Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Wednesday Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the YA debut novel by Julie Soto, with the audio narrated perfectly by Eva Kaminsky and Jesse Vilinsky. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!
The Thrashers are the elite friend group at New Helvetia High. Jodi doesn't quite fit in with the others, but because she's been Zach Thrasher's best friend since childhood, she's in. When Emily Mills, who was desperate to be a Thrasher, dies, the whispers about the friends grow loud. When Emily's journal comes to light and the detectives close in, Jodi has an impossible choice to make - protect herself or betray her friends.
There is a lot to unpack in this story, but especially the way many young people treat others, especially in this social media age when it's easy to hide. There are also triggers of suicide, stalking, obsession, classism. Throw in some mystery, twists and turns, and a few supernatural events and you have a gripping story! While no one is a shining example of how to behave in this book, I couldn't help but feel for Jodi who has had a tough life and is trying to do the right things, while keeping her feelings about Zach to herself. The narration was spot on and it will transport you back to your own high school days, when being friends with the right people seemed paramount. Great book!
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