MURDER BETWEEN FRIENDS, by Liz Lawson, Delacorte Press, April 22, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
Ex-friends join forces to solve the murder of their English teacher in Murder Between Friends, by Liz Lawson.
Grace, Henry, and Ally grew up together on the same block. They used to be best friends–until Grace’s testimony put Henry’s brother, Jake, away for killing their English teacher. Now, two years later, Ally and Henry hate Grace, and Grace is doubting what she thinks she saw that night.
It feels like everyone’s getting a second chance, then, when due to a mistrial, Jake is suddenly released. And Henry knows his brother is innocent, but when Grace reaches out to say she’s rethinking what she saw the night of the murder, Jake’s reaction is confusing. He doesn’t want Henry—or Grace–getting involved.
For Ally not getting involved isn’t an option, and there’s nothing Grace can say to convince Ally she’s not the enemy. But can Ally afford to push Grace out when she’s one of the only other people willing to believe in Jake’s innocence?
The clock is ticking. Jake’s new trial date is about to be set, and he’s sure to be found guilty again unless there’s new evidence to prove he’s innocent. Grace, Henry, and Ally are going to have to decide whether you can trust an old friend now that they’re your enemy. —Synopsis provided by Delacorte Press
Murder Between Friends is a thriller that will leave most readers guessing until the very end.
The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Grace, Henry and Ally. Each has a unique voice and a different sort of “chip” on their shoulders. Of the three, Ally is the most intense. She’s loyal to a fault, and can be annoying at times. Henry feels a bit lost, And Grace is learning to stand up for herself. The interplay between the trio is strong, with each bringing something to the story.
The story itself is a bit wild, with lots of twists and bumps along the way. Author Liz Lawson is good at building suspense but does give away some pretty big clues along the way. Nonetheless, once Lawson hits her groove, the pacing pushes the story forward.
Murder Between Friends is a good “popcorn” book heading into the summer reading season.
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