Thornbird

by E. Kennedy

The highly anticipated young adult thriller about a serial killer's daughter and her race to solve the crimes of her family's twisted past before it's too late—from E. Kennedy, aka New York Times bestselling romance author Elle Kennedy!

The world is hunting for answers—but what if the truth leads straight to you?

Ten years after her father—the infamous serial killer Gabriel Thorn—was caught, Ryan Shipley is back in Starling, Tennessee, trying to lay low. No one can know who she really is. No one can know the truth about her past.

But as fresh eyes dig deeper into the case, old secrets refuse to stay buried. Cryptic texts, eerie coincidences, and a chilling note leave everyone wondering—does Ryan know more than she’s letting on? As the truth unravels, one thing becomes in a town full of secrets, Ryan might be the biggest mystery of them all.

Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson and Jeneva Rose—get ready for a thriller packed with twists you won’t see coming.

Genres: Thriller, Young Adult, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Romance

448 pages, Library Binding

Expected publication January 2, 2079

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

For years, I have devoured Elle Kennedy’s romance novels. Her Off-Campus college romance series is a comfort favorite, and her fantasy romance Royals series (written under the pseudonym Erin Watt) completely swept me away. So when I heard she was releasing a YA thriller, I didn’t even hesitate—I jumped in without reading the blurb.

At first, when I realized the story revolved around the daughter of a serial killer, I thought, Okay… we’ve seen this concept before. But then I reminded myself—this is Elle Kennedy. With her imagination and emotional storytelling, I knew she would bring something fresh. And while the story didn’t completely blow me away, it was far more entertaining and gripping than I expected.

The novel blends high school drama, romance, and mystery with a dark, haunting backstory. Our main character, Gabriel Thorn, is an outsider who has lost her mother and is forced to rebuild her life under a false identity. She moves into her estranged aunt’s house in the same town where her father once lived—and where he buried his victims in unknown locations. To protect her cousins and avoid bullying, she changes her name to Ryan Shipley and pretends she is a niece who attended boarding school in Switzerland.

Is the cover story a little unbelievable? Yes—but her cousins are only sixteen, and they buy it. Once Ryan starts school, she instantly attracts attention—especially from the charming golden boy Everett, her cousin Jasmine’s best friend’s brother. But Ryan seems more drawn to the mysterious biker boy Chase, who quickly becomes her knight in shining armor. These moments definitely echo classic Elle Kennedy romance vibes, even inside a darker thriller setting.

The mystery deepens with the town’s obsession over the serial killer case and a disturbing trophy reward for anyone who can locate the victims’ remains. Jasmine’s desire to profit from the tragedy is unsettling, and I found her ambition both disturbing and irritating. Nikki, the mean-girl antagonist, also felt a bit cliché, immediately targeting Ryan and making her life miserable.

Ryan begins receiving threatening anonymous messages, which at first felt a little mild—but as the story unfolds, the twists surrounding their origin are surprisingly effective. The “Free the Sparrows” forum adds another chilling layer, and the final act truly accelerates the pacing. By the end, the mystery and romance finally find their balance, delivering a satisfying and tense conclusion.

While I struggled to fully connect with some of the characters, the storytelling, pacing, and twists made this a compelling read. As Elle Kennedy’s first step into YA mystery, this is a very promising start. Because of the strong final quarter, I happily rounded my rating from 3.5 to 4 stars.
What can I say? A great writer can truly shine in any genre she chooses.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press for sharing this fast-paced YA thriller with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I found out that Elle Kennedy would be releasing a YA thriller, I immediately wanted to read it—and this book did not disappoint!

The main character is the daughter of a serial killer. After her grandmother’s death, she returns to her hometown to live with her aunt and uncle—but under a fake name. Reporters, detectives, and the townspeople are still actively discussing a decade-old case, as the bodies of the women were never found.

Is Gabrielle Thorn really the killer everyone thinks he is? Readers try to answer this and other questions throughout the book, and it was so thrilling! In the first half, I didn’t even have any theories; I was just enjoying the story. Towards the end, some ideas started to form, but the ending surprised me more than once!

This book is atmospheric, tense, and captivating! The romance, while not the main focus, is also well done, which I really appreciated.

I enjoyed it so much! I really hope we get more thrillers from E. Kennedy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books (Delacorte Press) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the daughter of a serial killer, Ryan wants to finish her senior year unnoticed. No one in Starling knows her secret, but with her father's execution looming and his victim’s bodies still missing, Ryan must hide her identity, even from her cousins. When the reward for the missing victims increases, Ryan helps her cousin search for clues—until someone threatens to expose her if she doesn't stop looking.

I was curious to see how this book would play out. As an author who mainly focuses on the romance genre, a YA thriller/mystery is completely surprising. However, I was amazed by how much I enjoyed this book. There were so many mysteries to solve while reading Thornbird that it became a very fast-paced read. Although I had figured out some of the mystery, I was completely shocked at the conclusion. This was a fantastic debut into the YA mystery/thriller genre, and I believe fans of Maureen Johnson and Holly Jackson would enjoy this YA novel.

Thornbird releases June 30th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the opportunity to review Thornbird. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[cyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was a fun ya book nothing outstanding but super interesting. The romance was super bland in my opinion and definitely not Elle Kennedys best work. The mystery itself was predictable but enjoyable. I will say the ending was super rushed and anticlimactic. A fine first thriller from mrs. kennedy and i would definitely check out any more she decides to write.

[Abbi :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been an avid fan of Elle Kennedy for years. I ADORED her Off Campus series and the spin offs. When I learned she was branching into YA thriller, I knew I was going to love it. Absolutely thrilled that I was trusted enough to receive this e-ARC!

We follow Ryan Shipley, born Gabrielle Thorn, daughter of the notorious serial killer Gabriel Thorn. It has been 10 years since he was arrested for the murder of 6 women, and his execution date is coming up. Ryan's grandmother recently died, so she is moving in with her aunt on her mother's side. The drawback? They live in the same town that her father committed his crimes all those years ago.

Ryan is a fantastic character. She is very likable and easy to root for. She has a lot of trauma from her father that she has to work through as well as navigating her hidden identity in a town that wants vengeance for the victims. I think Kennedy did a great job of showing Ryan growing into herself and separating herself from her father.

There is also a romance subplot that I was very much into. Sometimes with thrillers that have a romantic subplot, I tend to not be super invested. This is definitely not the case. There is a hint of a love triangle with Everett, golden retriever football star, and Chase, local bad boy. It is pretty obvious early on who is endgame and it really felt like more of a slow burn than anything else. The romance was very sweet and I loved how the characters would interact together.

The mystery itself was expertly balanced between the expected drama of high school students and the serial killer plot line. While the murders have been solved, the bodies were never found. Ryan and her friends take it upon themselves to try to find them. I was deeply invested in this aspect of the story. There were some shocking plot twists thrown in at the end that I did not anticipate, and added a layer of darkness to this novel.

I absolutely would recommend this not only to thriller lovers, but to Elle Kennedy fans!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's Books/Delacorte Press for sending me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

E. Kennedy’s “Thornbird” combines small-town secrets, buried grief, and the lingering shadow of a serial killer into a slow-burn mystery that ultimately delivers emotional depth and a dark, satisfying payoff. While it may open with familiar high-school dynamics and a touch of “new girl in town” melodrama, “Thornbird” steadily shifts into something more complex and unsettling; it’s more a character study than a traditional thriller, yet still rich with tension and unexpected revelations.

Ryan Shipley returns to Starling, Tennessee under a name that hides who she really is: the daughter of notorious serial killer Gabriel Thorn. Her grandmother’s recent death leaves her no choice but to move back to the place she’s spent her life trying to forget, just as the ten-year anniversary of her father’s arrest and upcoming execution reignites community obsession with his crimes. Rumors swirl, rewards resurface, and the search for his missing victims becomes town gossip, especially since many believe Ryan may secretly know where the bodies are hidden.

The beginning leans into high-school stereotypes. Almost every archetype seems drawn to Ryan, and the drama surrounding her social circle can feel shallow at first. Yet beneath that surface is a heavier emotional core: Ryan’s struggle to reconcile her lingering love for the father who raised her with the monstrous legacy he left behind. Kennedy slowly reveals how this tension has shaped her identity, her trauma, and the way others see her. The story’s pacing mirrors Ryan’s internal conflict; it’s quiet, steady, and introspective in the middle, but builds toward an ending laced with darkness and revelation.

Though I didn’t find “Thornbird” traditionally “thrilling,” especially since it’s such a long book, the mystery deepens in the final act as long-hidden truths surface and the eerie symbolism of birds becomes disturbingly clear. The twist involving one of the victims is haunting, and the way Kennedy ties the imagery of preservation, beauty, and captivity to Gabriel Thorn’s worldview makes the resolution particularly chilling. By the end, the characters emerge scarred but striving toward growth, showing that no one is perfect, but everyone is capable of becoming more than the past that shaped them.

With careful pacing, emotional weight, and just enough romantic tension to complicate rather than distract, “Thornbird” is well-suited for older teens and fans of mysteries that prioritize character over shock factor. Those looking for nonstop action may find the journey slow, but those who appreciate layered storytelling, morally tangled characters, and an ending that lingers long after the final page will find much to admire.

Overall, “Thornbird” is a reflective, atmospheric mystery that quietly sharpens into something dark and unforgettable. Stick through the slow start; the final revelations are worth the wait.

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Delacorte Press and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. The premise of this book fascinated me and it was so worth the read! Ryan Shipley isn’t really who she says she is. Before moving back to Starling Tennessee she was Ryan Mayfair, and long before that she was Gabrielle Thorn. She’s the daughter of the infamous serial killer Gabriel Thorn. Ten years ago her father killed her mother and confessed to killing six other women. Ryan would give anything not to go back to Starling but the only family she has left resides there. She keeps telling herself she’ll graduate in a year, she only has to make it a year. A year in which no one can know who she really is, not even her twin cousins. It should be easy, after all her mother and aunt were estranged so it’s not like she ever met them. The town is still obsessed with the murders, made worse by the fact that Gabriel has never said where the bodies are. Now, as his execution draws near, the families are desperate for information. The town is crawling with true crime junkies and reporters. Flying under the radar will be harder than ever, especially when she catches the eye of the schools golden boy and resident bad boy. Then things get worse when she starts receiving anonymous messages warning her that if she looks for the bodies that they will tell everyone who she is. But her father also left her clues to where they are she just has to figure them out. Can she find the bodies? And if she is outed how dangerous will it be? Someone clearly doesn’t want her looking but how far are they willing to go to keep her from finding information? And why? I really enjoyed reading about how Ryan navigates things between that fact that people hate her family, everyone seems to forget that her father also killed her mother, and that she has good memories of her father where he showed he loved her. E. Kennedy does an excellent job of showing the panic and PTSD that Ryan goes through in her situation. I loved the mystery and romantic aspects of this book and the tangled web of small town dynamics! Thrilling and intense! I was on the edge of my seat and the twists right up until the very end! So didn’t see it coming!

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle Kennedy writing a YA thriller about a serial killer’s daughter? I did not even read the blurb. I just clicked request.

📚 Thornbird by E. Kennedy
Genre: YA thriller
Vibes: small town secrets, hidden identity, high school drama, serial killer legacy

Ten years after her father, infamous serial killer Gabriel Thorn, was caught, Ryan Shipley is back in his old town under a false name. No one can know who she really is. No one can know whose daughter she is.

At first I thought okay… serial killer’s child trying to escape the past. We have seen this before. But this is Elle Kennedy. And she knows how to build tension around messy emotions and complicated attraction.

What worked for me:

🕵️‍♀️ The layered mystery surrounding the unsolved burial sites
📱 Anonymous threatening messages that slowly escalate
💻 The chilling Free the Sparrows forum element
🔥 Romance woven through the suspense without overpowering it
⚡ A final act that absolutely picked up the pace

The blend of high school drama and dark backstory felt very Elle Kennedy. There is the golden boy. The mysterious biker boy. The mean girl energy. Some of it leans a little cliché, but it also carries that addictive early 2000s teen drama vibe that makes you keep turning pages.

I did not fully connect with every character, and parts of the setup required a little suspension of disbelief. But the final quarter? That is where this really shines. The twists land stronger than expected, and the mystery and romance finally balance each other in a way that feels satisfying.

As her first step into YA mystery, this is a promising pivot. A great storyteller can cross genres and still deliver tension, chemistry, and emotional stakes.

💬 Do you love thrillers that mix romance and mystery, or do you prefer your suspense completely romance free?

#EKennedy #Thornbird #DelacortePress #YAthriller #Bookstagram

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital review copy of this title. All opinions are my own.

I previewed this with the intention of adding it to my district's collection (either my building-a MS- or the local HS). Students are voracious mystery/thriller readers and this seemed like a solid choice. It did not disappoint. After previewing it, I would definitely recommend it for high school readers. There is some language and casual mentions of sex. Besides that, the main characters are juniors and seniors in high school ready for the next stage of life. They are going to be most relatable to high school readers.

Ryan Shipley has spent most of her life avoiding the fact that her father, Gabriel Thorn, was a serial killer. Her grandmother took her in, changed her name, and they did their best to cut all ties. But now that her grandma passed away, the only family she has left is in her hometown. As she moves back, the community is reliving much of her father's history since the 10 year anniversary of his arrest is coming up, as well as his execution date. The bodies of his victims were never recovered, and with a new reward up for grabs, it's all anyone can talk about. Ryan tries to keep her head down, live the lie her aunt wants her to, and get out by the end of her senior year. But it won't be easy.

Highly recommend.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

THORNBIRD by E. Kennedy (June 30, 2026)

Thank you Netgalley, GetUnderlined, and Delacorte for the earc

When Ryan Shipley returns to Starling, TN ten years after her father (serial k*ller) was caught, she doesn't want to be there...no one can know Gabriel Thorn is her father. Soon Ryan begins to receive strange messages, but worst of all, she receive a note from her father. Does she know more than she realizes?
THORNBIRD is an upper YA thriller. This blends true crime with a touch of romance. There's a lot that can describe this book. One word is: Wow. This is an amazing book. It's very enthralling and hits all notes. Plus, it's well-written.
I didn't want to stop reading this.
THORNBIRD is found-family all day. Seeing Ryan adjust to her new life with these "strangers," I couldn't help but root for her. Especially because the dynamic between these characters was so good. Honestly, until that twist near the end, all of these characters were likeable and I wanted the best for them. I still do, but I can't help but fill bad for what [Redacted] did, and the fallout that was caused.
This one of those reads that got me thinking. I had a ton of theories and questions. Never once would I have called that twist at the end.
THORNBIRD...you need to read it.

[nika.ex.libris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

​I read a couple of Elle Kennedy’s novels years ago and always enjoyed her light, witty writing style. However, I’ve since moved away from spicy romance, so when a friend mentioned she was writing a YA thriller, I knew I had to check it out!

It’s a very fast-paced read. The mystery holds up until the very end, leaving you questioning whether certain characters are actually innocent or guilty. I came up with quite a few theories, some were right, some weren't, though I can’t say the final reveal completely shocked me. I also really appreciated the flashes of humor throughout the book.
​
I actually liked the FMC. She wasn't annoying, and I truly felt for her. You can feel her pain and the heavy burden she carries. As for the romance, it didn't really click for me, and I predicted the outcome almost immediately. That being said, I’m glad the love story didn't overshadow the suspense.

While it’s not the best YA thriller I’ve ever read and it felt a bit dragged out in the middle, it was still a creepy and gripping experience🙌🏻
​
🏠 Small town secrets
🔪 Daughter of a serial killer (hidden identity)
🩹 Grief
🌶️ 1/5

[Gina Malanga · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author herself says this book is a major departure from the romance romcom that she usually writes. This is definitely a dark YA mystery, but it was excellent. I read it in a day and even when I thought I had things figured out I definitely didn’t. Ryan has had many different lives and many different names but when she arrives home in the town where her father has murdered seven women, she is hiding her identity, even as the search for her father‘s victims bodies ramps up. And she hides parts of herself from the world. She’s starting to learn more and more about who she actually is and about her parents and what happened on that faithful day. As the mystery unfold, you realize there’s a lot more to the story tha then Ryan or anybody else knows. On top of being a great murder mystery. There’s also a romance in there, I wouldn’t expect anything less from this author, and also a commentary on not judging children for the sins of their parents. I thought this was a great debut YA novel for this author and I can’t wait to see what else she writes.

[Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Premier thriller YA pour E Kennedy et c'est une réussite! J'ai été happé par cette histoire qui m'a tenu en haleine du début ç la fin : les plots twists sont vraiment dingues!

Ce livre ne sort qu'en juin 2026 mais j'ai eu l'opportunité de le découvrir et j'ai adoré!! Nous connaissons tous et toutes Elle Kennedy avec ces hockeys romances et quand elle a annoncé la sortie de ce livre un thriller YA, j'étais très curieuse! Donc quand j'ai reçu le mail d'acceptation pour avoir un ARC, j'ai un peu sauté partout! Nous allons suivre Gabriel Thorn, la fille d'un tueur en série qui revient dans sa ville natale sous une nouvelle identité car personne ne doit connaitre sa véritable identité... mais rien ne reste cacher très longtemps...

Comment dire que j'ai adoré ce livre! Je l'ai dévoré en quelques heures! Il m'a tenu en haleine de la première page à la dernière! Certains plots twists sont assez prévisibles mais d'autres pas du tout et surtout l'autrice ne nous épargnent rien! J'ai vraiment adoré Gabriel/Ryan qui est une jeune femme forte qui tente de mener sa vie tant bien que mal! J'espère qu'on aura une traduction française de ce livre car il vaut vraiment le coup!

En bref, un coup de cœur pour ce livre!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thornbird by E. Kennedy was completely captivating from start to finish. The story has this lush, almost haunting atmosphere that pulls you in right away, and the emotional tension between the characters keeps building in the most raw and satisfying way. I loved the vulnerability, chemistry, and genuine growth woven throughout the plot. The writing is vivid and immersive without feeling heavy, and the pacing kept me wanting more. By the end I felt fully invested in the characters and their journey, which is always the mark of a truly memorable read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[elijahsreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC

I went into this mostly blind so I did expect it to be an Adult book and not Young Adult but it was still so good despite the mix up. One of my favorite books of all time is The Dead List by Jennifer L. Armentrout so I had hoped this would be more like that but again, I’m so glad it wasn’t because the emotional waves this book takes with the characters and the wave it’s so deep within these families lives is just so insane and fulfilling once you get to the end. Truly hope Elle will written more under this pen name and explored all types of thrillers.

[Gentry Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. Honestly? I think I like Elle Kennedy’s YA thriller better than her romance books, which is not a hit on her romance books at all, but a huge “well done” on the genre swap. A serial killer’s daughter trying to piece together memories to find the victim’s bodies, while hiding her identity in the small town she was born in? Such a good premise, and executed really well with twists, turns and some young love. Could not have read this book faster.

[Kenzie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up!

Really really enjoyed this! The main mystery plot of this book had different mysteries behind it. I felt like I was getting thrown so many plots and things to be uncovered throughout the book. The ending was wrapped so well. I had no clue or theories how this book would end. Also the romance subplot?? Yes please.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children books for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Alyson Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge Elle Kennedy- romance author- fan so moving with her to the thriller world was a must! And I was not disappointed!

Thornbird follows Ryan - daughter of a serial killer - as she goes back to her hometown with a new identity but her father's crimes still haunt the town.

The twist and turns this book had as Ryan tries to help put her father's crimes to rest and keep her identity a secret were fantastic!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy!

[Caitlin Kuehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆Netgalley ARC☆
What a delightful twisty turny book! After reading a lot of books in the thriller genre some parts become predictable. I enjoyed being thrown off when I thought I had it all figured out.
Definitely felt some "Butterfly Garden" vibes. I enjoyed the mixture of Suspense, humor, sarcasm, and emotion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenage me would have been so excited about the romance - the handsome quarterback and the motorcycle bad boy? Yes please. I get that this is YA but it took Ryan FOREVER to figure it out.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. Thornbird was a mystery-thriller book done in all the right ways! It was one of the most captivating and perfectly executed thrillers I’ve read and I devoured it in a single night because I could not put it down. Each layer of the story unravelled tension, plot twists and mystery, keeping me hooked and wanting to read on. I love the way Kennedy slowly pieced the story together, especially the choice and symbolism of birds- specifically a sparrow (no spoilers!)

Kennedy even managed to weave in a touch of good boy vs bad boy romance in there (which I have no complaints about), using just the right amount to add depth without overshadowing the suspense of the story. That is all I will say on that matter…

If you’re a lover of some murder mystery mixed with romance on the side, this is the book for you- I highly recommend it!

I’m so glad I got this proof copy from @electricmonkeybooks

[B Croz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost 4.5

[Yaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll read anything Elle Kennedy writes and it was cool to see her deviate from the romance genre!

Thornbird was a fun YA mystery read, though nothing particularly gripping for me.

[Kseniya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Quick pace.