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I Don't Wish You Well
A teen investigative podcaster decides to dig into the truth behind a grisly murder spree that rocked his hometown five years ago, but soon discovers that this cold case is still hiding deadly secrets—in this chilling thriller perfect for fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.
Five years ago, the infamous Trojan murders turned the small town of Moss Pointe, Louisiana into a living nightmare. Four teen boys—all star players on Moss Pointe High's football team—were murdered one after the other by a Trojan-mask wearing killer.
Eventually, the murderer was unmasked. But the community has never forgotten—and some folks in town still wonder whether the police got it right.
Eighteen-year-old Pryce Cummings is one of them. An aspiring journalist, Pryce is pretty sure he just stumbled upon evidence that throws the killer's guilt into question. It's the perfect story for his own podcast, and a reason to go back to the hometown he's avoided since coming to terms with his sexuality while at college.
But in Moss Pointe, digging into the past is anything but welcome. There's so much more to what happened there five years ago, and Pryce is ready to crack it all wide open . . . if he lives to tell the tale.
Five years ago, the infamous Trojan murders turned the small town of Moss Pointe, Louisiana into a living nightmare. Four teen boys—all star players on Moss Pointe High's football team—were murdered one after the other by a Trojan-mask wearing killer.
Eventually, the murderer was unmasked. But the community has never forgotten—and some folks in town still wonder whether the police got it right.
Eighteen-year-old Pryce Cummings is one of them. An aspiring journalist, Pryce is pretty sure he just stumbled upon evidence that throws the killer's guilt into question. It's the perfect story for his own podcast, and a reason to go back to the hometown he's avoided since coming to terms with his sexuality while at college.
But in Moss Pointe, digging into the past is anything but welcome. There's so much more to what happened there five years ago, and Pryce is ready to crack it all wide open . . . if he lives to tell the tale.
Audible Audio
First published January 20, 2026
68 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jumata Emill
3 books242 followersJumata Emill is a journalist who has covered crime and local politics in Mississippi and parts of Louisiana. He earned his BA in mass communications from Southern University and A&M College. He’s a Pitch Wars alum and a member of the Crime Writers of Color. When he’s not writing about murderous teens, he’s watching and obsessively tweeting about every franchise of the Real Housewives. Jumata lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is the author of The Black Queen and Wander in the Dark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 25, 2026
This turned out to be one of my slowest reads ever—but not for the reasons you might think. It wasn’t because the book was dull or failed to hook me. Quite the opposite! I read it slowly because it was so intense, thought-provoking, and emotionally overwhelming that I wanted to savor every page.
This is one of the most earth-shatteringly powerful, tension-simmering, provocative, and brilliantly executed thrillers I’ve read in a long time. It tackles a host of painful, triggering issues that haunt the fictional small town of Moss Pointe, Louisiana—a place where football reigns supreme, white privilege dictates who gets away with what, and the justice system consistently fails those who need it most. Beneath its polite Southern charm, Moss Pointe reeks of bigotry, hypocrisy, and homophobia, suffocating anyone who dares to live authentically or come clean about who they are.
This is a town where scheming and repression run deep, where secrets are buried under layers of silence, and where a string of bloody serial murders shakes its foundations. The victims? Local football stars—once treated as untouchable heroes—whose brutal deaths reveal just how toxic the town’s worship of success and masculinity really is.
I found myself devouring this story slowly because there’s so much to unpack. The case of the so-called Trojan Murders—named after the killer’s eerie Trojan mask—is more than just a local tragedy. When Deuce Beasley, the young man accused of the crimes, is found dead in his room after an anonymous tip, the town is quick to close the case. But could he have been innocent all along?
As new secrets come to light—hidden lives, corrupt local figures, and long-buried scandals—the puzzle grows deeper and darker. The author keeps throwing one shocking revelation after another, barely giving the reader time to breathe before dropping the next bombshell. And that final twist? It made me literally scream! I did not see it coming. It’s rare for a thriller to surprise me this much, and this one absolutely did.
I loved how every thread came together seamlessly, with no loose ends or plot holes. It’s a smart, realistic, and emotionally charged thriller that delves into the darkest corners of small-town life—touching on racism, homophobia, bigotry, sexual assault, substance abuse, and parental neglect. This isn’t an easy read; it’s raw and painful at times, which is exactly why I took my time with it. Some chapters made me furious, others left me in tears. But every emotion was earned.
This is more than a five-star read—it’s a ten-out-of-ten experience, and I’m certain it will be one of my top reads of 2026 when it’s published this January.
Story Recap
Eighteen-year-old Pryce Cummings had hoped to escape his hometown of Moss Pointe for the summer, but when he can’t find a job, he’s forced to stay. Moss Pointe is still infamous for the Trojan Murders—a string of killings that took the lives of four young football players years ago.
Pryce dreads being home, forced to keep his sexuality hidden from his parents—especially his father, who’s obsessed with football and appearances. But when Pryce stumbles upon an online comment from Herman Young, who insists that accused killer Deuce Beasley was innocent and at home with his wife at the time of the murders, Pryce’s curiosity turns into obsession.
Determined to uncover the truth, Pryce starts a true-crime podcast investigating the case. Deuce, who had been secretly gay, was believed to have killed the players out of revenge after they discovered his secret. But what if Deuce was framed? What if the real killer is still out there?
Pryce reaches out to Isiah “Izzy” Stokes, Deuce’s ex-boyfriend who escaped Moss Pointe for a freer life in New Orleans. At first, Izzy refuses to get involved, but when tragedy strikes the town again, he returns—helping Pryce dig deeper into the corruption and lies buried beneath Moss Pointe’s surface.
As Pryce gets closer to the truth, he risks not only his reputation but also his life, especially when his own family turns against him. And when the truth finally comes out—it changes everything.
Final Thoughts
I really hope the author brings Pryce Cummings back for future stories—his emotional journey, growth, and courage to embrace his identity were beautifully written.
This is a dark, gut-wrenching, and unforgettable read, one that lingers long after you close the last page. It’s the kind of book that keeps echoing in your head for months, reminding you why fiction can be so powerful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10 if I could!)
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press for the ARC of this phenomenal thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This is one of the most earth-shatteringly powerful, tension-simmering, provocative, and brilliantly executed thrillers I’ve read in a long time. It tackles a host of painful, triggering issues that haunt the fictional small town of Moss Pointe, Louisiana—a place where football reigns supreme, white privilege dictates who gets away with what, and the justice system consistently fails those who need it most. Beneath its polite Southern charm, Moss Pointe reeks of bigotry, hypocrisy, and homophobia, suffocating anyone who dares to live authentically or come clean about who they are.
This is a town where scheming and repression run deep, where secrets are buried under layers of silence, and where a string of bloody serial murders shakes its foundations. The victims? Local football stars—once treated as untouchable heroes—whose brutal deaths reveal just how toxic the town’s worship of success and masculinity really is.
I found myself devouring this story slowly because there’s so much to unpack. The case of the so-called Trojan Murders—named after the killer’s eerie Trojan mask—is more than just a local tragedy. When Deuce Beasley, the young man accused of the crimes, is found dead in his room after an anonymous tip, the town is quick to close the case. But could he have been innocent all along?
As new secrets come to light—hidden lives, corrupt local figures, and long-buried scandals—the puzzle grows deeper and darker. The author keeps throwing one shocking revelation after another, barely giving the reader time to breathe before dropping the next bombshell. And that final twist? It made me literally scream! I did not see it coming. It’s rare for a thriller to surprise me this much, and this one absolutely did.
I loved how every thread came together seamlessly, with no loose ends or plot holes. It’s a smart, realistic, and emotionally charged thriller that delves into the darkest corners of small-town life—touching on racism, homophobia, bigotry, sexual assault, substance abuse, and parental neglect. This isn’t an easy read; it’s raw and painful at times, which is exactly why I took my time with it. Some chapters made me furious, others left me in tears. But every emotion was earned.
This is more than a five-star read—it’s a ten-out-of-ten experience, and I’m certain it will be one of my top reads of 2026 when it’s published this January.
Story Recap
Eighteen-year-old Pryce Cummings had hoped to escape his hometown of Moss Pointe for the summer, but when he can’t find a job, he’s forced to stay. Moss Pointe is still infamous for the Trojan Murders—a string of killings that took the lives of four young football players years ago.
Pryce dreads being home, forced to keep his sexuality hidden from his parents—especially his father, who’s obsessed with football and appearances. But when Pryce stumbles upon an online comment from Herman Young, who insists that accused killer Deuce Beasley was innocent and at home with his wife at the time of the murders, Pryce’s curiosity turns into obsession.
Determined to uncover the truth, Pryce starts a true-crime podcast investigating the case. Deuce, who had been secretly gay, was believed to have killed the players out of revenge after they discovered his secret. But what if Deuce was framed? What if the real killer is still out there?
Pryce reaches out to Isiah “Izzy” Stokes, Deuce’s ex-boyfriend who escaped Moss Pointe for a freer life in New Orleans. At first, Izzy refuses to get involved, but when tragedy strikes the town again, he returns—helping Pryce dig deeper into the corruption and lies buried beneath Moss Pointe’s surface.
As Pryce gets closer to the truth, he risks not only his reputation but also his life, especially when his own family turns against him. And when the truth finally comes out—it changes everything.
Final Thoughts
I really hope the author brings Pryce Cummings back for future stories—his emotional journey, growth, and courage to embrace his identity were beautifully written.
This is a dark, gut-wrenching, and unforgettable read, one that lingers long after you close the last page. It’s the kind of book that keeps echoing in your head for months, reminding you why fiction can be so powerful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10 if I could!)
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press for the ARC of this phenomenal thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
November 24, 2025
I liked this book a lot. For me the recipe for a good mystery is giving little clues that make it possible for the reader to figure it out before the big reveal, and I Don’t Wish You Well gave me exactly that. I had a hunch pretty early on and as the pieces were making a clearer picture I didn’t want to be right so it was such a good experience. I love the format of including some interviews and news articles peppered throughout the book, it made the story move at a fast pace that I like.
I don’t want to say much about it but we basically follow a teenager back home from his first year at university trying to investigate a crime that happened years ago because he feels the police didn’t solve it and just settled for the easiest option.
I love everything about it. It’s dark at times but I like how it didn’t flinch from difficult conversations. At the end of the book there’s information about the author and upon seeing he’s a journalist with experience covering crime stories I totally get why this is so good and feels like something that happened before(and it probably did, the world is a messed up place).
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte press for the ARC.
I don’t want to say much about it but we basically follow a teenager back home from his first year at university trying to investigate a crime that happened years ago because he feels the police didn’t solve it and just settled for the easiest option.
I love everything about it. It’s dark at times but I like how it didn’t flinch from difficult conversations. At the end of the book there’s information about the author and upon seeing he’s a journalist with experience covering crime stories I totally get why this is so good and feels like something that happened before(and it probably did, the world is a messed up place).
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte press for the ARC.
January 26, 2026
Intense, insightful, provocative, and emotional, I Don’t Wish You Well was a powerful look at some deeply thought-provoking topics. Exploring identity, self-worth, revenge, and justice, it was just as hard to read as it was to put down. You see, not only did this incisive tale explore a handful of dark subjects, but it did so with sensitivity and care. On top of that, thanks to a whodunnit plot perfect for fans of Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, the small-town prejudices intertwined cleverly with the podcaster-turned-amateur sleuth’s hunt for the truth. Add to that oodles of long-buried secrets, manipulative schemes, and cat-and-mouse games, and I couldn’t put this book down once I met the true-to-life narrator. A queer teen battling with how he fits into his world, he was an honest portrayal of some of my friends experiences as well.
All said and done, despite quite a few triggers in a book meant for teens, I found this mystery/thriller an easy win. Was it somewhat predictable at times? Well…okay, maybe. That didn’t, however, change my opinion. After all, from the realistic feel to the gossipy small-town setting, the fact that it wasn’t entirely original wasn’t a negative. It was, in fact, one of the biggest selling points to this page-turning puzzle. A story that could’ve been pulled straight out of the headlines, it felt both timely and relevant in our current world. Of course, the mixed media format helped with that too. So if you love murder mysteries that go deeper or true-crime plots that feel real, you need to grab this book now. Smart, captivating, and binge-able, it was not only a must-read for teens but one that should be required for adults as well. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Five years ago, the infamous Trojan murders turned the small town of Moss Pointe, Louisiana into a living nightmare. Four teen boys—all star players on Moss Pointe High's football team—were murdered one after the other by a Trojan-mask wearing killer.
Eventually, the murderer was unmasked. But the community has never forgotten—and some folks in town still wonder whether the police got it right.
Eighteen-year-old Pryce Cummings is one of them. An aspiring journalist, Pryce is pretty sure he just stumbled upon evidence that throws the killer's guilt into question. It's the perfect story for his own podcast, and a reason to go back to the hometown he's avoided since coming to terms with his sexuality while at college.
But in Moss Pointe, digging into the past is anything but welcome. There's so much more to what happened there five years ago, and Pryce is ready to crack it all wide open . . . if he lives to tell the tale.
Thank you Jumata Emill and Delacorte Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 20, 2026
Content warning: infidelity, homophobia, child abuse, rape, kidnapping, violence, mention of: stalking, gun violence
All said and done, despite quite a few triggers in a book meant for teens, I found this mystery/thriller an easy win. Was it somewhat predictable at times? Well…okay, maybe. That didn’t, however, change my opinion. After all, from the realistic feel to the gossipy small-town setting, the fact that it wasn’t entirely original wasn’t a negative. It was, in fact, one of the biggest selling points to this page-turning puzzle. A story that could’ve been pulled straight out of the headlines, it felt both timely and relevant in our current world. Of course, the mixed media format helped with that too. So if you love murder mysteries that go deeper or true-crime plots that feel real, you need to grab this book now. Smart, captivating, and binge-able, it was not only a must-read for teens but one that should be required for adults as well. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Five years ago, the infamous Trojan murders turned the small town of Moss Pointe, Louisiana into a living nightmare. Four teen boys—all star players on Moss Pointe High's football team—were murdered one after the other by a Trojan-mask wearing killer.
Eventually, the murderer was unmasked. But the community has never forgotten—and some folks in town still wonder whether the police got it right.
Eighteen-year-old Pryce Cummings is one of them. An aspiring journalist, Pryce is pretty sure he just stumbled upon evidence that throws the killer's guilt into question. It's the perfect story for his own podcast, and a reason to go back to the hometown he's avoided since coming to terms with his sexuality while at college.
But in Moss Pointe, digging into the past is anything but welcome. There's so much more to what happened there five years ago, and Pryce is ready to crack it all wide open . . . if he lives to tell the tale.
Thank you Jumata Emill and Delacorte Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 20, 2026
Content warning: infidelity, homophobia, child abuse, rape, kidnapping, violence, mention of: stalking, gun violence
January 27, 2026
WOOOOOOooooboy! This is a *ride*, folks. All you have to tell me is that it’s about a true crime podcast, and I’m in.
Pryce Cummings is in his first year of college with plans to become a journalist. With his mentor’s permission, he sets off for his hometown to investigate four murders that happened five years previously. The problem is, Pryce has come out at college, but no one at home knows he’s gay, not even his parents or sibling. So he has to appear straight for an entire summer, which is especially hard when you’ve been enjoying the freedom to be yourself all year. Worse yet, the perpetrator of the murders was also gay, in a Deep South, good-ol-boy town where masculinity is toxic, and high school football is EVERYTHING. Not only is everyone already homophobic, since the murders, they ALSO think that gays are depraved murderers. It’s not a good situation to walk into, nor to start poking around in an attempt to exonerate the alleged killer.
But poke around, he does–to disastrous effect. However, Pryce knows he’s onto something. There are secrets that the townspeople are hiding.
And those people will do anything to keep them.
Even commit murder.
Can Pryce unravel the mystery before tragedy strikes yet again?
Emill is great at building tension and suspense. This was my first read of his, and I’m officially a fan. The plot zig-zagged around so much that it was hard to keep track of who was a suspect, and there are *many* secrets to uncover–not just the Trojan murders. That’s a good thing. The author had me going until the final reveal, and I did not guess it…at ALL. I love when that happens!
Thanks, as always, to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for gifting me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pryce Cummings is in his first year of college with plans to become a journalist. With his mentor’s permission, he sets off for his hometown to investigate four murders that happened five years previously. The problem is, Pryce has come out at college, but no one at home knows he’s gay, not even his parents or sibling. So he has to appear straight for an entire summer, which is especially hard when you’ve been enjoying the freedom to be yourself all year. Worse yet, the perpetrator of the murders was also gay, in a Deep South, good-ol-boy town where masculinity is toxic, and high school football is EVERYTHING. Not only is everyone already homophobic, since the murders, they ALSO think that gays are depraved murderers. It’s not a good situation to walk into, nor to start poking around in an attempt to exonerate the alleged killer.
But poke around, he does–to disastrous effect. However, Pryce knows he’s onto something. There are secrets that the townspeople are hiding.
And those people will do anything to keep them.
Even commit murder.
Can Pryce unravel the mystery before tragedy strikes yet again?
Emill is great at building tension and suspense. This was my first read of his, and I’m officially a fan. The plot zig-zagged around so much that it was hard to keep track of who was a suspect, and there are *many* secrets to uncover–not just the Trojan murders. That’s a good thing. The author had me going until the final reveal, and I did not guess it…at ALL. I love when that happens!
Thanks, as always, to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for gifting me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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Want to read
November 7, 2025help what is this book and why was i emailed an arc of it 😭
i’ve never heard of or seen this book in my life
i’ve never heard of or seen this book in my life
January 19, 2026
I could tell very early that this one was going to be a deep read! The overall premise was gripping and intriguing, as we dive into an investigation that is reopened into the grizzly murders of the star line up of a high school football team.
Pryce is determined to get to the truth. As a freshman in Journalism major he dives into this investigation, despite resistance from his parents, community and basically the entire town. Literally everyone he asks is simply saying “leave it alone.” From the beginning of Pryce’s investigation, it was evident that there was so much more going on with this case!
This story dove into some heavy topics such as young black men battling sexual identity, social acceptance, police corruption, sabotage & more! Overall, a great read that I couldn’t put down. Thank you NetGalley & Random House Children's Books for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.20.26
Pryce is determined to get to the truth. As a freshman in Journalism major he dives into this investigation, despite resistance from his parents, community and basically the entire town. Literally everyone he asks is simply saying “leave it alone.” From the beginning of Pryce’s investigation, it was evident that there was so much more going on with this case!
This story dove into some heavy topics such as young black men battling sexual identity, social acceptance, police corruption, sabotage & more! Overall, a great read that I couldn’t put down. Thank you NetGalley & Random House Children's Books for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.20.26
November 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Real rating: 4.25 stars
Every prediction I had, no matter how early on, ended up being correct. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. What matters is, the book is still good enough to keep reading anyway. And it was. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Real rating: 4.25 stars
Every prediction I had, no matter how early on, ended up being correct. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. What matters is, the book is still good enough to keep reading anyway. And it was. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I would recommend this book to anyone.
January 5, 2026
I really enjoy Emil’s work. He often does a great job of integrating social commentary into his novels while also keeping the reader’s attention with intense suspense. This book is no exception - if you’re looking for a YA/new adult thriller that tackles complicated topics of justice and social expectations of young Black men while also keeping you on the edge of your seat, this is for you.
Read
January 30, 2026Thank you to PRH Audio for a copy of this audiobook.
Wow. This book was… wow.
I devoured this one. Gripped from the first chapter, I couldn’t put this book down. I had to know who the killer was, and, as I started to put the pieces together, I wanted to be wrong.
There’s an exploration of several heavy topics that is handled with sensitivity and care. Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration. I definitely recommend this one!
Wow. This book was… wow.
I devoured this one. Gripped from the first chapter, I couldn’t put this book down. I had to know who the killer was, and, as I started to put the pieces together, I wanted to be wrong.
There’s an exploration of several heavy topics that is handled with sensitivity and care. Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration. I definitely recommend this one!
January 22, 2026
“I would never wish bad things, but I don’t wish you well.”
Jumata Emill has done it again!
If you are looking for a slow burn mysterious thrill that centers finding the identity of a serial killer then this may be your next read.
-18 y/o inspiring journalist MMC
-Nancy Drew vibes
-pro religion & anti homosexuality small town
-uncovering dark secrets
-queer representation
-“Who did it?” trope
-embracing your identity
-problematic football culture
-race & social hierarchy
-complex family dynamics
-justice & healing
-standing in your truth
-found family
Black & queer thrillers were not common for me growing up. It is so refreshing to read young adult thrillers with necessary representation.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
I would recommend this to older young adults. (Ages 16+) due to the intense trigger warnings.
Check your trigger warnings.
-extreme homophobic
-drug use
-sexual assault
-homophobia
-murder & violence
-pedophilia
-sexual harassment
-underage drinking
-gun violence
-addiction
Jumata Emill has done it again!
If you are looking for a slow burn mysterious thrill that centers finding the identity of a serial killer then this may be your next read.
-18 y/o inspiring journalist MMC
-Nancy Drew vibes
-pro religion & anti homosexuality small town
-uncovering dark secrets
-queer representation
-“Who did it?” trope
-embracing your identity
-problematic football culture
-race & social hierarchy
-complex family dynamics
-justice & healing
-standing in your truth
-found family
Black & queer thrillers were not common for me growing up. It is so refreshing to read young adult thrillers with necessary representation.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
I would recommend this to older young adults. (Ages 16+) due to the intense trigger warnings.
Check your trigger warnings.
-extreme homophobic
-drug use
-sexual assault
-homophobia
-murder & violence
-pedophilia
-sexual harassment
-underage drinking
-gun violence
-addiction
January 24, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Delacorte Press and Jumata Emill for my gifted digital copy.
Listened along via Audible. The narrators did an amazing job. This was a production.
This story had so many layers. Acceptance, family, friends, football pride and the “culture” it comes with, truth, police and more. Pryce was the perfect mc to have the story told through. He was willing to risk it all for the truth no matter what his small community, parents, and even brother thought of him doing this. When something doesn’t sit right shouldn’t we all want to know the truth? Some things never change. Only the faces.
The pace of this story along with investigation kept me tuned in. I had some predictions early on and now I’m thinking I might need to change careers LOL. This could be movie or a limited series.
Pryce’s mom is a real gem.
Highly recommend.
Listened along via Audible. The narrators did an amazing job. This was a production.
This story had so many layers. Acceptance, family, friends, football pride and the “culture” it comes with, truth, police and more. Pryce was the perfect mc to have the story told through. He was willing to risk it all for the truth no matter what his small community, parents, and even brother thought of him doing this. When something doesn’t sit right shouldn’t we all want to know the truth? Some things never change. Only the faces.
The pace of this story along with investigation kept me tuned in. I had some predictions early on and now I’m thinking I might need to change careers LOL. This could be movie or a limited series.
Pryce’s mom is a real gem.
Highly recommend.
January 25, 2026
This is a perfect example of how you write suspense!! Jumata Emill is a beast with the pen!
I was locked in from page 1! The plot thickened as the story progressed and I just knew I knew who the culprit was, but was wrong!!
This book was absolutely amazing. I would love it if this was adapted into a movie because I could visualize all the events happening. And that plot twist at the end was mind blowing!! I did not expect that at all!
Yes, I highly recommend this one!
I was locked in from page 1! The plot thickened as the story progressed and I just knew I knew who the culprit was, but was wrong!!
This book was absolutely amazing. I would love it if this was adapted into a movie because I could visualize all the events happening. And that plot twist at the end was mind blowing!! I did not expect that at all!
Yes, I highly recommend this one!
January 21, 2026
I went back and forth on this one because while I didn’t love it, I didn’t dislike it either. In the end, I think this just wasn’t written for me, and that’s okay!
This is a queer YA, mixed-media mystery that follows a teenage boy who becomes the focus of an investigation after his former best friend is seriously harmed. The story unfolds through interviews, messages, and documents (my favorite part), slowly peeling back secrets, shifting perspectives, and the way public opinion can twist the truth.
The premise is strong and timely, and I appreciated how it explored identity, friendship, and social pressure. That said, I never fully connected with the characters, which left me feeling a bit emotionally detached throughout. I kept waiting for it to really grab me, and it just… didn’t.
Overall, it’s a well-done, thoughtful mystery that I respect more than I enjoyed. I can definitely see it resonating with readers who love mixed-media storytelling and YA mysteries focused on identity and perception.
This is a queer YA, mixed-media mystery that follows a teenage boy who becomes the focus of an investigation after his former best friend is seriously harmed. The story unfolds through interviews, messages, and documents (my favorite part), slowly peeling back secrets, shifting perspectives, and the way public opinion can twist the truth.
The premise is strong and timely, and I appreciated how it explored identity, friendship, and social pressure. That said, I never fully connected with the characters, which left me feeling a bit emotionally detached throughout. I kept waiting for it to really grab me, and it just… didn’t.
Overall, it’s a well-done, thoughtful mystery that I respect more than I enjoyed. I can definitely see it resonating with readers who love mixed-media storytelling and YA mysteries focused on identity and perception.
February 1, 2026
4.5! Wow what a deep and incredible story. My first by this author and definitely not my last. Police corruption, black male sexuality, small town murders.. whew!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Emill is a brilliant voice for the deep south young queers. His blatant exposure of how marginalized communities are open for abuse, the impacts on community and all the anger.
This plot is rough, brutal, reality for so many - just here it is. Now you've seen it, what are you going to do?
This plot is rough, brutal, reality for so many - just here it is. Now you've seen it, what are you going to do?
September 24, 2025
This is the first book that I have read by Jumata Emill and I have to say that I was thoroughly engrossed in it. The town of Moss Pointe really felt like so many places I have experienced living in the south. I loved the mystery of it all. The layers to the story that built on each other make it stand out from your average who dun it. The formatting was also super interesting. I have always been drawn to book where authors experiment with telling stories through a variety of mediums. I loved getting to piece this story together along with Pryce through police reports, interview transcripts, and news articles.
I would recommend this for someone who is looking for a contemporary thriller or is a lover of true crime and wants to solve a mystery.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I would recommend this for someone who is looking for a contemporary thriller or is a lover of true crime and wants to solve a mystery.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
November 26, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC!
Jumata Emill always knows how to make the third act reveal feel like the rug gets pulled out from underneath you! I had a hunch, but truly was WAY off on the main killer. The systemic issues faced in this book are ones that we should not shy away from, so I appreciate them being brought to light.
Jumata Emill always knows how to make the third act reveal feel like the rug gets pulled out from underneath you! I had a hunch, but truly was WAY off on the main killer. The systemic issues faced in this book are ones that we should not shy away from, so I appreciate them being brought to light.
January 3, 2026
Five years after the a serial killer terrorized the football players in a town, a teen investigator believes that the individual who was blamed for the deaths was actually framed, so he starts a podcast to dig back into this case even though it is definitely not what anyone in the town wants. This intense read proves that sometimes you should trust your gut and push the norms because the truth is worth figuring out.
February 1, 2026
I just finished I Don’t Wish You Well, and I needed a minute before writing this review.
I went in thinking I was getting a solid YA thriller, and yes, the mystery is good, the pacing is tight, and the twists absolutely worked! But that is not why this book hit me the way it did.
This story follows Pryce, a college freshman who goes back to his small Louisiana hometown to investigate a series of murders everyone swears were already solved. Four teenage boys. Star football players. A town that decided their “truth” was easier to live with than justice. (The themes alone let me know from the jump that I was in for a ride.)
Watching Pryce dig into this case felt heavy. Not just because of the danger, but because of what it cost him emotionally. He is navigating his identity, his family, and a community that makes it very clear who gets protected and who gets blamed.
This book talks about toxic masculinity, football culture, racism, homophobia, police accountability, and the pressure to stay quiet to keep the peace. And none of it feels thrown in. Throw in underlying tones of a mom protecting her son at all costs and the damage the church can cause when they hide behind the Bible….WHOOO BOY! It all feels real. Painfully real.
There were moments I had to pause because I was angry. Moments I felt anxious. Moments that just made my chest hurt.
I listened to this on audio, and the narration made it even more intense. It felt like a true crime podcast unfolding in real time. The mixed media delivery added another deep layer to this story. Every emotion landed. I would to see more of Pryce. This could easily be a series!
This is one of those books that reminds you why stories matter. It challenges you. It sits with you. It does not let you look away, even in the uncomfortable moments. I definitely didn’t expect to cry from a suspense novel, but this story pulled so many emotions out of me!
Five stars. Easily. If you want a thriller that makes you feel something, this is it. Everyone needs to read this book!
I went in thinking I was getting a solid YA thriller, and yes, the mystery is good, the pacing is tight, and the twists absolutely worked! But that is not why this book hit me the way it did.
This story follows Pryce, a college freshman who goes back to his small Louisiana hometown to investigate a series of murders everyone swears were already solved. Four teenage boys. Star football players. A town that decided their “truth” was easier to live with than justice. (The themes alone let me know from the jump that I was in for a ride.)
Watching Pryce dig into this case felt heavy. Not just because of the danger, but because of what it cost him emotionally. He is navigating his identity, his family, and a community that makes it very clear who gets protected and who gets blamed.
This book talks about toxic masculinity, football culture, racism, homophobia, police accountability, and the pressure to stay quiet to keep the peace. And none of it feels thrown in. Throw in underlying tones of a mom protecting her son at all costs and the damage the church can cause when they hide behind the Bible….WHOOO BOY! It all feels real. Painfully real.
There were moments I had to pause because I was angry. Moments I felt anxious. Moments that just made my chest hurt.
I listened to this on audio, and the narration made it even more intense. It felt like a true crime podcast unfolding in real time. The mixed media delivery added another deep layer to this story. Every emotion landed. I would to see more of Pryce. This could easily be a series!
This is one of those books that reminds you why stories matter. It challenges you. It sits with you. It does not let you look away, even in the uncomfortable moments. I definitely didn’t expect to cry from a suspense novel, but this story pulled so many emotions out of me!
Five stars. Easily. If you want a thriller that makes you feel something, this is it. Everyone needs to read this book!
January 19, 2026
10/10 no notes. Oh my god, THIS BOOK. I absolutely loved The Black Queen so I was really excited to read this one and just WOW. It hooked me right from the first sentence and the excitement didn’t stop until I was done. I absolutely loved Pryce as our MC. I liked seeing him peel back the layers in his hometown while also finding the strength to be who he is, no matter what. Every single time I thought I knew exactly where the story was going, another twist was thrown in and it was a RIDE. It is a heavy book, dealing with homophobia, sexual abuse and murder, but everything was done with so much care. I think fans of true crime, especially true crime podcasts, will really enjoy this one and I can’t wait to read what Emill writes next!
Thank you to Delacorte Press for the digital reader’s copy!
Thank you to Delacorte Press for the digital reader’s copy!
January 22, 2026
5 ⭐️
Woah this was a first by this author and it was so fast pace and kept me on my toes. I was so invested to figuring out who did it. I did guess who did it but the other things happening especially the ending … i would’ve never guessed.
Please read or listen to this !
Woah this was a first by this author and it was so fast pace and kept me on my toes. I was so invested to figuring out who did it. I did guess who did it but the other things happening especially the ending … i would’ve never guessed.
Please read or listen to this !
October 17, 2025
This book felt like a mix of Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give with a splash of your typical podcast thriller.
The writing is easy to read and I always enjoy reading black characters written by black authors. I don’t have to struggle reading between the lines of the slang because I already speak the language.
Part coming out story, part murder mystery, and part come up—I Don’t Wish You Well is the story of racial inequities, injustice, and vigilantism.
The writing is easy to read and I always enjoy reading black characters written by black authors. I don’t have to struggle reading between the lines of the slang because I already speak the language.
Part coming out story, part murder mystery, and part come up—I Don’t Wish You Well is the story of racial inequities, injustice, and vigilantism.
January 26, 2026
"I would never wish bad things, but I don't wish you well."
Deeply moving, compelling mystery kept me glued to the page and sucked into the story.
A small town rocked by a shocking story - years ago a group of high school boys were murdered and the assumed murderer plays into ugly stereotypes and bigoted ideas, even though his family said he never could have done it.
Now Pryce, a college kid, is looking for a summer project to keep him from being bored all summer while back at home, waiting for fall again. He gets a tip, someone is posting on a Neighborhood type discussion thread that the assumed killer - he was never guilty. Pryce jumps at the chance to investigate to make a Podcast, hoping to further his journalism degree and get his name out there. Plus, this was something that Pryce lived with, as an ninth grader at the time of the killings. He'd love to investigate it.
This was a compelling, emotional read. The mystery was well paced, and Pryce was at times funny and silly that broke up some of the truly terrible parts. This highlights so many prejudices and bigotry, but with grace and understanding. I loved the Podcast element and thought it was well placed in the story. This was so good, it was hard to put down once I started. I loved it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Deeply moving, compelling mystery kept me glued to the page and sucked into the story.
A small town rocked by a shocking story - years ago a group of high school boys were murdered and the assumed murderer plays into ugly stereotypes and bigoted ideas, even though his family said he never could have done it.
Now Pryce, a college kid, is looking for a summer project to keep him from being bored all summer while back at home, waiting for fall again. He gets a tip, someone is posting on a Neighborhood type discussion thread that the assumed killer - he was never guilty. Pryce jumps at the chance to investigate to make a Podcast, hoping to further his journalism degree and get his name out there. Plus, this was something that Pryce lived with, as an ninth grader at the time of the killings. He'd love to investigate it.
This was a compelling, emotional read. The mystery was well paced, and Pryce was at times funny and silly that broke up some of the truly terrible parts. This highlights so many prejudices and bigotry, but with grace and understanding. I loved the Podcast element and thought it was well placed in the story. This was so good, it was hard to put down once I started. I loved it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 25, 2026
This novel stirred a range of emotions within me, particularly rage and sadness. It revolves around a small southern town where football is king, full of Bible-thumping hypocrites and shrouded in secrets.
Five years ago, tragedy struck Moss Pointe when four all-star football players were brutally murdered. The perpetrator, known as the Trojan Horse killer, was revealed to be a local, young drug dealer. He had killed the players and himself after they discovered his homosexuality and had planned to out him. Despite his uncle’s unwavering belief in his nephew’s innocence, the police swiftly closed the case.
Pryce, a journalism major nearing the end of his freshman year of college, hails from Moss Pointe and is about to return home for the summer. He hesitates to go back due to his desire to live openly and freely away from his hometown, where his parents and the townspeople remain unaware of his homosexuality. Inspired by a social media post claiming the killer’s innocence, Pryce gets an idea to create a podcast based on the murders. The post’s author is Izzy, a former boyfriend of the killer who was ostracized by the town. Despite his reluctance to return to Moss Pointe, Izzy decides to assistant Pryce.
Pryce’s investigation uncovers a town where football culture, privilege, and police corruption allowed molestation, rape, and bullying to go unchecked, be covered up, attackers protected, and victims further victimized. The victims stories were terrible, but Isabell’s story was the most horrific.
Every time I thought I knew who the real killer was, I was wrong. Jumata always manages to give fully flushed out characters and another story within the main story. I have enjoyed all of his books and recommend this one.
Five years ago, tragedy struck Moss Pointe when four all-star football players were brutally murdered. The perpetrator, known as the Trojan Horse killer, was revealed to be a local, young drug dealer. He had killed the players and himself after they discovered his homosexuality and had planned to out him. Despite his uncle’s unwavering belief in his nephew’s innocence, the police swiftly closed the case.
Pryce, a journalism major nearing the end of his freshman year of college, hails from Moss Pointe and is about to return home for the summer. He hesitates to go back due to his desire to live openly and freely away from his hometown, where his parents and the townspeople remain unaware of his homosexuality. Inspired by a social media post claiming the killer’s innocence, Pryce gets an idea to create a podcast based on the murders. The post’s author is Izzy, a former boyfriend of the killer who was ostracized by the town. Despite his reluctance to return to Moss Pointe, Izzy decides to assistant Pryce.
Pryce’s investigation uncovers a town where football culture, privilege, and police corruption allowed molestation, rape, and bullying to go unchecked, be covered up, attackers protected, and victims further victimized. The victims stories were terrible, but Isabell’s story was the most horrific.
Every time I thought I knew who the real killer was, I was wrong. Jumata always manages to give fully flushed out characters and another story within the main story. I have enjoyed all of his books and recommend this one.
January 18, 2026
4.5. This was so good!!! It had me sat and locked in.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC because this book was INCREDIBLE.
This book was thought-provoking, intense, and impossible to put down. From the very beginning, it pulls you into a story filled with tension, secrets, and moral gray areas that kept me constantly questioning everyone’s motives. I flew through it, always wondering what was coming next.
Did I guess a few of the twists? Yes — but honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience at all. The execution is so strong that even when you sense where things might be headed, the journey there is still gripping and emotionally impactful. The story raises big questions about justice, accountability, and how far people will go to protect themselves, and it sticks with you long after you’re done reading.
This was a 4.5-star read for me — smart, layered, and incredibly compelling. A must-read for anyone who loves thrillers that make you think as much as they make you turn pages.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC because this book was INCREDIBLE.
This book was thought-provoking, intense, and impossible to put down. From the very beginning, it pulls you into a story filled with tension, secrets, and moral gray areas that kept me constantly questioning everyone’s motives. I flew through it, always wondering what was coming next.
Did I guess a few of the twists? Yes — but honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience at all. The execution is so strong that even when you sense where things might be headed, the journey there is still gripping and emotionally impactful. The story raises big questions about justice, accountability, and how far people will go to protect themselves, and it sticks with you long after you’re done reading.
This was a 4.5-star read for me — smart, layered, and incredibly compelling. A must-read for anyone who loves thrillers that make you think as much as they make you turn pages.
November 18, 2025
Some writers catch you with their plot. Others pull you in with characters that make your insides squeeze. Then there are the world builders extraordinaire, who create spaces that you just want to nestle in.
This book? Jumata Emill? He exemplifies all three!
First off, the plot. A serial killer in a small, quiet religious town who kills four teen football heroes. The killer is supposedly caught, but has committed suicide and is cast as evil because of his sexuality. A young man who is now in college but lived through those events finds evidence that the assumed guilty party may be innocent. This young man is a journalism major and decides to do a podcast as he digs for the actual truth.
I could not resist that plot. Could you?
Then we had the actual characters. Reading their lives, their emotions, their words, stole my breath away. The pain was raw. While the grief felt so real. I felt the damage that was done on individual levels and the fear that paralysed our main character when it came to revealing his own secrets. All of the characters felt like people you either knew or could meet any day of your life. Which added to the awesomeness of this book.
Finally, there was the world-building. From wild college experiences, and immediate lifelong friends straight into the homes of the side characters and the dynamics at the police station, they all lifted this book into must-read status. It is a 360-degree immersive experience from page one until the book is done, four months into the future.
My jaw dropped, my breath gushed out, and I went through equal measures of pain and relief in this murder mystery. It felt authentic. Talk about a great way to spend my weekend.
I definitely have to ensure my Jumata Emill collection is complete and treat his work like the reading priority it should be.
If small-town secrets mixed with murder and true-crime podcasts are your thing, this book is your next fix!
This book? Jumata Emill? He exemplifies all three!
First off, the plot. A serial killer in a small, quiet religious town who kills four teen football heroes. The killer is supposedly caught, but has committed suicide and is cast as evil because of his sexuality. A young man who is now in college but lived through those events finds evidence that the assumed guilty party may be innocent. This young man is a journalism major and decides to do a podcast as he digs for the actual truth.
I could not resist that plot. Could you?
Then we had the actual characters. Reading their lives, their emotions, their words, stole my breath away. The pain was raw. While the grief felt so real. I felt the damage that was done on individual levels and the fear that paralysed our main character when it came to revealing his own secrets. All of the characters felt like people you either knew or could meet any day of your life. Which added to the awesomeness of this book.
Finally, there was the world-building. From wild college experiences, and immediate lifelong friends straight into the homes of the side characters and the dynamics at the police station, they all lifted this book into must-read status. It is a 360-degree immersive experience from page one until the book is done, four months into the future.
My jaw dropped, my breath gushed out, and I went through equal measures of pain and relief in this murder mystery. It felt authentic. Talk about a great way to spend my weekend.
I definitely have to ensure my Jumata Emill collection is complete and treat his work like the reading priority it should be.
If small-town secrets mixed with murder and true-crime podcasts are your thing, this book is your next fix!
November 18, 2025
Boy Jumata has outdone himself this time! I’ve said it before, and I'll say it again: whenever he releases something, I guarantee I'll finish it within 24 hours. And this one was no different — it had my heart racing and my mind spinning as I tried to piece everything together! Just like our main character, Pryce Cummings, I slowly started to click things into focus. From the very first page to the last, I was completely captivated by this wild ride of a story. There were a few surprises that left my jaw on the floor, things I never saw coming. Jumata's storytelling talent is incredible and keeps you craving more. I had to pause and process my thoughts and feelings long after I finished. All I can say is, THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A MURDER MYSTERY!! Don’t miss out on this upcoming release, dropping January 20, 2026! Thank you, Delacorte Press, for the e-ARC.
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January 2, 2026This felt like a cross between The Cheeleaders by Kara Thomas and A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, with a college student (and aspiring journalist) digging into a cold case, epistolary elements, and the murder of football players.
As soon as the murderer appeared on the page I had that person scoped out, but I always enjoy Jumata Emill's books and this was no exception.
Content warning for some pretty dark topics (child molestation and abuse, pedophilia and child pornography), but not graphic descriptions.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
As soon as the murderer appeared on the page I had that person scoped out, but I always enjoy Jumata Emill's books and this was no exception.
Content warning for some pretty dark topics (child molestation and abuse, pedophilia and child pornography), but not graphic descriptions.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
December 24, 2025
Thank you Random House Children's Books/ Delacorte Press for this ARC! All views here are my own.
I really really enjoyed this book! If you are a thriller reader this one is for you! This didn't read too heavily into YA but had its moments. Please read the description for more of the story.
I couldn't stop reading and finished this within a day. The character development, the twists, and the realness kept me turning the page. I'll try and post more after thoughts soon! Pre-order this one!
I really really enjoyed this book! If you are a thriller reader this one is for you! This didn't read too heavily into YA but had its moments. Please read the description for more of the story.
I couldn't stop reading and finished this within a day. The character development, the twists, and the realness kept me turning the page. I'll try and post more after thoughts soon! Pre-order this one!
October 22, 2025
I really loved this story. Pryce is a deeply sympathetic character, and it is easy to put yourself in his shoes. Pryce's transformation in this book is as believable as it is hopeful. This story shines light on many taboo subjects. This book will be purchased for my YA collection and I will be recommending in to all my mystery and thriller readers (adults included!).
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