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Thornbird
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26The 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.
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.
448 pages, Library Binding
Expected publication June 30, 2026
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
January 4, 2026
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.
November 28, 2025
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
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
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews