Review of Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

Published on November 1, 2022 by Delacorte Books

Source: library

Plot Summary for Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

Tegan Sheffield's annual end-of-summer beach party is the only way to start their senior year. At least that's what Jake Healy tells his girlfriend Jessica Sanchez.

But when a video prank from the party goes viral and a body is discovered at the beach, Jake and Jessica find themselves at the centre of a national media storm and a police investigation.

It's a race to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

Review of Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

It's a little-discussed fact that most YA thrillers aren't that thrilling. While in more fantasy-driven books, like dystopians or paranormal, teens can have superpowers and save the world.

In reality, most teens are not out there solving mysteries. They aren't private investigators or police officers and they probably can't hack into the FBI's computers. 

But Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez was a really well-written, twisty teen thriller.

Jake and Jessica are a solid couple, despite the fact that Jake's ex Tegan is Jessica's former friend.

But Tegan throws an end of summer party and things go REALLY sideways. J

Someone ends up missing. A body is discovered. Who was responsible?

Loved this one, and Jennifer Lynn Alvarez is new to me, though her debut book,  Lies Like Wildfire, is on my list of Best YA Books About Teens Surviving in the Wilderness. 

The twists were great, there were a ton of suspects, and the book really kept me guessing. It was a good blend of teen themes, like boyfriend stealing, toxic friendships, college admission pressures, with some solid thriller elements. 

Definitely recommend you try it out!