A review by apagetoturn
The Debutantes by Olivia Worley

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 

Wow, just wow! The Debutantes by Olivia Worley is an absolute must-read for fans of twisty YA thrillers. Think Karen McManus meets the glittering, dark world of New Orleans Mardi Gras. This book hooked me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the jaw-dropping ending—I honestly did NOT see it coming!

The story immerses you in the opulence and intrigue of the Les Masques Ball, where secrets, scandals, and murder lurk behind every mask. The setting is so atmospheric, you can practically hear the jazz and feel the tension in the humid New Orleans air. The characters—Vivian, Piper, and April—are richly drawn and wonderfully flawed, each with secrets that keep you guessing about their motives.

I loved how the mystery unraveled in layers, with clues sprinkled throughout that made you think you’d figured it out, only to be thrown by another twist. The Jester’s eerie threats and the sinister connections to Margot’s death added such a chilling element to the story. And the ending? Absolutely explosive!

This book is a perfect blend of glamour, danger, and suspense. If you love stories where nothing—and no one—is as it seems, The Debutantes is for you. I’m already hoping for more books from Olivia Worley. Five glittering stars!