The Spiral Key by Kelsey Day
The Spiral Key is a young adult (YA) techno-thriller that explores themes of bullying, popularity, friendship and AI. The story follows Bree Benson, who is invited to the exclusive birthday party of Madison Pembroke, her ex-best friend. Hoping to reconcile, Bree decides to attend, only to discover that Ametrine, the AI birthday party simulation, is filled with dark, murderous secrets. What does Madison really want from Bree? How far are people willing to go to be popular? And who is truly the victim? This is a good starting book for the techno-thriller subgenre. The book mainly takes place in the AI simulation world, with easy-to-follow characters, and a few mysteries.
Oxford Blood by Rachael Davis
Oxford Blood is a YA dark academia thriller that explores the cost of ambition, class, privilege, and trust. The story follows Eva during interview week at Oxford. Her best friend and situationship is murdered, and suddenly she’s the prime suspect. As secrets begin to surface, Eva must find out who the killer is before they strike again. At Oxford, ambition comes with a cost, and lies fill the air. How far are you willing to go to get what you want? One thing I liked about this book is how every character seemed to be the prime suspect or aiding the killer. Although, I do think that the book ending was a little bit abrupt and felt rushed. This book is similar to the New York Times best-selling suspense novel No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
The Reappearance of Rachel Price is a YA thriller that explores themes such as family, secrets, and the perfect image. Bel Price is eighteen years old, and for the last sixteen years, her mom, Rachel Price, has been missing. When a producer approaches Bel’s family about making a true-crime film about their lives, they are suddenly thrust into the spotlight. Then, shockingly, Rachel Price returns. However, Rachel’s story of captivity doesn’t seem to add up, and, as Bel investigates, she begins to uncover family secrets. Was Rachel Price actually kidnapped? And if she was, who took her? This book was very captivating. After Rachel came back, I didn’t put the book down until I finished it. Other books written by Holly Jackson are A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, and Five Survive.
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