I Killed Zoe Spanos

"It was an accident, but... I killed Zoe Spanos."

I Killed Zoe Spanos is a twisting, psychological, young adult thriller. It incorporates a true crime podcast, police investigations and unreliable narrators in a unique and engaging way. We follow Anna, who recently got hired as a nanny for an affluent family in the Hamptons. When she arrives, she discovers that she has an uncanny likeness to Zoe Spanos, a local girl who has recently disappeared. Anna took on the job to start a clean slate after a year of hangovers and blackouts, but a few months later finds herself thrust into the spotlight when she gets charged with Zoe's murder. 

I had relatively low expectations for this book considering I have been let down by some YA mystery/thrillers I have read recently. But I found myself thoroughly enjoying I Killed Zoe Spanos, and being hooked for the entire duration. 

"Zoe Spanos is missing. And we’re missing Zoe” 

I think the element that brought this book above the others I have read is the mixed media format and production of the audiobook. If you have access to it, I would highly recommend reading this book audibly. Interspersed throughout the book are podcast episodes trying to uncover the truth behind Zoe's disappearance. As a fan of true-crime podcasts, I found the one included to sound really true to form and elevate my enjoyment. It has sound effects, interviews and many different narrators to give the full effect. Apart from the podcast parts, I found the audiobook to be enjoyable for the more traditional chapters. It really enhanced the atmosphere and tension for me. (here is a link to it on libro.fm if you are interested!) 

While I guessed a couple of the twists, I was ultimately surprised by the culmination of the story. I was hoping for a slightly more explosive and shocking ending, it was overall satisfying. I would recommend this to lovers of true-crime podcasts, unreliable narrators and twisty mysteries. I am excited to see what Kit Frick does next, and am grateful to her for renewing my faith in the YA thriller category!