The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy (review)

Reviewed by: The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy Aaren Tucker Lundy, Trish The One That Got Away with Murder. Holt, 2024 [384p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781250292162 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781250292155 $11.99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad Gr. 9-12 Escaping rumors and the dreadful end of her last relationship, Lauren and her mom relocate to the small town of Happy Valley for a fresh start. Right before school starts, Lauren learns from her new soccer team that her wealthy summer hook-up, Robbie Crestmont, and his brother are famous for connections to the suspicious deaths of their respective girlfriends. However, Lauren knows first-hand how rumors can get out of control, and she just can't resist going away with Robbie for one more weekend before she commits to her new role of keeping a low profile. Everything seems fine at the idyllic lakehouse until Lauren discovers a grisly clue pointing at Robbie, or someone in his family, being involved in his previous girlfriend's murder, and Lauren becomes determined to discover the truth. Lauren is a relatable and complex narrator, but unfortunately too credulous to carry the weight of solving a mystery; she takes every new piece of evidence at face value, while most of the major discoveries are left to either her group of friends or serendipity. While the book touches on some heavy topics including sexual assault and drug addiction, the juicy high school drama of hook-ups, betrayals, partying gone wrong—and of course, murder most foul—make this book compulsively readable.