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Murder Between Friends: Wem kannst du noch vertrauen?
Als der brutale Mord an einer Lehrerin ihre gemütliche Kleinstadt erschüttert, zerbricht die Freundschaft zwischen Henry, Grace und Ally. Denn Jake, Henrys großer Bruder, wird für schuldig befunden – und Grace ist diejenige, die den entscheidenden Hinweis für die Verurteilung liefert. Für Ally und Henry ein schrecklicher Verrat. Zwei Jahre später wird der Prozess neu aufgerollt, doch Grace ist sich auf einmal nicht mehr sicher, was sie in der Tatnacht damals wirklich gesehen hat. Die drei beginnen zu ermitteln, denn wenn Jake unschuldig ist, ist der eigentliche Täter noch auf freiem Fuß. Doch wem kann man jetzt noch trauen? Wer ist wirklich unschuldig und wer in Wahrheit ein eiskalter Mörder?
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2025
159 people are currently reading
26562 people want to read
About the author
Liz Lawson
6 books653 followersLiz Lawson is the New York Times bestselling author of The Agathas series (co-written with Kathleen Glasgow), Murder Between Friends, and The Lucky Ones. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages, been book club picks for Barnes and Noble, Target, and Read With Jenna, and been written about in national publications like The New York Times (that was a very exciting day).
She lives in the DC metro area with her family and two very bratty cats. It Happened One Murder is her adult debut (and she’s thrilled).
Visit her on TikTok and Instagram @lzlwsn or her website lizlawsonauthor.com
She lives in the DC metro area with her family and two very bratty cats. It Happened One Murder is her adult debut (and she’s thrilled).
Visit her on TikTok and Instagram @lzlwsn or her website lizlawsonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 627 reviews
August 14, 2025
Liz Lawson, known for co-writing The Agathas series, delivers a gripping solo effort with this fast-paced crime thriller set against a backdrop of small-town politics, drugs, and high school drama. The story keeps readers guessing until the very last pages with well-executed twists that are impossible to see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was as captivating and intriguing as The Agathas, and I highly recommend it to YA thriller enthusiasts.
While it might seem far-fetched for a group of teens to outsmart law enforcement, the book provides a plausible explanation for how the justice system can sometimes fail and how the truth can be distorted through different viewpoints. I found the amateur detective work of Ally, Grace, and Henry compelling, as each of them has a personal stake in uncovering the truth behind their English teacher’s murder. Grace, who testified that she saw Jake, Henry’s older brother, entering the teacher’s house on the day of the crime, lost her friendships with both Henry and Ally as a result. Henry sided with Jake, while Ally refused to believe Jake was capable of such a heinous act.
When Jake is released after serving two years in prison due to a corrupt judge and prosecutor’s secret relationship, Grace starts to question what she really saw. Did she misinterpret the events of that night? She remembers seeing someone wearing Jake's jacket, but she never actually saw his face. As doubt creeps in, Grace wonders if she should risk changing her testimony, even if it means potentially facing charges for obstructing justice.
Grace soon discovers that Ally and Henry have been conducting their own secret investigation. Although Ally still harbors resentment toward Grace for the fallout from her testimony and for not supporting her after her father’s death, Henry is more forgiving and agrees to let Grace join their efforts. Together, they search for the truth, but as they dig deeper, they uncover secrets that could endanger powerful people, putting the trio in more danger than they ever anticipated.
In addition to the teacher’s murder, Ally is determined to find out what really happened to her father. Will they uncover the answers they seek, even if the truth turns out to be more painful than expected?
Overall, while Ally’s stubbornness occasionally made her a frustrating character, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. I’m rounding up my 4.5-star rating to a full 5 stars for this compelling young detective mystery.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
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While it might seem far-fetched for a group of teens to outsmart law enforcement, the book provides a plausible explanation for how the justice system can sometimes fail and how the truth can be distorted through different viewpoints. I found the amateur detective work of Ally, Grace, and Henry compelling, as each of them has a personal stake in uncovering the truth behind their English teacher’s murder. Grace, who testified that she saw Jake, Henry’s older brother, entering the teacher’s house on the day of the crime, lost her friendships with both Henry and Ally as a result. Henry sided with Jake, while Ally refused to believe Jake was capable of such a heinous act.
When Jake is released after serving two years in prison due to a corrupt judge and prosecutor’s secret relationship, Grace starts to question what she really saw. Did she misinterpret the events of that night? She remembers seeing someone wearing Jake's jacket, but she never actually saw his face. As doubt creeps in, Grace wonders if she should risk changing her testimony, even if it means potentially facing charges for obstructing justice.
Grace soon discovers that Ally and Henry have been conducting their own secret investigation. Although Ally still harbors resentment toward Grace for the fallout from her testimony and for not supporting her after her father’s death, Henry is more forgiving and agrees to let Grace join their efforts. Together, they search for the truth, but as they dig deeper, they uncover secrets that could endanger powerful people, putting the trio in more danger than they ever anticipated.
In addition to the teacher’s murder, Ally is determined to find out what really happened to her father. Will they uncover the answers they seek, even if the truth turns out to be more painful than expected?
Overall, while Ally’s stubbornness occasionally made her a frustrating character, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. I’m rounding up my 4.5-star rating to a full 5 stars for this compelling young detective mystery.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
medium.com
May 16, 2025
Packed full of suspicious individuals and realistic high school drama, Murder Between Friends brought the small town of Brawner to life right there on the page. With convincing amateur sleuths, unguessable twists, and a ratcheting pace that pulled me in deep, I couldn’t put this book down and read it in only a matter of hours. After all, I was duly impressed by the genuine high school feel that brought me right back to those long-forgotten bygone days. From the angsty relationships to the teenage belief of utter invincibility, Lawson drew these dynamite characters with downright perfection throughout this YA mystery novel that managed to spin tales within tales.
The only issue that I had with this book was the need to suspend all disbelief. While I love a good teen investigation, the idea that three wily kids could outsmart the cops, lawyers, and parents was quite simply absurd. Once I placed that aside, though, I found myself wrapped up in a complex plot that quickly took off despite its somewhat slow start. I mean, the deliciously unhinged climax and jaw-dropping twists easily made up for the initial sedate pace all things considered.
All in all, with a diverse cast, compelling first-person narration, and short, inhale-able chapters, there was no end to the fun in this delightful whodunnit. And let me tell you, just when I thought it was all over, an additional ballbuster of a twist arrived on the scene. Delivering a few shocking revelations before ending with a smile-inducing conclusion, I loved how it wrapped up the story with utter precision. So if you love suspense, murder, drama, romance, and intrigue, this is most definitely the novel for you. Just be sure to expect a less adult vibe amidst the long-buried secrets. After all, even though it works for adults, it was still written for teens. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Grace, Henry, and Ally grew up together on the same block. They used to be best friends--until Grace's testimony put Henry's brother, Jake, away for killing their English teacher. Now, two years later, Ally and Henry hate Grace, and Grace is doubting what she thinks she saw that night.
It feels like everyone's getting a second chance, then, when due to a mistrial, Jake is suddenly released. And Henry knows his brother is innocent, but when Grace reaches out to say she’s rethinking what she saw the night of the murder, Jake’s reaction is confusing. He doesn’t want Henry—or Grace--getting involved.
For Ally not getting involved isn’t an option, and there’s nothing Grace can say to convince Ally she’s not the enemy. But can Ally afford to push Grace out when she’s one of the only other people willing to believe in Jake’s innocence?
The clock is ticking. Jake’s new trial date is about to be set, and he's sure to be found guilty again unless there's new evidence to prove he's innocent. Grace, Henry, and Ally are going to have to decide whether you can trust an old friend now that they’re your enemy.
Thank you to Liz Lawson, Delacorte Press, and Get Underlined for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: April 22, 2025
Content warning: bullying, drug dealing, violence (none of them were graphic)
The only issue that I had with this book was the need to suspend all disbelief. While I love a good teen investigation, the idea that three wily kids could outsmart the cops, lawyers, and parents was quite simply absurd. Once I placed that aside, though, I found myself wrapped up in a complex plot that quickly took off despite its somewhat slow start. I mean, the deliciously unhinged climax and jaw-dropping twists easily made up for the initial sedate pace all things considered.
All in all, with a diverse cast, compelling first-person narration, and short, inhale-able chapters, there was no end to the fun in this delightful whodunnit. And let me tell you, just when I thought it was all over, an additional ballbuster of a twist arrived on the scene. Delivering a few shocking revelations before ending with a smile-inducing conclusion, I loved how it wrapped up the story with utter precision. So if you love suspense, murder, drama, romance, and intrigue, this is most definitely the novel for you. Just be sure to expect a less adult vibe amidst the long-buried secrets. After all, even though it works for adults, it was still written for teens. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Grace, Henry, and Ally grew up together on the same block. They used to be best friends--until Grace's testimony put Henry's brother, Jake, away for killing their English teacher. Now, two years later, Ally and Henry hate Grace, and Grace is doubting what she thinks she saw that night.
It feels like everyone's getting a second chance, then, when due to a mistrial, Jake is suddenly released. And Henry knows his brother is innocent, but when Grace reaches out to say she’s rethinking what she saw the night of the murder, Jake’s reaction is confusing. He doesn’t want Henry—or Grace--getting involved.
For Ally not getting involved isn’t an option, and there’s nothing Grace can say to convince Ally she’s not the enemy. But can Ally afford to push Grace out when she’s one of the only other people willing to believe in Jake’s innocence?
The clock is ticking. Jake’s new trial date is about to be set, and he's sure to be found guilty again unless there's new evidence to prove he's innocent. Grace, Henry, and Ally are going to have to decide whether you can trust an old friend now that they’re your enemy.
Thank you to Liz Lawson, Delacorte Press, and Get Underlined for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: April 22, 2025
Content warning: bullying, drug dealing, violence (none of them were graphic)
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April 22, 2025dnf at 37%
no rating 😜
14+
content to the 37% mark
romance: 3/10 (mentions of past relationships, mentions of hooking up, mentions of kissing)
cursing: 4/10 (shit, bitch, damn, hell, f-ck a few times. it’s pretty non frequent.)
violence: 5/10 (killing and blood 🤷♀️)
other: mentions of drugs and a scene where they’re sold on page. mentions of alcoholism. mentions of smoking
tw: loss of parents
pub date: 4-22-25
edit 4-22-25: happy release day!!
- OVERVIEW -
i’m ngl. this just wasn’t holding my interest.
at first i was sucked in. it had a strong beginning, but after around 12% i just couldn’t focus. idk if this was to do with the plot or if that’s all on me (probably the latter if i’m being honest). but it didn’t feel like i was reading a book i liked. it felt like i was slogging through thick mud.
if you were to ask me what stood out to me in this book, i would say ‘the phone numbers’. lwk idk if the numbers are real but i was curious to see what would happen if i dialed them 😀💅
all this being said, i would possibly pick this book up again in the future when i’m in the mood for a thriller. but as a mood reader, thrillers just don’t sound good to me rn. if i had the wherewithal to read this book at this point in time, chances are i would enjoy it
but i have neither time nor energy nor desire to. :(
-ZE WRITING-
i will say, i loved it. the prose was nice and the pacing was pretty good.
i read the agathas a few years back which was co-written by liz, and i loved it. it was one of the first thriller books i’ve read so i’m no stranger to her writing. it was nostalgic in a way
i have no hate for this book, in fact, i would recommend it if i knew if there’s any other content in the second half
- PLOT -
annddddd my usual youtube clickbait title description of the book 😋
my boyfriend’s brother’s in prison and it’s all my fault *shocking*
that’s not a spoiler btw bc it was in the first chapter and it might also be in the summary but i haven’t read it 🥲😅
but the whole point of the book is a friend group gets broken up bc one of them testified against the other friend’s brother and gets him in prison 🤠
- CHARACTERS -
ngl none of them made an imprint on me.
ally was selfish and has trust issues
henry is TOO trusting
and grace reminds me of my friend 😭
- CONCLUSION -
🤷♀️ you should read this if you want to
pre-read
SO I GOT THE ARC FOR THIS BUT IT GETS PUBLISHED IN A WEEK SO I NEED TO DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS 😭😭😭
literally as soon as i send feedback for a book they approve one i requested months ago that i thought was declined 👹💀
no rating 😜
14+
content to the 37% mark
romance: 3/10 (mentions of past relationships, mentions of hooking up, mentions of kissing)
cursing: 4/10 (shit, bitch, damn, hell, f-ck a few times. it’s pretty non frequent.)
violence: 5/10 (killing and blood 🤷♀️)
other: mentions of drugs and a scene where they’re sold on page. mentions of alcoholism. mentions of smoking
tw: loss of parents
pub date: 4-22-25
edit 4-22-25: happy release day!!
- OVERVIEW -
i’m ngl. this just wasn’t holding my interest.
at first i was sucked in. it had a strong beginning, but after around 12% i just couldn’t focus. idk if this was to do with the plot or if that’s all on me (probably the latter if i’m being honest). but it didn’t feel like i was reading a book i liked. it felt like i was slogging through thick mud.
if you were to ask me what stood out to me in this book, i would say ‘the phone numbers’. lwk idk if the numbers are real but i was curious to see what would happen if i dialed them 😀💅
all this being said, i would possibly pick this book up again in the future when i’m in the mood for a thriller. but as a mood reader, thrillers just don’t sound good to me rn. if i had the wherewithal to read this book at this point in time, chances are i would enjoy it
but i have neither time nor energy nor desire to. :(
-ZE WRITING-
i will say, i loved it. the prose was nice and the pacing was pretty good.
i read the agathas a few years back which was co-written by liz, and i loved it. it was one of the first thriller books i’ve read so i’m no stranger to her writing. it was nostalgic in a way
i have no hate for this book, in fact, i would recommend it if i knew if there’s any other content in the second half
- PLOT -
annddddd my usual youtube clickbait title description of the book 😋
my boyfriend’s brother’s in prison and it’s all my fault *shocking*
that’s not a spoiler btw bc it was in the first chapter and it might also be in the summary but i haven’t read it 🥲😅
but the whole point of the book is a friend group gets broken up bc one of them testified against the other friend’s brother and gets him in prison 🤠
- CHARACTERS -
ngl none of them made an imprint on me.
ally was selfish and has trust issues
henry is TOO trusting
and grace reminds me of my friend 😭
- CONCLUSION -
🤷♀️ you should read this if you want to
pre-read
SO I GOT THE ARC FOR THIS BUT IT GETS PUBLISHED IN A WEEK SO I NEED TO DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS 😭😭😭
literally as soon as i send feedback for a book they approve one i requested months ago that i thought was declined 👹💀
May 9, 2025
I really enjoyyyyyed this! Did I slightly guess the killer pretty early on? Yeah but it was more of a throwaway “hmmm” so it didn’t really spoil much. The ending was dramatic and the story was satisfying overall! Honestly exactly what I was looking for.
As for the audiobook, I liked all of the narrators and the production was good. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard the female narrators before—and I like both of them—although I think they were each reading for the wrong part. For some reason, I just think the two should’ve switched rolls. Didn’t impact my enjoyment or anything, but it was something I thought throughout the book.
I received an ALC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
As for the audiobook, I liked all of the narrators and the production was good. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard the female narrators before—and I like both of them—although I think they were each reading for the wrong part. For some reason, I just think the two should’ve switched rolls. Didn’t impact my enjoyment or anything, but it was something I thought throughout the book.
I received an ALC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
June 19, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
Look. I grew up reading The Secret Seven and Famous Five. And while it never really bothered me that that there was no real police or investigative sheriff departments or local deputy existing in their settings, the total lack of involvement if not complete disregard from a legal standpoint of truly investing the time and effort of either convicting Jake or rather finding concrete evidence to find him innocent, rather than basing the case entirely on the witness of a teenager was appallingly laughable, if not atrociously disappointing here. 💢 😒🤨🙁
And then, to add insult to injury, to take a jab that the case is being moved for reconsideration due to the lawyer being in a relationship with the judge, thus means for another jab at his case was kinda offensive, if not unwarranted. What's a little Murder Between Friends sounds interesting enough, right? Wrong! 🙅🏻♀️ There is no way any one person in this scenario could have been friends for how they treated one another, let alone lie under oath - perjury in the name to save face, especially at the sake of someone else's life; it's so uncalled for and really annoyed me at how these baseless assumptions were just -- urgh, very frustrating... 😣
But I digress.
“The cops did absolutely nothing to help us back then, so it’s no surprise they’re totally useless now, too.”
No, actually, I don't. I could not believe how much evidence these three teens were able to come up with, which really should have been put into effort two years prior to save Jake time in jail. 🤦🏻♀️ I wish young adult books could find a way to break the norm of portraying the police as incompetent or uncaring, or even their lack of disregard. It seems almost now like a comical stereotype, which, okay, I may not know how it is in the States, so maybe readers will argue that being good is the most fictional part of the story. But, that's for another time. 🙄
Despite this outburst, I can say that it was readable and the three perspectives of the characters alternated nicely. And that Ally, Henry and Grace were behaving like teens: not with flaws, but with the pettiness, the aggressive swearing, the jumping into things without thinking, the bittersweet pangs of regret. 👍🏻 Each had a distinctive personality that stood out in how they carried the weight of their own personal reasons for being wholly invested in tracking down what really happened that fateful night ago.Their friendship suffered in the wake of Henry's brother's arrest for various reasons, and those traces lingered fiercely in their attempt to uncover the real truth behind his conviction. 🥺
“And there’s nothing you can do either. You need to leave this alone. For your own good.”
To see how the pieces would ultimately fall into place was what kept me going, and felt oddly satisfying - a mixture of horror, confusion, and—I have to admit it— delight.' Despite my disbelief at the lies being spun without hesitation, the transgressions being done without shame, and the total ease at which no one seemed the least bit remorseful of how their actions have had such severe consequences. I also felt like there was a lot going on and an attempt to address a lot of issues. And with so many various plot lines floating around, any seasoned mystery reader would note that no writer includes them without reason; very rarely it is for no reason. So, the ending did not really catch me by surprise. 🤷🏻♀️
What surprised me was the behavior of the culprit, which was both unhinged and desperate, but I guess that murderers really don't see just how off base they are once they have committed the crimes. 😢 But, if the moral of the story is: don't wrongfully assume something without having concrete facts to back it up, then yes, this really can be a cautionary tale to cover all bases before hurling accusations. For one misjudged mistake from your end may make for a huge, massive, life-ruining fuckup for another. And if that isn't something to eat away at your conscience, I don't know what will be. 😔
“Why does my life sound like a soap opera?”
Look. I grew up reading The Secret Seven and Famous Five. And while it never really bothered me that that there was no real police or investigative sheriff departments or local deputy existing in their settings, the total lack of involvement if not complete disregard from a legal standpoint of truly investing the time and effort of either convicting Jake or rather finding concrete evidence to find him innocent, rather than basing the case entirely on the witness of a teenager was appallingly laughable, if not atrociously disappointing here. 💢 😒🤨🙁
And then, to add insult to injury, to take a jab that the case is being moved for reconsideration due to the lawyer being in a relationship with the judge, thus means for another jab at his case was kinda offensive, if not unwarranted. What's a little Murder Between Friends sounds interesting enough, right? Wrong! 🙅🏻♀️ There is no way any one person in this scenario could have been friends for how they treated one another, let alone lie under oath - perjury in the name to save face, especially at the sake of someone else's life; it's so uncalled for and really annoyed me at how these baseless assumptions were just -- urgh, very frustrating... 😣
But I digress.
“The cops did absolutely nothing to help us back then, so it’s no surprise they’re totally useless now, too.”
No, actually, I don't. I could not believe how much evidence these three teens were able to come up with, which really should have been put into effort two years prior to save Jake time in jail. 🤦🏻♀️ I wish young adult books could find a way to break the norm of portraying the police as incompetent or uncaring, or even their lack of disregard. It seems almost now like a comical stereotype, which, okay, I may not know how it is in the States, so maybe readers will argue that being good is the most fictional part of the story. But, that's for another time. 🙄
Despite this outburst, I can say that it was readable and the three perspectives of the characters alternated nicely. And that Ally, Henry and Grace were behaving like teens: not with flaws, but with the pettiness, the aggressive swearing, the jumping into things without thinking, the bittersweet pangs of regret. 👍🏻 Each had a distinctive personality that stood out in how they carried the weight of their own personal reasons for being wholly invested in tracking down what really happened that fateful night ago.Their friendship suffered in the wake of Henry's brother's arrest for various reasons, and those traces lingered fiercely in their attempt to uncover the real truth behind his conviction. 🥺
“And there’s nothing you can do either. You need to leave this alone. For your own good.”
To see how the pieces would ultimately fall into place was what kept me going, and felt oddly satisfying - a mixture of horror, confusion, and—I have to admit it— delight.' Despite my disbelief at the lies being spun without hesitation, the transgressions being done without shame, and the total ease at which no one seemed the least bit remorseful of how their actions have had such severe consequences. I also felt like there was a lot going on and an attempt to address a lot of issues. And with so many various plot lines floating around, any seasoned mystery reader would note that no writer includes them without reason; very rarely it is for no reason. So, the ending did not really catch me by surprise. 🤷🏻♀️
What surprised me was the behavior of the culprit, which was both unhinged and desperate, but I guess that murderers really don't see just how off base they are once they have committed the crimes. 😢 But, if the moral of the story is: don't wrongfully assume something without having concrete facts to back it up, then yes, this really can be a cautionary tale to cover all bases before hurling accusations. For one misjudged mistake from your end may make for a huge, massive, life-ruining fuckup for another. And if that isn't something to eat away at your conscience, I don't know what will be. 😔
November 12, 2024
“How do you feel, knowing they’re letting a killer out of jail today?”
When it comes to murder documentaries or those Saturday night mysteries, I am a sucker. They draw me in and I can’t get enough. The weirder, the better. Throw in a love triangle and I am all set. This book gave off those vibes and that was all I needed. So sit back, relax, get that cozy blanket, and a glass of wine. The mystery has begun to unravel!
A beloved teacher was murdered in her own home. The teen next door was charged with the crime. The pieces fit so perfectly. Or do they?
This was an engaging mystery with a predictable ending. The concept of teens becoming amateur sleuths was entertaining, and I found myself enjoying it as the story unfolded. However, once we got closer to uncovering the truths, I began to lose interest. The answers were obvious from the start, and I wasn't surprised at all, which was the most disappointing part of the book. The author kept introducing quirky twists in an attempt to mislead the reader, but that quickly became tiresome. I still found myself enjoying the rest of the book.
Murder Between Friends was a fun and decent mystery with lots of twists. While parts were a little over the top, the rest of the read was entertaining.
When it comes to murder documentaries or those Saturday night mysteries, I am a sucker. They draw me in and I can’t get enough. The weirder, the better. Throw in a love triangle and I am all set. This book gave off those vibes and that was all I needed. So sit back, relax, get that cozy blanket, and a glass of wine. The mystery has begun to unravel!
A beloved teacher was murdered in her own home. The teen next door was charged with the crime. The pieces fit so perfectly. Or do they?
This was an engaging mystery with a predictable ending. The concept of teens becoming amateur sleuths was entertaining, and I found myself enjoying it as the story unfolded. However, once we got closer to uncovering the truths, I began to lose interest. The answers were obvious from the start, and I wasn't surprised at all, which was the most disappointing part of the book. The author kept introducing quirky twists in an attempt to mislead the reader, but that quickly became tiresome. I still found myself enjoying the rest of the book.
Murder Between Friends was a fun and decent mystery with lots of twists. While parts were a little over the top, the rest of the read was entertaining.
April 24, 2025
"Murder Between Friends" is a gripping and suspenseful novel that intricately explores the complexities of friendship intertwined with the dark themes of loyalty and betrayal. The author expertly crafts a narrative filled with unexpected twists, keeping readers on their toes as they delve into the investigation surrounding a student’s conviction.
The pacing is commendable, with the story gradually building tension and raising more questions as the plot unfolds. Each chapter leaves you eager for more, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, the author skillfully redirects your thoughts, throwing in breadcrumbs of clues that lead to shocking revelations.
Overall, "Murder Between Friends" is a thought-provoking read that will keep you engaged until the very last page. It's a perfect blend of mystery and psychological drama that will leave you questioning the nature of truth and trust in friendships. Highly recommended for fans of thrillers!
I received an advance copy, in turn I am leaving an honest review.
The pacing is commendable, with the story gradually building tension and raising more questions as the plot unfolds. Each chapter leaves you eager for more, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, the author skillfully redirects your thoughts, throwing in breadcrumbs of clues that lead to shocking revelations.
Overall, "Murder Between Friends" is a thought-provoking read that will keep you engaged until the very last page. It's a perfect blend of mystery and psychological drama that will leave you questioning the nature of truth and trust in friendships. Highly recommended for fans of thrillers!
I received an advance copy, in turn I am leaving an honest review.
August 31, 2024
I loved this one as it has all the elements I enjoy in a thriller: murder, suspense, mistaken identity, romance, and intrigue! Jake is getting out of prison after serving only 13 months of his 25-year sentence for murder as it's discovered the prosecutor was having an affair with the judge. Beloved teacher, Ms. Applebaum was discovered in the freezer in her own home and Jake's hair and notebook were found at the scene. Neighbor Grace--also a student in her class, saw the killer enter the backyard that night. And that's just the beginning...! Things unravel quickly as rumors abound, social media blows up, and accusations fly. But it's not until the bitter end that we know what really transpired!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 24, 2025
This was great! Twists and turns galore. You may think you know what happened…and you don’t. You really don’t.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the eARC. All opinions are mine alone.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the eARC. All opinions are mine alone.
August 18, 2024
Loved this YA thriller! It was so hard to put it down. A local teacher was murdered and one of her students was as arrested and convicted. Her student is released due to a scandal. But the students brother and his best friend don’t believe he is guilty. They decide to find out the truth. I do love when teens outwit everyone. This was very good and I did not see the last twist coming. I was provided an advanced copy of this book which has not affected my review.
January 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This was the first book I read from this author and it definitely won’t be the last. It was a great mystery that grabbed me from the first chapter. I love books that do that. It was a great mystery with many twists and turns that had me guessing to the end. I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend reading this. I will absolutely read more from this author
Thank you Net Galley and random house children’s, delacorte press for this ARC.
Thank you Net Galley and random house children’s, delacorte press for this ARC.
June 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ | Suspenseful YA mystery that dives into complicated friendships, betrayal, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. The story centers around a friend group shattered by the shocking murd3r of a teacher at their school, forcing the survivors to untangle a web of lies in order to uncover the truth.
The dual POV structure adds depth, offering different perspectives on the events leading up to the murd3r, as well as the events after. The full cast narration in the audiobook added a great touch! A decent pick for fans of YA thrillers who enjoy junior sleuths investigating a mystery and worth the read.
The dual POV structure adds depth, offering different perspectives on the events leading up to the murd3r, as well as the events after. The full cast narration in the audiobook added a great touch! A decent pick for fans of YA thrillers who enjoy junior sleuths investigating a mystery and worth the read.
April 27, 2025
Thank you to Delacorte Press and PRH for the ARC through Edelweiss. This doesn’t affect my thoughts about the book in any way. Murder Between Friends is now out on shelves!
4.75 ⭐️
This book has easily become one of my favorite standalone murder/mystery novels because of the engaging, fast-paced prose. I liked how the author made it obvious but also not? The plot was very neatly done if I say so myself. It felt predictable, but also unpredictable. It really had me wracking my brain going back and forth between the story as it is told in three different POVs. I was able to see each of the characters’ perspectives about anger and regret. But at some point, I didn’t even know who was telling the truth.
What makes me like small-town thrillers so much is how everyone knows each other and secrets are so very difficult to keep, so you’d think it would be easy to hunt down a murderer. But this story is about three childhood bestfriends who split up because one of them fucked up. And then we read about them trying to hunt down a murderer with the awkwardness and ache of attempting to reconcile that broken friendship. And there is also romance if you’re looking for it! Friends-to-lovers subtle “I’m not sure what we are” kind of trope. Liz Lawson definitely wrote Murder Between Friends to be an incredibly enjoyable book.
4.75 ⭐️
This book has easily become one of my favorite standalone murder/mystery novels because of the engaging, fast-paced prose. I liked how the author made it obvious but also not? The plot was very neatly done if I say so myself. It felt predictable, but also unpredictable. It really had me wracking my brain going back and forth between the story as it is told in three different POVs. I was able to see each of the characters’ perspectives about anger and regret. But at some point, I didn’t even know who was telling the truth.
What makes me like small-town thrillers so much is how everyone knows each other and secrets are so very difficult to keep, so you’d think it would be easy to hunt down a murderer. But this story is about three childhood bestfriends who split up because one of them fucked up. And then we read about them trying to hunt down a murderer with the awkwardness and ache of attempting to reconcile that broken friendship. And there is also romance if you’re looking for it! Friends-to-lovers subtle “I’m not sure what we are” kind of trope. Liz Lawson definitely wrote Murder Between Friends to be an incredibly enjoyable book.
September 17, 2025
3,5 ⭐️🥀
August 31, 2025
4,25/5 ✨
Świetna młodzieżówka, która trzyma w napięciu do samego końca 🤭 Co prawda w trakcie książki prowadziłam również swoje śledztwo i mogę powiedzieć, że coś tam udało mi się odgadnąć 😅 Ale mimo wszystko historia jest mega wciągająca, a na dodatek przez tę książkę się płynie! Jeżeli uwielbiacie „Przewodnik po zbrodni według grzecznej dziewczynki” to ta książka jest dla Was!
Ps found family w tej książce >>>>>
Współpraca reklamowa
Świetna młodzieżówka, która trzyma w napięciu do samego końca 🤭 Co prawda w trakcie książki prowadziłam również swoje śledztwo i mogę powiedzieć, że coś tam udało mi się odgadnąć 😅 Ale mimo wszystko historia jest mega wciągająca, a na dodatek przez tę książkę się płynie! Jeżeli uwielbiacie „Przewodnik po zbrodni według grzecznej dziewczynki” to ta książka jest dla Was!
Ps found family w tej książce >>>>>
Współpraca reklamowa
Read
March 13, 2025start on: 2.27.25.
dnf on: 3.12.25
sigh I have to DNF I'm just not in the mood and the writing feels icky, plus the plot is moving too slow for a murder mystery/thriller for me. Sorry Liz Lawson.
dnf on: 3.12.25
sigh I have to DNF I'm just not in the mood and the writing feels icky, plus the plot is moving too slow for a murder mystery/thriller for me. Sorry Liz Lawson.
October 13, 2025
Loved loved loved this book!
Everything I want and need in a YA thriller
Proud to say I figured out a part of the plot hehe
Everything I want and need in a YA thriller
Proud to say I figured out a part of the plot hehe
September 5, 2025
4,25/5 ⭐️
ALE TO BYŁO DOBRE!!!
W przypadku kryminałów młodzieżowych największą frajdę sprawia mi odkrywanie prawdy razem z bohaterami. Czasami popełniają błędy, nie zawsze działają rozważnie, a nawet zdarza się, że są zmuszeni ryzykować własne życie, aby osiągnąć cel.
Uwielbiam to, że postacie w tej książęce są w stanie ze sobą współpracować, mimo wzajemnego, wrogiego nastawienia, nieustannych interakcji pełnych napięcia i widocznego dyskomfortu. Ich zadaniem jest dojście do prawdy i poznanie sprawcy zajścia, aby udowodnić niewinność Jake’a - nawet jeśli powody, dla których to robią znacznie się od siebie różnią. 👀
Ta pozycja jest doskonałym przykładem książki, która sama się czyta - przez nią się po prostu płynie! Każdy rozdział kończy sie kolejną dawką pytań i niewiadomych, przez co po prostu musiałem wiedzieć co się dalej wydarzy!
Ciągle pojawiały się nowe poszlaki, informacje i powiązania między postaciami. W pewnym momencie zaczynałem podejrzewać dosłownie każdego i nie ufałem nikomu. Próbowałem prowadzić własne śledztwo, ale za każdym razem, gdy myślałem, że coś wiem, okazywało się, że tak naprawdę nie wiem nic.
Ta książka niesamowicie angażuje, a jednocześnie nie zasypuje nadmiarem informacji, co sprawia, że łatwo nadążyć za fabułą.
Świetna historia, którą bardzo bardzo wam polecam! ❤️
ALE TO BYŁO DOBRE!!!
W przypadku kryminałów młodzieżowych największą frajdę sprawia mi odkrywanie prawdy razem z bohaterami. Czasami popełniają błędy, nie zawsze działają rozważnie, a nawet zdarza się, że są zmuszeni ryzykować własne życie, aby osiągnąć cel.
Uwielbiam to, że postacie w tej książęce są w stanie ze sobą współpracować, mimo wzajemnego, wrogiego nastawienia, nieustannych interakcji pełnych napięcia i widocznego dyskomfortu. Ich zadaniem jest dojście do prawdy i poznanie sprawcy zajścia, aby udowodnić niewinność Jake’a - nawet jeśli powody, dla których to robią znacznie się od siebie różnią. 👀
Ta pozycja jest doskonałym przykładem książki, która sama się czyta - przez nią się po prostu płynie! Każdy rozdział kończy sie kolejną dawką pytań i niewiadomych, przez co po prostu musiałem wiedzieć co się dalej wydarzy!
Ciągle pojawiały się nowe poszlaki, informacje i powiązania między postaciami. W pewnym momencie zaczynałem podejrzewać dosłownie każdego i nie ufałem nikomu. Próbowałem prowadzić własne śledztwo, ale za każdym razem, gdy myślałem, że coś wiem, okazywało się, że tak naprawdę nie wiem nic.
Ta książka niesamowicie angażuje, a jednocześnie nie zasypuje nadmiarem informacji, co sprawia, że łatwo nadążyć za fabułą.
Świetna historia, którą bardzo bardzo wam polecam! ❤️
July 25, 2025
A little YA murder mystery for the summer! Liz Lawson is a new to me author and I can’t wait to read more of her books. I grabbed off the library shelf as I went in to pick up a hold solely based on the cover and synopsis.
I really enjoyed it. Basically three BFFs work to solve a murder mystery after one of their friend’s older brother is about to be retried for the murder of a beloved teacher in their small community.
Friendships, secrets, romance, parties, and more make this an enjoyable summer read.
I really enjoyed it. Basically three BFFs work to solve a murder mystery after one of their friend’s older brother is about to be retried for the murder of a beloved teacher in their small community.
Friendships, secrets, romance, parties, and more make this an enjoyable summer read.
August 27, 2024
THE ENDING…WHAT???!!!!
Sooooo in love with the vibe of this wonderful book! I thought I knew much about who is guilty, but the ending surprised me and it turned out to be spectacular!!!
Sooooo in love with the vibe of this wonderful book! I thought I knew much about who is guilty, but the ending surprised me and it turned out to be spectacular!!!
October 11, 2024
The best ARC I have received in a long time!
August 25, 2025
You know what, five full stars. This was good. The two fmc's got on my damn nerves sometimes but overall it was a great book that kept me guessing
August 13, 2025
Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson is a gripping young adult mystery that delivers on its promise of a thrilling and emotionally charged story. With its fast-paced narrative and intricate exploration of teenage friendship and love, this book offers a unique reading experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Who Should or Should Not Read the Book:
This book is perfect for young adult readers who enjoy mysteries that are not only full of suspense and surprises but also delve into the complexities of relationships and friendships. It will particularly resonate with those who appreciate stories with strong emotional undercurrents. However, if you prefer slower-paced narratives or do not enjoy stories centered around teenage drama, this book may not be the best fit for you.
Main Characters: Ally, Grace, and Henry:
Ally, Grace, and Henry are the central characters in Murder Between Friends. Ally is a determined and resourceful protagonist, whose loyalty and determination drive the plot forward. Grace has created a mess for herself mainly just trying to be popular, the ultimate follower. Henry is the shy peacemaker to their friend group; it is his brother that the trio must prove innocent.
Quote From the Book:
Poor Ally just cannot let things go.
“I cannot believe what I’m hearing.
“You just want to give up because of one minor setback?” My voice rises.
“It’s not giving up,” Grace says. “Or minor,” Henry mutters.
It’s happening again. Them against me. Just like after my dad died. An awful fizzy feeling starts inside my nose. I stood by Henry for the past two years, and this is how he repays me?”
Plot Summary:
Murder Between Friends follows Ally, Grace, and Henry as they navigate the challenges of their friendship while uncovering several shocking secrets. When a murder occurs within their neighborhood, they find themselves caught in a web of deception and betrayal. After being estranged for two years, they decide to untangle the truth, their loyalties and trust are put to the test, leading them to question everything they thought they knew about the adults around them.
My Opinion:
Murder Between Friends is a gripping and thought-provoking mystery that explores the complexities of teenage friendships and the consequences of secrets. The author skillfully weaves together suspense, drama, and emotional depth, creating a story that resonates long after the final page. With well-developed characters and a plot full of unexpected twists, this book is a must-read for fans of YA mysteries and those seeking a compelling exploration of friendship and betrayal.
What did I learn from this book? High school has not changed much in the last 40 years and cell phones seem to be the new cigarettes; the teens in this book cannot function without them.
Overall, Murder Between Friends is a captivating and enthralling read that will leave you guessing until the very end. Prepare to be immersed in a world of secrets, suspense, and the intricacies of teenage relationships and most of all dramas.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's and Delacorte Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own because it is my first amendment right as a United States citizen. Ally and her father, the journalists in the book would be proud.
Who Should or Should Not Read the Book:
This book is perfect for young adult readers who enjoy mysteries that are not only full of suspense and surprises but also delve into the complexities of relationships and friendships. It will particularly resonate with those who appreciate stories with strong emotional undercurrents. However, if you prefer slower-paced narratives or do not enjoy stories centered around teenage drama, this book may not be the best fit for you.
Main Characters: Ally, Grace, and Henry:
Ally, Grace, and Henry are the central characters in Murder Between Friends. Ally is a determined and resourceful protagonist, whose loyalty and determination drive the plot forward. Grace has created a mess for herself mainly just trying to be popular, the ultimate follower. Henry is the shy peacemaker to their friend group; it is his brother that the trio must prove innocent.
Quote From the Book:
Poor Ally just cannot let things go.
“I cannot believe what I’m hearing.
“You just want to give up because of one minor setback?” My voice rises.
“It’s not giving up,” Grace says. “Or minor,” Henry mutters.
It’s happening again. Them against me. Just like after my dad died. An awful fizzy feeling starts inside my nose. I stood by Henry for the past two years, and this is how he repays me?”
Plot Summary:
Murder Between Friends follows Ally, Grace, and Henry as they navigate the challenges of their friendship while uncovering several shocking secrets. When a murder occurs within their neighborhood, they find themselves caught in a web of deception and betrayal. After being estranged for two years, they decide to untangle the truth, their loyalties and trust are put to the test, leading them to question everything they thought they knew about the adults around them.
My Opinion:
Murder Between Friends is a gripping and thought-provoking mystery that explores the complexities of teenage friendships and the consequences of secrets. The author skillfully weaves together suspense, drama, and emotional depth, creating a story that resonates long after the final page. With well-developed characters and a plot full of unexpected twists, this book is a must-read for fans of YA mysteries and those seeking a compelling exploration of friendship and betrayal.
What did I learn from this book? High school has not changed much in the last 40 years and cell phones seem to be the new cigarettes; the teens in this book cannot function without them.
Overall, Murder Between Friends is a captivating and enthralling read that will leave you guessing until the very end. Prepare to be immersed in a world of secrets, suspense, and the intricacies of teenage relationships and most of all dramas.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's and Delacorte Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own because it is my first amendment right as a United States citizen. Ally and her father, the journalists in the book would be proud.
September 16, 2025
HELLYEAH ZGADŁAM MORDERCĘ!!!! (pierwszy raz 💫)
mimo wszystko zakończenie bardzo mnie zaskoczyło i uwielbiam to, że w momencie, gdzie wszystko wydaje się już wyjaśnione i nagle jeszcze jeden plot twist!!
ogromny plus za to, że książka sama się czyta- nigdy nie wkręciłam się w jakąś książkę równie szybko <3
mimo wszystko zakończenie bardzo mnie zaskoczyło i uwielbiam to, że w momencie, gdzie wszystko wydaje się już wyjaśnione i nagle jeszcze jeden plot twist!!
ogromny plus za to, że książka sama się czyta- nigdy nie wkręciłam się w jakąś książkę równie szybko <3
March 8, 2025
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc! 🤭
~~~~~~~~~~~
This book was really interesting! It had a lot of twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and I really enjoyed trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
~~~~~~~~~~~
This book was really interesting! It had a lot of twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and I really enjoyed trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
September 3, 2025
horror
September 21, 2025
⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Murder Between Friends
Author: Liz Lawson
Three best friends, torn apart by a gruesome murder. Grace, Henry, and Ally already went through the worst time of their lives when Henry’s brother Jake was convicted of killing their English teacher. Grace’s testimony was what put Jake behind bars, but now that his conviction has been overturned and he is being released, she starts questioning whether her memory and her testimony were true. The three friends have not spoken since Jake’s imprisonment, but now they are reluctantly pulled back together to uncover the truth about what really happened that night. For a YA thriller this was excellent. I was hooked from the very first page and read it in a single day. Liz Lawson’s writing style impressed me so much, and I cannot wait to pick up more of her thrillers. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for my copy!
Murder Between Friends
Author: Liz Lawson
Three best friends, torn apart by a gruesome murder. Grace, Henry, and Ally already went through the worst time of their lives when Henry’s brother Jake was convicted of killing their English teacher. Grace’s testimony was what put Jake behind bars, but now that his conviction has been overturned and he is being released, she starts questioning whether her memory and her testimony were true. The three friends have not spoken since Jake’s imprisonment, but now they are reluctantly pulled back together to uncover the truth about what really happened that night. For a YA thriller this was excellent. I was hooked from the very first page and read it in a single day. Liz Lawson’s writing style impressed me so much, and I cannot wait to pick up more of her thrillers. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for my copy!
April 6, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This book was not what I expected but it was really good. I really was drawn to this book by the cover and title, other than that I went in blind.
The plot twists and surprise you thoughts wrong moments in this book were amazingly done, this book will keep you guessing till the last few chapters.
This book was not what I expected but it was really good. I really was drawn to this book by the cover and title, other than that I went in blind.
The plot twists and surprise you thoughts wrong moments in this book were amazingly done, this book will keep you guessing till the last few chapters.
June 5, 2025
Thank you to PRH audio for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Ooof. This book is full of drama: small town, high school, and an overturned conviction of someone in jail for unaliving a teacher. It honestly gave me A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder vibes minus the podcast. The awfulness of high schoolers and small town busybodies who think that they know everything and are completely right are prevalent in this. The twists and turns are crazy, and I wasn’t ready for the big reveal. This was a really good listen, and I enjoyed the trio of narrators.
There is mention of high schoolers being each other’s first, along with drugs and drug dealers so maybe don’t let your kid read this one if you think they don’t know what that is.
Henry’s brother was convicted of killing their teacher, but he knows that isn’t true. And his conviction was vacated due to a mistrial, so now he needs to prove it before they try to take him to trial again. His best friend Ally is always by his side and never believed Jake was guilty. Their other ex best friend, Grace, testified and help put him in jail. Only now she reached out to them unsure on if she really saw him that night. But how can they trust her when she clinched putting him away the first time?
Ooof. This book is full of drama: small town, high school, and an overturned conviction of someone in jail for unaliving a teacher. It honestly gave me A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder vibes minus the podcast. The awfulness of high schoolers and small town busybodies who think that they know everything and are completely right are prevalent in this. The twists and turns are crazy, and I wasn’t ready for the big reveal. This was a really good listen, and I enjoyed the trio of narrators.
There is mention of high schoolers being each other’s first, along with drugs and drug dealers so maybe don’t let your kid read this one if you think they don’t know what that is.
Henry’s brother was convicted of killing their teacher, but he knows that isn’t true. And his conviction was vacated due to a mistrial, so now he needs to prove it before they try to take him to trial again. His best friend Ally is always by his side and never believed Jake was guilty. Their other ex best friend, Grace, testified and help put him in jail. Only now she reached out to them unsure on if she really saw him that night. But how can they trust her when she clinched putting him away the first time?
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