📖 Overview
A teenage pizza delivery driver disappears during her shift, leaving her coworkers and the local community desperate for answers. The story follows multiple perspectives, including Gabie, a fellow delivery driver who was the kidnapper's original target.
Drew and Gabie, employees at Pete's Pizza, become entangled in the investigation as they realize the abduction was premeditated. The narrative tracks their efforts to uncover the truth while working with law enforcement to find their missing colleague.
The mystery unfolds through police reports, transcripts, and shifting viewpoints that piece together the events of that night. The story builds tension by revealing crucial details about the kidnapper's motives and methods.
This young adult thriller explores themes of survivor's guilt, responsibility, and the ripple effects of violence in a small community. The novel raises questions about chance, fate, and the consequences of seemingly minor decisions.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this YA thriller as fast-paced with short chapters that keep pages turning. Many finish it in one or two sittings.
Readers appreciate:
- Quick plot progression
- Multiple viewpoint characters
- Realistic portrayal of police work and procedures
- Clear, straightforward writing style
- Appropriate content level for young teens
Common criticisms:
- Characters feel underdeveloped
- Plot points seem predictable
- Some find the resolution too neat
- Limited suspense for adult readers
One frequent comment notes the book works better for younger YA readers than adults seeking complex mysteries. As one Goodreads reviewer stated: "Perfect for middle school students getting into mysteries, but too simple for experienced thriller readers."
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (9,200+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (230+ ratings)
Common Sense Media: 4/5
Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (40+ ratings)
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One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus Five students enter detention, but only four walk out alive, leading to an investigation that reveals dark secrets within their high school community.
Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson A teen investigates her best friend's disappearance when no one else seems to notice or care that she's missing.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson A high school student reopens a closed murder case for her senior project and uncovers dangerous truths about her small town.
Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus A string of murders in a small town connects to unsolved cases from the past, putting new residents in danger as history threatens to repeat itself.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔍 The inspiration for this novel came from a real-life case in Vancouver, Washington, where a pizza delivery driver was abducted.
📚 April Henry has written over 25 mysteries and thrillers, many of which have appeared on New York Times bestseller lists.
🚗 Pizza delivery is consistently ranked among the most dangerous jobs in America, with drivers facing risks of robbery, assault, and car accidents.
🎭 The novel's multiple-perspective narrative technique was influenced by the author's background in journalism, where different viewpoints help construct a complete story.
👥 To ensure accuracy in the police procedural elements, April Henry consulted with active-duty police officers and criminal investigators during the writing process.