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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