After reading the blurb for Prom Queen, I knew I needed to read it. Also, having experiencing the author’s previous work The In Laws, I expected a twisted tale. She did not disappoint. Prom Queen delivered a nail-biting, twisted and page turning tale that will delight thriller/mystery fans.
Bailey stood on the stage, her crown glittering under the high school lights as she blew kisses to those glaring beneath her. Despite the celebrations, something didn’t feel right. She wasn’t supposed to be prom queen, and someone would make her pay for it… I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.Title: Prom Queen
Author(s): Laura Wolfe
Published by Bookouture on October 9, 2023
Pages: 353
Genre(s): Psychological Thriller
Source: Netgalley
Format: eArc
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating:
Twenty years ago, my best friend, Bailey , was found dead by the train tracks, half of our friendship locket missing from her pale neck. She never took that off. Officially, it was ruled a tragic accident – but I knew better. She’d been crowned prom queen only hours earlier, and someone’s jealousy had finally gotten to them.
Now I have been forced to return to my childhood home, to the small lakeside town, and the group of friends I grew up with. Back to the scene of the crime that ruined my life, and stole my best friend away from me forever. I need a fresh slate, but I am seeing Bailey everywhere. A quick flash of her locket on a woman in a café surely can’t be a coincidence?
As I walk along the street, I avoid the suspicious stares of my former classmates. Everyone here thinks I had something to do with Bailey’s death. Sure, we did things we shouldn’t have as teenagers, but who didn’t? But when I start to hear noises in my house and receive threatening notes, I realize someone here never wanted me to come back, and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep me away…
Someone in this small town murdered my best friend the night she was crowned prom queen, and now they’re after me. We all have our secrets, but who would kill for them?
This thrilling and page turning read is told in dual timelines, the past and the present. The past timeline gives readers insight into the tragedy which occurred twenty years ago. While the present stirs up painful memories and with it comes danger.
Brooke, the leading lady, returns to the town which held painful memories, to handle her mother’s estate. While there, she encountered a true crime podcaster. Now she normally wouldn’t give a stranger a second thought, but the sight of a familiar necklace around the stranger’s neck gave her pause. The same necklace which mysteriously disappeared the night her best friend, Bailey, fell off a bridge into the path of a moving train. Then she learns the podcaster was in town seeking information about the twenty-year-old tragedy. Coincidence, I think not.
Told primarily from Brooke’s POV, Prom Queen takes the reader on a thrilling journey. The deeper one goes into the story, the more questions arise. One thing is for certain, Bailey did not commit suicide 20 years ago and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden.
The past timeline highlights the angst and the drama that comes with being a teenager in high school. Jealousy, broken friendships, and bullying. The present focused on learning the truth behind the tragedy. This is one of those stories where everyone is a suspect, even the person narrating the story. I honestly had no clue who was behind Bailey’s demise. The revelation shocked me, but what was even more shocking was the end. I am still trying to pick up my jaw from the floor. I am keeping my fingers cross, hoping for a follow-up story.
Overall, Prom Queen delivered a solid read and I recommend it to fans of suspenseful stories.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

I know some readers have a problem with dual timelines/flashbacks but if they flow right, I always think it’s a really cool technique to utilize. I like “seeing” that insight you talk about.
The flashbacks were easy to follow in this one. I thought it helped with the flow of the story.
Okay, I think I’m going to have to read this one just to find out who killed the prom queen!
😊 If you do, I hope you enjoy it.
Very nice when a book leaves you shocked like that. This is going on my wish list. Great review, Nadene!
Nice indeed. I hope your wish will be granted.
This sounds like a story that would keep the reader guessing. I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
It sure does keep one guessing.