The Squad

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The Squad

by Barnes, Jennifer Lynn

The Squad follows a group of elite high school cheerleaders who are far more than they appear to be. By day, they navigate the social hierarchies and typical pressures of school life, but by night, they serve as undercover government agents tackling high-stakes missions. The brilliance of this book lies in how seamlessly it balances the absurdity of teenage drama with genuine, adrenaline-fueled espionage. The pacing is relentless, pulling you through dangerous investigations and complex personal betrayals without ever letting up. You will feel the constant tension of their double lives, where one wrong move could expose their identities or cost them everything. This is perfect for readers who enjoy high-concept thrillers, ensemble casts where every member has a specific utility, and stories that treat teenage girls as the most capable, dangerous people in the room.

10 Books similar to 'The Squad'

Since you enjoyed the high-wire act of balancing secret identities with the social stakes of high school, these picks were curated to satisfy that specific itch. Whether you are looking for more elite teen spy training found in the Gallagher Girls series, or the darker, psychological tension of secrets coming to light in One of Us Is Lying, these books share the same DNA of dangerous girl-power and complex puzzles. We selected these titles because they excel at blending high-pressure environments with the intricate, often messy, friendships that define the teen thriller genre.

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I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

by Ally Carter

Fans of The Squad will instantly recognize the blend of high school drama and elite spy training in this series. It features a similar premise of teenage girls balancing normal social lives with covert government missions, delivering the same addictive, fast-paced fun.

The Inheritance Games
The Inheritance Games

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Since this is by the same author, it shares her signature style of high-stakes puzzles, complex ensemble casts, and relentless pacing. Readers who enjoyed the cleverness and mystery in The Squad will find themselves equally hooked by the intricate plot twists here.

Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars

by Sara Shepard

This series captures the 'high school girls with dangerous secrets' dynamic perfectly, mirroring the tension found in The Squad. It offers a darker, more dramatic take on the social pressures and hidden agendas that define the lives of elite high schoolers.

Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This is the sequel to The Squad, making it an essential recommendation for anyone who enjoyed the first book. It continues the adventures of the cheerleading spies, deepening the character arcs and raising the stakes of their covert operations.

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Truly Devious
Truly Devious

by Maureen Johnson

If you enjoyed the puzzle-solving and 'school-based' mystery aspects of The Squad, this book is a perfect match. It features a sharp, observant protagonist navigating a boarding school with a dark history, blending modern mystery with historical intrigue.

The Naturals
The Naturals

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Another masterpiece by Barnes, this series focuses on a group of teens with special abilities recruited by the FBI to solve cold cases. It shares the 'teens in government service' trope found in The Squad, but with a more psychological and gritty edge.

One of Us Is Lying
One of Us Is Lying

by Karen M. McManus

This book excels at the high school thriller genre, featuring a group of students caught in a deadly situation that forces them to reveal their darkest secrets. It captures the same high-pressure social environment and suspenseful pacing that made The Squad so compelling.

S.T.A.G.S.
S.T.A.G.S.

by M.A. Bennett

For readers who liked the 'exclusive group' element of The Squad, this thriller about a prestigious school with a deadly secret society will resonate. It explores the dangerous power dynamics and social hierarchies within a high school setting through a suspenseful lens.

The Agency: A Spy in the House
The Agency: A Spy in the House

by Y.S. Lee

While set in the Victorian era, this book features a strong female protagonist trained as a secret agent, much like the girls in The Squad. It offers a similar thrill of undercover work, espionage, and the challenge of maintaining a double life.

Gallagher Girls: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Gallagher Girls: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

by Ally Carter

This series is the gold standard for 'teen spy school' fiction, offering a blend of humor, romance, and high-stakes missions. Fans of The Squad will appreciate the camaraderie, the secret training, and the way the characters navigate their complicated teenage lives.