From the Publisher
“A heart-pounding locked-room horror and murder mystery. Give this to the reader looking for Black horror with a (literally) breakneck pace, nuanced characters, and resonant social commentary.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"This fast-paced page-turner jumps between past and present, delivering satisfying twists that will keep readers guessing until the end. Harris serves up complex, unreliable characters. A bingeable locked-room thriller." — Kirkus Reviews
“Heart-pumping action that keeps readers glued to the page. Harris’s novel offers a modern take on the slasher setting, resulting in a quick, deliciously dramatic read." — School Library Journal
"Morally gray characters keep readers on their toes. The story line is infused with passionate segments about believing Black women and highlighting perceptions of mental health in the Black community. [A] gritty, atmospheric whodunit." — Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
2025-07-19
When a revenge plot goes awry, high school seniors in Virginia find themselves hunted by a killer who may be one of their own.
Since her best friend, Hope, died, Liv Porter has struggled with grief, anxiety, and debilitating panic attacks. The cops ruled Hope’s death a suicide, but Liv suspects that their other best friend, Brendan, was involved. On Halloween evening, she lures him to an isolated house and, with the help of her friends Kizzy and Sherie, sets up a plot to blackmail him into telling the truth. But their plan is derailed when two friends of Brendan’s show up and a storm knocks out the power. And then someone starts killing people, one by one. To get out alive, Liv must face her guilt and confront what really happened the night Hope died. This fast-paced page-turner jumps between past and present, delivering satisfying twists that will keep readers guessing until the end. The story explores heavy themes, including grief, mental illness (depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety), domestic abuse, and online bullying, though the presentation of mental health feels lacking in depth. However, the characters’ authentic voices make the work accessible and will encourage ongoing discussion. Harris serves up complex, unreliable characters who help create that delightful sense of unease and distrust that makes thrillers so fun. Most characters are Black, and Kizzy, who’s a lesbian, is Black and Chinese American.
A bingeable locked-room thriller. (resources)(Thriller. 14-18)
