TWO SIDES TO EVERY MURDER

A trio of past murders connects two present-day teen girls who are determined to uncover long-buried secrets.

After Olivia D’Angeli, 16, accidentally discovers that the man who raised her is not her biological father, her much older sister Andie’s plan to open a new business at Camp Lost Lake, their family’s now-closed summer camp, seems like the perfect opportunity to figure out the truth (never mind the legend of the deadly Witch of Lost Lake). The same night that three murders took place at the camp back in 2008, Olivia’s mom gave birth to her in the parking lot. Meanwhile, Reagan Knight is planning to explore the camp for proof that her mom didn’t commit the murders, even though the evidence seems to point to her, and the public believes her to be guilty. The girls’ inevitable meeting contains surprising revelations, and they must rush to put all the pieces together. Strong horror-movie vibes and descriptions of creepy buildings in the deep, dark woods contribute to this atmospheric thriller that will keep readers on the edges of their seats from the very beginning. The dual perspectives become easier to distinguish after the background is established, and the emotional reveals are punctuated with breathless, jump-scare action. Fans of twisty murder mysteries will devour this one. Valentine also explores relationships between sisters and mothers and daughters in varying and complex ways. The main characters are white.

A puzzling, energetic thrill ride.