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Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls
When the first letter appears in Kay Anderson's locker it carries one instruction: Dye your hand blue. She definitely shouldn't obey it. Kay doesn't have time for secret societies: As a scholarship student at up-and-coming Manhattan prep school Davison High, she knows her job is to work hard, get into Northwestern University, and ignore her wealthy classmates' fun-filled Instagram stories. Besides, her first and only real friend at Davison died suddenly freshman year.
Still, Kay's intrigued, so she stains her palms with ink to join the mysterious "Blue Hand Girls," sharing an unspoken thrill with the classmates who do the same. More letters show up, assigning risky initiation tasks, and Kay realizes the group is set on exposing the shady business that Davison's founders would rather keep hidden―things that her dead friend might have known about.
Still, Kay's intrigued, so she stains her palms with ink to join the mysterious "Blue Hand Girls," sharing an unspoken thrill with the classmates who do the same. More letters show up, assigning risky initiation tasks, and Kay realizes the group is set on exposing the shady business that Davison's founders would rather keep hidden―things that her dead friend might have known about.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2025
29 people are currently reading
9341 people want to read
About the author
Rowana Miller
1 book45 followersRowana Miller writes about riddles, goblins, secrets, strange girls, and mischief. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022, she moved back to her hometown of New York City, where she lives with her wife, Penelope, and two cats, Alice and Jabberwocky. She is the founder and executive director of Cosmic Writers, a nonprofit that provides creative writing education for kids and teenagers. SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 26, 2025
This book started on a strong note for me. I really loved the concept of a secret society of girls forming an alliance to seek justice for a cold case, all while operating mysteriously as part of the Blue Hand Girls. The premise was intriguing, and I appreciated the representation throughout the story, especially experiencing everything through Kay’s POV as a scholarship student navigating life at a private school. That contrast added an extra layer of tension and perspective that I enjoyed.
That said, I found myself wishing so deeply that this had been a dual POV story. I would have loved to see things from Zola’s perspective—her unhinged, bold energy was captivating, and experiencing her thoughts firsthand would have elevated the story so much for me.
Unfortunately, the ending is what ultimately dampened my overall experience. It felt a bit too over-the-top and dramatic, to the point where it pulled me out of the story and felt unrealistic. There were also a few plot threads and characters introduced early on that seemed important but were quickly abandoned or barely mentioned again like Aunt Shelley.
As a debut novel, this is a solid and promising start with a compelling concept, but I do think it could have benefited from tighter plotting and deeper character development.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the gifted copy!
That said, I found myself wishing so deeply that this had been a dual POV story. I would have loved to see things from Zola’s perspective—her unhinged, bold energy was captivating, and experiencing her thoughts firsthand would have elevated the story so much for me.
Unfortunately, the ending is what ultimately dampened my overall experience. It felt a bit too over-the-top and dramatic, to the point where it pulled me out of the story and felt unrealistic. There were also a few plot threads and characters introduced early on that seemed important but were quickly abandoned or barely mentioned again like Aunt Shelley.
As a debut novel, this is a solid and promising start with a compelling concept, but I do think it could have benefited from tighter plotting and deeper character development.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the gifted copy!
August 11, 2025
This is a YA Bunny and I loved every moment. Imagine going to an all girls private school and getting an anonymous note saying “we find you intriguing.” Follow that with detailed directions on how to dye your hand blue and a series of tasks to prove your work being a part of the secret society and I was along for the ride.
May 25, 2025
This book was a debut?! It definitely did not read like one! Rowana Miller expertly crafted a YA novel with so many elements, you’d think she’d written at least 10 books prior.
Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls was the perfect mix of mystery, suspense and dark academia. The book was full of twists and so many secrets.
I have zero doubt that this book will be successful and can’t wait to see what good things lie ahead for Rowana Miller!
Thank you NetGalley & Sourcebooks for the ARC!
Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls was the perfect mix of mystery, suspense and dark academia. The book was full of twists and so many secrets.
I have zero doubt that this book will be successful and can’t wait to see what good things lie ahead for Rowana Miller!
Thank you NetGalley & Sourcebooks for the ARC!
May 26, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS by Rowana Miller
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the earc (Oct 7)
It starts with an anonymous letter telling Kay to make her hand blue. Intrigued---despite college looming, scholarships, and the death of a friend---she does it. Soon, she is pulled into a society that it trying to uncover something dangerous---something that got her friend killed. Kay doesn't know who to trust as secrets are revealed.
The first this that drew me in was the cover. Can we talk about the glitter? I love glitter and that made me happy to see glitter on a cover.
SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS is a dark academia, YA mystery/thriller. With a secret society and m*rder, this book is full of conspiracy, drama, and a touch of romance. I really liked this book, and I thought the pace was nice; however, the chapters were a bit on the longer side, and some of the characters were a bit shady and unlikeable (especially as the book played out.)
Like I mentioned above, the cover initially drew me in, but the blue hand, anonymous notes, and secret society kept me intrigued. SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS is riddled with a conspiracy that goes further than seems possible (and every reveal, task, etc. was wild.) The whodunit was twisted, and I didn't see it coming. But, that final reveal was even more twisted in this thrilling tale.
SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS is perfect if you're looking for a dark academia full of secrets, lies, and twists that leave you speechless.
SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS by Rowana Miller
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the earc (Oct 7)
It starts with an anonymous letter telling Kay to make her hand blue. Intrigued---despite college looming, scholarships, and the death of a friend---she does it. Soon, she is pulled into a society that it trying to uncover something dangerous---something that got her friend killed. Kay doesn't know who to trust as secrets are revealed.
The first this that drew me in was the cover. Can we talk about the glitter? I love glitter and that made me happy to see glitter on a cover.
SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS is a dark academia, YA mystery/thriller. With a secret society and m*rder, this book is full of conspiracy, drama, and a touch of romance. I really liked this book, and I thought the pace was nice; however, the chapters were a bit on the longer side, and some of the characters were a bit shady and unlikeable (especially as the book played out.)
Like I mentioned above, the cover initially drew me in, but the blue hand, anonymous notes, and secret society kept me intrigued. SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS is riddled with a conspiracy that goes further than seems possible (and every reveal, task, etc. was wild.) The whodunit was twisted, and I didn't see it coming. But, that final reveal was even more twisted in this thrilling tale.
SECRETS OF THE BLUE HAND GIRLS is perfect if you're looking for a dark academia full of secrets, lies, and twists that leave you speechless.
October 3, 2025
WOW WOW WOW. This book was a giveaway prize and I had no idea I was sent a twisty, heart pounding, suspenseful, blood pumping mystery masterpiece!
I didn’t realize how much I’d been LONGING for a very queer, diverse Pretty Little Liars-meets-The Clique-meets-Heathers story in my life! This book blew all of my expectations out of the water. It’s easily one of the best YA books I’ve read this year (or, in a few years even). I was happily trotting down every path the author put in front of me, suspecting everyone, trusting no one, and shifting the blame as I turned every page.
The pacing is perfect- the relationships felt real, and the timing of all the action corresponded to decisions teenagers in precarious situations would actually make. All the characters (even minor side ones) were fully fleshed out, and relevant. The slow reveal of historical events happens at the right time- I wasn’t stuck confused and waiting on an explanation, but I also got to get an idea of the setting before the author revealed the “why” behind our MC’s personality. The sapphic elements were believable, relatable, and deliciously sinister in all the right places.
The dark academia genre is BLESSED to include this little gem. BHG (iykyk) had me wishing to be a Davison student, while simultaneously wishing to run as far from Davison as I could get. I’m now more suspicious of true crime podcasts, colorful body ink, fancy earrings, cough syrup, car crashes, file rooms, and internships than ever before, and I LIKE it!! This is a masterful standalone, but I wouldn’t say no to a continuation of it into a series?? Please??? At the very least, please someone make this a movie, and get me advanced tickets!! 5/5, you won’t regret this read.
I didn’t realize how much I’d been LONGING for a very queer, diverse Pretty Little Liars-meets-The Clique-meets-Heathers story in my life! This book blew all of my expectations out of the water. It’s easily one of the best YA books I’ve read this year (or, in a few years even). I was happily trotting down every path the author put in front of me, suspecting everyone, trusting no one, and shifting the blame as I turned every page.
The pacing is perfect- the relationships felt real, and the timing of all the action corresponded to decisions teenagers in precarious situations would actually make. All the characters (even minor side ones) were fully fleshed out, and relevant. The slow reveal of historical events happens at the right time- I wasn’t stuck confused and waiting on an explanation, but I also got to get an idea of the setting before the author revealed the “why” behind our MC’s personality. The sapphic elements were believable, relatable, and deliciously sinister in all the right places.
The dark academia genre is BLESSED to include this little gem. BHG (iykyk) had me wishing to be a Davison student, while simultaneously wishing to run as far from Davison as I could get. I’m now more suspicious of true crime podcasts, colorful body ink, fancy earrings, cough syrup, car crashes, file rooms, and internships than ever before, and I LIKE it!! This is a masterful standalone, but I wouldn’t say no to a continuation of it into a series?? Please??? At the very least, please someone make this a movie, and get me advanced tickets!! 5/5, you won’t regret this read.
May 21, 2025
Rowana Miller has smashes it out of the gate in her debut novel!
A twisty thriller that keeps you guessing at every turn! Mysteries, secret societies and queerness! Oh my!!
Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next! Definitely one to watch!
A twisty thriller that keeps you guessing at every turn! Mysteries, secret societies and queerness! Oh my!!
Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next! Definitely one to watch!
May 9, 2025
"Heathers" meets "One of Us is Lying" in Rowana Miller’s debut novel "Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls." With expert application of metaphor and mischief, Miller carefully crafts the backstabbing world of Davison, an elite Manhattan all-girls high school. Scholarship student Kay couldn’t be more different than her peers, but when a mysterious note appears in her locker instructing her to dye her hand blue, she suddenly finds herself undergoing trials for a secret society. This induction slowly presents Kay with the opportunity to figure out the details of her best friend Emily Hendrick, who died in a “freak accident” two years ago.
It’s apropos that one of the books assigned in Kay’s 11th grade English class is Donna Tart’s "The Secret History," a book many consider the contemporary epitome of the “dark academia” aesthetic, since Kay and her “Blue Hand Girls” operate in a very similar idealization of higher education.
Over the course of the book, Kay grapples with the slippery lines between friend and fake, moral and malefaction. Will she sacrifice her admission into Northwestern to uncover Davison’s dark underbelly? How far will she go for friendship, or, even more crushing, love?
The book hisses with the fierce rage of girls with a vendetta to execute, marrying the classic satisfying tropes of angsty teen drama with modern references and growing up queer in the 21st-century New York City. Upon its release in October, I have no doubt that Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls will immediately earn its place among its peers "Bunny," "Ninth House," and "If We Were Villains." Bravo!
It’s apropos that one of the books assigned in Kay’s 11th grade English class is Donna Tart’s "The Secret History," a book many consider the contemporary epitome of the “dark academia” aesthetic, since Kay and her “Blue Hand Girls” operate in a very similar idealization of higher education.
Over the course of the book, Kay grapples with the slippery lines between friend and fake, moral and malefaction. Will she sacrifice her admission into Northwestern to uncover Davison’s dark underbelly? How far will she go for friendship, or, even more crushing, love?
The book hisses with the fierce rage of girls with a vendetta to execute, marrying the classic satisfying tropes of angsty teen drama with modern references and growing up queer in the 21st-century New York City. Upon its release in October, I have no doubt that Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls will immediately earn its place among its peers "Bunny," "Ninth House," and "If We Were Villains." Bravo!
August 28, 2025
Things I liked:
- the representation of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC and Asian, first and second gen characters that I related to as a second gen Asian American in the lgbtq community
- a smart, queer female lead that wasn’t white
- how well Miller wrapped up tiny details and connected important plot elements mentioned earlier. No detail was for without reason, sign of a great thriller writer
——
Things I didn’t like:
- where the plot went bc ????? wtf omg
- the angled negative view on private schools. As a student on full scholarship to a wonderful private school, this couldn’t be farther from my experience or how the school admin, teachers and even other parents are. Rubbed me the wrong way
- Lola’s unrealistic character and dialogue
- overuse of the term “baby” out of nowhere
- it still felt like a draft of a book that needed developing
The plot had great potential, sort of felt like Pretty Little Liars meets Gossip Girl, but the overall story didn’t work for me. I am curious how the targeted YA demographic feels though and if my younger self would feel differently. 2/5 this wasn’t for me.
- the representation of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC and Asian, first and second gen characters that I related to as a second gen Asian American in the lgbtq community
- a smart, queer female lead that wasn’t white
- how well Miller wrapped up tiny details and connected important plot elements mentioned earlier. No detail was for without reason, sign of a great thriller writer
——
Things I didn’t like:
- where the plot went bc ????? wtf omg
- the angled negative view on private schools. As a student on full scholarship to a wonderful private school, this couldn’t be farther from my experience or how the school admin, teachers and even other parents are. Rubbed me the wrong way
- Lola’s unrealistic character and dialogue
- overuse of the term “baby” out of nowhere
- it still felt like a draft of a book that needed developing
The plot had great potential, sort of felt like Pretty Little Liars meets Gossip Girl, but the overall story didn’t work for me. I am curious how the targeted YA demographic feels though and if my younger self would feel differently. 2/5 this wasn’t for me.
October 8, 2025
Overuse of “baby”
November 18, 2025
I loved this book so much. I hadn’t ready a book all year but the opening chapters of this book enthralled me and forced me to keep reading. I couldn’t put it down and was only satisfied once the final page had turned.
October 21, 2025
Very predictable and sort of obvious who the “bad guy” is.
September 8, 2025
First of thank you to Sourcebooks and Net gallery for all allowing me the chance to read the book early.
Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls is an electrifying YA thriller that masterfully blends dark academia, mystery, and queer coming-of-age drama into a debut that grips from the first blue‑stained handshake—and never lets go. Kay Anderson, a scholarship student at Manhattan’s Davison High, is thrown into an enigmatic secret society after a cryptic message instructs her to dye her hand blue. But this is no harmless prank—each initiation reveals more dangerous secrets tied to the school’s elite founders, and even Kay’s own best friend’s tragic death.
Rowana Miller’s prose is razor-sharp and emotionally grounded. She captures the tension between Kay’s outsider struggle to prove herself and her burning desire to uncover painful truths. The world‑building—elite privilege crashing into grief, loyalty laced with betrayal, and the intoxicating lure of belonging—is pitch-perfect. The pacing intensifies with every secret revealed, leading to a finale that is both satisfying and haunting.
What truly stands out is the representation: a fierce, complex queer heroine navigating power and friendship in a world that prefers silence over justice. The romantic subplot adds depth without overshadowing the central mystery. At once atmospheric and pulse‑pounding, this debut heralds Rowana Miller as a fearless new voice in YA.
Highly Recommended for fans of One of Us Is Lying, Ninth House, or If We Were Villains—Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls will ensnare you from the first ink‑stained finger to the final, breath‑catching twist.
Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls is an electrifying YA thriller that masterfully blends dark academia, mystery, and queer coming-of-age drama into a debut that grips from the first blue‑stained handshake—and never lets go. Kay Anderson, a scholarship student at Manhattan’s Davison High, is thrown into an enigmatic secret society after a cryptic message instructs her to dye her hand blue. But this is no harmless prank—each initiation reveals more dangerous secrets tied to the school’s elite founders, and even Kay’s own best friend’s tragic death.
Rowana Miller’s prose is razor-sharp and emotionally grounded. She captures the tension between Kay’s outsider struggle to prove herself and her burning desire to uncover painful truths. The world‑building—elite privilege crashing into grief, loyalty laced with betrayal, and the intoxicating lure of belonging—is pitch-perfect. The pacing intensifies with every secret revealed, leading to a finale that is both satisfying and haunting.
What truly stands out is the representation: a fierce, complex queer heroine navigating power and friendship in a world that prefers silence over justice. The romantic subplot adds depth without overshadowing the central mystery. At once atmospheric and pulse‑pounding, this debut heralds Rowana Miller as a fearless new voice in YA.
Highly Recommended for fans of One of Us Is Lying, Ninth House, or If We Were Villains—Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls will ensnare you from the first ink‑stained finger to the final, breath‑catching twist.
October 20, 2025
This book is okay. Pretty entertaining while reading, wildly implausible climax, but man do I wish we had been in Zola's POV for at least part of it. She is unhinged and it would have been fun to follow her more closely as she put her whole plan into action. I don't think I'll ever feel the need to reread it again and Kay and Zola's dialogue when talking to each other felt very forced and not the way teenage girls would speak, and it took me out of the story several times. There are better YA thrillers and also worse ones.
September 19, 2025
When Kay finds the mysterious note in her locker she is unsure whether or not to act on it. She likes the idea of being found intriguing, but she’s most intrigued by the hints that following the letter’s instructions could help her work out what happened to her friend, Emily.
Joining the Blue Hand Girls is a risk, but one she’s prepared to take. As more notes show up and further tasks are assigned, Kay comes to realise that this might be more dangerous than she was prepared for.
An entertaining mystery, with a dash of romance thrown in. I can’t say I always understood why they went along with this, but their ingenuity was to be applauded. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review it before publication.
Joining the Blue Hand Girls is a risk, but one she’s prepared to take. As more notes show up and further tasks are assigned, Kay comes to realise that this might be more dangerous than she was prepared for.
An entertaining mystery, with a dash of romance thrown in. I can’t say I always understood why they went along with this, but their ingenuity was to be applauded. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review it before publication.
October 27, 2025
Scholarship student, Kay, knows she doesn't quite fit in at her private high school. She doesn't have the money, fancy clothes or family status of most of the other kids. When she receives a mysterious letter instructing her to dye her hand blue, she's suspicious, but intrigued, so she does it.
As the instructions get more and more detailed, she joins forces with some of the other blue handers to find out who is behind the letters and what their intentions are.
As the mystery unravels, Kay learns some hard truths about herself, her fellow classmates and the school itself.
It's an intriguing mystery with interesting characters that will make you glad you never went to Davison HIgh.
As the instructions get more and more detailed, she joins forces with some of the other blue handers to find out who is behind the letters and what their intentions are.
As the mystery unravels, Kay learns some hard truths about herself, her fellow classmates and the school itself.
It's an intriguing mystery with interesting characters that will make you glad you never went to Davison HIgh.
October 3, 2025
She kisses me. Her lips tender on mine, her hair brushing against my cheeks, her hands pulling my waist forward to meet hers, she kisses me. . . . She radiates, the way I've felt her radiating across the math table, but now I know what it's like to feed myself to the sun.
aaaahhh!!
This book was so intense and also so much fun. High school student Kay is still recovering from (and blaming herself for) the death of her best friend Emily when she gets the chance to join a powerful secret society and make some wrongs right. Along the way, she falls in love with Zola, a girl who raises more questions than she ever answers--and she also begins to make real friends with her fellow secret society inductees. But things just keep escalating and escalating...
Man, the stakes here got so high I was actually a little stressed near the end. But I had to keep going!! I loved these characters, and especially watching them figure out themselves and form genuine friendships with each other. Kay's new friends Chioma, Mai, Margaret, and even Tia were really delightful to read about, and seeing Kay become closer to them and learn to respect and value the people around her, even in a cutthroat environment, balanced out the high-stakes plot with real heart. (Even now, I just want them to be happy, yknow?)
Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a twisty thriller or a high-stakes high school romance, or even if you just support gay wrongs.
aaaahhh!!
This book was so intense and also so much fun. High school student Kay is still recovering from (and blaming herself for) the death of her best friend Emily when she gets the chance to join a powerful secret society and make some wrongs right. Along the way, she falls in love with Zola, a girl who raises more questions than she ever answers--and she also begins to make real friends with her fellow secret society inductees. But things just keep escalating and escalating...
Man, the stakes here got so high I was actually a little stressed near the end. But I had to keep going!! I loved these characters, and especially watching them figure out themselves and form genuine friendships with each other. Kay's new friends Chioma, Mai, Margaret, and even Tia were really delightful to read about, and seeing Kay become closer to them and learn to respect and value the people around her, even in a cutthroat environment, balanced out the high-stakes plot with real heart. (Even now, I just want them to be happy, yknow?)
Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a twisty thriller or a high-stakes high school romance, or even if you just support gay wrongs.
October 8, 2025
Absolutely could not put this book down!
I enjoyed the interweaving of mystery, friendship, love (shoutout for the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC inclusivity), and self-discovery in this novel. It is rare to see these weaved as masterfully as the author did here.
I will say that some of the characters aren’t always the most likable, but I enjoyed that element - the truth is that people aren’t always likable. I enjoyed that this novel wasn’t black and white and played into the very real grey reality that is humanity.
If I could change one thing about this book, I would get rid of the sudden “baby” between the love interests- but I have to remind myself that they are teenagers and experiencing the early stages of love. I can get over it.
Will definitely be recommending this book, and will definitely be rereading it - seems like a book that gets better the more you read it and catch the masterfully woven clues and foreshadowing you didn’t catch before!
I enjoyed the interweaving of mystery, friendship, love (shoutout for the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC inclusivity), and self-discovery in this novel. It is rare to see these weaved as masterfully as the author did here.
I will say that some of the characters aren’t always the most likable, but I enjoyed that element - the truth is that people aren’t always likable. I enjoyed that this novel wasn’t black and white and played into the very real grey reality that is humanity.
If I could change one thing about this book, I would get rid of the sudden “baby” between the love interests- but I have to remind myself that they are teenagers and experiencing the early stages of love. I can get over it.
Will definitely be recommending this book, and will definitely be rereading it - seems like a book that gets better the more you read it and catch the masterfully woven clues and foreshadowing you didn’t catch before!
October 11, 2025
Really, really good. Pacing is perfect, and while the biggest twist wasn't super unexpected, it still felt fresh. Excited to read more of Miller's work.
September 29, 2025
I raced through this, desperate to find out what happened next.
It's the first dark academia book I've read for a while that hasn't been fantasy. I liked the constant plot twists and the pace of things being revealed.
Also, a queer relationship that wasn't all about coming out or other clichés.
It all felt very real and still utterly compelling.
It's the first dark academia book I've read for a while that hasn't been fantasy. I liked the constant plot twists and the pace of things being revealed.
Also, a queer relationship that wasn't all about coming out or other clichés.
It all felt very real and still utterly compelling.
December 14, 2025
4.25 stars ⭐️
This was a fun read! But it was a slow and medium-paced at the same time. It had a lot of suspense and was so tense, I loved the writing it was very decent and matched the vibe of the book so much. I enjoyed some scenes in this book and some I was reading with such a straight face, but mostly I did enjoy this so much. I wished we got more fun scenes in the book and I wanted more tension and wanted more in this book. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, and as usual all opinions are my own ♡
This was a fun read! But it was a slow and medium-paced at the same time. It had a lot of suspense and was so tense, I loved the writing it was very decent and matched the vibe of the book so much. I enjoyed some scenes in this book and some I was reading with such a straight face, but mostly I did enjoy this so much. I wished we got more fun scenes in the book and I wanted more tension and wanted more in this book. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, and as usual all opinions are my own ♡
August 22, 2025
Thank you for this book!
I thought this book was very good. It kept you guessing at every twist and turn and was unable to put the book down.
Teenagers in a private school. Something happens and one of the parents leaves and his daughter takes revenge.
A definite must read. Will recommend to others.
I thought this book was very good. It kept you guessing at every twist and turn and was unable to put the book down.
Teenagers in a private school. Something happens and one of the parents leaves and his daughter takes revenge.
A definite must read. Will recommend to others.
September 3, 2025
From start to finished, I was so enthralled by the plot, the characters, and the overall twists and turns. Truly loved it! Rowan Miller does a fantastic job keeping the readers under suspense and I never guessed the ending would turn out the way it did. I was shocked. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2025
Rowana Miller’s Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls is one of those books that lures you in with a simple, unhinged premise and then dares you to keep up when things spiral.
This book is published by Sourcebooks Fire, and thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I went into this expecting a standard dark academia mystery and instead got secret societies, queer yearning, grief-fueled bad decisions, and the kind of private-school drama that feels legally questionable but extremely entertaining. Kay Anderson is a scholarship student at an elite Manhattan prep school, which means she’s surrounded by wealth, privilege, and classmates who treat college admissions like a blood sport. She is also grieving the sudden death of her only real friend, which gives the entire story a low, humming ache under the surface. When an anonymous note shows up in her locker telling her to dye her hand blue, she absolutely should not do it. Naturally, she does it immediately.
From there, the book leans hard into atmosphere, and honestly, that’s where it shines the most. The notes, the rituals, the whispered alliances, the sense that the school itself is complicit in something rotten. Miller does an excellent job capturing that claustrophobic feeling of being watched while also being completely powerless. The tension builds slowly, and I loved how small details introduced early on actually matter later. Nothing feels accidental, which is always a win for me in a thriller.
The representation here is also genuinely strong. Kay is a smart, queer, non-white lead who feels like a real teenager rather than a morality lesson. The friend group is diverse without being performative, and the story allows its characters to be messy, selfish, brave, and wrong in believable ways. I especially appreciated how class and privilege are handled. Being queer or a person of color doesn’t magically erase wealth, and having money doesn’t protect you from everything. The book understands that tension and lets it sit uncomfortably.
That said, this is where my relationship with the story gets complicated. About two-thirds of the way in, the plot takes a sharp turn into “okay but what are we doing now” territory. The escalation is bold, I’ll give it that, but it also felt a bit like the book was daring me to suspend disbelief and then asking for more suspension than I had readily available. Some character motivations stretch thin, and a few emotional beats don’t quite land the way they’re clearly meant to. I wasn’t bored, but I was definitely raising my eyebrows like they were trying to leave my face.
There’s also a romantic subplot that mostly works emotionally but occasionally falters in the dialogue. The repeated use of the word “baby” made me physically cringe, and I say that as someone who is usually very forgiving about YA romance. It’s a small thing, but once I noticed it, I could not un-notice it.
Still, I can’t say I didn’t have fun. This book is dramatic, chaotic, and self-aware enough to pull off its wild choices more often than not. It feels like Pretty Little Liars collided with Gossip Girl, went to an all-girls prep school, and decided consequences were optional. Teenage me would have devoured this, and adult me still enjoyed the ride, even when I wasn’t convinced by the destination.
Favorite quote: “We find you intriguing.”
Honestly, if someone left that in my locker, I’d panic, but as a reader? Iconic.
Overall, this is a strong, messy, ambitious debut with sharp writing, excellent representation, and a plot that sometimes bites off more than it can chew. If you love dark academia, secret societies, queer YA thrillers, and morally questionable girls doing morally questionable things, this is absolutely worth your time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ out of 5 stars
#SecretsOfTheBlueHandGirls #RowanaMiller #BookReview #YAThriller #DarkAcademia #QueerYA #SapphicReads #MysteryThriller #ARCReview #NetGalley #SourcebooksFire #Bookstagram #BookTok
This book is published by Sourcebooks Fire, and thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I went into this expecting a standard dark academia mystery and instead got secret societies, queer yearning, grief-fueled bad decisions, and the kind of private-school drama that feels legally questionable but extremely entertaining. Kay Anderson is a scholarship student at an elite Manhattan prep school, which means she’s surrounded by wealth, privilege, and classmates who treat college admissions like a blood sport. She is also grieving the sudden death of her only real friend, which gives the entire story a low, humming ache under the surface. When an anonymous note shows up in her locker telling her to dye her hand blue, she absolutely should not do it. Naturally, she does it immediately.
From there, the book leans hard into atmosphere, and honestly, that’s where it shines the most. The notes, the rituals, the whispered alliances, the sense that the school itself is complicit in something rotten. Miller does an excellent job capturing that claustrophobic feeling of being watched while also being completely powerless. The tension builds slowly, and I loved how small details introduced early on actually matter later. Nothing feels accidental, which is always a win for me in a thriller.
The representation here is also genuinely strong. Kay is a smart, queer, non-white lead who feels like a real teenager rather than a morality lesson. The friend group is diverse without being performative, and the story allows its characters to be messy, selfish, brave, and wrong in believable ways. I especially appreciated how class and privilege are handled. Being queer or a person of color doesn’t magically erase wealth, and having money doesn’t protect you from everything. The book understands that tension and lets it sit uncomfortably.
That said, this is where my relationship with the story gets complicated. About two-thirds of the way in, the plot takes a sharp turn into “okay but what are we doing now” territory. The escalation is bold, I’ll give it that, but it also felt a bit like the book was daring me to suspend disbelief and then asking for more suspension than I had readily available. Some character motivations stretch thin, and a few emotional beats don’t quite land the way they’re clearly meant to. I wasn’t bored, but I was definitely raising my eyebrows like they were trying to leave my face.
There’s also a romantic subplot that mostly works emotionally but occasionally falters in the dialogue. The repeated use of the word “baby” made me physically cringe, and I say that as someone who is usually very forgiving about YA romance. It’s a small thing, but once I noticed it, I could not un-notice it.
Still, I can’t say I didn’t have fun. This book is dramatic, chaotic, and self-aware enough to pull off its wild choices more often than not. It feels like Pretty Little Liars collided with Gossip Girl, went to an all-girls prep school, and decided consequences were optional. Teenage me would have devoured this, and adult me still enjoyed the ride, even when I wasn’t convinced by the destination.
Favorite quote: “We find you intriguing.”
Honestly, if someone left that in my locker, I’d panic, but as a reader? Iconic.
Overall, this is a strong, messy, ambitious debut with sharp writing, excellent representation, and a plot that sometimes bites off more than it can chew. If you love dark academia, secret societies, queer YA thrillers, and morally questionable girls doing morally questionable things, this is absolutely worth your time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ out of 5 stars
#SecretsOfTheBlueHandGirls #RowanaMiller #BookReview #YAThriller #DarkAcademia #QueerYA #SapphicReads #MysteryThriller #ARCReview #NetGalley #SourcebooksFire #Bookstagram #BookTok
August 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
2/5 stars
For me, this book was a bit of a sandwich- I was bored for the first section, enjoyed the middle, and then the end lost me again. The idea of a secret society of girls who pursue justice for their classmates is great and I was super interested to see where it went. The truth is, it didn���t really go anywhere.
The book started very slow for me. I came close to DNFing it when I felt nothing for the main character for the first chunk, but once the pace picked up, I was interested enough to keep reading. Somehow, I think this book is trying too much to have big drama and stakes. It starts with a simple premise: a secret society of girls who are doing…something. Why do any of them dye their hands blue in the first place?
Then, the twist.
I didn’t find the ending satisfying.
It felt a bit like two books in one, fighting for dominance. On one side, the academic mystery, secret society book where the girls. On the other, a rough-and-tumble spy thriller with knives and mugging and drugging people. They felt so different and opposing that I had trouble staying with this book.
2/5 stars
For me, this book was a bit of a sandwich- I was bored for the first section, enjoyed the middle, and then the end lost me again. The idea of a secret society of girls who pursue justice for their classmates is great and I was super interested to see where it went. The truth is, it didn���t really go anywhere.
The book started very slow for me. I came close to DNFing it when I felt nothing for the main character for the first chunk, but once the pace picked up, I was interested enough to keep reading. Somehow, I think this book is trying too much to have big drama and stakes. It starts with a simple premise: a secret society of girls who are doing…something. Why do any of them dye their hands blue in the first place?
Then, the twist.
I didn’t find the ending satisfying.
It felt a bit like two books in one, fighting for dominance. On one side, the academic mystery, secret society book where the girls. On the other, a rough-and-tumble spy thriller with knives and mugging and drugging people. They felt so different and opposing that I had trouble staying with this book.
October 10, 2025
I’ve coincidentally read like 3 books in a row about elite private schools and maybe it’s because I’ve never been rich (my bad) but what is wrong with these kids?
I think there’s two kinds of teens that like dark media:
1) the ones whose world got rocked by Looking for Alaska and 13 Reasons Why
2) the kids who have seen Heathers way too many times
This book is for the second group.
What I liked:
- I’m sorry I complained above about the private school kids, rich people drama really is just more fun.
- I love an unhinged resolution and this delivered, in a way that was so unexpected from when I first picked up the book. The last few scenes were chaos. I had fun.
- Diversity within the friend group that didn’t feel too heavy-handed or tokenistic! I agree with all the authors that know we need more diversity in YA books, but the only thing worse than no representation is bad representation (my opinion, please don’t come for me), and I feel like there’s been a trend towards novels cramming a bunch of identities onto a side character and then spending the rest of the book patting themselves on the back for it. I was really impressed with the way this book handled race and class differences and gave depth to topics that shouldn’t be one-dimensional. It was refreshing to see acknowledgement that there are different types of privilege and that there is a complex interplay between them (e.g. financial privilege doesn’t negate racism). Importantly, our characters of color don’t have to be perfect at all times to be very charming and likable! This book is a perfect example that we don’t have to flatten minority characters to make the diversity palatable— they can just be normal people with personalities and flaws. Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now.
What I didn’t like:
- The times that I was most aware this was a debut novel were the dialogue. There were certainly choices made, some good (I liked? the questions marks? For that one girl?) and some… not so good (I'm sorry but even the most insufferable teenager has never called their partner baby so many times in a row)
- Kay was annoyingly gullible, she didn’t even have to be gaslit because she would do it herself. Anytime somebody told her something, she was ready to believe it every time. I do think this was an intentional character choice, but it did make her hard to root for at times
- The pacing gave me a little whiplash. It was slow, then fast, then faster, then slow, and then you could predict the ending, but you had to wait for the characters to figure it out, so it was simultaneously slow and fast. This is probably where it took the biggest hit for me, but I would advise you to power through, because it gets fun.
If you’re looking for a YA novel on the dark and twisty side, with complex characters and plot elements, this is the one and it’s worth the read. If you don’t enjoy intense scenes or if you are sensitive to mentions of parental neglect, violence, and suicide, it may not be for you. A huge thank you to the author, SOURCEBOOKS Fire, and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I think there’s two kinds of teens that like dark media:
1) the ones whose world got rocked by Looking for Alaska and 13 Reasons Why
2) the kids who have seen Heathers way too many times
This book is for the second group.
What I liked:
- I’m sorry I complained above about the private school kids, rich people drama really is just more fun.
- I love an unhinged resolution and this delivered, in a way that was so unexpected from when I first picked up the book. The last few scenes were chaos. I had fun.
- Diversity within the friend group that didn’t feel too heavy-handed or tokenistic! I agree with all the authors that know we need more diversity in YA books, but the only thing worse than no representation is bad representation (my opinion, please don’t come for me), and I feel like there’s been a trend towards novels cramming a bunch of identities onto a side character and then spending the rest of the book patting themselves on the back for it. I was really impressed with the way this book handled race and class differences and gave depth to topics that shouldn’t be one-dimensional. It was refreshing to see acknowledgement that there are different types of privilege and that there is a complex interplay between them (e.g. financial privilege doesn’t negate racism). Importantly, our characters of color don’t have to be perfect at all times to be very charming and likable! This book is a perfect example that we don’t have to flatten minority characters to make the diversity palatable— they can just be normal people with personalities and flaws. Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now.
What I didn’t like:
- The times that I was most aware this was a debut novel were the dialogue. There were certainly choices made, some good (I liked? the questions marks? For that one girl?) and some… not so good (I'm sorry but even the most insufferable teenager has never called their partner baby so many times in a row)
- Kay was annoyingly gullible, she didn’t even have to be gaslit because she would do it herself. Anytime somebody told her something, she was ready to believe it every time. I do think this was an intentional character choice, but it did make her hard to root for at times
- The pacing gave me a little whiplash. It was slow, then fast, then faster, then slow, and then you could predict the ending, but you had to wait for the characters to figure it out, so it was simultaneously slow and fast. This is probably where it took the biggest hit for me, but I would advise you to power through, because it gets fun.
If you’re looking for a YA novel on the dark and twisty side, with complex characters and plot elements, this is the one and it’s worth the read. If you don’t enjoy intense scenes or if you are sensitive to mentions of parental neglect, violence, and suicide, it may not be for you. A huge thank you to the author, SOURCEBOOKS Fire, and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 24, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In “Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls,” debut author Rowana Miller delivers a moody, twist-laden YA thriller set in the sharp, glittering corridors of elite Manhattan prep school life. This dark academia mystery cuts deep into themes of grief, power, identity, and the seductive danger of belonging.
The book begins with a simple, strange directive: Dye your hand blue. For scholarship student Kay Anderson, the anonymous message is both absurd and alluring. Still mourning the sudden death of her best (and only) friend Emily two years earlier, Kay finds herself inexplicably drawn into a secret society known only to its initiates as the Blue Hand Girls. What starts as a cryptic dare quickly spirals into a high-stakes game of clues, secrets, and covert missions—each one more dangerous than the last.
Miller expertly captures the high-pressure atmosphere of Davison High, an elite all-girls school where Instagram filters and Ivy League dreams collide. Kay, whose outsider status makes her an ideal narrator, navigates a maze of whispered betrayals, glittering facades, and moral ambiguity. With every new letter and assignment, the stakes climb, and Kay begins to realize that the secret society isn’t just a game; it may be the key to uncovering the truth behind Emily’s suspicious death.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its tone: brooding yet sharp, fierce yet emotionally grounded. Miller’s prose balances suspense with style, injecting scenes with metaphorical bite and social commentary. The pacing is fast, though not rushed, with chapters that stretch just long enough to ratchet up the tension before delivering one of many gasp-worthy revelations. Readers are kept guessing until the very end, and though some may see the final twist coming, the journey there is gripping enough that it hardly matters.
The supporting cast features rival girls with secrets, mentors with murky motives, even potential love interests, and they are often morally gray and sometimes unlikable, but intentionally so. Like Kay, you are never quite sure whom to trust. A light romantic subplot and undercurrent of queer identity add richness without distracting from the central mystery.
Thematically, “Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls” dives into what it means to seek justice in a world that favors silence and legacy over truth. It's also a razor-sharp commentary on the performative nature of privilege and the cost of digging beneath it. For those who love secret societies, academic intrigue, and fierce girl protagonists, this is a satisfying, intelligent thriller that doesn’t pull its punches.
Overall, “Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls” is a thrilling, darkly stylish debut that will leave fans of YA mystery hungry for more. Rowana Miller has painted a dazzling and dangerous portrait of grief, girlhood, and the high cost of truth. Add it to your TBR if you like your prep school thrillers with secrets, sisterhood, and just the right amount of glitter.
In “Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls,” debut author Rowana Miller delivers a moody, twist-laden YA thriller set in the sharp, glittering corridors of elite Manhattan prep school life. This dark academia mystery cuts deep into themes of grief, power, identity, and the seductive danger of belonging.
The book begins with a simple, strange directive: Dye your hand blue. For scholarship student Kay Anderson, the anonymous message is both absurd and alluring. Still mourning the sudden death of her best (and only) friend Emily two years earlier, Kay finds herself inexplicably drawn into a secret society known only to its initiates as the Blue Hand Girls. What starts as a cryptic dare quickly spirals into a high-stakes game of clues, secrets, and covert missions—each one more dangerous than the last.
Miller expertly captures the high-pressure atmosphere of Davison High, an elite all-girls school where Instagram filters and Ivy League dreams collide. Kay, whose outsider status makes her an ideal narrator, navigates a maze of whispered betrayals, glittering facades, and moral ambiguity. With every new letter and assignment, the stakes climb, and Kay begins to realize that the secret society isn’t just a game; it may be the key to uncovering the truth behind Emily’s suspicious death.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its tone: brooding yet sharp, fierce yet emotionally grounded. Miller’s prose balances suspense with style, injecting scenes with metaphorical bite and social commentary. The pacing is fast, though not rushed, with chapters that stretch just long enough to ratchet up the tension before delivering one of many gasp-worthy revelations. Readers are kept guessing until the very end, and though some may see the final twist coming, the journey there is gripping enough that it hardly matters.
The supporting cast features rival girls with secrets, mentors with murky motives, even potential love interests, and they are often morally gray and sometimes unlikable, but intentionally so. Like Kay, you are never quite sure whom to trust. A light romantic subplot and undercurrent of queer identity add richness without distracting from the central mystery.
Thematically, “Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls” dives into what it means to seek justice in a world that favors silence and legacy over truth. It's also a razor-sharp commentary on the performative nature of privilege and the cost of digging beneath it. For those who love secret societies, academic intrigue, and fierce girl protagonists, this is a satisfying, intelligent thriller that doesn’t pull its punches.
Overall, “Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls” is a thrilling, darkly stylish debut that will leave fans of YA mystery hungry for more. Rowana Miller has painted a dazzling and dangerous portrait of grief, girlhood, and the high cost of truth. Add it to your TBR if you like your prep school thrillers with secrets, sisterhood, and just the right amount of glitter.
October 6, 2025
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire, Rowana Miller, and NetGalley for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls will release on October 7, 2025!
✋🏻 Content Warning
-Death of a best friend
-Grief
💙 Read if you love
-Fall academia vibes
-YA mysteries
-Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, and Heathers
-Outsider in a posh prep school
-Queer representation
-Secret societies
-Conspiracies
-Sapphic romance subplot
-Supporting women’s rights & women’s wrongs
My thoughts
“Dear Kay,
We find you intriguing.”
What an absolute bonkers way to start a letter. If it were me, I would have run away screaming.
Thankfully, Kay Anderson is not like me, because she follows the letter’s subsequent instructions and dyes her hand blue. As a scholarship student, she doesn’t have time for frivolous secret societies; she’s focused on getting stellar grades so she graduates with honors and gets into Northwestern. Nevertheless, the prospect of being part of the Blue Hand girls is compelling enough that she follows the instructions that come in each letter. Kaye hasn’t had any friends since her best friend Emily died in a freak accident their freshman year. But when she realizes the Blue Hand Girls’ motive might align with own: to figure out what really led to Emily’s death two years ago, she decides it would be beneficial to get closer to her fellow pledges after all. She’s also drawn towards one of the BHG’s leaders named Zola, who is also the charismatic girl she’s been crushing on in her Calculus class. However, Zola is kind of an enigma herself, providing more questions than answers…
I absolutely adore anything that has an academic setting. And an academic setting plus a twisty, turn-y mystery? *chef’s kiss* It was wonderful watching Kay delve further into the mystery of her best friend’s death, which of course, unravels a whole lot of threads that certain people in power would rather keep tied up. Each BHG initiation challenge comes with higher stakes, and the pledges quickly realize they have to rely on each other in order for any of them to get through. I wish there was as much, if not more, emphasis on Kay’s burgeoning with Chioma, Mai, and Tia, as there is on her romantic relationship with Zola.
For some reason, Kay and Zola’s relationship always felt…off to me. Maybe it's because Zola has a position of power over her? I can’t say more without giving spoilers. 🫢 However, I will say that this is definitely a YA mystery thriller novel with a romance subplot, so adjust your expectations accordingly. If you are primarily a romance reader, this one might not be for you. But if you’re into academic mysteries and thrillers without gore, you should definitely check this out!
✋🏻 Content Warning
-Death of a best friend
-Grief
💙 Read if you love
-Fall academia vibes
-YA mysteries
-Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, and Heathers
-Outsider in a posh prep school
-Queer representation
-Secret societies
-Conspiracies
-Sapphic romance subplot
-Supporting women’s rights & women’s wrongs
My thoughts
“Dear Kay,
We find you intriguing.”
What an absolute bonkers way to start a letter. If it were me, I would have run away screaming.
Thankfully, Kay Anderson is not like me, because she follows the letter’s subsequent instructions and dyes her hand blue. As a scholarship student, she doesn’t have time for frivolous secret societies; she’s focused on getting stellar grades so she graduates with honors and gets into Northwestern. Nevertheless, the prospect of being part of the Blue Hand girls is compelling enough that she follows the instructions that come in each letter. Kaye hasn’t had any friends since her best friend Emily died in a freak accident their freshman year. But when she realizes the Blue Hand Girls’ motive might align with own: to figure out what really led to Emily’s death two years ago, she decides it would be beneficial to get closer to her fellow pledges after all. She’s also drawn towards one of the BHG’s leaders named Zola, who is also the charismatic girl she’s been crushing on in her Calculus class. However, Zola is kind of an enigma herself, providing more questions than answers…
I absolutely adore anything that has an academic setting. And an academic setting plus a twisty, turn-y mystery? *chef’s kiss* It was wonderful watching Kay delve further into the mystery of her best friend’s death, which of course, unravels a whole lot of threads that certain people in power would rather keep tied up. Each BHG initiation challenge comes with higher stakes, and the pledges quickly realize they have to rely on each other in order for any of them to get through. I wish there was as much, if not more, emphasis on Kay’s burgeoning with Chioma, Mai, and Tia, as there is on her romantic relationship with Zola.
For some reason, Kay and Zola’s relationship always felt…off to me. Maybe it's because Zola has a position of power over her? I can’t say more without giving spoilers. 🫢 However, I will say that this is definitely a YA mystery thriller novel with a romance subplot, so adjust your expectations accordingly. If you are primarily a romance reader, this one might not be for you. But if you’re into academic mysteries and thrillers without gore, you should definitely check this out!
February 10, 2026
7-7.25/10
I really enjoyed this book. There were so many things that just resonated with me, and I don't really have an explanation for why, other than kinda parallels to my life?? but made me just really like different things.
1. Her parents playing bananagrams together when they get home from work.
2. her being super close with her aunt
3. going to an all girls school (not even remotely like my life, but this was just cool to me I think. I rarely see all-girls schools in books).
4. bodega mentioned
5. the weirdness of it all
6. the voice of the narrator
7. she wanted to attend northwestern
8. good grades
9. all the evil people working at tesla and big ass tech companies and ai companies and shit. We love an aware book
Mainly the bananagrams thing was insane to me. I loved that. The parents are barely there for the rest of the book but I just loved that moment too much???
SPOILERS:
Anyway, the plot and logic of this book was definetely its biggest weakness. Why would anyone go along with this? How would this society even get off the ground, considering everything? Why would a school realistically have a hidden room full of hidden records? I think there wasn't enough built up about the villainy of the school to this point to establish this. I would've liked more atmospheric descriptions of creepiness in the halls of the school/the teachers being sus (not just the bully teacher being a twit).
This isn't all, but basically there were a lot of things that didn't feel realistic or like they added up. But I also liked how unique the book was. Part of my enjoyment of it was that it's not following a trope or tropes. It's very queer both in characters ofc but also in just diverging from the typical book path. I couldn't predict it. Coloring their hands blue, a bunch of girls joining together to compete but also work together and pull off a heist kinda, and a mystery behind it all. It was so eclectic. I liked that bit. So I read it kinda suspending my disbelief over the plot holes and character motivation holes and what not. Also, I liked Kay but dayumn if her detective skills and "logical" conclusions weren't the worst/completely flimsy.
I was immediately intrigued as soon as I started the book. I thought it might be a dnf from the outside, just cuz most of my random books I pick up are dnfs bc I got so much stuff to read, but as soon as I started listening, I was inexplicably hooked. This book is weird and I like that about it.
I really enjoyed this book. There were so many things that just resonated with me, and I don't really have an explanation for why, other than kinda parallels to my life?? but made me just really like different things.
1. Her parents playing bananagrams together when they get home from work.
2. her being super close with her aunt
3. going to an all girls school (not even remotely like my life, but this was just cool to me I think. I rarely see all-girls schools in books).
4. bodega mentioned
5. the weirdness of it all
6. the voice of the narrator
7. she wanted to attend northwestern
8. good grades
9. all the evil people working at tesla and big ass tech companies and ai companies and shit. We love an aware book
Mainly the bananagrams thing was insane to me. I loved that. The parents are barely there for the rest of the book but I just loved that moment too much???
SPOILERS:
Anyway, the plot and logic of this book was definetely its biggest weakness. Why would anyone go along with this? How would this society even get off the ground, considering everything? Why would a school realistically have a hidden room full of hidden records? I think there wasn't enough built up about the villainy of the school to this point to establish this. I would've liked more atmospheric descriptions of creepiness in the halls of the school/the teachers being sus (not just the bully teacher being a twit).
This isn't all, but basically there were a lot of things that didn't feel realistic or like they added up. But I also liked how unique the book was. Part of my enjoyment of it was that it's not following a trope or tropes. It's very queer both in characters ofc but also in just diverging from the typical book path. I couldn't predict it. Coloring their hands blue, a bunch of girls joining together to compete but also work together and pull off a heist kinda, and a mystery behind it all. It was so eclectic. I liked that bit. So I read it kinda suspending my disbelief over the plot holes and character motivation holes and what not. Also, I liked Kay but dayumn if her detective skills and "logical" conclusions weren't the worst/completely flimsy.
I was immediately intrigued as soon as I started the book. I thought it might be a dnf from the outside, just cuz most of my random books I pick up are dnfs bc I got so much stuff to read, but as soon as I started listening, I was inexplicably hooked. This book is weird and I like that about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this, though it took the audiobook to fully pull me in. I received the eARC through NetGalley and at first I was only getting through a few pages at a time—the chapters felt a bit long for YA. But once I realized the audiobook was done by PRH, the heavens opened up and I switched to an immersion read, which made it so much more engaging.
The story reminded me of a YA-appropriate Bunny—not nearly as bizarre, but with that same slightly unsettling edge. Yes, it had the typical absent-parent trope while teens were off doing not-so-typical things, but it also gave an intriguing glimpse into secret society culture, which very much exists, even in private schools. I did see one review where the reader seemed offended by the portrayal of private schooling, as if their own experience was the definitive one. Not only is that not the case, but more importantly—it’s FICTION! It’s an escape. It’s not a commentary on the entire private school system… but I digress.
What impressed me most was how the author wove in so many details that stayed consistent and ultimately paid off. And perhaps my favorite part—it was inclusive without making that the centerpiece or a “statement.” It simply reflected a student body that naturally included different cultures, backgrounds, and sexualities.
Overall, I think this is a fantastic pick for a teen audience—it’s gritty enough to be compelling but still age-appropriate. Highly recommend when it releases on October 7, 2025.
I fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Sourcebooks- Fire via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
The story reminded me of a YA-appropriate Bunny—not nearly as bizarre, but with that same slightly unsettling edge. Yes, it had the typical absent-parent trope while teens were off doing not-so-typical things, but it also gave an intriguing glimpse into secret society culture, which very much exists, even in private schools. I did see one review where the reader seemed offended by the portrayal of private schooling, as if their own experience was the definitive one. Not only is that not the case, but more importantly—it’s FICTION! It’s an escape. It’s not a commentary on the entire private school system… but I digress.
What impressed me most was how the author wove in so many details that stayed consistent and ultimately paid off. And perhaps my favorite part—it was inclusive without making that the centerpiece or a “statement.” It simply reflected a student body that naturally included different cultures, backgrounds, and sexualities.
Overall, I think this is a fantastic pick for a teen audience—it’s gritty enough to be compelling but still age-appropriate. Highly recommend when it releases on October 7, 2025.
I fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Sourcebooks- Fire via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
January 14, 2026
This book sounded right up my street: A secret society, a fancy school, a cold case and sapphic representation. What more could a girl want?
I enjoyed this, just not as much as I was expecting. The plot sounded so thrilling, and for a while it was. But I think we got lost there for a little while. I was around 70% through and I was super confused. What I had learnt didn’t particularly add up to what I was reading in that moment. There was so much tension built up around this cold case, that when the reveal came I felt somewhat deflated. I don’t think the reveal was explained well enough, I found myself confused and trying to keep up with who was being named and who did what. I kept thinking that there could’ve been an easier way to explain it.
Unfortunately, it felt like there was a little too much going on in the end. The final part seemed so unnecessary and extremely far fetched. I would’ve rated this higher if I didn’t feel like I was being spun around in an opposite/unrealistic direction.
I liked the characters, the found family element was really lovely. Kay went from being a loner to having friends she could count on. Kay herself was a bit hit and miss for me, I couldn’t fully connect with her but I did like reading from her point of view. I think this could’ve been extra fun if we had another POV, perhaps one of the Blue Hand Girls.
The writing definitely had a younger feel to it. Especially when it came to the main relationship. It felt juvenile for people who were going to be off to college soon. However, I am not someone who has experienced love, so it could just be me who struggled with that.
I think the classism is brought up often but ultimately not dealt with the way I would’ve imagined considering it impacted the characters greatly.
I did like the earlier initiations and quests regarding the Blue Hand Girls. I thought the chat website was super unique and the history behind the meaning was really interesting and fun.
Overall, I clearly mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it, I would definitely look into any other books written by this author. But I do feel like certain parts could’ve been improved.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this, just not as much as I was expecting. The plot sounded so thrilling, and for a while it was. But I think we got lost there for a little while. I was around 70% through and I was super confused. What I had learnt didn’t particularly add up to what I was reading in that moment. There was so much tension built up around this cold case, that when the reveal came I felt somewhat deflated. I don’t think the reveal was explained well enough, I found myself confused and trying to keep up with who was being named and who did what. I kept thinking that there could’ve been an easier way to explain it.
Unfortunately, it felt like there was a little too much going on in the end. The final part seemed so unnecessary and extremely far fetched. I would’ve rated this higher if I didn’t feel like I was being spun around in an opposite/unrealistic direction.
I liked the characters, the found family element was really lovely. Kay went from being a loner to having friends she could count on. Kay herself was a bit hit and miss for me, I couldn’t fully connect with her but I did like reading from her point of view. I think this could’ve been extra fun if we had another POV, perhaps one of the Blue Hand Girls.
The writing definitely had a younger feel to it. Especially when it came to the main relationship. It felt juvenile for people who were going to be off to college soon. However, I am not someone who has experienced love, so it could just be me who struggled with that.
I think the classism is brought up often but ultimately not dealt with the way I would’ve imagined considering it impacted the characters greatly.
I did like the earlier initiations and quests regarding the Blue Hand Girls. I thought the chat website was super unique and the history behind the meaning was really interesting and fun.
Overall, I clearly mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it, I would definitely look into any other books written by this author. But I do feel like certain parts could’ve been improved.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
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