#BookReview: They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman

Synopsis: A murder mystery set against the backdrop of an exclusive prep school on Long Island.

In Gold Coast, Long Island, everything from the expensive downtown shops to the manicured beaches, to the pressed uniforms of Jill Newman and her friends, looks perfect. But as Jill found out three years ago, nothing is as it seems.

Freshman year Jill's best friend, the brilliant, dazzling Shaila Arnold, was killed by her boyfriend. After that dark night on the beach, Graham confessed, the case was closed, and Jill tried to move on.

Now, it's Jill's senior year and she's determined to make it her best yet. After all, she's a senior and a Player--a member of Gold Coast Prep's exclusive, not-so-secret secret society. Senior Players have the best parties, highest grades and the admiration of the entire school. This is going to be Jill's year. She's sure of it.

But when Jill starts getting texts proclaiming Graham's innocence, her dreams of the perfect senior year start to crumble. If Graham didn't kill Shaila, who did? Jill vows to find out, but digging deeper could mean putting her friendships, and her future, in jeopardy.



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 3 Stars
My Review: "They Wish They Were Us" by Jessica Goodman offers a tantalizing peek into the elite world of Gold Coast Prep, where privilege and secrets collide in a gripping tale of mystery and betrayal. The novel's depiction of high school life, complete with its social hierarchies and pressures, is vividly portrayed and will resonate with many readers.

The protagonist, Jill Newman, is a relatable character whose determination to uncover the truth about her best friend's murder drives the plot forward. Goodman's writing shines in the exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the high stakes of teenage life. The pacing is brisk, and the story maintains a good level of suspense, keeping readers engaged.

However, the book sometimes falls into familiar tropes and predictable plot twists, which can detract from the overall impact. While the central mystery is intriguing, some of the resolutions feel a bit rushed and lack the depth needed to make them truly satisfying. Additionally, the secondary characters could have been more fleshed out to enhance the emotional weight of the story.

Despite these shortcomings, "They Wish They Were Us" is an entertaining read that offers plenty of drama and intrigue. It's a solid choice for fans of YA thrillers and anyone who enjoys a peek behind the curtain of elite high school life. While not without its flaws, it's a book that delivers enough suspense and excitement to keep readers hooked.

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Posted in: 3 Stars, Edelweiss, LarkP., RazorBill, Review