Review: Two Sides To Every Murder by Danielle Valentine

Author: Danielle Valentine

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: June 2024

Most people’s births aren’t immortalized in a police report—but Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s life looks pretty perfect . . . until she discovers the man she calls dad is not her biological father. Now she wants answers about her bloodline, and the only place she knows to look is Camp Lost Lake.

Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer—but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name.

Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder. 

Two Sides to Every Murder is a YA slasher novel reminiscent of 80s teen slasher films.   Seventeen years ago, couple of teens were murdered at the local summer camp.  Now the camp is opening up again and Reagan and Olivia each have a chance to find out the truth of what happened that night.

I was really entertained by this book. I've been in a mini reading slump lately, so this was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the mystery and thought the twists were really good.  There is one twist that I called because it is fairly obvious.  The atmosphere of the camp was creepy.  It had all of the elements I love in a good slasher story.  The ending was classic end of horror movie twist and I loved it. The characters were fun as well.  If you are a fan of teen slasher stories, I highly recommend this one.