I Hope You're Listening

Books, Coffee & Passion
I'm obsessed with podcasts so I knew I needed to read I Hope You're Listening as soon as I read its synopsis. Additionally, I couldn't resist the fact that it's a mystery thriller which made it perfect to read in October. I'm so glad I read it!
I read 50% in one sitting and I only stopped because I needed to work and while I was at work, I kept thinking about this story. As soon as I got home, I finished it because I literally couldn't wait. I guess you can tell I was really hooked! I totally was. From page one, this book kept me on my toes. Guessing, guessing, guessing. There's something about Tom Ryan's writing that captivated me completely and I just couldn't stop reading. I NEEDED to know what, who and why, especially regarding the main mystery. Yes, there's more than one mystery!
Dee is an amazing character, she kept so much to herself, she carried so much on her shoulders and even when she was being self-absorbed, like any teenager especially a teen that went through what she did when she was a child, I absolutely loved her. Burke, her childhood friend, was also a great character, their friendship was solid even with its ups and downs and I loved their moments together. I wish we could've seen more of Burke as the story developed. I also loved Dee's Dad, he was so funny and sweet. I really enjoyed the fact he was a stay-at-home Dad. Sarah, who moves into the house across the street, was a great addition to the story. She played a major role in Dee's character development and I really liked how their relationship grew. She was exactly what Dee needed.
There were a few things that I felt weren't explained well or at all. Sarah figures something out and I didn't get how she grasped it. It bothered me that Dee didn't even ask Sarah how she figured it out which made me feel like there was a piece of the puzzle missing. Also, one of the mysteries, the one wrapped up at the very end of the book, is solved but I couldn't figure out how too. I don't think we got the details of how the person who solved it got to the bottom of it or maybe I missed something? Anyway, I really loved how the main mystery is wrapped up, though, as well as the mystery that Dee, as The Seeker, was helping to solve on her podcast. This was the first book written by Tom Ryan I've read and it definitely won't be the last.
Overall, I Hope You're Listening is a gripping, emotional, fast paced, entertaining, solid YA mystery thriller. I recommend it to readers who enjoy this genre or that are looking for an enjoyable mystery October read.
Rep: LGBTQIAP+
TW: Drug use; Child Abduction/Kidnapping.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I Hope You're Listening
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ :star_half:(3.5/5) or 7.28/10 overall

Characters - 7

Atmosphere - 8

Writing - 8

Plot - 7

Intrigue - 8

Logic - 7

Enjoyment - 6

A fast-paced mystery with a kickass lesbian protagonist who secretly runs a true-crime podcast. What more do you need?!