Name: Under the Bridge
ISBN: 9781982123185

Rebecca Godfrey

“A swift, harrowing classic perfect for these unnerving times.” —Jenny Offill, author of Dept. of Speculation One moonlit night, fourteen-year-old Reena Virk went to join friends at a party and never returned home. In this “tour de force of crime reportage” (Kirkus Reviews), acclaimed author Rebecca Godfrey takes us into the hidden world of the seven teenage girls—and boy—accused of a savage murder. As she follows the investigation and trials, Godfrey reveals the startling truth about the unlikely killers. Laced with lyricism and insight, Under the Bridge is an unforgettable look at a haunting modern tragedy.

Under the Bridge

Who were the seemingly ordinary teenagers who beat and killed a girl who longed to be their friend? And how could they hide the murder from their parents and teachers and the police for eight days? Drawing on six years of research -- including interviews with the accused -- acclaimed writer Rebecca Godfrey answers these questions in this stunning account of the notorious "Schoolgirl Murder." Through a skillful blend of hard journalism and riveting narrative, Godfrey takes us into the bedrooms and classrooms of a powerful hip-hop-obsessed clique and the loner-victim who just wanted to belong, then into the police stations and courtrooms where adults -- grieving, devastated -- must reckon with the shocking crime. Highlighting along the way the deeply entrenched social tensions that provoked the murder, Under the Bridge is more than a true-crime book -- it is an unforgettable wake-up call.

i wouldn’t call this a true crime book. it’s softness and eloquence exposes the author’s empathy with how difficult it is to be a teenager. definitely deserves a reread.

Nina

A well written description of the brutal crime that happened in a small town. I felt that I was transported to this friend group through this authors writing. Usually, non-fiction is a drag for me, but it was written in a very interactive way; always getting my interest and attention.

I felt so sad for Reena. She wasn't even given a chance to discover who she was. She was just scratching the surface of life and discovery. To have your life ended on such a developmental period is disheartening and sad.

At her age, I was unsure of who I was and making awkward decisions that I look back on and cringe. Knowing that she never can look back on hers is heartbreaking.

I feel for her family and hope that they are able to continue on with some semblance of peace. That would be understandably very difficult to do in their circumstances.

Sarah Campbell

A well written description of the brutal crime that happened in a small town. I felt that I was transported to this friend group through this authors writing. Usually, non-fiction is a drag for me, but it was written in a very interactive way; always getting my interest and attention.
I felt so sad for Reena. She wasn't even given a chance to discover who she was. She was just scratching the surface of life and discovery. To have your life ended on such a developmental period is disheartening and sad.
At her age, I was unsure of who I was and making awkward decisions that I look back on and cringe. Knowing that she never can look back on hers is heartbreaking.
I feel for her family and hope that they are able to continue on with some semblance of peace. That would be understandably very difficult to do in their circumstances.

Rebecca Godfrey is an incredible true crime writer. Her narration on the audiobook is also very well done and extremely immersive. 