Author: Susan Dennard
Publisher: Tor Teen
Released: August 26, 2025
Received: ARC
Find it on Storygraph | More YA | Fantasy
Book Summary:
Freddie Gellar is a bit of a goody-two-shoes. She works hard to help her mom around the town, and thus she’s never exactly been part of the “in” crowd. However, that all changed, strangely, when she accidentally got half the rival school arrested. It wasn’t her fault; she heard screaming in the woods and assumed the worst.
That could have been the start to Freddie’s rise to popularity if she hadn’t been totally distracted by something else happening in the town. As it turns out, a teenage party in the woods is nothing compared to a series of murders.
My Review:
If you love Susan Dennard’s previous series or writing, you’ve got to check out The Executioners Three. It’s got those dark vibes and fantastical elements, and that’s just the beginning. There’s also a solidly autumnal feeling to the tale, which makes for the perfect foundation to this haunting murder mystery. Oh, did I mention that it’s also set in the ‘90s, so it’s full of nostalgic references?
Freddie Gellar is the perfect ‘90s amateur sleuth. She’s nerdy, nosy, and prefers to never go anywhere without her camera. Throw in the small town aesthetic and a rival school, and it was really only a matter of time before she got in the middle of something. She reminds me of a slightly older take on Harriet the Spy.
Speaking of! The references in The Executioners Three are an absolute delight. All the music references had me laughing (if you know, you know), and there are plenty of them! It added a little bit of lightness to what otherwise could have been a very tense tale. The other bit of lightness comes from the romantic subplot. After all, Freddie is a determined sleuth; of course, she’s going to get distracted by love! It’s all in good fun.
The mystery itself is complex in the best of ways. We’re talking about small-town drama, hidden pasts, and a supposed curse. It’s exactly the sort of read we’re all craving this time of year.
The Executioners Three is a fantastic read that has a little bit of something for everyone. The protagonists are clever and witty, the setting is appropriately spooky, and the mystery is blood-curdling. What more could we ask for?
Highlights:
- Fantasy Thriller
- Paranormal
- Ghost Stories & Legends
- High School Rivalry
Thanks to Tor Teen and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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