The Pools

by E. Lockhart

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the We Were Liars series comes a love story full of simmering darkness and astonishing twists, following two teenagers whose lives are shattered by a shocking transformation.

This gorgeous hardcover edition of The Pools will feature unique printed endpapers, deckled edges (rough, uneven page edges), and an exclusive stamped case!

Once, in a small New England town known for its hot springs, something terrible happened. Something that should have been a warning to stay away from the pools, if the stories were to be believed.

But no one is afraid of the water anymore, even if they should be.

When new girl Lexie meets golden boy Chester, their chemistry is undeniable. She’s running from a glittering life she won’t speak about. He’s hiding secrets of his own. Their connection feels bigger than both of them, despite their damage.

One frigid winter morning in that small New England town, five people go for a swim in the pools. Five people, including Chester. What happens there sends shock waves through the town—and changes life as Lexie knows it forever.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Audible Audio

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

E. Lockhart is the author of Again Again, Genuine Fraud, We Were Liars and Family of Liars, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, and several other books. Whistle: A New Gotham CIty Hero is a graphic novel. We Were Liars is also a TV show on Prime Video, June 2025. We Fell Apart, book 3 in the We Were Liars universe, publishes November 2025.

website: www.emilylockhart.com
Instagram, Threads & TikTok: elockhartbooks

Reviews

[Sarah Pirtle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, poetic read for when you’re looking for a fairy tale or a whimsical love story. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with the characters or story the way i’d hoped. I felt like I was in a side town hearing it via gossip rather than engulfed in Covington. A magical little story set in a small town of hot springs and ancestral lore. Lexie is new to town and keeps to herself. Chester is a boy who is rediscovering life post a serious bout of depression. They have a short adventure of falling in love before some old town magic takes over. It’s a story of grief and persevering love. It explores themes of suicide, self harm, parentification of siblings, addiction, depression, grief, loss, and young love. I’d recommend it to older teens who enjoy poetry. I think it’s a good bridge between poetry and short stories. I think I read the whole thing in two hours, so it’d be easy to pick it up between full length novels.

[Amanda Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read other books from this Author and LOVE all of them!

The way the author ignites you into this book with thrill and curiosity is amazing! It starts off with a cute love story and then has a twist you don’t see coming! I cannot share the secrets in or about the pool, but I suggest you read it to see for yourself!

I would highly recommend this book & Author, & cannot wait to read more by this author! 5+⭐️’s!

Thank you E. Lockhart, Delacorte Press, & NetGalley for allowing me to read this amazing Arc!

[Delfina · Rating 5 out of 5]

wtf!!