"The Liars Beneath" is a gripping YA mystery thriller that unfolds with a multitude of unexpected twists, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. As protagonists Ben and Becca navigate a complex plot, the story's realistic and grounded portrayal, along with well-crafted family dynamics, sets it apart in the genre, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful young adult fiction.The Liars Beneath by Heather Van Fleet
Genres: Romantic Suspense, YA Romance

A romantically dark YA suspense set in the backdrop of Iowa’s suspenseful farmlands.

After a tragic accident ends her best friend’s life, 17-year-old Becca Thompson succumbs to grief the only way she knows how: by wallowing in it. She’s a fragment of the person she once was—far too broken to enjoy the summer before her senior year. But when Ben McCain, her best friend’s older brother, returns home, Becca must face her new reality head on.

She isn’t interested in Ben’s games, especially since he abandoned his sister during the months leading up to her death. But when he begs for her help in uncovering the truth about what really happened the night of his sister’s death, Becca finds herself agreeing, hoping to clear up rumors swirling in the wake of her best friend's accident.

An unhinged ex-boyfriend, secret bucket lists, and garage parties in the place Becca calls home soon lead her to the answers she’s so desperate to unveil. But nobody is being honest, not even Ben. And the closer Becca gets to the truth—and to Ben—the more danger seems to surround her.

Clearing her best friend’s name was all she wanted to do, but Becca is quickly realizing that the truth she craves might be uglier than the lies her best friend kept.

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Review

The YA mystery thriller, “The Liars Beneath,” left me with chills as the plot unfolded, showcasing an incredible number of twists and turns that had my heart racing. Despite initially doubting my enjoyment, the story’s progression, especially following protagonists Ben and Becca, kept me engaged. While I managed to guess the killer, the unexpected events throughout the book heightened the excitement, and Becca emerged as a strong and resilient protagonist with a rare depth for a YA novel.

Despite Becca and Ben’s somewhat generic portrayal, their relationship intrigued me, and I found myself shipping them. In the midst of the book’s darkness, Becca’s parents offered a refreshing breath of relief, portraying stern, caring, and realistic family dynamics. Heather skillfully maintained a grounded and realistic tone amid the mystery and suspense, avoiding an unrealistic portrayal.

Not for the faint of heart, “TLB” comes with content warnings, making it a perfect read for fans of young adult mysteries and suspense. It will particularly appeal to enthusiasts of Karen McManus and Holly Black.