Children’s / Teenage fiction: Thrillers / suspense

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Book SynopsisNow he’s dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted.“Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream.” —Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and JackpotTrade Review"Tiffany D. Jackson has penned a riveting, powerful love story to Black girlhood and a haunting reminder of the ways in which their innocence is often stolen. Remarkable, suspenseful, and gut-wrenching, Grown is a masterfully told story that stays with you long after you put it down." — Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give and On the Come Up “With a gripping plot and punch-to-the-heart stakes, Tiffany D. Jackson’s Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation—the seductive abuse of older men who prey on teen girls—providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era.” — Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles "This is a book that is filled to the brim with shocking twists and turns, but in 'Grown,' Jackson also centers Black girls in conversations about abuse, discussions they are so often erased from." — The New York Times Book Review “Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream. Tiffany D. Jackson has done it again.” — Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Jackpot “This heart-pounding, powerful story about a young girl trapped in a predator’s web holds up a devastating mirror to our society’s refusal to care about all victims. A call-out and condemnation of the celebrity-besotted culture that allows evil people to destroy lives.” — Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of Shout "Gripping in both its content and format... Jackson's writing some of the best thrillers for teens these days." — Booklist (starred review) "Expertly juxtaposing the glamour of Enchanted’s potential fame against the harshness of her private moments with Korey, Jackson builds the story gradually and painfully to an astonishing, chilling climax." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Compelling; Jackson excels in writing books steeped in social commentary." — Kirkus Reviews "In another ripped-from-the-headlines novel, Jackson takes readers through a heart-pounding thriller exploring physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, misogynoir, and rape culture... this novel is sure to initiate important conversations while delivering an engrossing story." — Horn Book Magazine “Grown is equal parts riveting and alarming. It asks hard questions about power, innocence, and who we, as a society, see as worth saving. A captivating and cautionary page-turner." — Ashley Woodfolk, author of When You Were Everything "Jackson draws on the R. Kelly case to effectively depict the tightening noose of an abusive relationship, enhanced here by Korey’s wealth and fame…A grim tale that shows how thin a glossy exterior can be." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for Let Me Hear a Rhyme: * “Exceptional storytelling, well-crafted, true-to-life dialogue, and the richly drawn Brooklyn landscape will draw readers into this fast-paced blend of mystery, budding romance, and social commentary...Thoroughly engrossing and as infectious as Steph’s lyrics.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) * “Jackson repeatedly proves that she is a titan among her peers, and her latest novel is no exception... Jackson weaves the three points of view together seamlessly, creating richly drawn and authentically real teen characters.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) * “Deftly chronicles the timely story of bold young talent gone too soon... Jackson scores a bull’s-eye with her passionate homage to black city life in the late ’90s, yet it’s her earnest takes on creativity, love, and loss that are timeless.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) * “This YA novel harmonizes music and prose to create a certified literary banger.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) * “Readers will feel connected to these teens’ love of hip-hop, their loyalty to each other and their love for their community... offers moving portraits of young people... an engaging ode to ’90s hip-hop and to love in many forms.” — BookPage (starred review) “With thoughtful attention to detail, Jackson offers a believable cast of Black teens immersed in a particularly rich hip-hop moment. The combination of lyricism and narrative realism is an effective mode of representing a particular sort of adolescence against the backdrops of New York City and rap music.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Jackson presents a fast-moving, heart-pounding homage to nineties hip-hop, Brooklyn, and the power of music, love, and friendship. Readers are transported to a time when DJs and MCs rocked the parties and when word-of-mouth could make you a star.” — Horn Book ”A thrilling, heart-rending, unforgettable novel.” — Buffalo News PRAISE FOR MONDAY’S NOT COMING: “A mesmerizing, punch-in-the-gut story about the power of friendship and the horrors hiding right in front of us.” — Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak and Chains * “This thought-provoking thriller examines issues such as abuse, gentrification, and the marginalization of people of color with nuance and sensitivity. The narrative deftly moves back and forth between past and present, building to a devastating conclusion. A spellbinding, profoundly moving choice for YA collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) * “Jackson’s sophomore novel features another ripped-from-the-headlines premise that will keep readers guessing through the final pages. Jackson’s characters and their heart-wrenching story linger long after the final page, urging readers to advocate for those who are disenfranchised and forgotten by society and the system.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) * “Jackson effortlessly weaves elements of suspense with issues of race, class, and gender, casting a harsh light on a world that often refuses to notice the disappearances of black and brown girls. The twist at the end is both gaspworthy and heartbreaking.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “Jackson doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to the pain of abuse and the ramifications of turning a blind eye. It’s a frank, devastating read filled with real and flawed characters, and it’s a story that needs to be read.” — Booklist “The draw of this novel, which was inspired by actual events, lies in its interwoven themes of the effects of gentrification, especially on black residents whose connections, culture, and community become afterthoughts in the face of capitalism. A tragic and heartbreaking tale of love, loss, grief, growth, and perseverance.” — Kirkus Reviews PRAISE FOR ALLEGEDLY: * “With remarkable skill, Jackson offers an unflinching portrayal of the raw social outcomes when youth are entrapped in a vicious cycle of nonparenting and are sent spiraling down the prison-for-profit pipeline. Dark, suspenseful.” — School Library Journal (starred review) * “Her novel effectively joins Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th and Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow (2010) to become another indictment of the penal system’s decimating power beyond its bars and, more subtly and refreshingly, a pro-reproductive-justice novel. Searing and true.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) * “The characters are complex, the situation unsettling, and the line between right and wrong hopelessly blurred. It’s also intensely relevant, addressing race, age, and mental illness within the criminal justice system. Well conceived and executed, this is an absorbing and exceptional first novel.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) * “Suspenseful without being emotionally manipulative, compelling without resorting to shock value, this is a tightly spun debut that wrestles with many intense ideas and ends with a knife twist that will send readers racing back to the beginning again.” — Booklist (starred review) “Seen through Jackson’s dark portrait of the legal system and the failures of parents and social workers, Mary’s environments are as grim as the stories that play out in them; readers fascinated by procedural dramas will be thoroughly hooked.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Formidably scary, Durst's survival/horror story is the stuff of late-night campfire legends. With three deftly drawn, powerful girls at the center, reading felt like I had found a crew of clever, loyal best friends, even as I stayed up long into the night, trembling with dread." - — E. Lockhart, #1 New York Times bestselling author of We Were Liars “Nail-biting and atmospheric, The Lake House explores how secrets keep people apart—and the power of female friendships. Reyva, Mariana, and especially Claire are characters you can’t stop rooting for, even as every obstacle they surmount is replaced by a bigger one. I read it every time I had a spare second, and a lot of times when I didn’t.” — April Henry, New York Times bestselling author Fans of the televisions shows The Wilds or Yellowjackets will relish this thriller about friendship and the sheer power of teenage girls to overcome any odds. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for Sarah Beth Durst's Queen of Sorrow Trilogy: "Mythopoeic Award-winner Durst launches her Queens of Renthia series with a stellar and imaginative tale." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Durst presents a thrilling beginning to a sweeping series about searching for sovereignty and truth in order to save one's land." — School Library Journal (starred review) "The threats are chilling, and the landscape haunting, even in quiet, safe moments. In Daleina, readers will find a strong young woman whose intense self-doubt and unconventional approach to dealing with the spirits makes her a character well worth cheering. Known for YA novels like The Girl Who Could Not Dream, Durst dives into adult fantasy with thrilling results." — Shelf Awareness, starred review "The thrilling and sometimes melancholy finale of Durst's Queens of Renthia trilogy... The well-crafted denouement wraps up the entire adventure perfectly." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "The Queens of Renthia series (which began with The Queen of Blood) concludes with an earth-shattering conflict between three determined queens, two countries, and a multitude of bloodthirsty spirits." — Booklist (starred review) "Fans will be eager to reenter Renthia and discover another queen." — Booklist (starred review) "In Durst's excellent second Queens of Renthia fantasy, the world of Renthia remains a dangerous place where the spirits of the elements want to kill humans, and only powerful queens...can control them.... Durst throws a lot of balls in the air but manages to juggle them deftly.... New readers will benefit from starting with the first book, but they'll want to get to this one as soon as they can." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Catalyst: "Durst masterfully interjects humor into a suspense-filled plot that twists and thickens as the group reaches its destination. A surprising but satisfying resolution brings this charming fantasy to a close." — Booklist (starred review) Praise for Race the Sands: "A thrill-filled story about monster racing with impressive thematic depth and a refreshing spectrum of female characters. [...] Durst consistently defies expectations in both plot and characterization while exploring sophisticated themes of found family, integrity, and morality. This excellent epic fantasy will appeal to adult fans of YA authors Tamora Pierce and Megan Whalen Turner." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Spark: "Durst's fantasy is fascinating and powerful... The underlying theme of the book reminds readers that it only takes one spark from one child to change the world." ? — Booklist (starred review) Praise for The Stone Girl's Story: "Mayka's kindness and steady loyalty, her friends' animated and varied personalities, and some downright brilliant problem-solving will carve themselves into readers' memories. Thoughtful, colorful, strengthening, and understatedly tender." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Featuring a richly diverse cast, vividly imagined worldbuilding, and passionate storytelling, Durst's middle grade fantasy is a feast for the senses." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for The Girl Who Could Not Dream: ?"Readers will not want to stop reading this quirky, fast-paced adventure until reaching its satisfactory, heartwarming conclusion... Funny, warm, and highly imaginative." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "This book is self-aware, playing with common fantasy tropes, thus reinvigorating the familiar underlying story of a loner having to learn to overcome her fears to save the ones she loves... A fun, fast read with broad appeal." — School Library Journal (starred review) Praise for Vessel: "Durst offers a meditation on leadership and power and a vivid story set outside the typical Western European fantasy milieu. From the gripping first line, a fast-paced, thought-provoking and stirring story of sacrifice." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Readers will feel the desert heat, the earth-numbing droughts, the vicious sandstorms and resulting sandwolves, and the bizarre sensations of a goddess living within the body of its human vessel. Brilliantly riveting." — Booklist (starred review) "Vessel is a fast-paced, thrilling adventure set in a hostile world filled with complex clan feuds and strong traditions.... The highly descriptive writing forms intense visuals for the reader so that characters, animals, and locations feel rich and realistic." — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review) "Truly tense. Fans of the genre will find plenty of familiar beats and sequences, with some twists along the way to keep them guessing." — Booklist

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Book SynopsisA contemporary, high-stakes thriller about how reality becomes more twisted than the fantasy novel two friends are writing when the real-life subject of their fiction turns up dead and they're the suspects, for fans of Mare of Easttown and One of Us Is Lying.

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Book SynopsisMagpie Lewis started writing in her yellow notebook the day she walked in on her father having sex with her aunt on her parents'' bed. That was the night her mom started down a spiral of self-destruction. That was the night Eryn, Magpie''s sister, skipped town and left her to fend for herself. That was the night of Brandon Phipp''s party. Now, Magpie is called a slut whenever she walks down the hallways of her high school, her former best friend won''t speak to her, and she spends her lunch period with a group of misfits who''ve all been socially exiled like she has. And so, feeling trapped and forgotten, Magpie retreats to her notebook, dreaming up a place called Near.Near is perfect--somewhere where her father never cheated, her mother never drank, and Magpie''s own life never derailed so suddenly. She writes Near so completely, so fully, that she dreams it into existence, right in her own backyard. It''s a place where she can have anything she wants...even revenge

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Book Synopsis An epic case of mistaken identity puts a teen looking for a hookup on the run from both the FBI and a murderous cult in this compulsively readable thriller. Finding himself alone in a posh New York City hotel room for the night, Aidan does what any red-blooded seventeen-year-old would do—tries to hook up with someone new. But that lapse in judgement leads him to a room with a dead guy and a mysterious flash drive ... two things that spark an epic case of mistaken identity that puts Aidan on the run—from the authorities, his friends, his family, the people who are out to kill him—and especially from his own troubled past. Inspired by a Hitchcock classic, this whirlwind mistaken-identity caper has razor-sharp humor, devastating emotional stakes, and a thrilling storyline with an explosive conclusion to make this the most compelling YA novel of the year.

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Book Synopsis When a girl with a troubled history of finding dead bodies investigates the murder of her ex, she uncovers a plot to put herself—and everyone she loves—on the list of who's next.   Flora Calhoun has a reputation for sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. After stumbling upon a classmate's body years ago, the trauma of that discovery and the police's failure to find the killer has haunted her ever since. One night, she gets a midnight text from Ava McQueen, the beautiful girl who had ignited Flora's heart last summer, then never spoke to her again.   Just in time to witness Ava's death from a gunshot wound, Flora is set on a path of rage and vengeance for all the dead girls whose killer is never found. Her tunnel-visioned sleuthing leads to valuable clues about a shocking conspiracy involving her school and beyond, but also earns her sinister threats from the murderer. She has a choice: give up the hunt for answers, or keep digging and risk her loved ones' lives. Either way, Flora will regret the consequences. Who's next on the killer's list?

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Book Synopsis When a girl with a troubled history of finding dead bodies investigates the murder of her ex, she uncovers a plot to put herself—and everyone she loves—on the list of who's next.   Flora Calhoun has a reputation for sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. After stumbling upon a classmate's body years ago, the trauma of that discovery and the police's failure to find the killer has haunted her ever since. One night, she gets a midnight text from Ava McQueen, the beautiful girl who had ignited Flora's heart last summer, then never spoke to her again.   Just in time to witness Ava's death from a gunshot wound, Flora is set on a path of rage and vengeance for all the dead girls whose killer is never found. Her tunnel-visioned sleuthing leads to valuable clues about a shocking conspiracy involving her school and beyond, but also earns her sinister threats from the murderer.

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Book SynopsisUnspoken secrets and dangerous lies . . . Abbie Rushton brings us intrigue and unexpected romance with her thrilling debut novelTrade ReviewUKYA is just getting better. And with this stunning debut by British author, Abbie Rushton, this is no longer an opinion, but a fact ... Rushton has totally smashed this one: she pulls Unspeakable off with total sensitivity, a narrative that is excitingly enticing, which draws you in from page one. * Guardian Children's Books *I loved Unspeakable. It's an engrossing thriller about dangerous secrets and the toxicity of guilt; it's also an immensely sympathetic portrayal of someone feeling her way towards a love she wasn't expecting. Megan is wonderful - a heroine haunted into silence by the past, who can find it in her heart to forgive everyone except herself. * Helen Grant, author of The Vanishing of Katharina Linden and The Glass *Lovely, heart-warming and emotional * daydreamersthoughts.co.uk *Pacy and compelling ... This comes with a warning though, because once you start reading this it demands to be finished - and you probably won't manage it without shedding a few tears either. * Sugarscape Book of the Month *

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Book Synopsis''A darkly clever teen murder mystery [...] that succeeds in undermining everything you''ve come to believe and trust. S K Wright pulls off a difficult trick with apparent ease'' Crime ReviewIf I''d told the truth, it would have been fiction.Everyone loves Eva. Beautiful, bright, fun, generous - she''s perfect. So when her body is found in a ditch in the local woods the only thing anyone wants to know is: Who could have done this?It has to be Luke, her boyfriend. He has the motive, the means, the opportunity and he''s no stranger to the police. Even though the picture is incomplete, the pieces fit. But as time passes, stories change.Who could have done this? You decide.It Ends With You is clever and compulsive. It challenges preconceptions, makes you second-guess yourself with each chapter, and it holds an uncomfortable mirror up to the way societies and systems treat outsTrade ReviewA brilliant thriller that will make you think again with each chapter * Bella magazine *SK Wright cleverly plays with preconceptions, using multiple voices to suggest things are not quite what they seem. * Independent i *A darkly clever teen murder mystery ... a rapidly-shifting story that succeeds in undermining everything you've come to believe and trust. Unreliable narrators are usually a hard sell for me, but SK Wright pulls off a difficult trick with apparent ease. * Crime Review *

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Book SynopsisCovering such themes as forced child labour, friendship and evil adults, tis title is suitable for teaching. It helps you explore the genre, study the craft of suspense, and analyse writing styles that suit different purposes.

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Book SynopsisSterling’s rich, magical world dazzles readers with its fantastic intricacies. —Richelle Mead, #1 international bestselling author of Vampire Academy and The Glittering Court seriesHannah''s a witch, but not the kind you''re thinking of. She''s the real deal, an Elemental with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air. But even though she lives in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic is a secret she has to keep to herself. If she''s ever caught using it in front of a Reg (non-witch), she could lose it. For good. So, Hannah spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend (and fellow Elemental Witch) Veronica, hanging out with her best friend, and working at the Fly by Night Cauldron selling candles and crystals to tourists, goths, and local Wiccans.But when a terrifying blood ritual interrupts the end-of-school-year bonfire and evidence of dark magic begins to appear all over Salem, Hannah''s sure it''s the work of a deadly Blood Witch. However her coven seems less than convinced, forcing Hannah to team up with the last person she wants to see: Veronica. With everything she loves on the line, Hannah will have to test the limits of her power if she''s going to save her coven.Infused with page-turning suspense, bittersweet romance, shocking twists, and tragic turns, Sterling has written a standout debut. —Dana Mele, author of People Like Us

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Book SynopsisA bestselling murder mystery fantasy with a shocking twist you won't see coming. Now in paperback.Keralie Corrington is a talented pickpocket in the kingdom of Quadara. But when a routine theft goes horribly wrong, Keralie discovers what she's stolen is actually a video of the four queens of Quadara being murdered. Hoping that discovering the intended recipient will reveal the culprit—valuable information that she can barter with—Keralie teams up with Varin Bollt, the messenger she stole from, to complete his delivery and uncover the murderer. But with Keralie and Varin each keeping secrets—and lives hanging in the balance—everything is at stake, and no one can be trusted.   Four Dead Queens is an enthralling fast-paced mystery where competing agendas collide with deadly consequences.Trade ReviewPraise for Four Dead Queens:An Indie Bestseller An Amazon Best Book — March 2019A Blue Spruce Book Award Nominee – 2020 A Texas Tayshas Reading List Pick – 2020“A good, devious mix of some of the best fantasy and murder mystery that YA has had to offer recently.” —Entertainment Weekly“Astrid Scholte's propulsive debut YA novel checks all the boxes for an addictive read.” —Refinery29“Four Dead Queens is a darkly delicious tale that keeps you in constant suspense. A thrilling, genre-blending book perfect for fans of both fantasy and murder mysteries. I just might be the fifth dead queen because this story—with its labyrinthine twists and turns—slayed me in every possible way.” —Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series"[An] exciting fantasy debut . . . stunning." —Paste“A cinematic thrill ride brimming with murder, mayhem, and twists that will shock you, Four Dead Queens is sure to be your next obsession. Absolutely riveting.” —Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series “Astrid Scholte breaks into the fantasy genre with a triumphant, exciting debut that will keep readers guessing all the way to final chapter. Four Dead Queens is not to be missed!” —Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Give the Dark My Love“Scholte's stand-alone debut marks her as an author to watch.” —Kirkus Reviews “Scholte has created an intrigue-heavy adventure in a world filled with characters whom readers will want to revisit.” —Publishers Weekly “Debut author Scholte manipulates multiple points of view and flashbacks to create an action-packed romance.” —Booklist “The story takes unexpected turns, has complicated characters who develop over time, and ends unpredictably …. A recommended addition to young adult fantasy/dystopian collections.” —School Library Journal“A fierce, darkly compelling protagonist...and readers will want to double back to get a better look at the various turns of the enticingly twisting timeline.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book Synopsis''We''re coming. The martyrs are awakening. Spirits are gathering. This will be our time...''In York and London, strange shapes are taking form, emerging from the shadows. And who is the man who lies in a pitch-black room, listening to a voice that seems to speak from the darkness itself? Jud Lester knows that something evil is afoot. He also knows that it can''t be investigated by any normal brand of counter-intelligence... This is a case for CRYPT: a team of elite teenage agents who use their extra sensory perception and arsenal of high-tech gadgets to investigate crimes that the police can''t solve.

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Book SynopsisA figure wearing a white mask swoops down a deserted hospital corridor towards a quarantined patient. Covered in black sores and writhing in agony the patient can''t be saved by modern medicine. But then, the masked figure is not a modern doctor...Bodies are being discovered all over London, all marked with the same black sores - it seems a contagious disease is spreading across the city. But when witnesses all report seeing the same mysterious masked figure it seems there''s something more sinister going on.This is a case for CRYPT: a team of elite teenage agents who use their extra sensory perception and arsenal of high-tech gadgets to investigate crimes that the police can''t solve.Trade Review'I really enjoyed the mixture of action and horror' * Bookzone4Boys.com *'The creeps, gore and tension, build towards a cracking showdown' * BartsBookShelf.com *'Gripping and exciting. There is horror, gore, ghosts and lots of things that go bump in the night. I loved it.' * Susankmann.com *

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Book SynopsisA fantastic blend of teenage spies, horror and ghost-busting for fans of CHERUB, YOUNG BOND and Darren ShanWhen a brutal crime is committed...But there''s no human explanation...Who can the police turn to?Covert Response Youth Paranormal Team This secret MI5 division recruits gifted teenagers to be paranormal investigators. The elite CRYPT team, including star agent Jud Lester, cracks the cases no one else can.An ancient treasure trove off the coast of England.A lone diver, searching for riches.A horror unleashed.Once disturbed, the treasure''s protectors are out to enact terrifying revenge...Have the CRYPT team got what it takes to silence the ghosts of the past? Trade Review'I really enjoyed the mixture of action and horror' * Bookzone4Boys.com *'The creeps, gore and tension, build towards a cracking showdown' * BartsBookShelf.com *'Gripping and exciting. There is horror, gore, ghosts and lots of things that go bump in the night. I loved it.' * Susankmann.com *

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Book SynopsisThe fifth in Andrew Hammond''s fast-paced and action-packed CRYPT series, for fans of CHERUB, YOUNG BOND and Darren Shan.Jud Lester is the Covert Response Youth Paranormal Team''s star agent. When the police are unable to solve a crime, they call in CRYPT. But with four deadly and dangerous missions behind them, can Jud and the team get to the bottom of yet another mystery?Trade Review'I really enjoyed the mixture of action and horror' * Bookzone4Boys.com *'The creeps, gore and tension, build towards a cracking showdown' * BartsBookShelf.com *'Gripping and exciting. There is horror, gore, ghosts and lots of things that go bump in the night. I loved it.' * Susankmann.com *

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Book SynopsisAn electric romance set against a rebel art scene sparks lethal danger for two girls in She''s Too Pretty to Burn, an expertly plotted YA thriller by Wendy Heard.The summer is winding down in San Diego. Veronica is bored, caustically charismatic, and uninspired in her photography. Nico is insatiable, subversive, and obsessed with chaotic performance art. They're artists first, best friends second. But that was before Mick. Delicate, lonely, magnetic Mick: the perfect subject, and Veronica's dream girl. The days are long and hotfull of adventureand soon they are falling in love. Falling so hard, they never imagine what comes next. One fire. Two murders. Three drowning bodies. One suspect . . . one stalker. This is a summer they won't survive.Inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray, this sexy psychological thriller explores the intersections of love, art, danger, and power.Christy Ottaviano Books

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Book SynopsisIn Olivia Worley''s pitch-perfect debut, People to Follow, ten teen influencers come to a remote island to star in a reality show, but when one of them winds up dead, they realize that this time, the price of getting cancelled could be their lives.A reality show on a remote Caribbean island. Ten teen influencers. One dead body.Welcome to In Real Life, the hot new reality show that forces social media's reigning kings and queens to unplug for three weeks and go live without any filters. IRL is supposed to be the opportunity of a lifetime, watched closely by legions of loyal followers. But for these rising stars--including Elody, an Instagram model with an impulsive streak; Kira, a child star turned fitness influencer; Logan, a disgraced TikTok celeb with a secret; and Max, a YouTuber famous for exposés on his fellow creators--it's about to turn into a nightmare.When the production crew fails to show up and one of their own meets a violent

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Book SynopsisThere will be blood.Ace of Spades meets House of Hollow in this villain origin story.Laure Mesny is a perfectionist with an axe to grind. Despite being constantly overlooked in the elite and cutthroat world of the Parisian ballet, she will do anything to prove that a Black girl can take center stage. To level the playing field, Laure ventures deep into the depths of the Catacombs and strikes a deal with a pulsating river of blood.The primordial power Laure gains promises influence and adoration, everything she's dreamed of and worked toward. With retribution on her mind, she surpasses her bitter and privileged peers, leaving broken bodies behind her on her climb to stardom.But even as undeniable as she is, Laure is not the only monster around. And her vicious desires make her a perfect target for slaughter. As she descends into madness and the mystifying underworld beneath her, she is faced with the ultimate choice:

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Book SynopsisA fast-paced dystopian thriller for fans of Maze Runner and Ready Player OneTrade ReviewOne of the premiere YA series around. * Sci Fi London *

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Book SynopsisMIRI loves the novel Undertow like it's a living being. So when she and her friends get the chance to meet the author, Fatima Ro, they plot a way to get closer to her. As for what happened with Jonah Well, obviously none of that was Fatima's fault.SOLEIL wants to be a writer herself one day. She can't believe it when Fatima asks them to hang out with her and having Jonah there makes it even better.PENNY is more than the party girl everyone thinks she is, and she's willing to share her darkest secrets with Fatima to prove it. But what will happen when Fatima finds out about Jonah? All of This Is True is a story of obsession and revenge, betrayal and forgiveness, and the devastating result of a secret that didn't stay buried.Trade ReviewA delicious, addictive puzzle that readers will gobble up. I had to read it twice, once because it had me by the throat, then again to really savor the wit, sarcasm and absolute humanity of these characters * Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, author of the Carnegie Medal-shortlisted The Smell of Other People’s Houses *Prepare to be sucked into a world of privilege, obsession and manipulation. All of This is True is an addictive mix of funny and horrifying * Sue Wallman, author of Lying About Last Summer *Flat-out addictive, devious, delicious, and gasp-worthy, All of This Is True is your next binge-read * Kathleen Glasgow, author of Girl in Pieces *Sharp, edgy, and intensely electric, All of This Is True is a study in obsession and art, betrayal and forgiveness, and the web of connections they spin. This book is not afraid to shock * Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts and Last Girl Lied To *Utterly addictive and psychologically delectable – Peñaflor’s second novel will shock at every twist and turn * Kirkus, starred review *Peñaflor keeps the tensions high and the pacing swift while giving each of the three young narrators a unique voice and perspective ... Suspenseful and smart * Publishers Weekly *A tightly wound and plausible cautionary tale ... The unusual construct is highly effective and has the same addictive quality as sensational tabloids but with thoughtful themes and content * Booklist *As original as it is disturbing … Readers will be compelled to interrogate their own stances on important contemporary questions * The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review *Even with its addictive, soap opera-esque intrigue, Peñaflor’s characters remain distinct and believable. Deliciously sordid yet thought-provoking … A must-have for YA collections * School Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisWhen Zak Archer accidentally witnesses a murder he immediately finds himself in the firing line. Now some very dangerous people want him dead and he is on the run. Luckily, running is something Zak is good at. In fact, when he''s ''in the zone'' he can run faster, jump further and fly higher than should be humanly possible. But will those skills be enough to save him? What exactly is the truth behind his friend''s death? And in a world of spies, secrets and lies - who can he trust?The first in this gripping new series. Perfect for young fans of 24.Trade ReviewI now love this book ... When I finished this book, I got the second book and started to read it straight away * WE SAT DOWN *...there is definitely enough kinetic activity for the young reader, a happy balance between realism and genre action, allowing for things to escalate over the next five books ... crisp, energetic writing * THE BOOKBAG *This is a really pacy, exciting story full of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. * PRIMARY TIMES *

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Book Synopsis''If Sylvia Plath wrote a novel for young adults, The Taste of Blue Light would be it'' Louise O''Neill, author of Asking For It What happened to me?Why can''t I remember?Weeks after blacking out and waking up in hospital, Lux still has no memory of what happened.She doesn''t know why her days are consumed by pain and her nights by terrifying dreams; why her parents won''t stop shouting and her friends stop talking when she walks into the room. All she knows is that the Lux she once was is gone - and that if she can''t uncover the truth, everything she loves will be taken away too. ''Devastating and brilliant'' Stylist ''Truly unforgettable'' HeatTrade ReviewIf Sylvia Plath wrote a novel for young adults, The Taste of Blue Light would be it... Beautiful. Visceral. Gripping. I loved it * Louise O'Neill, author of Asking For It *A gripping Bell Jar-type narrative of mental distress and confusion * Financial Times *Remember the name Lydia Ruffles: this devastating and brilliant YA book goes to the most unexpected of places and will leave you mulling it over for days, weeks and months after * Stylist *This gripping thriller will stay with you long after you finish the last page * The Sun on Sunday *dark and affecting...a truly unforgettable debut * Heat Magazine *An original take on trauma and memory loss...Lux's voice engages readers on issues that are timely, absorbing and perceptively related * Irish Times *A game-changing exploration of mental health * Emerald Street *captivating debut * DARE magazine *

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Book SynopsisTHE FACTS Julian Roman, age sixteen, is an escapee from the Fairmount County Juvenile Detention Facility. His parents, Michael Roman and Jennifer Roman, are dead. Julian is wanted for murder.THE QUESTIONS Why is Julian Roman on the run? Just how dangerous is he? And who did kill Michael and Jennifer Roman, if not Julian?Sixteen-year-old Day Connor views life through the lens of her camera, where perspective is everything. But photographs never tell the whole story. After Day crosses paths with Julian, the world she pictures and the truths she believes-neatly captured in black and white-begin to blur.Julian is not the armed and dangerous escapee the police are searching for, but his alibis don''t quite add up, either. There is more to his story. This time, Day is determined to see the entire picture . . . whatever it reveals. Did he? Or didn''t he?Day digs deeper into the case while Julian remains on the run. B

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Book SynopsisWhen sixteen-year-old Chloe replies to a DM from a gorgeous stranger, she has no idea what she's inviting into her life. As her online fan becomes increasingly obsessive, her real life starts to come apart at the seams and Chloe realizes she needs to find a way to stop him before things spiral out of control.Misfit Amber's online obsession with her personal trainer begins to creep into the real world. But when she hears a terrible rumor about him, she drops everything to try and prove his innocence – even if it means compromising her own.In Follow Me, Like Me by Charlotte Seager, Amber and Chloe might find that the truth is much harder to swallow than the lies.Trade Reviewan excellent novel -- Lorraine Candy * The Times *Would make an excellent class reader to tie in with PSHE lessons about the dangers of social media and how to use it responsibly * Pythia Reads *If you’re looking for an emotional book which will have you turning the pages quickly and leaving you feeling hopeful and happy despite the world and it’s dangers – then you should absolutely give this book a read * Day Dreamer Thoughts *This book really points out the dangers of letting strangers into your life and showing how much information can be revealed by just the simplest of apps so that people can stalk you * Niffler Reads *This is a brilliantly suspenseful novel that is perfect for raising awareness about the perils of social media, how an innocent message between strangers can escalate quickly to something a lot more sinister. I would recommend this to all teenagers * Library Looter *Overall, I really liked this book. It was an easy read but it also covered a really relevant, important topic when it comes to young people today. It brings awareness to these issues yet doesn't make it too dark and informative, it's still a simplistic, fun read that I enjoyed reading. I have already recommended this book to a couple of book-loving friends and I know it is one that I will be dropping into conversation in the future, especially when it comes to the subject of social media * Janay Brazier *This book was intriguing, the premise sounded really interesting in this time and age of social media and the dangers it can involve * The Bookish Gurl *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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