Review: Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson

Author: Liz Lawson
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: April 2025

Grace, Henry, and Ally grew up together on the same block. They used to be best friends--until Grace's testimony put Henry's brother, Jake, away for killing their English teacher. Now, two years later, Ally and Henry hate Grace, and Grace is doubting what she thinks she saw that night. 

It feels like everyone's getting a second chance, then, when due to a mistrial, Jake is suddenly released. And Henry knows his brother is innocent, but when Grace reaches out to say she’s rethinking what she saw the night of the murder, Jake’s reaction is confusing. He doesn’t want Henry—or Grace--getting involved.

For Ally not getting involved isn’t an option, and there’s nothing Grace can say to convince Ally she’s not the enemy. But can Ally afford to push Grace out when she’s one of the only other people willing to believe in Jake’s innocence?  

The clock is ticking. Jake’s new trial date is about to be set, and he's sure to be foud guilty again unless there's new evidence to prove he's innocent. Grace, Henry, and Ally are going to have to decide whether you can trust an old friend now that they’re your enemy.

In Murder Between Friends, Henry's brother was convicted of murdering his English teacher.  Grace, Henry and Ally used to be friends until Grace's testimony was key in putting Jake away.  Not, Jake is out after his conviction was overturned and the trio must band together to figure out what really happened before Jake is back up for retrial.

I thought this was a really enjoyable YA msytery.  It picks up two years after Jake's conviction and you get to see the aftermath of the tragedy and how it affected the trio's friendship.  Also how Henry is treated at school because everyone thinks his brother killed their favotire teacher.  The msytery was really good.  I kind of called the one part of the ending, but I was completely surprised by a second twist. In fact there were a few twist that I didn't expect.  I love when that happens.  The characters were interesting and I liked watching them slowly get their friendship back.  I don't want to spoil anything else.  I do highly recommend this one.