Books Like...

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows the story of Avery Grambs, a high school student with a tough life who suddenly inherits a vast fortune from a billionaire, Tobias Hawthorne. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House and solve a series of puzzles and riddles left behind by Hawthorne. As Avery navigates the challenges of living in the mansion alongside Hawthorne's four grandsons, she must unravel the mystery of why she was chosen for the inheritance, all while facing threats and intrigue from those who feel entitled to the fortune. The book is described as a fast-paced YA mystery with elements of suspense, puzzles, and a touch of romance, keeping readers engaged till the very end.

The Inheritance Games is praised for its engaging plot filled with twists and turns, appealing to readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, and puzzle-solving. The book is noted for its well-crafted characters, particularly Avery and the Hawthorne brothers, each with unique personalities that add depth to the story. The writing style is described as addictive, with a mix of suspense and tension that keeps readers guessing along with the protagonist, creating an immersive reading experience that culminates in a cliffhanger ending, setting the stage for the sequel.

In 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson, high school senior Pippa Fitz Amobi takes on a cold case to prove the innocence of Sal Singh in the murder of his girlfriend Andie Bell. With a mix of diary entries, interviews, and investigative work, the story unfolds as Pip delves into dark secrets and dangerous truths, blurring the lines between past and present while facing obstacles and threats to her life.

The book is a smart and suspenseful YA mystery where Pip's determination to uncover the truth leads her through twists and turns, uncovering layers of the case that go beyond a simple murder mystery. Through creative storytelling techniques and engaging plot development, the author keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Pip navigates through a complex investigation that challenges her perceptions and puts her in harm's way.

In 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, the story follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast who gets accepted into the prestigious Ellingham Academy to pursue her dream of solving the decades-old murder and kidnapping that occurred at the school in 1936. The book alternates between the past events of 1936 and Stevie's present-day investigations, creating a compelling narrative full of mysteries and intriguing characters. However, the book ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment to unravel the unresolved plot threads.

Stevie finds herself caught up in a web of mysteries as she delves into the historical murder disappearance at Ellingham Academy while navigating her own challenges in the present day. With engaging storytelling that intertwines past and present events, Johnson crafts a YA murder mystery that keeps readers hooked with its blend of riddles, puzzles, and questions. Despite some readers finding the ending unsatisfying due to the abrupt cliffhanger, the book's ability to keep readers on edge and craving more sets the stage for a promising series that blends elements of historical crime with modern-day investigations.

'I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You' is a young adult novel that follows Cammie Morgan, a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a school for spies in training. Cammie navigates the challenges of balancing her secret spy life with her first crush, a normal boy named Josh, whom she meets during a covert ops mission. As she struggles to keep her identity hidden from Josh, Cammie relies on her friends and spy skills to maintain the facade of a typical teenager while unraveling the complexities of first love and espionage. The writing style is described as light-hearted, humorous, and engaging, blending elements of romance, action, and teenage drama within the backdrop of a unique spy school setting.

The plot of 'I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You' is praised for its originality, combining the familiar themes of first crushes and teenage drama with the exciting twist of a spy school. The characters, especially Cammie and her friends, are highlighted as relatable and well-developed, adding depth to the story. The book is commended for its fun and entertaining narrative, filled with humor, action, and light-hearted moments that appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly teens and young adults.

None Shall Sleep is a gripping YA thriller that follows two teens, Emma and Bell, with ties to serial killers, as they are recruited by the FBI to interview young serial killers. The story unfolds with a fast-paced, procedural writing style that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters. The plot delves into the minds of serial killers, the hunt to catch them, and the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate the dark world of criminal profiling.

'I Killed Zoe Spanos' by Kit Frick is a suspenseful thriller that follows the story of Anna, who takes a summer job as a nanny in the Hamptons and becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding the disappearance and death of local teen Zoe Spanos. Alternating between past and present timelines, the book delves into the interconnected lives of Anna and Zoe, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the readers guessing until the very end. The writing style is described as tightly written, with plenty of tension and suspense, and features damaged characters seeking redemption in a small beach town filled with secrets and mysteries.

The plot unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, including Anna, Zoe's sister's best friend who hosts a podcast to uncover the truth, and Martina, a teen podcaster investigating Zoe's disappearance. As Anna navigates her own past and the eerie similarities between her life and Zoe's, the story weaves a complex narrative of unreliable narrators, mysterious estates, and undercurrents of drama and suspense. With elements of mystery, suspense, and unexpected revelations, 'I Killed Zoe Spanos' keeps readers engaged as they unravel the truth behind Zoe's fate.

The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas is a YA mystery that follows Monica, whose sister was part of a cheerleading squad that was disbanded five years ago after multiple deaths within the team. Monica finds her sister's cell phone and starts investigating the accidents, uncovering inconsistencies and secrets. The book alternates between past and present, revealing the dark events that led to the disbandment of the cheerleading team and Monica's relentless pursuit of the truth.

'Little White Lies' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows the story of eighteen-year-old Sawyer Taft, who unexpectedly finds herself immersed in high society debutante season after her estranged grandmother offers her a lucrative contract. Sawyer seizes the opportunity to uncover the mystery of her father's identity, leading her into a world of secrets, scandals, and unexpected friendships. As Sawyer navigates through the glittering facade of her grandmother's world, she unravels twisted relationships and deceit, all while seeking the truth about her own origins.

The plot unfolds with Sawyer delving into the complexities of her new life as a debutante, encountering betrayals, blackmail, and unexpected twists along the way. The narrative combines elements of mystery, drama, and southern charm, as Sawyer's journey to uncover the truth about her family's past intertwines with the intricacies of high society, creating a compelling and engaging story for the reader.

'Five Survive' by Holly Jackson is a gripping thriller novel that follows a group of friends on a spring break trip in an RV to Florida. However, their trip takes a terrifying turn when a sniper shoots at the RV, leaving them stranded and held hostage. As the friends grapple with their secrets being exposed and tensions rising, they must navigate a deadly game orchestrated by the sniper, all while trying to survive the harrowing ordeal. The story is filled with suspense, twists, and complex characters whose true natures are revealed as they face the ultimate test of loyalty and trust.

The writing style of 'Five Survive' is described as intense, engaging, and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The author skillfully weaves a tale of suspense and mystery, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere within the confines of the RV as the characters are forced to confront their darkest secrets and make life-changing decisions under extreme circumstances.

Imagine Shonda Rimes's Scandal ABC plunked into the middle of an elite private high school in Washington D.C. Now imagine the younger sister of an Olivia Pope like character she has no idea her sister is a Fixer, yet possesses some fixer like qualities herself and is quickly drawn into a political web of intrigue. Tess comes to live with her much older sister, Ivy, after her grandfather unravels into the throes of dementia. Ivy is busy, strict, and extremely powerful Tess doesn't know whether to be scared of her or love her, or both. After Tess becomes privy to some shocking information, she embarks on a life changing cycle of events that draws her into the underbelly of D.C. political life, showing her that perhaps she is not unlike her sister, after all. Barnes is the master of mystery, and The Fixer is a great fix for teens not quite ready to tackle the adult themes of Scandal. Fans of Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard and the Dead Is...series by Marlene Perez will enjoy Barnes's latest offering. Tess reluctantly comes to live with her mysterious older sister, Ivy, in Washington D.C. after her beloved grandfather can no longer care for her. She is homesick, not sure if she wants to live with her sister and has no interest in the political scene. Tess quickly learns that her sister is D.C.'s 1 Fixer, that is she is the go to problem solver for the rich and powerful in Washington. When Tess comes to the aid of a new friend she realizes that she may be more like her sister than she ever imagined. This is one of the best teen thrillers I have read in a long time. It is action packed and lots of twists and turns. I would highly recommend it to teens who are fans of Ally Carter and for anyone who likes a little action and adventure with their mystery. I hope that we see more of Tess in future books, she is a new favorite character of mine This review is based on a galley copy of the book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.