Dragonfly Down

by Annette Masters

"An intriguing story." —Kirkus Reviews
"Satisfying YA thriller." —BookLife Review

A teen’s dark and dangerous fight to find her sister will test the limits of love, loss, and loyalty.

Ever since Laurel Greenleaf witnessed her father’s murder, she’s faked emotional stability, which is quite a feat, considering her mother is the world’s leading expert on adolescent trauma therapy.

Tragedy strikes again when Laurel’s sister is presumed dead after an explosion. Refusing to accept or grieve Ollie’s death, Laurel rejects all evidence linked to the disaster . . . until the investigation ties her to arson, and she’s forced to solve the mystery of what happened that night.

With only herself to trust, Laurel dodges family, paparazzi, and law enforcement in a brutal search for the truth. To prove her own innocence, Laurel must find her sister—alive.Dragonfly Down is an intriguing psychological thriller that questions what is most important when lives are at following one’s intuition or facing facts? With gripping family secrets, heart-pounding suspense, and chilling twists, a teen’s dark and dangerous fight to find her sister will test the limits of love, loss, and loyalty.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Kim Catanzarite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does this book have one of the most gorgeous covers I've ever seen, it's also one of the most gripping, intriguing, twisty YA novels out there. Annette Masters knows how to get the most out of family secrets and the teenage determination to uncover them. Laurel does not believe that her twin sister has died in an explosion that left their home in ruins. Ollie snuck out of the house that night, but Laurel was the only one who knew her plan—and there's no way she's going to give up on her. This is a book about sisterly love, coming to terms with the past, and finding a way to believe in yourself when no one else does. Adults will enjoy it as much as the YAs out there!

[Jennelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, fun, easy to read young adult psychological thriller!

[Kim Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. I loved this book for many reasons. Characters, plot, setting, and more.
Sisters Laurel and Ollie are opposites in every way, but still share a close relationship. Ollie is confident, outgoing, and adventurous, while Laurel is insecure, indecisive, and cautious.
Their family is famous, so when Ollie is presumed dead after a devastating explosion, the country’s eyes are on Laurel as she tries to cope.
Everyone insists Ollie could not possibly have survived the explosion, but Laurel can’t accept that her sister is gone. As Laurel searches for proof of Ollie’s survival, the whole country questions first her sanity, and then her innocence. If Laurel can’t find proof Ollie is out there and alive, she’ll lose everything. But first she’ll have to risk everything in order to find the truth.
This story has heart, unexpected twists, and a wonderful message. Adults will enjoy the book as much as young adults. I highly recommend.

[Janelle Gabay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! I don't know if Masters has a degree in psychology, but she wrote the behind scenes of that industry with certitude.

First of all, the cover is beautiful. Second, the first page at Ollie's funeral will hook you. "Because my sister is not dead. I just have to find her." And we go on a suspenseful ride from there. It's full of tender sister moments, first love trials, family intrigue and deceit, all told with a young adult audience in mind, but at any age you will enjoy this story. You will root for Laurel to find her sister and fear she never will. Laurel's frustrations are written well and become absorbed into the reader. I was ready to throw the book across the room in frustration when a key breakthrough occurred and a lot of the missing pieces were put together. Perfect pacing. This puzzle of a read is wonderful.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the author's first book, The Hennessy Lie, so looked forward to this book and wasn't disappointed. Laurel starts out as a fearful, indecisive follower who still has so much trauma that her family, supposedly expert in trauma therapy, has no clue about. Her love for her sister, Ollie, helps propel her into becoming a strong and vocal advocate. There are suspense and subtle clues as to what actually happened the night Ollie is presumed killed. Laurel's sister is constantly held up for her exceptional artistic talent, but Laurel has her own, equally exceptional talent that seems to be overlooked.

The cover art is really beautiful and was apparently voted on by a school the author visited.

[David Carriere]

Dragonfly Down is the kind of YA thriller that grabs you right in the chest. Laurel’s desperation, grief, and stubborn hope feel incredibly real, and the story balances emotional weight with sharp tension in a way that keeps you invested from start to finish. The twists land well, the family dynamics carry real depth, and Laurel’s voice feels raw and believable. It’s a gripping blend of mystery, trauma, and determination, with a protagonist you can’t help rooting for as she claws toward the truth.

[Gayle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book about strength, courageousness, and bravery when faced with trauma, then you’ll love this book as much as I did. Laurel learns to find her strength and believe in herself, her voice, and her intuition despite others’ doubts. Filled with mystery, a diverse cast of characters, heart, and immersive experiences, Masters created a masterful story!