Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Serial killer's daughter solves mystery in twisty thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As THORNBIRD begins, 17-year-old Ryan Shipley arrives in Starling, Tennessee to begin a new life (that's not really new). Ryan was born in Starling, but after her father, Gabriel Horn, confessed to murdering seven local women (including Ryan's mother), she went to live with her grandmother in Pennsylvania. But after her death, Ryan returned to Starling to live her mom's sister and their family. Only her aunt and uncle know her secret. To everyone else, including her cousins Connor and Jasmine, she's grown up in Europe and been going to school in Switzerland. All Ryan wants to do is finish high school without anyone finding out her real name is Gabrielle Horn. She's not even interested in dating Everett, the most popular boy in school, instead choosing Chase, a bad boy (with a good heart). But it's the 10th anniversary of her father's confession to the murders and the day of his execution is approaching. While Gabriel confessed to the murders, he never revealed where his victim's were buried and the murdered women's relatives are desperate to find out. Ryan begins to receive "I know who you are" emails, there are not-so-secret meetings with the FBI, a million dollars is offered to whoever finds the location of the bodies, and Ryan's identity is revealed as well as did-not-ever-see-that-coming secrets... all before a hopeful end to the story.
Is It Any Good?
Filled with secrets and a complicated romance, this riveting psychological thriller explores the dangers of judging a child for a parent's sins. Thornbird isn't all about the mystery. There's a high school storyline with characters and situations familiar to almost any reader—a bad boy, a mean girl, dramatic break ups, an obsessive ex, cheerleaders, football players, a school dance, and art kids. Woven throughout is a strong message about being your true self, no matter what others may think.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Ryan's real identity was revealed in Thornbird. Is there ever a time when it's acceptable to violate someone's privacy or expose their secrets? In the age of social media, podcasts, and blogs is it even possible to keep something secret?
Have you ever forgiven a friend who's lied to you? Were you able to both forgive and forget? Why or why not?
How did you feel about the ending of the book? Do you think Ryan made the right choice for her future? Is she being true to herself? Is it easy to have integrity around who you are and what's important to you? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : June 30, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 448
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : July 13, 2026
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