A review by flower_princess
Liar's Beach by Katie Cotugno

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

If you’re looking for a fun, twisty summer mystery “Liar’s Beach” is the perfect pick. It’s got everything—rich kid drama, glamorous settings, and a mystery that keeps you guessing. The story follows Michael Linden, a scholarship kid trying to blend in with his wealthy friends, and Holiday Proctor, his sharp no-BS childhood friend who’s convinced there’s more to a poolside “accident” than meets the eye. Their dramatic dynamic is super entertaining—Holiday’s keen detective instincts complementing Linden’s inner turmoil as he navigates privilege, identity, and self-doubt. Katie Cotugno’s writing is sharp and effortless making it easy to get sucked into the drama. The mystery builds at a solid pace, and while the twists aren’t over the top shocking, they’re satisfying. Overall, “Liar’s Beach” is a binge-worthy read.