Early Reader Review: Watch Us Crack by Gabriella Lepore

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Watch Us Crack by Gabriella Lepore  

Publisher: Storytide
Publication Date:  September 23, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A gripping and tense standalone YA thriller following two teens from rival schools who are each accused of a brutal murder and must identify the real culprit—even if it means destroying their budding romance.

Sadie Morelli and Cason Tano were friends in middle school, back before Cason’s mom died and Sadie transferred to a new school. When they meet again as high school juniors at the local ice rink where Sadie waitresses and Cason’s hockey team plays, what was once friendship blooms into something more. Given the intensity of the rivalry between their schools, their budding romance is a secret for them alone.

But then someone turns up dead at the local train station. Sadie and Cason were both at the station the night of the murder, and both have a reason to want to hurt the victim. With accusations flying and secrets being held close to the chest, Sadie and Cason must decide the lengths they’re willing to go to to clear their own names—and to protect each other.

Review: 

It’s always nice to grab a standalone once in a while, and Watch Us Crack was such a solid pick for fall vibes. This YA mystery-thriller follows a group of teens who suddenly find themselves under suspicion for the murder of another student.

Sadie and Cason go to rival schools but both end up suspects when a body is found across the street from Sadie's house at the train tracks. The victim turns out to be someone they both dislike, but both claim innocence. The plot follows them in dual POV as they try to work out who actually did it and keep themselves safe. 

Although marketed as a thriller, I think it leans a bit more toward mystery with its whodunit set up and the constant finger-pointing/blame-game that the characters experience. The chapters are also interspersed with police interview transcripts and text chains adding to they mystery. I felt the thriller part really come into play at the end as things are coming together and the situations that they are getting into because of it. That said, I liked the transcripts a lot, they added a fun element to the drama between Sadie and Cason. 

One thing to note: hockey is everywhere in this book. Sadie works at a rink diner, and Cason plays for his school, but the constant hockey references felt a little overdone. Still, the author captures the very “high school” thought processes and dynamics well. I also appreciated the contrast between the absent/checked-out parents and Sadie’s dad, who was actively trying to set rules and be present.

Overall, this was a fast-paced and entertaining read, perfect if you’re looking for a fall mystery with a dash of thriller energy.