I received a free copy of, Girl on Trial, by Kathleen Fine, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sixteen year old Emily Keller is on trial for murder, of a family of four. Emily has not had an easy life, with an alcoholic mother. I thought this book was only ok, it was such a sad story all around,. Nobody was a winner is this book, I did not care for any of the characters except the children.

"Girl on Trial" by Kathleen Fine is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that delves into the complexities of the justice system and the question of whether one mistake defines a person's entire life.

The story follows sixteen-year-old Emily Keller, who becomes the center of a national trial after being accused of causing the deaths of a family of four, including young children. Emily, known as Keller the Killer by the media, is one of the youngest females to face such serious charges. The narrative explores the events leading up to that fateful night, as well as the trial itself, offering multiple perspectives and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Emily's character is both sympathetic and complex. Living in a challenging environment in a Baltimore trailer park with her twin brother and alcoholic mother, Emily's life has been far from easy. The author skillfully portrays her struggles, decisions, and the desperate desire to fit in with her peers. As the trial unfolds, readers are left to question whether Emily's past mistakes should lead to a guilty verdict and a life in prison.

Kathleen Fine's writing is compelling, and she skillfully weaves together different timelines and perspectives to create a narrative that keeps readers engaged and emotionally invested. The book raises important questions about empathy, redemption, and the idea that people are more than their worst actions.

The praise for "Girl on Trial" from notable authors and Kirkus Reviews speaks to the book's quality and its ability to captivate readers. The story's conclusion provides a satisfying resolution to the gripping mystery surrounding the events of that tragic night.

Overall, "Girl on Trial" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats while challenging their perceptions of justice, empathy, and the potential for redemption.

Sixteen-year-old Emily is standing trial for the manslaughter of all four members of the family she was babysitting for on the night they died and the book follows her trial from start to finish, alongside past narrative of the events in the run-up to the deaths.

This is a great YA novel and I’ll be recommending it to fellow YA fans. It’s attention-grabbing and plot-twisty without being absurdly far-fetched. Emily is a well-rounded, believable character who you empathise with from early on in the book.

A really good read. Thank you to the publisher for access to this ARC.

This book definitely raises some interesting ethical questions about how much we allow our actions to define us and if the choices you make as a teen should stay with you for the rest of your life. The author did a good job of interspersing two timelines to build tension. There were places where I found the tone of the dialogue a little hard to believe, but overall an engaging read with characters and storylines that stayed with me after I had finished the book.

Gripping read … Emily dreams of being popular at school and making friends with Hannah is her gateway to this .. suddenly her life changes and she’s going to parties drinking and making bad decisions so much do she ends up on trial for murder . I loved the past/present chapters with a great twist at the end

Trigger warnings for Girl on Trial include: sexual assault, substance abuse and self harm.
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Sometimes I don't prefer books that jump between past and present day, but this one signposted the changes in time, which made it easier to read.
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I found the characters to be likeable enough, and enjoyed the plot through the story. Some aspects felt a little too relatable, talking about how the person who might seem the happiest could be the person who's hurting the most.
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I didn't like that Hannah and Emily didn't get justice for what happened to them, but I did like that everyone began to heal from their traumas and addictions by seeking help for it.
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Overall, it was an interesting story, and one that kept me reading. I initially I tried to set myself page goals to get it read before I needed to post this review, that very quickly went out of the window as I got more invested in the lives of the girls and in the story.
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Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

This is a story that should be wrought with emotions but it felt surface level. It lacked a depth, especially for a book with such a serious subject manner. It was told almost clinically, and parts where I should have been indignant or crying, I just felt like I was reading a report of events.

Emily is being tried for manslaughter of a family of four after leaving the stove on when she babysat. It felt like the trial was more about Emily as a person than it was about the alleged crime committed. Multiple times the prosecutor reminds us this is negligence, not a premeditated intentional act, and yet so much time in the trial was spent on events that had nothing to do with the night the family died. Any halfway decent attorney would have objected for relevance for most of what the prosecutor brought up. Instead the defense attorney spent the time trying to prove Emily wouldn’t intentionally kill anyone, when the very charges brought against her already stated it wasn’t intentional. Honestly, the whole trial was extremely messy.

With the trial focused on Emily the girl and not really the purported crime she committed, it’s surprising that Emily didn’t really have a personality. Even in the 2018 chapters (the past), her sole character trait is that she wants to be friends with a popular girl. Supposedly she was smart, and we are constantly told of her hardships, but none of this came through in her personality. It made it hard to feel connected to her.

However, it did hold my curiosity as to what was the truth of what happened November 9th when 4 people died.

TW: rape, cutting

We've all survived high school. Some of us were lucky enough to survive high school BEFORE social media. I thank God everyday I was one of them. This book took me right back to those rebellious years. The years of longing, and questioning and dying to fit in. Of wanting to be ANYONE but myself. Kathleen Fine wrote an incredible book that tells the story of what could happen (to ANY OF US) had we made the wrong decision. How in one split second your life can change. How wanting to be anyone but yourself can have deadly consequences. I loved this book, I feel like I lived vicariously through this book. When my children are of the right age, they will be given this book to read. Nothing sets the stage for high school like hearing tales of "What If."

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!

i really liked how the story was told with a dual timeline, alternating between the past events that led up to emily's conviction and the present day of her going through the trial. i also really enjoyed the short, simple chapters!!

i will say that i was a bit confused on a couple of things in the ending, but overall, it was a really engaging book!!

"Girl on Trial" by Kathleen Fine takes readers on a gripping journey through the twists and turns of a harrowing courtroom drama, challenging preconceptions and exploring the complexities of human actions and their consequences.

At the center of the storm is sixteen-year-old Emily Keller, dubbed "Keller the Killer" by the media. Accused of a horrific crime that claimed the lives of multiple family members, including young children, Emily becomes the focal point of a nationally significant trial. The book delves into her challenging life in a Baltimore trailer park, alongside her twin brother and an alcoholic mother. It unravels the layers of Emily's desperate attempts to fit in, showcasing the difficult decisions she has made along the way.

The narrative is a thrilling exploration of broken families and mental health, delving unflinchingly into the dark realities that many face. Fine crafts a compelling portrayal of Emily's mother, a character that reflects the complex nature of addiction and its impact on family dynamics. Throughout the book, the plot twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, navigating the intricacies of the trial and the characters' lives.

The writing is well-crafted, allowing the story to flow smoothly, pulling readers into the heart of the legal proceedings and the lives of the characters. The courtroom scenes, while engaging, may occasionally stretch believability, reminding readers that this is a work of fiction.

One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of the consequences of actions, reminding readers that every choice we make has far-reaching effects. The characters are meticulously developed, each with their own depth and unique personality, contributing to the richness of the narrative.

"Girl on Trial" does not indulge in unnecessary details or descriptions. Instead, it maintains a sharp focus on the plot and the intricate web of emotions and events that shape the lives of its characters.

In summary, Kathleen Fine's "Girl on Trial" is a thrilling and thought-provoking read, delving into the darkness of human experiences and the complexities of justice. With its engrossing narrative and well-drawn characters, this book is a testament to the consequences of our actions and the trials we face in our pursuit of truth and understanding.

3.9 rounded up to 4/5.

Enjoyed the writer's style and descriptions. It started a bit slow for me, but once I got going it was really enjoyable! Thank you for the ARC copy!

I found myself having to remember this is YA and the writing style matches that. Sometimes the writing was redundant or elementary. Overall, great concept and I was intrigued but fell short for me.

"Girl on Trial" is a gripping legal thriller that takes readers on a suspenseful journey into the courtroom, intertwining the past and present to unveil the circumstances that led the protagonist, Keller, to stand trial. The novel's fast-paced narrative and intriguing plot twists make it an addicting read, perfect for those who enjoy legal drama.

One of the standout features of the book is its ability to captivate readers from the very beginning. The seamless weaving of past and present narratives keeps the suspense levels high, encouraging readers to devour the book in a single sitting. The courtroom scenes are vividly described, providing an immersive experience that allows readers to feel like they're part of the legal proceedings.

However, as much as "Girl on Trial" excels in its storytelling and suspense, it does have its shortcomings when it comes to accuracy in portraying the criminal justice system. Some elements may come across as far-fetched or blatantly inaccurate to readers familiar with legal procedures. This can be a minor but noticeable issue for those seeking a more authentic representation of the legal world. I also found the writing pretty jovial - be forewarned it is YA.

In spite of these minor hiccups, the novel's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It successfully delivers an engaging and thrilling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Keller's character development and the exploration of her past make for a compelling narrative, adding depth to the overall plot.

In conclusion, "Girl on Trial" is a riveting legal thriller that will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the genre. Its ability to seamlessly blend past and present narratives creates an addictive reading experience, and Keller's journey is both captivating and emotionally resonant. While some aspects of the criminal justice system might not align with reality, the book's compelling storytelling ultimately makes it a worthwhile and enjoyable read.

Thank you to the publisher, author & NetGalley for my gifted copy!

Oh my goodness! Where do I start from? From the moment I picked up this book I was hooked. I honestly could not put it down. I read this starting at breakfast and by dinner, I was done! I loved the way the story developed through both the present day trial and by going back to the actual events as they happened. I was rooting for Emily the whole way through and by the end was quite attached to the character. There are so many emotions throughout and I couldn't wait to find out what was coming next but at the same time did not want the story to end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Emily is a 16 year old girl who craves popularity. When she becomes friends with a girl she looks up to, she begins acting recklessly to appear cool, and it lands her in the dock charged with manslaughter of a whole family…
The premise of the book was intriguing, but I’m just not sure who the audience is. It’s marketed as YA but it is HEAVY for the younger end of that spectrum - there are a lot of topics all bundled together. SA, drugs, drinking, alcoholic parents, sexual identity… it felt like the author was trying to squeeze in as much as possible and it was a bit TOO much (plus, a C bomb - I get trying to be realistic for readers but in a YA it just felt excessive!).
I think with a bit more editing and focusing, more fleshing out of characters, and better pacing it could have been a better read, but there was just too much going on for me. I’d also be really careful about the age group this is targeted at.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free ARC in return for an honest review.

I really wanted to enjoy this one, the premise seemed interesting as did the characters. However, I struggled to invest myself in the story! The writing style just wasn't for me personally, and the characters lacked development throughout.

Great heartbreaking story. I couldn't put it down.
Emily is on trial for manslaughter when the family she babysits for, including the two small children die due to her negligence.
It's a new school year and Emily wants to be popular and in order to do so, she makes a new friend.. Thanks to her new friend , she starts making a lot a bad choices with big consequences including that faithful night
The story goes back and forth between the trial, and past events that lead the deaths. Great storytelling while flipping between the two.

TW - sexual assault, self harm, drug/alcohol abuse

The book is designated YA but the concepts are really heavy. There's alcoholic parents, absent parents, r@pe, abortion, drug use by teenagers including vaping marijuana, underage drinking, peer pressure, self-harm/cutting. My star rating for this book went up the longer I read it. I felt like the writing at times could be juvenile but the longer I dove in: I realized this was the author’s way of showing how young Emily was at heart, even though she was really struggling to impress other kids her age. The character development was really good within this story, and you felt sorry for and forgave and loved the characters. Emotions came back to me of that desire as a younger me to be accepted: And I mean, does that desire ever go away as an adult? How far will Emily go to “act cool”? Alcohol use is strong in this book, and honestly, even though I despise how many books have such strong themes of alcohol, atleast this one had a resolution for the abuse of the substance. (And the abuse of alcohol made the plot thicker, as the MC struggled with peer pressure and the use of alcohol by her mother and basically every other adult)

🥃 This line hit me some type of way:
“Emily glanced back and forth at the two adults in front of her, casually offering her a flask of liquor before ten in the morning in front of a courthouse.”

All in all, I really recommend picking this one up next month! It publishes 10/24: Keep an eye out!
This would be a GREAT book club book: lots of things to discuss on this one!

Sixteen year old Emily Keller is starting her trial for causing the deaths of a family of four. The media calls her Keller the Killer. Living in a trailer park in Baltimore, her life hasn’t been easy but she never expected this.

I started this one last night before bed and didn’t finish it until it was over. I literally could not put it down. It starts with major suspense, wondering what the main character did and how, and doesn’t let up, quickly moving into the trial itself. There are a lot of topics here that will appeal to young adults- namely peer pressure and the desire to be included, but the suspense and drama keeps adult attention as well.

“Does one mistake make me a bad person even though I’ve lived my life being a good person? Can good people do bad things to good people?”

Girl on Trial comes out 10/24.

I chose to read Girl on Trial after reading its synopsis, because I wanted to preview its appropriateness for the high school book club I advise. I had no expectations when I started the book as it is not a book I would typically pick up to read. The author, Kathleen Fine, astounded me with her writing style. I found this novel relatable and pertinent to the issues and concerns of today’s teens. Although the book does deal with tough subjects such as drugs, alcohol, rape, and peer pressure, these topics are covered in a very favorable format.

Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.