How to Read Amelia Brunskill's Books
Amelia Brunskill is an acclaimed librarian and author who has carved out a unique space in the young adult mystery and psychological thriller genres. Because her novels are standalones rather than part of a continuous series, you have complete freedom in how you choose to approach her catalog. There are no overarching plot threads or character arcs that carry over from one book to the next, meaning you will not encounter any spoilers regardless of the order you choose.
However, to get the most out of her work, we recommend starting with her debut novel to ease into her writing style before tackling her more experimental sophomore effort. Here is our recommended reading path:
- The Window (2018): Start here if you prefer a classic, slow-burn young adult mystery written in traditional prose. It introduces Brunskill's signature themes of secrets, family loyalty, and grief.
- Wolfpack (2023): Move on to this novel if you are ready for a highly atmospheric mystery written entirely in verse, featuring a collective narrative voice and a cult setting.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
If you prefer to read Amelia Brunskill’s work in the order it was published, follow this timeline. Reading in this order allows you to see her evolution from structured prose mysteries to lyrical, verse-driven storytelling.
- The Window (Published by Delacorte Press, April 2018)
- Wolfpack (Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, October 2023)
A Deep Dive Into the Books
The Window (2018)
Amelia Brunskill's debut novel, The Window, is an emotional and suspenseful YA mystery that explores the quiet, devastating aftermath of a sudden tragedy. The story centers on Jess Cutter, a reserved and introverted teenager who lives in the shadow of her outgoing, athletic identical twin sister, Anna. Despite their different personalities, Jess believes they share an unbreakable twin bond and tell each other absolutely everything.
This belief is shattered when Anna is found dead after falling from her bedroom window. While the authorities and their parents quickly rule the death an unfortunate accident, Jess feels in her gut that something is wrong. Unable to accept the official story, she begins her own private investigation into Anna's final weeks. As Jess retraces her sister's steps, she uncovers a web of hidden friendships, secret meetings, and dangerous lies. Jess is forced to confront the painful reality that she didn't know her sister nearly as well as she thought, and that seeking the truth can come at a steep personal cost.
Critics praised the novel for its slow-burn pacing and realistic portrayal of twin relationships and grief. Rather than focusing on cheap jump scares, Brunskill uses psychological tension to build suspense, making it an excellent read for fans of character-driven thrillers.
Wolfpack (2023)
Five years after her debut, Brunskill returned with Wolfpack, a novel that takes a much more experimental approach to the YA thriller genre. Written entirely in free verse, the book is set in a highly restrictive, isolated community called Havenwood, which functions as a religious cult. The residents are forbidden from accessing the outside world or communicating with anyone beyond their borders.
To survive in this oppressive environment, a group of nine teenage girls form a tight-knit alliance they call their "pack." Their collective survival strategy is disrupted when one of the girls, Rose, suddenly vanishes. While the community elders refuse to explain her absence and try to sweep the incident under the rug, the remaining eight girls refuse to let it go. They must work together to find out if Rose managed to escape, was taken, or met a more tragic fate, all while realizing that their seemingly safe haven is built on dark secrets.
What makes Wolfpack stand out is its structural style. The book uses a collective narrative voice ("we") reminiscent of a Greek chorus, interspersed with individual perspectives from the girls. This stylistic choice heightens the atmosphere of paranoia and highlights how the cult attempts to strip away individual identity. It is a haunting, fast-paced thriller that has drawn comparisons to E. Lockhart's We Were Liars.
Selected Short Fiction
Before and between her novel releases, Amelia Brunskill has published several award-winning short stories in respected literary journals. While these do not tie into her novels, they showcase her range and ability to write across different formats:
- "Dive Deep, Breath Held" – Published in Ninth Letter (Spring/Summer 2017)
- "Outcomes" – Published in Indiana Review (Summer 2018), which contributed to her winning an Illinois Arts Council Agency Literary Award
- "This One" – Published in Arts & Letters (Fall 2020)
- "The Hunter's Child" – Published in Luna Station Quarterly (June 2022)
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Amelia Brunskill's books, keep these helpful details in mind:
- Different Mediums: Keep in mind that The Window is written in standard prose, whereas Wolfpack is written in verse. If you struggle with poetry or non-traditional layouts, you may want to start with The Window to get used to her thematic style first.
- Heavy Themes: Both novels deal with sensitive subjects. The Window heavily explores intense grief, sibling loss, and the realization that a loved one had secrets. Wolfpack deals with religious cults, psychological control, isolation, and paranoia.
- No Shared Universe: There is no connection between the settings of The Window and Wolfpack. You do not need to worry about reading companion novellas, spin-offs, or crossovers.