How We Fall Apart

By Katie Zhao

A Thrilling YA Mystery with High Stakes and Dark Secrets

A fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller where dark secrets, elite academia, and social pressure collide.

Overview

In How We Fall Apart, bestselling author Katie Zhao delivers a gripping young adult mystery that blends the high-pressure world of academic excellence with deadly secrets. Perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Crazy Rich Asians, this novel explores friendship, ambition, and the cost of keeping up appearances at any price.

Plot Summary

When Jamie Ruan, Sinclair Prep’s top-ranked student, is found dead, whispers begin to spread, and Nancy Luo and her three friends—Krystal, Akil, and Alexander—are thrust into the center of the scandal. An anonymous figure known as "The Proctor" begins exposing their darkest secrets through the school’s social media app, making it clear that someone wants them to take the fall.

Each of them had a connection to Jamie, and each of them has something to hide. But Nancy has the most to lose—her full scholarship, her future, and her carefully curated reputation. As paranoia sets in, the four friends must race to uncover the true killer before they become the next victims.

Why You'll Love This Book

• High-Stakes Mystery: A deadly game of secrets and lies set in an elite prep school.
• Diverse Representation: A refreshing take on dark academia featuring Asian-American protagonists.
• Psychological Suspense: Twists, betrayals, and shocking revelations keep readers hooked.
• Fast-Paced & Addictive: A page-turner that will leave you breathless until the final chapter.

Praise for How We Fall Apart

"An unputdownable thriller that mixes academic pressure, privilege, and dark secrets. Fans of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars will devour this!" - Publishers Weekly

"A chillingly addictive mystery filled with sharp twists and biting social commentary." - Booklist

Final Thoughts

How We Fall Apart is a must-read for fans of intense YA thrillers, social media scandals, and high-stakes drama. If you love dark academia, unreliable narrators, and secrets that refuse to stay buried, this novel will keep you guessing until the very end.

Discover the truth before The Proctor reveals everything.