We Were Warned
YA Psychological Thriller, Sourcebooks Fire (March 4, 2025)
Everyone knows the legend of Fairport Village: twenty years ago, a shocking murder closed the place down. This year, the ruins will be bulldozed at last. But tonight, it's not too late to die.
All her life, Eden Stafford has heard the lore about the abandoned beach resort at the edge of town: ever since the notorious murder there, anyone who sets foot on the property is cursed to die, It's more than just a story: over the years, two high school students who dared to explore the ruins of Fairport Village were killed there.
Eden is no stranger to notoriety, having endured a family scandal that's made her a target at school. So when she reluctantly attends an overnight party at the ruins, she's on edge―not because of some legend, but because the clique that has made her life hell for years is there, too, including Caleb Durham, the worst of them all.
Yet out of all the things Eden expected to happen that night, finding another student dead at Fairport Village wasn't one of them.
Though the death is ruled an accident, Eden knows she saw something suspicious at the ruins―and Caleb and her other longtime tormentors did too. Now they're all being followed by a deadly stranger, and to save themselves, they must work together to uncover the truth about Fairport Village. But after all that's happened, can Eden really trust Caleb and his friends? Or will they leave her to face a killer alone?
PRAISE FOR WE WERE WARNED
"A twisty whodunit set against the backdrop of a town haunted by a deadly curse... Everyone’s a suspect in this thrilling tale that armchair sleuths will enjoy untangling." --Kirkus Reviews
All her life, Eden Stafford has heard the lore about the abandoned beach resort at the edge of town: ever since the notorious murder there, anyone who sets foot on the property is cursed to die, It's more than just a story: over the years, two high school students who dared to explore the ruins of Fairport Village were killed there.
Eden is no stranger to notoriety, having endured a family scandal that's made her a target at school. So when she reluctantly attends an overnight party at the ruins, she's on edge―not because of some legend, but because the clique that has made her life hell for years is there, too, including Caleb Durham, the worst of them all.
Yet out of all the things Eden expected to happen that night, finding another student dead at Fairport Village wasn't one of them.
Though the death is ruled an accident, Eden knows she saw something suspicious at the ruins―and Caleb and her other longtime tormentors did too. Now they're all being followed by a deadly stranger, and to save themselves, they must work together to uncover the truth about Fairport Village. But after all that's happened, can Eden really trust Caleb and his friends? Or will they leave her to face a killer alone?
PRAISE FOR WE WERE WARNED
"A twisty whodunit set against the backdrop of a town haunted by a deadly curse... Everyone’s a suspect in this thrilling tale that armchair sleuths will enjoy untangling." --Kirkus Reviews
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So I Lied
Adult Thriller, Thomas & Mercer (January 28, 2025)
In this foreboding journey into the depths of friendship, three women spend a trip together covering up the secrets between them―but when one lie unravels, there’s no going back.
Jocelyn is ready to get married―and more ready to have fun. She plans a bachelorette trip to North Wales, where she can forget about her strained relationship and focus on the tension among friends instead. It’s a welcome distraction.
Her friend Rowan used to be the wild child. But after having a kid of her own and losing the father in a tragic accident, she’s now the ever-responsible single mother, cautious in every way. Except one.
Cadence doesn’t want to be there. For as long as she’s known her friends, she’s always felt disparate. Maybe it’s because those two share a special bond: Jocelyn’s brother was Rowan’s boyfriend, and they still feel his loss. Or maybe it’s because Cadence has secrets they can never know.
As the trip goes on, their friendship begins to crack under the pressure of all the things they leave unsaid…but those might be the only things that can save them.
PRAISE FOR SO I LIED
“Tightly plotted, suspenseful, and ruthless in its exploration of the dark side of love and friendship, Ichaso’s novel is a richly satisfying thriller. A twisty, unrelenting gem.” --Kirkus Reviews
“Ichaso packs a punch in her adult thriller debut. Deliciously atmospheric and truly compelling, this bachelorette party weekend sees three friends and their multitude of secrets deliver one twist after another. With its jaw dropping ending, this is thriller writing at its best.” —Paula Gleeson, author of Original Twin
“In her adult debut, Ichaso weaves a chilling tale of friendship and betrayal. Thriller fans will fly through the pages as the story barrels at breakneck speed towards its final shocking twist.” —MK Pagano, author of Girls Who Burn
Jocelyn is ready to get married―and more ready to have fun. She plans a bachelorette trip to North Wales, where she can forget about her strained relationship and focus on the tension among friends instead. It’s a welcome distraction.
Her friend Rowan used to be the wild child. But after having a kid of her own and losing the father in a tragic accident, she’s now the ever-responsible single mother, cautious in every way. Except one.
Cadence doesn’t want to be there. For as long as she’s known her friends, she’s always felt disparate. Maybe it’s because those two share a special bond: Jocelyn’s brother was Rowan’s boyfriend, and they still feel his loss. Or maybe it’s because Cadence has secrets they can never know.
As the trip goes on, their friendship begins to crack under the pressure of all the things they leave unsaid…but those might be the only things that can save them.
PRAISE FOR SO I LIED
“Tightly plotted, suspenseful, and ruthless in its exploration of the dark side of love and friendship, Ichaso’s novel is a richly satisfying thriller. A twisty, unrelenting gem.” --Kirkus Reviews
“Ichaso packs a punch in her adult thriller debut. Deliciously atmospheric and truly compelling, this bachelorette party weekend sees three friends and their multitude of secrets deliver one twist after another. With its jaw dropping ending, this is thriller writing at its best.” —Paula Gleeson, author of Original Twin
“In her adult debut, Ichaso weaves a chilling tale of friendship and betrayal. Thriller fans will fly through the pages as the story barrels at breakneck speed towards its final shocking twist.” —MK Pagano, author of Girls Who Burn
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The Summer She Went Missing
YA Psychological Thriller, Sourcebooks Fire (2024)
Last summer, they searched for Audrey Covington. This summer, they'll search for the truth.
Paige Redmond has always felt lucky to spend her summers in Clearwater Ridge, with lazy days sunning at the waterfalls and nights partying at the sprawling houses of the rich families who vacation there. The Covingtons are one of these families, and beautiful, brilliant Audrey Covinton is Paige's best friend. And last year, when Audrey's crush-worthy brother Dylan finally started noticing Paige, she was sure it would be the best summer ever.
Except Audrey didn't seem quite like herself. Then one night, she didn't come home. Though Audrey wasn't the first girl to disappear in Clearwater Ridge, she left behind more lies than clues. Now, one summer later, her case has gone cold, and nobody, least of all Paige, can make sense of what happened.
When Paige stumbles across a secret hidden in Audrey's room, however, it changes everything she thought she knew about last summer. She and Dylan set out on their own investigation, discovering things even the police don't know about the people of Clearwater Ridge. But tracking down missing girls-girls who might be beyond saving by now-means entering a world far darker than Paige has ever imagined. And if she isn't careful, she'll become the next girl to vanish.
PRAISE FOR THE SUMMER SHE WENT MISSING
"This tautly paced thriller by Ichaso (They're Watching You) follows small-town secrets to a deadly conclusion as a world of con artists, monsters, and murder unravels from the depths of Clearwater Ridge, an idyllic vacation destination for the ultra-rich. When teenager Paige Redmond's best friend, the wealthy and beautiful Audrey Covington, becomes the latest in a string of missing girls, the case goes cold due to a lack of information. Unable to accept this outcome, Paige and competitive swimmer Dylan--Audrey's handsome older brother, whom Paige has been besotted with since they were kids--begin their own inquiry into Audrey's disappearance, at the same time delving into a world of shadowy townies and even more sinister dealings among the area's upper crust Populace. What the duo finds revels Clearwater Ridge's rotting center, which threatens to claim not just the lives of disappeared girls but of anyone who asks too many questions. Ichaso's prose is crackling and propulsive, and alternating perspectives and timelines imbue the central mystery with an anticipatory ambiance that culminates in an earned ending that doesn't waste any of the intricate and fascinating plot beats that make up this high-stakes tale.." - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"You won’t be able to put it down! This book checks every box for a perfect mystery. Chelsea Ichaso creates robust, relatable characters within the first 20 pages that will keep you turning the pages. It is summer time in an affluent tourist community and best friends Paige and Aubrey are looking forward to their annual reunion when their families vacation together for the summer. Parties, suntans, and boys are always the agenda. This year though, con games, disappearances, and murder take center stage. Paige soon realizes she may not know her best friend as well as she thinks. Audrey disappears and in the desperate search for her, secrets are uncovered. This is the perfect young adult book for readers and even reluctant readers. The book moves so quickly that there is never a time to lose focus. Readers will think they have figured out the mystery at least 3 or 4 times and will still be wrong. Hopefully the author is considering a sequel because you will want to keep the characters in your life!" -Youth Services Book Review
"The Best Books of 2024" - Barnes & Noble
Paige Redmond has always felt lucky to spend her summers in Clearwater Ridge, with lazy days sunning at the waterfalls and nights partying at the sprawling houses of the rich families who vacation there. The Covingtons are one of these families, and beautiful, brilliant Audrey Covinton is Paige's best friend. And last year, when Audrey's crush-worthy brother Dylan finally started noticing Paige, she was sure it would be the best summer ever.
Except Audrey didn't seem quite like herself. Then one night, she didn't come home. Though Audrey wasn't the first girl to disappear in Clearwater Ridge, she left behind more lies than clues. Now, one summer later, her case has gone cold, and nobody, least of all Paige, can make sense of what happened.
When Paige stumbles across a secret hidden in Audrey's room, however, it changes everything she thought she knew about last summer. She and Dylan set out on their own investigation, discovering things even the police don't know about the people of Clearwater Ridge. But tracking down missing girls-girls who might be beyond saving by now-means entering a world far darker than Paige has ever imagined. And if she isn't careful, she'll become the next girl to vanish.
PRAISE FOR THE SUMMER SHE WENT MISSING
"This tautly paced thriller by Ichaso (They're Watching You) follows small-town secrets to a deadly conclusion as a world of con artists, monsters, and murder unravels from the depths of Clearwater Ridge, an idyllic vacation destination for the ultra-rich. When teenager Paige Redmond's best friend, the wealthy and beautiful Audrey Covington, becomes the latest in a string of missing girls, the case goes cold due to a lack of information. Unable to accept this outcome, Paige and competitive swimmer Dylan--Audrey's handsome older brother, whom Paige has been besotted with since they were kids--begin their own inquiry into Audrey's disappearance, at the same time delving into a world of shadowy townies and even more sinister dealings among the area's upper crust Populace. What the duo finds revels Clearwater Ridge's rotting center, which threatens to claim not just the lives of disappeared girls but of anyone who asks too many questions. Ichaso's prose is crackling and propulsive, and alternating perspectives and timelines imbue the central mystery with an anticipatory ambiance that culminates in an earned ending that doesn't waste any of the intricate and fascinating plot beats that make up this high-stakes tale.." - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"You won’t be able to put it down! This book checks every box for a perfect mystery. Chelsea Ichaso creates robust, relatable characters within the first 20 pages that will keep you turning the pages. It is summer time in an affluent tourist community and best friends Paige and Aubrey are looking forward to their annual reunion when their families vacation together for the summer. Parties, suntans, and boys are always the agenda. This year though, con games, disappearances, and murder take center stage. Paige soon realizes she may not know her best friend as well as she thinks. Audrey disappears and in the desperate search for her, secrets are uncovered. This is the perfect young adult book for readers and even reluctant readers. The book moves so quickly that there is never a time to lose focus. Readers will think they have figured out the mystery at least 3 or 4 times and will still be wrong. Hopefully the author is considering a sequel because you will want to keep the characters in your life!" -Youth Services Book Review
"The Best Books of 2024" - Barnes & Noble
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THEY'RE WATCHING YOU
YA Psychological Thriller, Sourcebooks Fire (2023)
When a secret society has you in their sights, it can lead to power, privilege... or death.
It's been two weeks since Polly St. James went missing. The police, the headmistress of Torrey-Wells Academy, and even her parents have ruled her a runaway. But not Maren, her best friend and roommate. She knows Polly had a secret that she was about to share with Maren before she disappeared― something to do with the elite, ultra-rich crowd at Torrey-Wells.
Then Maren finds an envelope hidden among Polly's things: an invitation to the Gamemaster's Society. Do not tell anyone, it says. Maren is certain her classmates in the Society know the truth about what happened to Polly, though it's no easy feat to join. Once Maren's made it through the treacherous initiation, she discovers a world she never knew existed within her school, where Society members compete in high-stakes games for unheard-of rewards―Ivy League connections, privileges, favors.
But Maren's been drawn into a different game: for every win, she'll receive a clue about Polly. And as Maren keeps winning, she begins to see just how powerful the Society's game is―bigger and deadlier than she ever imagined. They see, they know, they control. And they kill.
It's been two weeks since Polly St. James went missing. The police, the headmistress of Torrey-Wells Academy, and even her parents have ruled her a runaway. But not Maren, her best friend and roommate. She knows Polly had a secret that she was about to share with Maren before she disappeared― something to do with the elite, ultra-rich crowd at Torrey-Wells.
Then Maren finds an envelope hidden among Polly's things: an invitation to the Gamemaster's Society. Do not tell anyone, it says. Maren is certain her classmates in the Society know the truth about what happened to Polly, though it's no easy feat to join. Once Maren's made it through the treacherous initiation, she discovers a world she never knew existed within her school, where Society members compete in high-stakes games for unheard-of rewards―Ivy League connections, privileges, favors.
But Maren's been drawn into a different game: for every win, she'll receive a clue about Polly. And as Maren keeps winning, she begins to see just how powerful the Society's game is―bigger and deadlier than she ever imagined. They see, they know, they control. And they kill.
PRAISE FOR THEY'RE WATCHING YOU
A Junior Library Guild Selection!
"Readers be warned: once you descend into the catacombs underneath the school, you won't want to resurface until the Game is done." - School Library Journal
"If you love boarding school mysteries and capers, this one was twisty-turny, romantic, and voyeuristic... a good read alike suggestion for teens who liked the Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson or anything by Karen M. McManus." ― Youth Services Book Review
"Dungeons, catacombs, and crypts, oh my: Readers will be glued to the edges of their seats." - Kirkus Reviews
"Via a quick-witted and fiercely likable heroine, Ichaso examines themes of privilege and trust...Frightening crypts, deadly schemes, devastating betrayals, and pulse-pounding chases through dark tunnels abound in this twisty read." - Publishers Weekly
"Readers are... in for a thrilling time as Maren delves into a world of betrayals and blackmail and plays risky games against the clock" ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The characters and mystery are well-developed and will keep the reader interested... Ichaso has created an engaging mystery that must be solved." ― School Library Connection
A Junior Library Guild Selection!
"Readers be warned: once you descend into the catacombs underneath the school, you won't want to resurface until the Game is done." - School Library Journal
"If you love boarding school mysteries and capers, this one was twisty-turny, romantic, and voyeuristic... a good read alike suggestion for teens who liked the Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson or anything by Karen M. McManus." ― Youth Services Book Review
"Dungeons, catacombs, and crypts, oh my: Readers will be glued to the edges of their seats." - Kirkus Reviews
"Via a quick-witted and fiercely likable heroine, Ichaso examines themes of privilege and trust...Frightening crypts, deadly schemes, devastating betrayals, and pulse-pounding chases through dark tunnels abound in this twisty read." - Publishers Weekly
"Readers are... in for a thrilling time as Maren delves into a world of betrayals and blackmail and plays risky games against the clock" ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The characters and mystery are well-developed and will keep the reader interested... Ichaso has created an engaging mystery that must be solved." ― School Library Connection
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DEAD GIRLS CAN'T TELL SECRETS
YA Psychological Thriller, Sourcebooks Fire (2022)
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Piper's fall was no accident. Did someone want her dead? It's up to her sister to discover the truth in this shocking new thriller with an unreliable narrator, from the acclaimed author of Little Creeping Things.
Piper Sullivan was in a strange hiking accident last month and has been in a coma ever since. Her older sister, Savannah, can't pretend to be optimistic about it; things look bad. Piper will likely never wake up, and Savannah will never get any answers about what exactly happened. But then Savannah finds a note in Piper's locker, inviting Piper to a meeting of their school's wilderness club...at the very place and on the very day that she fell. Which means there was a chance that Piper wasn't alone. Someone might've seen something. Worse, someone might've done something. But who would want to hurt the perfect Piper Sullivan...and why? To discover the truth, Savannah joins the club on their weekend-long camping trip on the same mountain where her sister fell. But she better be careful; everyone in the club is a suspect, and everyone seems to be keeping secrets about that tragic day. And Savannah? She's been keeping secrets, too... PRAISE FOR DEAD GIRLS CAN'T TELL SECRETS
Teen Readers' Choice - Semi-Finalist - Mystery & Thriller Young Adult Fiction A Junior Library Guild Selection! “A well-paced page-turner about uncovering the truth at any cost.”--Kirkus Reviews "Perfect for fans of Karen McManus or The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynne Barnes."--School Library Connection "Teens who like Who-dun-its, mysteries not easily figured out with a lot of intrigue, suspense and slightly thriller will appreciate this one." ― Youth Services Book Review "This fast-paced thriller will keep readers guessing from the very first page all the way to the final jaw-dropping sentence." -- School Library Journal "Ichaso has penned another young-adult thriller that is sure to grip readers with a blend of mystery and romance... An endearing and engrossing read" –Booklist
LITTLE CREEPING THINGSYA Psychological Thriller, Sourcebooks Fire (2020)
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When she was a child, Cassidy Pratt accidentally started a fire that killed her neighbor. She's pretty sure she didn't mean to do it, and she'd give anything to forget that awful day. But her town's bullies, particularly the cruel and beautiful Melody Davenport, have never let her live it down. In Melody's eyes, Cassidy is a murderer and always will be.
Then Melody goes missing, and Cassidy thinks she may have information about what happened. She knows she should go to the cops, but she recently joked about how much she'd like to get rid of Melody. She even planned the perfect way to do it. And then she gets a chilling text from an unknown number: I’m so glad we’re in this together.
Now it's up to Cassidy to figure out what's really going on before the truth behind Melody's disappearance sets the whole town ablaze.
Then Melody goes missing, and Cassidy thinks she may have information about what happened. She knows she should go to the cops, but she recently joked about how much she'd like to get rid of Melody. She even planned the perfect way to do it. And then she gets a chilling text from an unknown number: I’m so glad we’re in this together.
Now it's up to Cassidy to figure out what's really going on before the truth behind Melody's disappearance sets the whole town ablaze.
PRAISE FOR LITTLE CREEPING THINGS
A Junior Library Guild Selection!
“Everyone's a suspect, and no one is safe, in this twisty debut from a compelling new voice in YA, Chelsea Ichaso. Don't miss it!”--Kit Frick, author of See All the Stars, All Eyes on Us, and I Killed Zoe Spanos
“Little Creeping Things is a stunning debut in every sense of the word. From the chilling opening pages to the jaw-dropping final reveal, the pacing is relentless, the twists dizzying. Cass is the best kind of unreliable narrator, delightfully acerbic and hopelessly sincere even when she isn't telling the truth. Chelsea Ichaso has without a doubt written the breakout thriller of the year.”--Dana Mele, author of People Like Us
“Little Creeping Things, with its cast of creepy and untrustworthy characters, will satisfy the appetites of all manner of mystery fans.”--Booklist
“The reveal…is both well earned and eerie.”--Kirkus Reviews
“Ichaso’s debut is a riveting whodunnit... a psychological thriller worthy of mystery aficionados.”--School Library Journal
“[G]ripping twists and turns add suspense to this genre-solid whodunit and keep readers guessing until the very last page.”--Publishers Weekly
A Junior Library Guild Selection!
“Everyone's a suspect, and no one is safe, in this twisty debut from a compelling new voice in YA, Chelsea Ichaso. Don't miss it!”--Kit Frick, author of See All the Stars, All Eyes on Us, and I Killed Zoe Spanos
“Little Creeping Things is a stunning debut in every sense of the word. From the chilling opening pages to the jaw-dropping final reveal, the pacing is relentless, the twists dizzying. Cass is the best kind of unreliable narrator, delightfully acerbic and hopelessly sincere even when she isn't telling the truth. Chelsea Ichaso has without a doubt written the breakout thriller of the year.”--Dana Mele, author of People Like Us
“Little Creeping Things, with its cast of creepy and untrustworthy characters, will satisfy the appetites of all manner of mystery fans.”--Booklist
“The reveal…is both well earned and eerie.”--Kirkus Reviews
“Ichaso’s debut is a riveting whodunnit... a psychological thriller worthy of mystery aficionados.”--School Library Journal
“[G]ripping twists and turns add suspense to this genre-solid whodunit and keep readers guessing until the very last page.”--Publishers Weekly
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