Books Like...

People Like Us by Dana Mele is a murder mystery set in an elite boarding school where a girl is found dead, leading soccer star Kay Donovan to follow a scavenger hunt implicating suspects close to her, unraveling her group of friends and perfectly constructed life. The story is filled with teen drama, relationships, and a complex web of lies and corruption, making it a twisted tale with hidden depths in characters and a suspenseful plot that keeps readers guessing until the end.

The Agathas is a mystery novel that follows the unlikely friendship between Alice, a popular girl who has fallen from grace, and Iris, an outcast and a nerd. Together, they team up to solve the mysterious death of their classmate, Brooke Donovan. The plot is filled with corruption, greed, and love, while the writing style drags the reader through red herrings and surprises, reminiscent of classic murder mysteries with a modern twist. The narrative is fast-paced, with complex characters and intricate storytelling that keeps the reader engaged till the end.

SUMMER'S EDGE by Dana Mele is a chilling YA thriller horror read that follows Chelsea and her friends as they return to a lake house a year after their friend Emily's tragic death. As they uncover old betrayals and secrets, they have one night to unravel a mystery spanning three summers before a killer among them seeks revenge. The writing style transitions from a typical young adult thriller to something darker and more mysterious, with themes of friendship, loyalty, complicated relationships, and revenge woven throughout.

At Claflin Academy, a group of five girls known as The Ivies have set their sights on getting into their assigned Ivy League schools through underhanded means. When one of the Ivies is murdered after being accepted into Harvard, scholarship student Olivia finds herself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal among the elite group. The plot unfolds with a mix of red herrings, complex friendships, and dark secrets, leading Olivia on a suspenseful investigation within the private academy.

Donne's writing style in "The Ivies" skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into the competitive world of college admissions, portraying a cast of characters that are both nuanced and morally gray. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged with its gripping plot and realistic relationship dynamics, ultimately delivering a thrilling and atmospheric experience that explores themes of ambition, privilege, and betrayal.

Far from You by Tess Sharpe is a young adult mystery novel that follows the story of Sophie, a teenage girl who is dealing with chronic pain and addiction after surviving a car accident. The book delves into themes of love, loss, addiction, and the quest for justice as Sophie tries to uncover the truth behind her best friend Mina's murder. The narrative is a mix of past and present timelines, providing readers with a gripping and emotional journey as Sophie navigates through her personal struggles while seeking answers about Mina's death.

The Girls I've Been is a compelling YA thriller that follows Nora, a sharp and witty con artist, as she finds herself trapped in a bank robbery with her friends. The story unfolds through flashbacks to Nora's past, where she was groomed by her con artist mother to play a part in her cons. As the tension escalates in the bank, Nora's manipulation skills and past experiences come into play, leading to a gripping and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on edge until the last page.

The book delves into Nora's complex relationships with her girlfriend Iris, her ex-boyfriend Wes, and her past as she navigates a life-threatening situation. Tess Sharpe's writing style is described as lyrical and angsty, with a quick tone and pace that perfectly captures the high-stakes events taking place in a matter of hours during the bank robbery.

Seventeen-year-old Cassie, a natural at reading people, is recruited by the FBI to join a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to solve cold cases. The Naturals program consists of gifted teens with unusual skills working together to crack infamous cases, including a current serial killer on the loose. As Cassie delves deeper into the program, she realizes that danger looms closer than she ever imagined, with twists, suspense, and a lethal game of cat and mouse with the killer.

The book 'The Naturals' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows Cassie and her fellow Naturals as they navigate through profiling, mysteries, and chilling revelations. The plot intertwines elements of psychological thrillers, crime-solving, and teenage dynamics, offering a fast-paced narrative filled with engaging characters, intriguing cases, and a final twist that leaves readers hooked and eager to uncover more.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide is a gripping and timely YA thriller that follows the lives of two Black students, Chiamaka and Devon, at the prestigious Niveus Academy. The story delves into themes of racism, classism, homophobia, and the pressure to succeed in a predominantly white institution. As the two protagonists navigate the cutthroat world of Niveus, they must join forces to uncover a stalker's identity and face the dangerous repercussions of the secrets being revealed.

The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, thriller, and social commentary, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through rich characterization, tight plotting, and thought-provoking discussions on race and sexuality, Ace of Spades offers a chilling portrayal of the impact of white supremacy and systemic discrimination on marginalized individuals.