Can I Trust Her?

Virginia and Katie #1

by Frances Lucas

When North Anchorage High School student and rising star is found dead at the bottom of the film club staircase, everyone assumes it was an accident. After all, the stairs are poorly lit, and a person in a hurry could easily miss a step and take a tumble. Besides, who would want to kill someone so universally loved? Except, it turns out, the dead girl wasn’t loved at all.

Virginia and Katie, amateur sleuths and former 8th grade sweethearts, are determined to find out what really happened to their classmate, a girl keeping some very dangerous secrets. But first they must work through their own issues, like why did Katie and her parents suddenly leave Alaska, and why does she want nothing to do with Virginia now—three years later?

Can Virginia and Katie find their way back together and trust each other to tell the truth?

Genres: Young Adult, LGBT

248 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2022

About the author

Thanks for visiting my Goodreads page.

I write sapphic psychological thrillers. My first three books are young adult novels. I am focusing on the adult mystery/thriller market now.
Feel free to contact me through my website with any questions or comments. www.franceslucas.com

Cheers, chills, and happy reading,
Frances Lucas

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.00 Stars. I thought this was a solid debut book. One of my goals for the next few weeks is to work on reading/reviewing some of the books I got behind the past couple months on because 2022 has not been my year. I started to read this book back in June but was dealing with a nasty reading slump and just couldn’t get into it. As more books piled-up, I actually forgot until yesterday, when double checking all my Bella ARC’s, that I never finished reading it. I’m happy to say after all this time, I finally finished it today. In the end, I don’t think the story was a great fit for me, but I could see it clicking with other readers. Lucas showed some good potential for a debut author and she’s one I’ll keep an eye on.

I love YA and I also have a great record with stories that take place in Alaska so I was really excited to read this one. I’m also a huge mystery fan as I grew-up as a little girl reading Nancy Drew and I was actually still a kid when I started reading Sue Grafton. However, I’m not sure what it is yet but I can’t seem to connect with YA -mystery books that well. It seems like it would be a great match but unless they are thrillers, suspense or horror too, just something else attached to the mystery, they don’t seem to work that well for me. When it came to this book, I found that I didn’t want the investigation to even start. It seemed like the kids were butting in and might make things worse, and I felt like they were just forcing a mystery to be there. Luckily, the searching for clues did get more interesting as the book went on, but then the answer to the mystery seemed really easy which was disappointing to say the least. I’m happy to say that the ending was good and fun to read, but still the mystery way too easy.

I also found that I had an odd feeling the whole time while reading this book and I could never get truly comfortable. I’m not going to list all the triggers this book has, but I will list gun violence, homophobia, prejudice and abuse of Alaska Natives, to show that it is pretty dark and uncomfortable. What makes it odd is that the feeling of the book it’s not really written that way. It’s such a different experience to be this POV of a kind and caring household, and another one that is healing, plus in a group of close friends that is pretty uplifting… but then all around you is murder, violence and bullying. Think of that for a minute, all these dark themes all around you and you are in this bubble that is mostly positivity, it just really messes your feelings and head-up as a reader and I didn’t care for that feeling at all. I could not get comfortable in that dichotomy.

This story does have a light second-chance sapphic romance but I wasn’t a fan since one of the characters was dating a boy the whole time –the boy who had a major issue going on so I found the cheating on him to be quite mean- There is a lot I would like to talk about why I had such issues but it would just be too many spoilers. I will say that to me the romance was very problematic and how the young man was treated was too. Also, his character went from ‘Mr. Dick pic’ and ‘grab my dick whether you want to or not’, to ‘the most understanding young man in the world’ overnight which was a bit ridiculous.

I just complained a lot but it was more the story choices that I had issues with and not the quality of the writing. This story was not a match for me but it has some nice reviews and I’m not surprised in the least the other people would enjoy this. It might just be the case that as much as I love YA, I might have to give up on YA mystery. However, I’m not giving up on Lucas and I’m looking forward to seeing what her sophomore story will be like.

A copy was given to me for an honest review.

[Della B · Rating 4 out of 5]

North Anchorage High School is the setting for this excellent YA whodunnit. Marisol Cowsill was the editor of the school newspaper until she mysteriously fell down a school staircase. Marisol wielded power over a number of students with her editorial decisions and was not well liked as a result.
Virginia believes something is just not right about this accident and begins investigating. The love of her young life Katie has returned to Anchorage after a three year absence. Virginia is determined to reconnect with Katie by having them working together as amateur sleuths.
Can I Trust Her is a well written and engaging story. The second chance romance works in seamlessly with the mystery while both keep the reader on their toes. Lucas has a deep understanding of high school teens and life in Alaska which shines through in the storytelling.
I was thoroughly entertained by this novel and highly recommend it.

I received an advanced review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[(straw)mary ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a digital copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

This YA mystery novel focuses on a high school "accident" that left a well-loved girl dead by the bottom of the stairs, but eventually, the two protagonists begin to wonder if this depressing circumstance could be considered an accident at all. Especially since this "well-loved" girl was not as popular as she appeared to be. There is romantic turmoil, as this story contains a second-chance sapphic relationship and these two girls begin to gradually pick up the pieces of their broken bond, all while attempting to solve the "accident" that they both agreed is far closer to a successful murderous attempt.

I honestly really wanted to love this book, but my never-ending streak of being picky while reading YA mystery has struck yet again. I did not connect with either the characters or the story itself, which made it a bit difficult for me to read at times. The pacing felt a bit jarring at times, especially sometimes when the mood was slightly off-put by the flashback scenes, and even though I was not fully invested in the mystery itself, the secrets were a bit predictable and that brought me out of the suspenseful atmosphere while I was reading. The ending as well felt a bit anti-climactic and I was left with an empty feeling when I finished the story, but I am remaining hopeful that the sequel will fill that pit and maybe even provide me with a new light on this plot and its characters.

Overall, I do think that this is really well-done for a debut novel and I strongly believe that the author will produce ever better books as they continue, so even though I gave this book a 2.5 star rating, I will still read the sequel because of the investment that I did develop towards this series. I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.

[Caroll-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but felt like I wanted more depth to the characters. But also the end felt a little rushed and could’ve been told better. Other than that, the book was good. I enjoyed the mystery and the two main characters. I really don’t have too much to say about this book, it was good but I don’t know if it’s one I’d recommend to many people.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie and Virginia loved each other when they were in 8th grade until Katie moved away. Now juniors at a high school in Anchorage Katie has returned with her mother. But she is dating Rocky, the hockey player, and doesn’t want to rekindle her friendship with Katie. When the death of an obnoxious, over achieving student goes from being an accident to accusations against a classmate the two join forces to help solve the crime. I love the back story and history or these two. The story gets told from alternating view points and moves along quickly. The crime solving part seems realistic to what a pair of smart teens can do. There is no computer hacking or unrealistic skills needed. This is the kind of mystery you have to follow along with them and can’t solve on your own. The adults all seem real too. Sometimes with YA novels you wonder where the teachers or parents are in the story.

I didn’t love Katie getting involved again with Virginia without breaking up with Rocky first. I understand her reasoning but cheating is cheating even in high school. Also that Katie hooks up for five minute quickies with Rocky (off page and outside in freezing Alaska) seems unnecessary and cliche. Katie and Virginia and none of the other characters are going further than kissing so I’m not sure why this detail is needed. It is a minor thing but can be the difference between targeting middle school or older YA readers.

I enjoyed the characters, the location and the diversity represented. Very few books talk about native Alaskans and cultural issues they face. I will look forward to the sleuths next mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the completely unlikable Marisol Cowsill is found dead at the bottom of a dark, dank staircase at North Anchorage High School, the student population and police believe something more sinister may have been at play. High school students Virginia and Katie choose to work together to solve Marisol’s murder.

Through Virginia and Katie, Lucas displays an impressive understanding of how people think and make choices. Virginia and Katie are kind and empathetic girls who also act and make decisions like normal teenagers. So, sometimes they don’t make very good decisions. But they learn and grow from those mistakes. Then again, sometimes they make refreshingly good decisions, even when an adult would likely make a different one. Furthermore, Lucas crafts an excellent sense of place in Anchorage. Now, I really want to go there for my next vacation. And, as someone who prides herself on guessing endings, I was fooled! I can’t wait to see what adventures Katie and Virginia have next.

[Karen Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I Trust Her introduces us to Katie and Virginia, ex-girlfriends who were separated when Katie’s father got a new job and moved his family away. They haven’t talked for a while - for reasons that do get revealed - and yet their affection for each other is clear.
A student from their school is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. Nobody is sure what happened, but Marisa was not a student liked by many and her acerbic tongue meant many had reason to want her out of the way. But who would stoop so low as to murder her? Katie and Virginia decide to put aside their differences and investigate.
This was not a pleasant story in so many details, but the Nancy Drew-style vibe to the investigation meant we were spared the more unpleasant details. Some of the twists worked better than others, but it was good fun.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this before publication.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia and Katie are former girlfriends who team up to solve the mystery of their classmate Marisol's suspicious death. This YA mystery is set in Anchorage where Virgina and Katie are high school students.
This book is sure to be a page turner for YA readers that enjoy crime solving and sapphic themes. Although the main characters could have had more development, they are intriguing. The twists and turns in the plot will keep readers engaged and wondering what will happen next.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
(3.5 stars)

[Jasmine Shouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was like a modern, sapphic Nancy Drew story. Even though I guessed some of the outcome, there was still a twist. Thank you for the chance to read an advance copy!

[T49 Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a YA book, but if you like a good mystery and a sweet romance this one fits the bill. One of the best I've read this year.

[MLP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen McManus with LGBTQ+ Characters!!

If you loved "One of Us is Lying" or any of McManus's other books, you will LOVE this YA murder mystery romance novel by Frances Lucas. It is written with the same snappy dialogue and alternating POV that McManus is so good at. In addition, this story has some wonderfully entertaining characters who are an added bonus to the murder you are trying to solve along with the main characters Katie and Virginia. Wait until you meet Matty!! He deserves a whole book to himself, or at least an appearance on the Ru Paul show :)

As a retired high school teacher I can tell that Lucas has a true grasp of what high schoolers are really like. The characters seem real and the dialogue is right on! Having lived in Alaska where this story takes place, I recognize the uniqueness and character of Anchorage that you would only know if you had actually lived there yourself.

Lucas has a real talent for putting together people and place to create a wonderfully entertaining read!!!

I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the sequel!!

[Katherine Rupley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Recommend. I love how the author weaves interesting facts about Alaska into the story seamlessly. I've always found Alaska facinating.

[Bookista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Two high schoolers Virginia and Katie who used to be girlfriends team up to figure out whether one of their most disliked fellow students death was accidental or murder.
This read almost like a Nancy Drew novel and since I was always a fan of Nancy Drew, I just went with the narrative. 😊 Aside from the mystery there’s some additional family and lesbian coming out drama which added some interesting perspective. I thought Lucas kept the mystery going well that it kept me engaged throughout.
I think this book straddles the line between YA and middle school and for that age group will probably work really well. For a debut author this was great opening book. 3.5⭐️S

Thank you Net Galley and Bella Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Susan K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one who grew up reading Nancy Drew and later became a real-life detective, I still love mysteries, and really enjoyed this one. There were enough twists and turns to keep me engrossed until the end, and the author has great insight into the life of middle and high-schoolers. I anxiously await the sequel.

[Roxane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for an e-arc of this book!


What can I say? When I saw that this book was about a murder mystery happening in a highschool with queer detectives, I just thought it would be a perfect read for pride month.

This was an easy and fast read which surprised me, because I would have love to learn more about the characters and their backstories. This was one of the issues for me about this book. Virginia and Katie are adorable but while Katie's backstory was fleshed out I wish we learned more about where Virginia came from. It seems to me the author maybe wanted to make it look like the Scooby gang with Matty, Katie, Virginia, Tally and Yoohi but it didn't work from because we know nothing about Yoohi and Tally. There is no chemistry/connection between these characters, they felt more like strangers than friends.

I also felt like the main girls were not really good detectives, of course they are highshcool students, but let's be honest, Matty did most of the work and had the best ideas. I also noticed some stereotypes applied to Matty and Yoohi but they were still great characters.

The mystery in this book is about a young student named Marisol who's been killed in the film club staircase. There wasn't any plotwist at the end, it's pretty easy to figure out who did it at the half mark of the book. Marisol wasn't liked by anyone but I hoped we could get to see more about her family or about why she was so mean to everyone? Maybe this is gonna get discussed in the sequel.

Now let's get to the good part of this review and it's basically Katie and Virginia's relationship. Honestly this book could've been only about their couple drama/dynamic and I would have love it anyway. The girls are so adorable, always thinking of each other and obvioulsy not being over each other. They are meant to be together and I sure hope it stays that way in the sequel. I appreciate Katie's paticular journey and her questioning her sexuality because of her (horrible) father.

I suggest this book to highschoolers who like a good romance and murder-mystery solving.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mystery with a love story intertwined!

High school superstar Marisol died accidentally after falling in one of those dark, corner staircases that all high schools seem to have (which is a really poor choice on the part of architects). But was her death really an accident? After a rumor mill puts an unpopular student in the frame, junior and average student Virginia wants to investigate. Virginia requests the help of her former girlfriend, Katie, who, since her return to Anchorage, seems to want nothing to do with Virginia. But for separate reasons, Katie decides to help. And thus begins Virginia's and Katie's quest to discover the truth behind Marisol's death, and to rediscover their own relationship.

I suppose if you like neither mysteries nor romance, you might want to avoid this book. However, if you like anything in either of those categories, this is a book for you. Author Frances Lucas deftly weaves together the two categories into this first book of what I hope will be many. The mystery is great, with enough clues to keep you guessing yet also help you put it together. But I mostly appreciated the way Lucas brought high school in Anchorage to life. Like most real high schoolers, Virginia and Katie do not always make the best decisions, and they often display an inner dialogue that is at odds with what they choose to say. Unlike so many authors, Lucas embraces this reality, giving us characters who feel like real people. The choice of Anchorage as the setting was another I appreciated. The characters note as normal experiences I would one day love to have, such as the opportunity to go cross-country skiing in the afternoon, to see the northern lights, or to both go to school and leave school in the dark (ok, I’d rather see the midnight sun). My point is that Can I Trust Her is an entertaining read that, like its main characters, can’t be defined by just one category. And that is what makes it great.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

trigger warnings: homophobia, domestic abuse, violence, injuries, bully, eating disorder, loss, parental negligence

Can I Trust Her is an okay book and I think I need therapy after this. The events in this book can be (very) disturbing. It’s a well written dark, mystery YA. It has sapphic romance between the two main characters, but that’s not the center of the story and it wished it hasn’t been advertised as a 90% sapphic romance and 10% murder mystery.

This book left a bittersweet after taste for me, and like 20% bitter + 25% sweet + 55% anxiety because of how dark it was. But that’s not an issue since that’s the book’s genre. My issue is that the author seems to use all types of stereotypes of certain things. And often I found myself wondering what era the book is taken place in, only to realize that it’s been contemporary when a BTS shirt was mentioned. Character-wise, they can be shallow because all seem to have one thing that is theirs: the closeted, the out, the drag Queen, the Korean, the ex, etc. and that their whole personality is based on that. Closeted because of her broken family, out and proud because of her loving family, the others are for diversity or something… And Katie is a hypocrite and she was following her mom’s footsteps even though she keeps gaslighting herself that she’s not. And I don’t understand Rocky, is he a typical gross and arrogant jock or an understanding bf and caring person?? His character “development” was a jump for me. The writing style is alright, there are some unanswered questions, but it’s mostly the content and character portrayals that are questionable.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I Trust Her follows two high school girls, Virginia and Katie, as they try to solve both the strange death of one of their largely disliked classmates, but also the disappearance of another classmate - the sister of Katie's boyfriend. As the two stories meet, the love between former girlfriends Katie and Virginia is rekindled, showcasing the resiliency of teens in the face of so much heartache.

I loved this story! I was rooting for Virginia and Katie from the beginning, as their story was initially told in flashbacks to when the girls were in middle school and first falling in love, interspersed between shots of the present, as one of their classmates is found dead in a stairwell. The girls' families couldn't be more different, with Virginia growing up loved and cared for, while Katie grows up doubting her worth and watching as her mom goes through the impossible and barely comes out alive.

I love the representation of a wide variety of teens in this novel, and felt like I was being shown both what it's like to be white in Alaska, as well as the discrimination Native kids face in school and in their everday lives. I'm grateful that this novel is an "own voices" novel in a variety of ways - the author is queer, lives in Alaska, and can speak to a variety of the issues she shares in this book.

A definite read for teens who love mystery, it's also a a great book for teens looking for queer represtentaiton outside of coming out stories. Can't wait to add it to my classroom library!

[Lex Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book! Virginia and her ex-girlfriend, Katie, have to find a way to work together to solve the murder of a classmate, and along the way reminisce on the love they once shared.
While this book was very cute, the murder-mystery component felt like it fell a little flat at times. It was good, it just wasn't as nuanced as some other murder-mystery books I've read and really enjoyed. However, looking at it as a queer YA romance novel, this book was great.
Some of the scenes did feel a bit rushed or forced, but overall it was very well written. In particular, I appreciate the way Frances Lucas incorporated struggles such as internalized homophobia, domestic abuse, racism, and America's poor treatment of indigenous communities - addressing each contributed to the plot in a positive way, but the plot itself was not dependent upon these issues. Very well done.

[Raelynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder or Accident? Love or Heartbreak? . . .

Oooh this book was filled with so many things: murder, mystery, deception, family drama and trauma, culture, heartbreak and love. I really enjoyed the way the author wrote the MC’s past into the present using the girl’s different perspectives to show what lead them to their current situation. Their lives were changed in heart-aching ways, because people couldn’t be true to themselves but ultimately love wins. The mystery in the story was also well written as it kept a reader guessing and wondering who was the culprit, reminding me a bit of Veronica Mars or Nancy Drew. I really look forward to more in this series and this cute crime solving couple.

** received ARC from NetGalley, review is my own opinion **

[Bren · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

I enjoyed this book and that's likely because I'm a fan of true crime, mysteries, etc. This novel follows Katie and Virginia as they try and solve the murder of one of their classmates. Katie and Virginia used to love each other and are now drawn together to work this case.

I liked the storyline surrounding the search for the murderer. I can't say I was a huge fan of the second chance romance. As other reviewers pointed out, I didn't love that one of the characters was in a relationship and cheating on that partner. I don't always enjoy these types of storylines.

The writing was great. I'm excited to read future books by Frances Lucas.

[Cherise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air!!
It is both a mystery and a romance all rolled up into one and the setting is Anchorage, Alaska!! What more could you want!!
The characters are well developed and funny, too! There is a good mix of ethnicities and sexual orientations among these high schoolers. These students are exactly like kids you would find in any high school. Lucas definitely draws on her school experiences when creating both the students and the school environment.
Lucas's writing style is sharp and crisp, never boring or repetitive.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Lucas in the future!!

[DaisyAM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this sapphic mystery and for the most part it did not disappoint. The chapters were short and kept me interested in figuring out the next piece of the puzzle. There were some good and interesting twists and reveals. The last 10% of the ending was predictable, but I didn't mind it so much. The one element that was missing for me based on the description was that the two girls did not feel like they lacked trust in each other/neither girl felt suspicious or like she was hiding something form the other girl or reader.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery YA book was an enjoyable read as we dive right into the story with the death of a classmate. Was it an accident or was it a murder? I love how our main characters compliment each other and have the history of trying to solve mysteries. So when Katie returns after some time away and a fellow student dies, it doesn't take much for Virginia to convince Katie to investigate it with her.

This book is great for everybody that loves a good mystery with a little sapphic on the side.

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty entertaining. It was a little slow going for me but over all pretty enjoyable. Virginia and Katie dated in middle school, but that was before Katie had to move away. They haven't spoken in years and Katie has finally moved back home, but she dating someone else now. When one of their classmates is murdered, they come together in an effort to solve the case! Who murdered their classmate? Will Katie an Virginia continue to fall in love?

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend gave me this book, and I wasn't sure I'd like it because I don't read much young adult fiction. To my surprise, I couldn't put it down. I loved the two main characters and the way they interacted with each other, first hating each other, and then falling in love again. I found the mystery engaging, and after I finished, I thought I should have been able to figure this out. But I didn't. It sounds like there will be a sequel. I hope there is. Love the secondary characters too - especially Matty.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I'm not generally a YA reader, but this was recommended by good friends and I'm so glad they did! I hope there's more to come from Frances Lucas. Would love to read a sequel to the blossoming relationship between Katie & Virginia and their amateur sleuthing careers! A fun & page-turning read. Highly recommend.

[Susan Engelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frances writes in a voice that young adults can relate to. The setting in an Alaska high school adds some fun! The two main characters, Virginia and Katie are realistic and genuine. I appreciated the way the mystery unfolded, and I can definitely see these two characters having many adventures together throughout high school!

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy via facebook contest.

That was a fun one. Virginia and Katie are interesting characters, the mystery is good and the drama makes sense. The flashbacks to three years ago work well, and the reason the girls split up and why one questions her sexuality are well thought out.

Neat setting too. I've always been fascinated by Alaska.

[Dalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former girlfriends Kalie and Virginia hunt for the killer of one girl and the person responsible for the disappearance of another in this mystery. I especially loved the romance. I'm a sucker for a good queer love story with a mystery.