Member Reviews
While I wouldn't recommend this book for primary age children, it could be a great read for older teens who like thrillers. Reagan and Olivia both have ties to Camp Lost Lake, a place where a tragic set of murders happened on the day of Olivia's birth. Reagan's mother was the one who was accused of the murder, but after being on the run for her entire life, Reagan just wants to clear her name. Meanwhile, Olivia's sister has decided to open up the camp again and the site is full of teenagers getting it ready for the opening day. Reagan wants to find the truth, Olivia wants to know exactly what happened on the day of her birth but someone else doesn't want the truth to come out and will do anything to keep their secrets.
This book is a fast paced, thrilling read. It is just the right amount of creepy and has a great twist at the end. I would really recommend it for anyone who enjoys suspense and thrillers.
I really enjoyed this slasher summer camp thriller, perfect reading for this time of year. It has a dual POV and flashbacks and everything ends up coming together so well with twist after twist I never saw coming.
I am a huge fan of YA thriller/horror books, so when I saw this title, I was really excited.
In typical fashion, there is a Camp, mysterious deaths and a 'edge of you seat' plot line.
I enjoyed the changes in the point of view - it keeps the story progressing and interesting to read.
This book felt really clever with its twists and turns and I will be looking out for more books from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
I don’t usually read Young Teen books but I’d been told the writer is very skilled. So I gave it a shot and was pleasantly impressed. I read it in one day on holiday and I’m really grateful to find a writer with this skill. Will definitely be reading more by her.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the early release copy of this book in return for an honest review!
Plot summary:
Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s life looks pretty perfect . . . until she discovers the man she calls dad is not her biological father. Now she wants answers about her bloodline, and the only place she knows to look is Camp Lost Lake.
Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer—but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name.
Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder.
My thoughts:
This book follows both Olivia and Regan on their journey’s to uncovering the truth behind what happened during the night the murders happened at Camp Lost Lake. I loved that the blood flitted between present and past, as well as between the two POV’s, and the side characters were all really likeable characters.
I really enjoyed this book overall, it was such a quick, fun read. It felt like PLL mixed with gossip girl, with all the secrets and drama between the characters, and not knowing who to trust! I feel like i would have loved this when i was a teenager, but reading as an adult felt a bit too far fetched. I had a fun time reading it though, and there were soo many plot twists which is always fun! I will definitely reach for this author’s other work.
3⭐️
This was an absolutely amazing book! A must read for everyone! Looking forward to reading more books by this author!
5 stars !! A must read for anyone and everyone !!
Thank you for allowing me the chance to read and be accepted for this !!
This was good! Flipping between two main characters points of view, who are somehow...related...I enjoyed the suspense of the stranger shooting arrows at teens in the woods after decades old crimes of a similar nature. BUT I also involved trying to unravel this crime myself as I read through nd trying to work out exactly who is to blame, because it doesn't seem to be the woman on the run raising a child on her own who was accused of it.
Full of suspense and leaving you up way past bedtime to try and just get one more clue!
"Two Sides to Every Murder" by Danielle Valentine hooked me from the very beginning. The story is a fast-paced thrill ride that keeps you guessing and turning the pages to uncover the truth. The premise is intriguing - two teenagers, Olivia and Reagan, converge on Camp Lost Lake, each with their own reasons for being there. Olivia is determined to uncover the truth about her birth, while Reagan is seeking to clear her mother's name.
As they begin to dig deeper, they realise that they are not alone in their quest for answers. Someone is also present at the camp, intent on keeping the past buried. The tension builds as they work together to uncover the truth about the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders, which took place on the same night Olivia was born.
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Olivia and Reagan particularly compelling. Their unlikely partnership adds depth to the story, and I found myself rooting for them as they navigated the treacherous terrain of lies and deceit. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping me guessing until the very end.
While some elements of the story may be predictable, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. The pace is quick and engaging, making it easy to get caught up in the mystery. Overall "Two Sides to Every Murder" is for fans of YA thrillers who enjoy a fast-paced and suspenseful read.
Perfect slasher vibes! I absolutely loved this one, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
"Two Sides to Every Murder" by Danielle Valentine is a captivating and intricately plotted mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. The story revolves around Detective Riley Bennett and journalist Emma Collins, who find themselves on opposite sides as they investigate a high-profile murder case. As they dig deeper, they uncover layers of deception, secrets, and unexpected connections that challenge their perceptions of truth and justice.
Danielle Valentine excels in creating a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally engaging. The dynamic between Riley and Emma adds a unique tension to the story, as their professional rivalry evolves into a reluctant partnership. The characters are well-developed, with Riley's methodical approach contrasting sharply with Emma's instinctive and passionate drive for the story.
The plot is cleverly constructed, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and eager to piece together the puzzle. Valentine's writing is crisp and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the world she has created.
Overall, "Two Sides to Every Murder" is a compelling and well-executed mystery that combines strong character development with a thrilling plot. It's a fantastic read for anyone who loves a good whodunit, earning a well-deserved four stars.
One of my teenage daughters devoured this, her sister is stuck into reading it now, I hope to read it next!
If you enjoy Karen M.McManus's books, this is the book for you.
Two teenagers return to the site of the famous murders " The Camp Lost Murders" . Olivia was born at the time of the murders and Reagan's mother was blamed for them. Now the Camp is finally reopening and both Olivia and Reagan are looking for answers.
In the words of my daughter, unputdownable. She has been recommending far and wide and is looking forward to reading more from Danielle Valentine.
4.5- stars
Sixteen years after three people were murdered at Camp Lost Lake, the camp lies abandoned. But when plans are put in place to start clearing the camp, the murderer returns to make sure their secrets stay hidden ...
This was a really good thriller with a gripping plot and some good twists. Working out everybody's ages was a bit confusing, but otherwise a solid book!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Loved this fast paced YA thriller, loved the setting at a camp, took me back to the Point Horror I loved as a teen (but with much less stereotypes). I sped through wanting to find out what happened. I did guess some of the twists but I read A LOT of thrillers - my YA book group will love it
This book was to help me branch out of my comfort zone and read a different genre. It was very well written and the story would be enjoyable to people who enjoy slayer/thrillers however personally it wasn’t for me but very well written
A fast-paced story, rather predictable in some ways, but the pages keep turning as you try to work out exactly what’s going on.
Camp Lost Lake is infamous for the three murders that took place and the mysterious witch figure who is thought to be responsible. Olivia has always known she was born on the night of the tragedy, but she is determined to find out what her mother isn’t telling her when a paternity test indicates her father may well have been one of the victims. As part of her quest she ropes her good friend into visiting the site in order to try and find clues as to what really happened.
Unfortunately, Olivia is not aware that someone is using the site. Andie and her sister, Regan, have their own ties to the area and are hoping that they can turn the area into something positive. It’s just a shame that as both parties converge on Camp Lost Lake someone who knows what happened that night is also present.
After some confusion as to who was who, we realise that this hunt is not going to plan. Someone is hunting them, though we’re not entirely sure why.
We do eventually get answers as to what happened that night, and an explanation for how they each come to be involved.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.
Two Sides to Every Murder was pure YA slasher brilliance.
I adore a good horror narrative and this kept me racing through the pages – the set up was wonderful, the characters engaging and the plot relentless. It makes the most of its intriguing premise with two dual narratives and some well placed flashbacks. You get such a good sense of both Olivia and Reagan, which makes the contrast between them later on even more fun. Their voices were distinctive and they’re both driven by wanting to protect their families at all costs. There is a ferocity and a determination to uncover the truth, though they come at it initially from very different angles. Then all hell breaks loose and all bets are very much off.
I think I just absolutely loved how classic horror this all felt – with the meta twist of the horror camp added in too. You have the isolated setting, the dark secrets threatening to come to light and a massacre years ago that was never really settled or solved. It has such a thick atmosphere, with darkness and gore aplenty. This is not a book that pulls its punches. At the same time, it feels oddly loving as it references these classic horror tropes and beats. It is a gory love letter to the genre. At the same time, it’s also a really interesting mystery, with good plotting, tension and some excellent twists. You race through the pages trying to unpick the lies and secrets from both timelines – Valentine leads you down a few rabbit holes in search of the truth. Stick around beyond the final chapter as well for a gnarly “post credits” scene that is again, straight out of classic horror.
Two Sides to Every Murder is an expertly crafted web of secrets and lies, dripping with blood.
I love Danielle Valentines books and this one kept me just as gripped throughout. I love horror movies so the camp slasher plot and setting was perfect for me.
when i saw this book was a thriller based around a camp i was super excited. this book had the perfect slasher vibes, the creepy environment and had me on edge the entire time. it may have been short but it packed one hell of a punch!
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! It was fast-paced and full of suspense that I devoured this in one sitting. It’s the perfect YA thriller that’ll keep you on your toes, even if it’s a bit predictable at times, it doesn’t take away from the fun intrigue of the story and the characters. Olivia and Reagan were a captivating, unlikely duo that you can’t help but root for. Full of twists and turns, girlhood trauma, and lies and deceit, fans of Holly Jackson and Karen McMannus will definitely love this!