Day’s YA: THE FALL OF IRIS HENLEY

THE FALL OF IRIS HENLEY by Jennifer Graham
9781250323835 (Trade Paperback) | 9781250323811 (Library Hardcover)
2/24/26
Wednesday Books
Ages 13-18

Egalley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley

Iris Henley knows what it feels like to hit rock bottom. Six months ago, she had it all. She was popular,  one of the best cheerleaders at her Texas high school, dating the quarterback, and having the time of her life. Until the day she receives a phone call and learns that her boyfriend, Rocky, and ex-best friend, Lynette, were found in an apparent murder-suicide. Her world was shattered, but that wasn’t rock bottom…

Because now someone has posted on their school’s anonymous gossip site that Iris is the killer. And just like that, she learns what rock bottom truly means. Before long, the entire school believes that Iris is the culprit. And why wouldn’t they? She’s the perfect suspect. Especially given that Rocky was apparently cheating on her with Lynette. When the rumor reaches the local sheriff’s office, they decide to reopen the six-month-old case, and Iris loses everything. Her friends, her future, and her spot on the top of the pyramid. But Iris won’t give up without a fight, and now she must figure out who is responsible for ruining her life.

To put it simply, I could not put this down. The plot is tight and propulsive, the characters are complicated and nuanced, and the twists are shocking. Iris’s strength is unmatched, as she deals with betrayal, cyberbullying, harassment, and ultimately has to figure out who she can trust and who she absolutely cannot. It seemed like each page had more twists and turns than the last, propelling me to a final reveal that is jaw dropping and satisfying. 

This book reminded me of all the best parts of the classic teen shows from the early 2000s, but set in today’s digital age. It’s got the Texas football setting of Friday Night Lights, the drama and anonymity of Gossip Girl, and the crime solving teenaged protagonist of Veronica Mars (plus it’s from the author of the VM books!). Fans of YA thrillers like THE CHEERLEADERS, THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE, and ONE OF US IS LYING will devour this sharp, fast-paced mystery.

“A taut yet winding mystery that will keep readers guessing.” —Kirkus Reviews

Happy reading!
<3 Emily

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