From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the We Were Liars series comes a love story full of simmering darkness and astonishing twists, following two teenagers whose lives are shattered by a shocking transformation.

Once, in a small New England town known for its hot springs, something terrible happened. Something that should have been a warning to stay away from the pools, if the stories were to be believed. But no one is afraid of the water anymore, even if they should be.

When new girl Lexie meets golden boy Chester, their chemistry is undeniable. She's running from a glittering life she won't speak about. He's hiding secrets of his own. Their connection feels bigger than both of them, despite their damage.

One frigid winter morning in that small New England town, five people go for a swim in the pools. Five people, including Chester. What happens there sends shock waves through the town - and changes life as Lexie knows it forever.

This sweeping love story is a modern literary tour de force told through short, poetic chapters that will take the reader to the edge of what's possible for true love.

'Lexie and Chester's love story is unlike any you've ever read: a contemporary fairy tale of depression, anxiety, loss and the first love that consumes you. A stunning poetic achievement.' - Kathleen Glasgow, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces

'E. Lockhart writes with a courage that intimidates and inspires me. With The Pools, she's done it again!' - Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Long Way Down

Details

ISBN13: 9781761183317
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 384
Edition:
Publication Date: 06 Oct 2026
Publisher: A&U Children's
Publication City, Country: Australia
Dimensions (cm): 20.8(H)x15.3(L)382
Weight (gm): 382

Author Biography

E. Lockhart is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller We Were Liars and its prequel, Family of Liars, and companion novel We Fell Apart. She also invented a superhero for DC Comics. Her books include Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero and Again Again. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks was a National Book Award finalist and a Printz Honor Book. Genuine Fraud was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize. Visit her online at EmilyLockhart.com, and follow @elockhartbooks on Instagram and @elockhart on Twitter.

Reviews

'Lexie and Chester's love story is unlike any you've ever read: a contemporary fairy tale of depression, anxiety, loss, and the first love that consumes you. A stunning poetic achievement.' - Kathleen Glasgow, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces

'E. Lockhart writes with a courage that intimidates and inspires me. With The Pools, she's done it again!' - Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Long Way Down