Can you solve the case?

If you like crime scene documentaries or cold cases then this is the book for you!

This is actually one of the books I bought during quarantine 2020. So I have seen lots of hype surrounding this book. I have seen several people say this is one of their new favorite books or that it was the best book they had read in a long time. I did go into this book with some high expectations, and I was not disappointed. This was a very enjoyable book! However, it did not become my favorite book.

This book actually reminded me of the authors Caroline B. Cooney and Lois Duncan. There were moments during the book that I actually had the urge to crack open one of their books. Holly Jackson has the potential to be this new generation's go- to mystery author.

Spoiler free recap:

The book starts with Pip, who is submitting her proposal for her capstone project. She wants to research a local murder case that involved two teens. Everyone in the town believes that Andie was murdered by her boyfriend Sal and that Sal killed himself. Everyone except for Pip. She isn't sure what her final project will be, but she is interested in proving Sal's innocence.

I don't want to give too much away because this book is written in a way that you want to solve the murder too! There are journal entries, interviews, and maps along with the narrative of the story so there is never a dull moment. I developed my own theories, and I got one detail correct. However, the truth surrounding the teens' death is multilayered.

There were several plot twists throughout the novel, and if there were anymore then the book would be too over the top. I do feel that there were too many characters. The story could have done without 1-2 side characters that did not really add to the plot.

There were some details that were introduced and never brought up again. (However, you could argue that those details only add to the mystery of the murders.) There is one detail in particular that I cannot get over because it is not a clue to the ending and it doesn't add to the mystery, but it definitely seems like it was placed in that spot for a particular reason! ( I wish I could say more, but it would give away a theory!)

This book also gave me Serial podcast vibes. I do have to say that this book is NOT based on that podcast, but there are a few details that reminded me of it. The whole time I just kept thinking back to the podcast. Funny enough, the sequel to the book will be about Pip having her own podcast.

According to Goodreads there will be four books in this series! I wish I had known this book would be series before I started this book because I don't like waiting. I will probably read the sequel by the end of the year because while I enjoyed this book, it didn't leave me with the urgent feeling of needing more.

Overall, I think this was a well written mystery novel that any true crime fan will enjoy. If I were in high school again I think this would be one of my favorite novels. I am excited to see what Holly Jackson will come up with next. She certainly has a gift for unfolding the perfect mystery.