient when she finds herself mixed into the middle of a murder plot.
Ella herself didn't feel fully fleshed out as a character - so much of her personality revolved around her not wanting people to make assumptions about her based on her diagnosis and that she danced.
Despite the issues I had with character development and its use in the storytelling, this was a very quick read that did have me shook 🫨 and then had me feeling betrayed in quick succession, so do with that info what you will 🙇♀️
Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for my early copy for review - out January 13!
Ella had big NYE plans until a crippling migraine has her cancelling on her friends. By the time she starts to feel better, it's too late to join them for their fun night out, but a dire need for a babysitter for her cousins leads to Ella heading out into the night to lend a hand. When she arrives at her Aunt's house, it's to an open door, an awful smell, and the sight of her aunt and cousins all unconscious. Was it an accident or was it murder?
I felt gaslit by this book, bruh 🙄
GASLIT by Megan Davidhizar is a YA Thriller that I do think would work better for a younger audience.
With comps to WE WERE LIARS ( I think it hits in some respects), this story centers a narrator who can't 100% be trusted based on her health issues, which feels a bit too convenient when she finds herself mixed into the middle of a murder plot.
Ella herself didn't feel fully fleshed out as a character - so much of her personality revolved around her not wanting people to make assumptions about her based on her diagnosis and that she danced.
Despite the issues I had with character development and its use in the storytelling, this was a very quick read that did have me shook 🫨 and then had me feeling betrayed in quick succession, so do with that info what you will 🙇♀️
Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for my early copy for review - out January 13!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gaslit follows Ella, a young girl who has recently had a scary diagnosis who decides to try and find the truth behind her Aunt Julie's mysterious death.
This book promises psychological suspense and emotional manipulation, but for me, it never fully delivered on that potential. The pacing was very slow throughout, and the story struggled to build any real tension or momentum. I kept waiting for something shocking or thrilling to happen, but it never quite got there. As a result, the reading experience felt flat, and I found myself disengaged rather than on edge.
I didn't connect with any of the characters, which made it extremely difficult to feel invested in the outcome. Their perspectives didn't resonate with me, and without that emotional connection, the stakes felt low. When the reveal finally arrived, it wasn't surprising or impactful, which was disappointing given the genre and premise.
Overall, Gaslit just wasn't a book for me. The lack of suspense, emotional connection, and shock factor is the reason why I scored it the way I did. While it may appeal to readers who enjoy very slow-burn psychological stories, it didn't offer the tension or payoff that I was hoping for.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review.
This book promises psychological suspense and emotional manipulation, but for me, it never fully delivered on that potential. The pacing was very slow throughout, and the story struggled to build any real tension or momentum. I kept waiting for something shocking or thrilling to happen, but it never quite got there. As a result, the reading experience felt flat, and I found myself disengaged rather than on edge.
I didn't connect with any of the characters, which made it extremely difficult to feel invested in the outcome. Their perspectives didn't resonate with me, and without that emotional connection, the stakes felt low. When the reveal finally arrived, it wasn't surprising or impactful, which was disappointing given the genre and premise.
Overall, Gaslit just wasn't a book for me. The lack of suspense, emotional connection, and shock factor is the reason why I scored it the way I did. While it may appeal to readers who enjoy very slow-burn psychological stories, it didn't offer the tension or payoff that I was hoping for.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review.
January 1, 2026
GASLIT is a fast-paced mystery that skillfully navigates crime for a younger YA audience while also incorporating chronic pain/illness with complex family relationships. All together, you will not be able to put this book down.
This is a perfect example of a Clue scenario: every answer is as plausible as the next. Davidhizar perfectly lays out a myriad of plausible scenarios that leave you guessing until the final fifty pages, all while incorporating true human experiences that will leave teen readers feeling truly seen. The pacing was tight and the developing story had me furiously flipping the page.
I feel like this book is a perfect example of an unreliable narrator, and the author completely leaned into this trope without sacrificing the narrator as a character. I believe anyone who has a chronic illness or pain will find themselves in Ella and truly relate to her struggles in both the health and crime field.
This arc is tight and well-rounded, leaving readers satisfied with plenty of room to reflect on the characters. My only critique would be the last chapter wrapping up too fast, but even that was well-done from a technical perspective.
If you are looking for a murder mystery that isn’t afraid to introduce deeper questions involving family, pressure, and chronic illness, GASLIT will certainly be the book for you.
This is a perfect example of a Clue scenario: every answer is as plausible as the next. Davidhizar perfectly lays out a myriad of plausible scenarios that leave you guessing until the final fifty pages, all while incorporating true human experiences that will leave teen readers feeling truly seen. The pacing was tight and the developing story had me furiously flipping the page.
I feel like this book is a perfect example of an unreliable narrator, and the author completely leaned into this trope without sacrificing the narrator as a character. I believe anyone who has a chronic illness or pain will find themselves in Ella and truly relate to her struggles in both the health and crime field.
This arc is tight and well-rounded, leaving readers satisfied with plenty of room to reflect on the characters. My only critique would be the last chapter wrapping up too fast, but even that was well-done from a technical perspective.
If you are looking for a murder mystery that isn’t afraid to introduce deeper questions involving family, pressure, and chronic illness, GASLIT will certainly be the book for you.
October 11, 2025
This BOOK! Y’all, where do I even begin? Let’s start with the plot itself. Gaslit by Megan Davidhizar follows a girl named Ella Forrester, who suffers from migraines and another medical condition that slowly develops over time throughout the novel. She witnesses a devastating gas leak that shatters her family and leaves an impact on her forever.
As Ella begins to dig into the cause of the leak, she realizes this is deeper than she could have ever imagined. The plot moves at the perfect pace, setting Gaslit up to be one of the best suspense novels I’ve ever read. Davidhizar masterfully balances gripping cliffhangers with a touch of romance in Ella and Dominic’s relationship. These two are the real-life Nancy Drew and Ned Nickerson. I was smiling from ear to ear whenever they interacted!
There were several moments, especially near the end, when I was quite literally screaming, crying, and throwing up over what I was reading and that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly how a thriller novel should make you react. Megan Davidhizar has found her niche, and she’s absolutely an author to watch out for!
As Ella begins to dig into the cause of the leak, she realizes this is deeper than she could have ever imagined. The plot moves at the perfect pace, setting Gaslit up to be one of the best suspense novels I’ve ever read. Davidhizar masterfully balances gripping cliffhangers with a touch of romance in Ella and Dominic’s relationship. These two are the real-life Nancy Drew and Ned Nickerson. I was smiling from ear to ear whenever they interacted!
There were several moments, especially near the end, when I was quite literally screaming, crying, and throwing up over what I was reading and that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly how a thriller novel should make you react. Megan Davidhizar has found her niche, and she’s absolutely an author to watch out for!
November 16, 2025
First of all, thanks Netgalley for this ARC! It took me a while, but was such an entertaining read. At its core, Gaslit by Megan Davidhizar is a thriller novel about the strength of family and oneself through tragedy… and questioning whether or not your reality is real. The main narrative follows the POV of Ella, a bright teenage girl with a brain tumor as she encounters the horrific death of a close family member she idolized. Feeling isolated by others and wanting to protect them from her own escalating issues, Ella puts on a brave face to discover the truth. This story is full of heart and love in its purest form while keeping the audience on its toes through finding out information as Ella investigates what truly happened on New Year’s Eve and who is responsible for it. Overall, this thriller novel was a terrific feat in plot twists that kept me gasping (and shedding tears!), a sweet budding romance that feels as good as a goal at a hockey game and tastes as delectable as a chocolate cupcake, and has the strength of a six year old in Spiderman pajamas. I recommend it to anyone who loves character driven narratives and the taste of justice in the midst of fake news.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Gaslit by Megan Davidhizar
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: YA Psychological Thriller
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: January 13, 2026
📚 352 pages
Medical Gaslighting
"Accidental" Death
Unreliable Narrator
Web of Manipulation
Teenage Sleuthing
Another great YA thriller from the incredible Megan Davidhizar! Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson, Gaslit will keep you on the edge of your seat and questioning everything.
The novel hit the ground running with a deadly, devastating accident which resulted in loss, paired instantly with medical gaslighting. As a reader with chronic illness, I felt an instant and strong connection to Ella. The author masterfully articulated how illness can consume your identity and influence the dynamics of your relationships. Despite feeling completely undermined and unable to trust her own perceptions, Ella’s resolve was unwavering; she fought relentlessly for the truth and for justice. The story is rich with several surprising, unexpected twists, and features a charming romantic subplot that adds great depth!
Thank you so much to Delacorte Press, the amazing author, and NetGalley for the digital review copy.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: YA Psychological Thriller
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: January 13, 2026
📚 352 pages
Medical Gaslighting
"Accidental" Death
Unreliable Narrator
Web of Manipulation
Teenage Sleuthing
Another great YA thriller from the incredible Megan Davidhizar! Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson, Gaslit will keep you on the edge of your seat and questioning everything.
The novel hit the ground running with a deadly, devastating accident which resulted in loss, paired instantly with medical gaslighting. As a reader with chronic illness, I felt an instant and strong connection to Ella. The author masterfully articulated how illness can consume your identity and influence the dynamics of your relationships. Despite feeling completely undermined and unable to trust her own perceptions, Ella’s resolve was unwavering; she fought relentlessly for the truth and for justice. The story is rich with several surprising, unexpected twists, and features a charming romantic subplot that adds great depth!
Thank you so much to Delacorte Press, the amazing author, and NetGalley for the digital review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read an eARC of Davidhizar’s debut novel, “Silent Sister” almost two years ago, and at the time, I was impressed with her ability to build suspense and keep you guessing. I’m even more impressed after reading this one. There *are* some moments that didn’t quite gel, and I wanted to figuratively smack some teenagers upside the head* more than a few times, BUT I was entertained throughout. Also, this goes quite in depth about certain medical diagnoses, which do come into play more and more as the novel progresses.
The author really gets inside a teenage brain here, and it’s fascinating. Yes, decisions were made that frustrated me, but I’m an adult with way more life experience, and it’s good to have an extra reminder that the teenage brain is not fully developed. I’m very much in awe of Davidhizer’s ability to write extremely believable teenage characters.
“Gaslit” is a solid 4 star read, and Megan Davidhizar has solidified her place as an auto-read author for me.
*I’ve never actually smacked anyone upside the head. Don’t do this. 😜
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an advance copy. All opinions are mine.
The author really gets inside a teenage brain here, and it’s fascinating. Yes, decisions were made that frustrated me, but I’m an adult with way more life experience, and it’s good to have an extra reminder that the teenage brain is not fully developed. I’m very much in awe of Davidhizer’s ability to write extremely believable teenage characters.
“Gaslit” is a solid 4 star read, and Megan Davidhizar has solidified her place as an auto-read author for me.
*I’ve never actually smacked anyone upside the head. Don’t do this. 😜
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an advance copy. All opinions are mine.
January 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC.
As a 6th grade teacher, this is exactly the type of book I’ve been looking for to share with my students. When I was that age, I used to devour books like these filled with death, lies, confusion, and twists, but a lot of them had much more mature content than I probably should have been reading at the time—fortunately for me, my parents didn’t know.
It can be very hard to find propulsive books for this age because there is often language and sexual content that most parents don’t want their kids exposed to while still so young. While this book did have some smooching, there was nothing more than that, and the language was appropriate as well. The lack of those things didn’t take away from the excellent pacing of the book. I can imagine my students tearing through this. I will be checking out the author’s other book, Silent Sister, soon!
Side note—I also appreciated the Educator Guide at the end of the novel and the way words were introduced. For example, when the word “beneficiary” was used, the character pulled out her phone to look it up, so that the reader wouldn’t have to.
As a 6th grade teacher, this is exactly the type of book I’ve been looking for to share with my students. When I was that age, I used to devour books like these filled with death, lies, confusion, and twists, but a lot of them had much more mature content than I probably should have been reading at the time—fortunately for me, my parents didn’t know.
It can be very hard to find propulsive books for this age because there is often language and sexual content that most parents don’t want their kids exposed to while still so young. While this book did have some smooching, there was nothing more than that, and the language was appropriate as well. The lack of those things didn’t take away from the excellent pacing of the book. I can imagine my students tearing through this. I will be checking out the author’s other book, Silent Sister, soon!
Side note—I also appreciated the Educator Guide at the end of the novel and the way words were introduced. For example, when the word “beneficiary” was used, the character pulled out her phone to look it up, so that the reader wouldn’t have to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews