Two Sides to Every Murder

by Danielle Valentine

Book Overview

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - From the author of How to Survive Your Murder comes a propulsive thriller about two teens who return to Camp Lost Lake, site of an infamous murder case that sealed their fates.

"A must-read for fans of true crime, dark family secrets, and intricate mysteries." --Ryan La Sala, bestselling author of The Honeys

Most people's births aren't immortalized in a police report--but...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 059335205X
• ISBN13: 9780593352052
• Release Date: June 2024
• Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Hits the mark for campy fun

Well, this book definitely hit the mark (with an arrow of course!) for campy horror. It takes place mostly at the closed down camp and has all the tropes for that kind of horror. You have groups of teenagers splitting up to try and contact someone, there is no signal for phones (except at the top of a very sketch lighthouse), and a person dressed up as the local legend Witch of Lost Lake hunting them all down with masterful precision and a very powerful bow and arrows. You also have Reagan and Olivia trying to find out the truth of what had happened 16 years ago because someone did a good job of messing with the evidence and pinning the blame on the wrong person (maybe). So it was a fast and easy read and though the romantic bits that started popping up were a bit annoying. Running for your life from a witch but also have a meetcute? Not needed. But still mostly fun to read and I must admit that the murderer or maybe more than one get what they deserve. A bit of a shocking ending but fitting. Not a deep or complicated book but a good summer read, though you may want to make sure you have a strong signal on your cell if you are going to camp this year.

Two Sides Unveiled

"Two Sides to Every Murder" by Danielle Valentine is a gripping thriller that captivates from the very first page. Valentine masterfully weaves a complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and moral ambiguity that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final shocking reveal.The novel opens with the murder of wealthy businessman Charles Montgomery, setting the stage for a riveting exploration of the motives and secrets that drive people to commit unthinkable acts. Told from dual perspectives – that of the accused killer, Lily Bennett, and the detective tasked with solving the case, Detective Alex Rodriguez – the narrative unfolds with a series of twists and turns that challenge readers to question their assumptions about guilt and innocence.Valentine's skillful character development breathes life into Lily and Alex, two flawed yet compelling protagonists whose paths become inexorably intertwined as the investigation progresses. Lily is portrayed as a sympathetic figure, a young woman grappling with trauma and loss, whose actions are driven by a desperate desire for justice. In contrast, Alex is a seasoned detective with a haunted past, whose dogged pursuit of the truth leads him down a dangerous path of self-discovery.What sets "Two Sides to Every Murder" apart from other thrillers is its exploration of the gray areas of morality and the complexities of human nature. Valentine deftly delves into the psychology of her characters, exploring the motives behind their actions and challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of justice and retribution.The novel's pacing is masterful, with each chapter building upon the last to create a sense of escalating tension and suspense. Valentine expertly ratchets up the stakes as Lily and Alex race against time to uncover the truth behind Charles Montgomery's murder, keeping readers guessing until the very end.One of the novel's greatest strengths is its richly detailed setting. Valentine brings the fictional town of Willow Creek to life with vivid descriptions and atmospheric prose, immersing readers in its seedy underbelly and evoking a sense of unease that lingers long after the final page is turned.In addition to its compelling plot and well-drawn characters, "Two Sides to Every Murder" also offers thought-provoking commentary on the nature of justice and the consequences of our actions. Through Lily and Alex's parallel journeys, Valentine explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the search for meaning in a world rife with pain and suffering.However, despite its many strengths, "Two Sides to Every Murder" is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the narrative structure confusing at times, as the story unfolds through alternating perspectives and timelines. Additionally, certain plot twists may strain credulity, requiring readers to suspend disbelief in order to fully engage with the story.Overall, "Two Sides to Every Murder" is a riveting thriller that will keep readers guessing until the final page. With its compelling characters, twisty plot, and thought-provoking themes, Danielle Valentine's latest novel is sure to satisfy fans of the genre and leave them eagerly awaiting her next literary offering.