ALL EYES ON HER

High school senior Tabby becomes the subject of national media scrutiny after her swimming champion boyfriend dies under suspicious circumstances.

These things are certain: Seventeen-year-old Tabby and her college athlete boyfriend, Mark, went hiking up the treacherous summit known as the Split. Mark was found dead two days later; Tabby, who returned safely, is the primary suspect in this golden boy’s death. Did he slip, or was he pushed? Everyone else in their small Colorado town has an opinion on Tabby’s guilt or innocence, especially when the Amanda Knox–like case draws national attention and Tabby’s dubbed the “Blue-Eyed Boyfriend Killer.” In short, taut chapters complemented by diary entries, texts, police interviews, and tabloid articles, those who know the couple (e.g., Tabby’s sister, her rival, and their best friends) confess their sides of the story directly to readers. Ratcheting up the tension are secrets of their own along with their unreliable versions of Tabby and Mark’s relationship, including their possible sexual indiscretions and jealousy. But is the judgment greater because Tabby is female? As even complete strangers assess her culpability, Flynn explores slut-shaming culture and unrealistic expectations forced upon teenage girls in this edgy psychological thriller, perfect for fans of We Were Liars and One of Us Is Lying. All characters are white.

Intense and thought-provoking.