Specimen is a gripping YA thriller for readers who love mystery, suspense, ambition, betrayal, and intrigue. A 17-year-old puzzle solver, Thea Riggs unravels the murder of her best friend’s mother, Roberta Fenning, only to become the next victim in a homicide game. The action-filled story explodes with tension as Thea explores the dark corners of San Francisco to find out who killed her best friend’s mother and why.

I was hooked from page 1. The prose is sharp. Right from the start, you are brought into Thea’s unsettled world, where every dark corner could be a harbinger of terror. The author, Lisa Towles, writes with a cinematic approach, creating scenes that exude a dark atmosphere for the Fenning estate. The tension never abated, and the tale was as much about mood as it was about plot. The book also delves into themes of betrayal and secrecy, primarily through Thea’s growing knowledge of those who surround her.

I was always left unsure as to what was coming next. The plot is compelling, and the tension between Thea and the mysterious Kit Fury is unpredictable enough to maintain tension, even if his motivations are sometimes unclear. The nuances of her relationships are well-developed.

Specimen is a good pick for fans of YA thrillers who love fast-paced plots with dark twists. It is also for those readers who like a female protagonist and a story that blurs the lines between friend and foe. It’s an intense and intriguing read that’s definitely one to keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. If you’re looking for a thriller that’s as much of a puzzle to solve as it is to survive, then pick up Specimen.