This was an easy read in the best possible way. I could settle into the story, become invested in Moe’s struggle, and keep turning pages without noticing how much time had passed. Between the mystery, the sea’s unsettling warnings, and Moe’s determination to protect her younger brother, there was always something pulling me forward. My “just one more chapter” intentions didn’t stand much of a chance.

A Gift That Feels Like a Curse

Eighteen-year-old Moe can hear the sea’s prophetic thoughts, but her connection goes far beyond hearing a mysterious voice. She feels what the sea reveals. That distinction makes her gift especially haunting: she experienced her father’s death before it happened and felt her mother’s relief when she abandoned Moe and her younger brother, Tao.

With experiences like those, it’s easy to understand why Moe fears her ability. Knowing something before it happens doesn’t necessarily make it easier to face. Sometimes, it means carrying the pain before anyone else even knows there is something to fear.

When the sea warns Moe that Tao will drown, she decides she isn’t going to stand by and let it happen. She arranges passage off their island home, hoping to put distance between her brother and the future she’s been shown. Unfortunately, leaving becomes much more complicated when Tao’s girlfriend disappears—and Tao is found where she was last seen, with blood on his hands and no memory of what happened.

That setup had my attention immediately. How do you protect someone when you’re facing both a frightening prophecy and evidence that seems to point straight at them?

A Sister Worth Rooting For

Moe’s determination to help Tao gave this story its emotional pull for me. There’s a mystery to unravel, but at the center of it is a sister who refuses to give up on her brother. That personal connection makes the search for answers feel urgent.

She isn’t approaching the situation from a comfortable distance. This is her family, and she already knows what loss feels like. Now she has to find a way to help Tao while confronting the very gift she has every reason to distrust.

I appreciated that the premise puts Moe in such a difficult position. The sea’s prophecies have caused her pain, yet they may also offer the only way forward. Having to rely on something you fear adds another layer of tension to an already emotional situation.

Her search also means teaming up with her annoyingly clever school rival, Temanea. A desperate investigation is complicated enough; adding someone who can get under your skin certainly doesn’t make things simpler. That partnership adds another reason to stay invested as Moe works to uncover the truth.

The Culture and Lore Kept Me Reading, Too

One of my favorite parts of Salt Water Blood was learning about Polynesian myths, lore, and culture. My familiarity with some of these ideas largely came from Disney’s Moana, and I knew there were many more stories and beliefs beyond what a single movie could introduce.

This novel made me want to learn more. I loved having that sense of discovery alongside the suspense. There’s something especially satisfying about a book that entertains you while also reminding you how much you haven’t explored yet.

Moe’s connection to the sea makes that element especially compelling. The sea carries warnings, feelings, and knowledge that she cannot easily ignore. Even when she wants to escape what it tells her, its presence remains deeply personal.

For me, the cultural elements were a major part of what made this reading experience memorable. I came for an intriguing premise, but my curiosity about the myths and lore became another reason to keep turning pages.

Suspense With an Emotional Undertow

The mystery had me hooked, and Moe’s love for her brother kept me emotionally invested. I wanted answers about the disappearance, about what had happened to Tao, and about the sickness poisoning their community. Those questions give the story a wider reach while keeping Moe’s immediate concerns close and personal.

I also appreciated how much the premise gives her to contend with. Clearing Tao’s name would be difficult enough without a prophecy hanging over him. Together, those threats create the kind of tension that makes putting a book down surprisingly difficult.

For all its suspense, this was also an emotional read. Moe’s family history and her fear of losing Tao give weight to her decisions. I wasn’t simply curious about how the mystery would unfold; I cared about what those answers would mean for her.

My Final Thoughts

Salt Water Blood earns five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. It combines a gripping mystery, an emotional sibling story, and Polynesian cultural elements that I loved discovering. It was accessible, absorbing, and a definite page-turner.

If you enjoy young adult mysteries with a supernatural thread, strong family stakes, and a setting that sparks your curiosity, put this one on your reading list. Heinrich kept me invested, and I’m glad I picked it up.

About the book:

Publisher: Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: November 17, 2026
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 5 stars!

Synopsis:

An Indigenous teen who hears the sea’s prophetic thoughts must rely on the gift she’s always feared to save her brother, and her island home, in this “gripping Polynesian mystery laced with Indigenous cultural knowledge, for fans of Angeline Boulley and Ari Tison” (School Library Journal, starred review).

Eighteen-year-old Moe hears the sea’s prophetic thoughts—not just hears them…she feels them. That’s how she experienced her father’s death before he did and how she felt her mother’s relief when she abandoned Moe and her younger brother, Tao, months after.

So when the sea warns Moe that Tao will drown, she’s determined to get in fate’s way and secures them passage off their island home. But those plans are ruined when Tao’s girlfriend goes missing and Tao is found where she was last seen, with blood on his hands—and no memory of what happened.

Moe will do anything she can to clear her brother’s name, even if it means swallowing her pride and teaming up with her annoyingly clever school rival, Temanea. And even if it means relying on the sea’s prophecies. Because her dreaded gift may be the only way to save her brother—and uncover the truth behind the sickness poisoning her community.

Content warning: child abandonment and neglect

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Meet the author:

Manuia Heinrich is a Tahitian Chinese writer based in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She holds a PhD in Pacific studies from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington; she also cofounded Pacific Islanders in Publishing and was a We Need Diverse Books mentee. Salt Water Blood is Manuia’s debut novel.

I gave this one four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.

I loved the twists and turns and all the unreliable narratives woven into the mystery. There were moments when the withholding of information felt a little too deliberate and interrupted the flow for me, but the book still kept me interested enough to finish. And the ending? A little surprising, a little expected—a combination that left me with a few things to think about.

Twelve months before the story’s present, an escape room fire changed everything for Steffi Zamekova. Matt Cesari, a charismatic and sometimes infuriating member of her friend group, died that night. Steffi survived, but her memories of what happened did not remain intact. Along with those missing pieces, she lost her popular blog and the close circle of friends who once filled her life.

When an ominous invitation arrives on the anniversary of the tragedy, Steffi sees a chance to finally get answers. The invitation leads her to a new escape room and reunites her with her former friends. Unfortunately, everyone seems to have something to hide, and the game becomes a fight for survival as participants are picked off. Steffi has to uncover their secrets while trying to recover her own memories. No pressure, right?

What I enjoyed most was the uncertainty. I love a thriller that gives me reasons to question what I’m being told, and the unreliable narratives were a big part of this book’s appeal. Steffi’s missing memories make the central mystery especially intriguing: she is trying to understand a night she experienced but cannot fully remember. That leaves plenty of room for doubt about what happened and how the pieces fit together.

The former friendships add another reason to be suspicious. These people share a history, but coming back together does not mean they are suddenly ready to be honest with one another. The setup invites questions about what each person knows, what they might be hiding, and why they agreed to participate. When everyone has their own reasons for showing up, even a seemingly simple explanation can start to look a little wobbly.

And then there are the twists. This was the part I really enjoyed. I like being able to form a theory, reconsider it, and wonder whether I’ve been looking in the wrong direction. Six Must Die gave me the turns and uncertainty I was hoping for. Having an idea about where a mystery might lead does not automatically take away the fun; sometimes the enjoyment comes from discovering how the author gets there.

The escape room premise also gives the story an immediate hook. Steffi enters because she wants the truth, but answering questions becomes tangled up with staying alive. There is something especially unsettling about a place designed around solving puzzles when the people inside may be keeping crucial information from one another. I enjoy a good mystery, but I would prefer to work on this particular one from a safe distance. My couch seems reasonable.

My main issue was how some information was held back. At times, I felt the author was trying a little too hard to keep certain details from the reader, and that affected how smoothly the story flowed for me. I wanted the uncertainty and the surprises, but occasionally I became more aware of the effort to preserve them than I wanted to be.

There is a balance in an unreliable narrative that can be tricky to maintain. I enjoy wondering whether I can trust someone’s version of events. I am less enthusiastic when I feel as though information is being kept just out of reach for the sake of extending the mystery. This book sometimes tipped into that second feeling for me. It was a noticeable frustration, even though it never outweighed my interest in finding out what happened.

As for the ending, my reaction landed somewhere between surprise and recognition. Some of it felt expected, but there was still an element that caught me off guard. It was not a complete “I never saw any of that coming” experience, and I would not describe it that way. Still, anticipating part of the destination did not erase my enjoyment of the twists along the route.

Six Must Die earned four stars from me for its twists, unreliable narratives, and intriguing mystery. The occasional awkwardness around withheld information kept it from being a five-star read, but I still wanted answers and kept reading to get them. If former friends, buried secrets, and a dangerous escape room sound like your kind of thriller, this one may belong on your reading list. I’ll just be keeping my next group activity considerably less deadly.

About the book:

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Release Date: March 10, 2026
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Young Adult Thriller

Synopisis:

Twelve months ago, an escape room fire took everything from Steffi Zamekova. In just one hour, she lost it all: her popular blog, her close-knit inner circle, and her memories of the night that killed one of the group’s own … the charismatic (if infuriating) Matt Cesari.

On the anniversary of the bewildering tragedy, Steffi is still desperate to piece together what went wrong. So when she receives an ominous invitation in the mail summoning her to the new escape room across town, she seizes the chance for answers.

Reunited with her former friends, Steffi sees the game as a last chance to uncover the truth behind Matt’s death. But it’s soon clear that each participant has their own cagey reasons for accepting the challenge. And as tensions rise and the players are picked off one by one, it’s a race against the clock for Steffi to uncover their secrets and unlock her own memories before the game’s mastermind ensures that no one escapes the room alive.

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Meet the author:

Victoria Wlosok is the author of the young adult thrillers How to Find a Missing Girl and Six Must Die. A recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in English and Business Administration, she now spends her time researching methods of murder for future books, attempting to break out of escape rooms, and teaching language arts in the mountains of the Czech Republic. She invites you to follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and X @xvictoriawrites, or visit her website at victoriawlosok.com

This YA horror novel brings together a haunted lake, terrifying visions, and a community’s resistance to confronting its past. So far, the mystery and supernatural descriptions have pulled me in, even when certain character decisions and storytelling choices have left me scratching my head.

Sidney moves from Atlanta to rural Forsyth County, Georgia, hoping to fit in at his new high school. After he nearly drowns in Lake Lanier, however, fitting in becomes considerably more complicated. He begins experiencing disturbing visions and encounters with spirits connected to Oscarville, a Black community at the center of the novel’s buried history. Those spirits want justice, and Sidney finds himself caught between their demands and people who would rather leave the past alone.

One of the first things I connected with was Sidney’s experience as the new kid. Been there, done that, and would happily skip the reunion tour. Starting over somewhere unfamiliar means figuring out friendships, personalities, and where you belong while everyone else seems to have the instruction manual already. That part of Sidney’s situation gave me something familiar to hold onto before the supernatural trouble took over.

I liked having that relatable starting point. Sidney wants something ordinary: to belong. Watching that desire collide with experiences that make him stand out gives his situation another layer of difficulty. It’s hard enough to find your place without terrifying visions entering the conversation.

Where Hunter has worked especially well for me is in building mystery and suspense. There’s enough uncertainty surrounding Sidney’s experiences to keep me interested in what’s happening and why. The visions and nightmares are another strength. Their descriptions help communicate how frightening and disorienting this experience is for Sidney, and those passages have been some of the most effective parts of my reading so far.

My bigger frustrations involve how certain details are introduced and how characters respond to information they seem to possess.

For example, Sidney goes to Amy Jade for help, but she avoids him after getting in trouble over the incident in which he nearly drowned. Later, he encounters her mother in the school library, where she gives him a journal. That interaction suggests she knows something about what’s happening.

Then, in the next chapter, we learn that she (Amy Jade’s mother) nearly drowned in the same lake when she was a little girl.

That revelation left me wondering why she hadn’t said more during their library encounter. If she has experienced something connected to what Sidney is going through, why give him the journal without offering more explanation? From my perspective at this point, he needs help, and she appears to have information that could matter.

There may be a reason for her silence that I haven’t reached yet. I’m leaving room for that possibility. Still, the sequence felt abrupt to me, and the missing explanation made her behavior difficult to understand. I wanted a stronger connection between what she knows and what she chooses to tell him.

The journal entries have also been a stumbling block. I believe they belong to the boy in overalls who seems to be possessing Sidney, although I’m still piecing that together. The verse format feels intended to create a particular atmosphere or voice, but I’ve found the passages difficult to understand.

Instead of helping me connect with that part of the mystery, they often leave me confused and frustrated. I don’t expect every supernatural clue to arrive neatly labeled, but I want enough clarity to feel that I’m making progress. Here, I’ve sometimes struggled to understand what the entries are communicating at all.

At the halfway point, A Lake with No Bottom is a mixed reading experience for me, with some clear strengths. I connect with Sidney’s new-kid struggles, enjoy the mystery and suspense, and appreciate Hunter’s descriptions of the nightmares and visions. At the same time, abrupt revelations, unclear character motivations, and difficult journal passages have interrupted my engagement.

For now, I’m giving it 3½ stars ⭐⭐⭐✨. I’m interested in seeing where Sidney’s story goes—and whether the second half brings the clarity I’ve been looking for.

About the book:

Genre: YA Horror
Publication Date: October 20, 2026
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Black

Synopsis:

A Lake with No Bottom is a chilling young adult novel about a teenaged white boy who is haunted by the victims of a Black town erased from history and is recruited by the restless souls left behind to bring them justice.

When Sidney Cromwell moves to rural Forsyth County, Georgia from the big city of Atlanta, all he wants is to fit in at his new high school. But when Sidney nearly drowns in Lake Lanier, an allegedly haunted lake that is the site of numerous inexplicable freak accidents and deaths, he becomes a social pariah as he starts to suffer terrifying visions from the past and hauntings by apparitions calling him to Lanier.

Sidney returns to the lake for answers, and he finds in its murky depths the spirits of former residents from Oscarville, the Black town that lies beneath the man-made lake. They enlist Sidney to remind Forsyth of its devastating history and push its citizens to make amends so that the souls in Oscarville can finally rest.

But Sidney soon learns that people will go to great lengths to avoid facing truths they’d rather not hear. The people of Forsyth County refuse to acknowledge the past, and as Oscarville’s populace starts to lose their patience, their rage and thirst for vengeance rise like a tidal wave.

Poignant, timely, and utterly terrifying, this gripping supernatural tale is perfect for fans of Internment and She Is a Haunting.

Content warnings: Racism, discrimination, and deaths

Meet the author:

Hugh “H. D.” Hunter is from Atlanta, Georgia. He’s the author of Torment: A Novella, the Futureland trilogy, A Lake with No Bottom, and Something Like Right, as well as the winner of several international indie book awards for multicultural fiction.

Hugh is committed to stories about Black kids and their many expansive worlds.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

The story follows Kylie Beckett, who returns to the small seaside town where she was born after the sudden death of her great-aunt. She lands her dream job as a forensic photographer, but her fresh start comes with complications that go well beyond settling into a new workplace. A series of murders and the theft of a dangerous relic pull Kylie into the dark history of her ancestors. With help from newfound family, she must learn to harness powers she didn’t know she possessed and stop the Pale Witch from unleashing a demonic spirit on Salem, Massachusetts.

On paper, that setup had plenty to draw me in. A forensic photographer caught between a murder investigation and her own supernatural family history? That sounds like a promising way to spend an October evening. Add Salem to the mix, and I was expecting a reading experience with a generous helping of dread. My Halloween reading list had a very specific assignment, and I wanted this book to bring the goosebumps.

What worked for me was the basic premise. There’s a worthwhile story idea here, with the mystery surrounding Kylie’s family giving the supernatural conflict a personal connection. She isn’t simply encountering trouble somewhere unfamiliar; she’s returning to her birthplace and discovering that her own history is tied to what’s happening. That combination of homecoming, hidden ancestry, and danger gave me a reason to be interested in where the plot would lead.

I also liked the potential in Kylie’s profession. Forensic photography is an intriguing starting point for a protagonist in a story involving murders and paranormal events. It brings a practical, investigative element to a premise filled with witchcraft and buried secrets. Those ingredients were part of why I picked this one up in the first place. Even though the overall reading experience didn’t fully click for me, I could see the appeal of the story being offered.

My biggest disappointment was the horror element. I wanted more of it. I went into this book looking for a scary seasonal read, and the experience didn’t give me enough fear or unease to satisfy that particular craving. Having witches, demonic danger, and a sinister history in the premise certainly raises expectations, but those elements alone weren’t enough to make this feel frightening to me. I wanted the tension to get under my skin and linger there.

That’s a personal response, of course. Readers have very different thresholds for what feels scary, and I’m reviewing this through the lens of what I wanted when I chose it. For my Halloween reading mood, I needed a stronger sense of menace. I wanted to hesitate before turning off the light, or at least give the suspicious hallway shadow a second look. This time, the hallway shadow got to carry on with its evening undisturbed.

The pacing was my other sticking point. The story moved a little too slowly for my taste, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested. A slower pace can work for me when the suspense keeps building, especially in a supernatural story. Here, though, the lack of scares meant the pace stood out more. I kept wanting a stronger pull forward and a little more urgency to match the danger suggested by the premise.

I wouldn’t call the plot bad. That distinction matters, because my three-star rating reflects a middle-of-the-road experience rather than a complete disappointment. There were ideas here that interested me, and I understood what drew me to the book. But being interested in the setup and feeling absorbed by the reading experience are two different things. For me, this one stayed closer to the first.

Readers who enjoy witch-centered paranormal stories and don’t need their supernatural reading to be especially frightening may have a better experience. If a more leisurely pace doesn’t bother you, the family secrets and magical threat may offer enough to hold your attention. I’d approach it with those expectations rather than choosing it specifically for a night of Halloween chills.

Ultimately, Whispers of the Pale Witch earns three stars ⭐⭐⭐ from me. It’s a reasonable option for a casual read between more anticipated titles, especially if its premise catches your interest. It wouldn’t be my first recommendation for someone seeking a truly scary October book, but it may suit a reader looking for a supernatural mystery at a gentler pace. I came for the scares and left wishing the witch had whispered something a little more unsettling.

About the book:

Series: Beckett Coven, Book One
Publisher: Rowan Prose Publishing
Genre: Adult Horror / Paranormal Thriller
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — 3 out of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Some secrets should just stay buried.

After the sudden death of her great-aunt, Kylie Beckett lands her dream job as a forensic photographer in the small seaside town where she was born. But once there, a series of murders and the theft of a dangerous relic force Kylie to uncover the dark truth about her ancestors.

With the help of newfound family, she learns to harness unconscious powers to stop the vengeful and unstable Pale Witch before she unleashes a demonic spirit on Salem, Massachusetts once again.

Shall we begin?

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Meet the author:

Drawn to playwriting from an early age, S.A. Sizemore began writing professionally while studying English and theater arts in college. After producing several plays regionally in Southern California, Sizemore pivoted to the themed entertainment industry. Whispers of the Pale Witch is the first installment of the Beckett Coven series inspired by Sizemore’s ancestral connection to the Salem Witch Trials. She is a full member of the Dramatists Guild of America, proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, European and Cherokee/Chickahominy decent, and resides in California with her wife and two dogs, Agatha and Harry.

Website: https://www.beckettcoven.com

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222468899-whispers-of-the-pale-witch

The trouble begins at the Mid-Atlantic Classic Kennel Club Invitational—Best in Show, held at the Spencer Inn. A priceless platinum-and-diamond collar disappears, turning an elegant event into the setting for a high-profile theft. Then two women connected to the show are murdered, and the investigation takes a much darker turn. Suddenly, far more is at stake than an expensive accessory or a coveted ribbon.

Mac Faraday and his German Shepherd, Gnarly, enter a world filled with valuable dogs, fiercely competitive owners, and egos that could probably use their own obedience classes. A missing Irish Wolfhound adds another layer to the mystery, while friction between Spencer PD and the county sheriff’s office complicates matters further. Meanwhile, the dogs are doing their part to make sure the Spencer Inn never has a dull moment. It’s a setup with plenty of opportunities for both intrigue and mischief.

One of the things I appreciated most was how quickly Carr gets into the action. Compared with the previous Mac Faraday novels I’ve read, this one felt more immediately engaging. I like a mystery that gives me something to investigate early, and Best in Murder did exactly that. The story got moving, the questions started piling up, and I was ready to join Mac in figuring out what was going on. That approach really suited the kind of reading experience I enjoy.

Mac himself remains a big part of the appeal. He’s charming, lovable, and witty, and I enjoy following a sleuth whose personality makes the investigation entertaining. His wit was one of my favorite things about him here. A murder mystery naturally has serious business to handle, but spending time with Mac gives the story a sense of fun alongside the crime-solving. I liked being in his company while trying to piece everything together.

Still, my favorite characters were Gnarly and Storm. I love that Carr includes them in the sleuthing and makes them part of solving the crime. They’re involved in the very thing I came to the book for: the investigation. Watching Mac work with his canine companions made the mystery especially enjoyable for me. There’s something wonderfully entertaining about following a case when the four-legged members of the team are among the characters you’re most excited to see.

I liked the rest of the characters, too, but the dogs were the standouts. With so many of them involved this time, the dog-show setting felt particularly well suited to the series. The competition brings together polished appearances, expensive prizes, and people with plenty to gain or lose. Then the canine chaos keeps everything from becoming too proper. I enjoyed that combination of an elegant event and an investigation that refuses to behave itself.

The biggest compliment I can give this book is that I had fun trying to solve the crime alongside Mac and his canine sleuths. I wanted to follow the investigation and see how the different pieces would connect. For me, that’s one of the pleasures of reading a mystery: getting involved enough to start working through the possibilities yourself. Best in Murder gave me that experience while also giving me characters I enjoyed spending time with.

At times, the book reminded me of the playful mystery appeal of Only Murders in the Building and Knives Out. Mac’s charm and wit also brought to mind the fun of Dorothy L. Sayers’s Lord Peter Wimsey. Those comparisons describe the feeling I had while reading: an entertaining investigation with personalities that help make the puzzle enjoyable. If that sort of mystery appeals to you, you’ll understand what I liked about spending time in this story.

My only real criticism is that a few sections dragged. There were moments when I thought the story could have been tightened and some material left out. Since the opening gets into the action so quickly, those slower stretches stood out. They weren’t serious enough to spoil my enjoyment, though, and I still liked the ending. That’s why I landed at 4.8 stars: a little room for trimming, but a whole lot to enjoy.

Best in Murder surprised me in the best way. Mac’s wit, Gnarly and Storm’s involvement, and the dog-show setting made this my favorite installment so far. It gave me an investigation I had fun following and a cast I genuinely liked. If you enjoy your mysteries with humor, memorable sleuths, and plenty of canine mischief, this one belongs on your reading list. Just don’t expect the dogs to observe resort etiquette.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4.8 out of 5 stars

About the book:

Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery, Book 15
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: October 13, 2026
Genre: Adult mystery
Content rating: PG-13; murder, occasional mild swearing, and sexual content kept behind closed doors

One Collar. Two Dead. Total Chaos.

When a priceless platinum-and-diamond collar vanishes at the Mid-Atlantic Classic Kennel Club Invitational—Best in Show at the Spencer Inn, it looks like the ultimate high-society theft. But when two women connected to the glittering event are murdered in quick succession, the case explodes into something far more deadly.

Mac Faraday and his troublemaking German Shepherd, Gnarly, dive headfirst into the glamorous, cutthroat world of championship dog shows. Amidst perfectly groomed champions worth small fortunes, ruthless competitors, and million-dollar egos, the trail leads to a missing Irish Wolfhound whose value goes well beyond his blue-blood pedigree.

As tensions rise between Spencer PD and the county sheriff’s office, Mac’s team races to untangle a web of greed, betrayal, and long-buried secrets—all while the elegant resort descends into delightful canine chaos. With show dogs of every shape and size turning the Spencer Inn into their personal playground, Gnarly does what he does best: stir up trouble and sniff out the truth.

Fast-paced, laugh-out-loud funny, and packed with four-legged mischief, Best in Murder proves that in the high-stakes world of Best in Show, the biggest prizes come with the deadliest risks.

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Meet the author:

Lauren Carr is the author of over thirty acclaimed mystery novels, with more than half a million copies sold worldwide. Her fast-paced series—the Mac Faraday Mysteries, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and more—blend twists, suspense, humor, and unforgettable characters (including clever German shepherds!).

It's Murder, My Son organically hit #1 in Mystery on Amazon, and her books consistently rank in the Top 20 Police Procedurals in the US and international markets.

A popular speaker and publishing consultant, Lauren lives on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV, with her husband and three spoiled rotten German shepherds.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ X/twitter ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

The setup immediately caught my attention. Mara is a horror buff whose connection to the movies of filmmaker Jack Stanley is tangled up with her relationship with her dad. His eighties slasher films represent some of their few happy memories together. When Stanley announces an overnight competition on the recreated set of his movie Asylum, the opportunity sounds almost too good to pass up. Five teen influencers will spend the night, and anyone who lasts until morning can win a hundred thousand dollars.

Mara could really use that money. The problem? She isn’t exactly a famous influencer. With help from her brother and best friend, she finds a creative way to build an online presence and get noticed. Soon, she’s among the chosen contestants, heading into what should be a horror fan’s dream experience. Of course, a dream can turn into a nightmare pretty quickly when the scares stop being special effects. Suddenly, making it to morning means a whole lot more than collecting a prize.

Mara was easily one of my favorite parts of this book. She is such a badass, and I loved having her at the center of all this madness. When a horror story gets this intense, I want to care about the person trying to survive it. Mara gave me that investment. I wasn’t simply waiting to see what terrifying thing would happen next; I was rooting for her through the chaos.

I also loved her brother and her best friend. Those three felt like interesting, unique individuals, and they were the characters who stood out most to me. Even with a premise built around influencers and a competition, it was this trio that gave me the strongest connection to the story. Their involvement in helping Mara get her chance adds another reason to become invested before the overnight experience takes its frightening turn. The book has plenty of spectacle, but I appreciated having characters I actually wanted to follow.

The other contestants felt more like recognizable character types. There’s the vain, egotistical fashionista influencer, the boy who is into sports and working out, and the shy, seemingly innocent singer who has plenty of secrets. I could picture those personalities almost immediately. Compared with Mara, her brother, and her best friend, they felt more stereotypical to me. That was the main distinction I noticed in the cast, although it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story or change my five-star rating.

What really kept me hooked was the pacing. The plot moves quickly, and Douglass does a fantastic job of keeping the action engaging. I stayed invested as the situation became more dangerous, and the story kept giving me reasons to keep reading. An overnight competition already comes with a built-in countdown, but once survival becomes the real concern, that countdown takes on a much nastier meaning. Morning suddenly feels very far away.

The horror descriptions deserve their own moment here, because they did their job a little too well. The gore is vivid, the scares are unsettling, and those spider things had me checking under my bed. I am keeping that description vague on purpose because I don’t want to spoil the experience. Just know that my imagination did not need any encouragement after reading those scenes. Apparently, the space beneath my bed required an inspection. For safety. And science.

I loved how invested I remained in the action even when the descriptions made me want to squirm. That combination is a big part of why this worked so well for me: I wanted to know what happened next, even when I suspected I wouldn’t enjoy picturing it. Douglass kept me turning pages while also giving me images that lingered afterward. A horror novel that follows you away from the page has certainly accomplished something.

Then there’s the edition itself. The publisher lists sprayed stenciled edges for the first hardcover printing while the special-edition supply lasts. If that’s the version you want, I’d look for a copy while it’s available. I gave mine away, and now I kind of wish I hadn’t. Sharing books is wonderful. Remembering how much you loved the one you just handed over? That’s where the tiny bookish regret sneaks in.

Night of Madness gave me a badass main character, a memorable trio, quick-moving action, and enough gruesome scares to make my own bedroom feel suspicious. After loving The Taking of Jake Livingston, I’m happy to say Ryan Douglass didn’t disappoint me here either. Five stars all the way. If you enjoy YA horror with a slasher-movie setup and plenty of gore, this is one to check out. Just consider checking under the bed afterward, too.

About the book:

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Author: Ryan Douglass
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Young adult horror

Synopsis:

For the first printing only! This hardcover features sprayed stenciled edges while the special edition supply lasts.

Teen influencers compete in a horror movie–themed overnight competition, only to realize the real test is staying alive in this chilling, blood-soaked horror novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Taking of Jake Livingston and the production company behind Clown in a Cornfield.

Mara is a horror buff whose only fond memories of her dad are bonding over movies by Jack Stanley—the producer of the eighties. Stanley’s campy slasher movies may have kept Mara’s fraught parental relationship on life support and gained a cult following, but the man himself has faded from the public eye…until he announces a contest centered around Asylum, his most terrifying film. Five teen influencers will be invited to spend the night on the fully constructed set; whoever sticks it out until morning wins a hundred thousand dollars.

Stuck in a dead-end job, Mara seriously needs that cash. She may not be a famous influencer, but there has to be a way to manufacture an online presence that will capture Stanley’s attention. With the help of her brother and best friend, Mara finds some creative solutions to her dilemma and lands herself onto the roster of the lucky chosen few by way of her engaging authenticity.

When Mara and the other contestants arrive on set, it’s a horror fan’s dream being immersed in the asylum setting, but as the night wears on, they realize the danger is more than movie magic… They’re not there to win or lose but to live or die. As Mara fights to survive, she discovers an inner ruthlessness she didn’t know she had. Just how far will she go to see the sunrise—and will she still recognize herself by the end?

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About the author:

Ryan Douglass is the author of the young adult horror novel The Taking of Jake Livingston, a New York Times bestseller and an ALA Rainbow Book List Pick; The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay, a reimagining of The Great Gatsby set in 1920s Harlem; and Night of Madness, a collaboration with the company behind Clown in a Cornfield. His work explores the ways young people fight to survive in hostile worlds. He lives in Atlanta with his dog and spends his free time baking ambitious desserts and scoping out true crime documentaries. You can follow and connect with Ryan Doulgass on Instagram @ryan_souflee

Lucille, Catherine, and Victoria arrive at a prestigious Alabama university for a trial semester that could open the door to higher education for women across the state. Each has her own reason for accepting. Lucille wants freedom from her controlling father and distance from a first love who betrayed her. Catherine hopes to escape an arranged marriage intended to suppress her attraction to women. Victoria carries guilt over the death of a fellow mill worker and wants a way forward.

Their opportunity comes with an awful catch: they must succeed in an environment where some male students are actively trying to make them fail. As the harassment escalates, the women form a coven disguised as a sorority and turn to Southern folk magic to fight back. The premise also promises a darker force working against them, making their place at the university even more precarious.

What has stood out most to me is how thoroughly Ortiz makes these women’s circumstances feel oppressive. Their treatment is horrible, and the scenes of bullying and assault are difficult to read. The cruelty made me think about how much freedom I take for granted. These women are trying to learn, yet even that becomes something they must defend.

The historical atmosphere and language have also impressed me. I can’t confirm the accuracy of every detail, and I don’t yet know how much of the university experiment draws on actual history. What I can say is that Ortiz has created a setting that feels convincing to me as a reader. The expectations placed on these women shape their choices, their fears, and the risks they take. That sense of restriction gives their desire for independence real weight.

Lucille is a particular favorite. I love her spunk, especially considering the cruelty she faces from her father. Her personality made me root for her early on, and I want to see her find the freedom she deserves. There is something especially satisfying about a character whose spirit keeps showing through despite the people trying to control her.

Catherine has won me over, too. I love her sweet demeanor and her desire to change things for herself and the other women. Watching her respond to their mistreatment makes me care about what happens to her. Her father’s financial involvement in the school and program adds another detail to consider, especially alongside the different ways the enrolled women are treated.

Victoria’s guilt gives her story a different emotional starting point. Together, the three main characters arrive with distinct burdens, and I appreciate that Ortiz takes time to introduce us to each of them. Their individual circumstances help me understand why this opportunity matters so much.

One of my favorite things to think about is the connection between the women and the magical elements of The spirit, The sacrifice, and The superstition. As I understand the book’s witchcraft so far, those elements are involved in making a spell work. My current interpretation is that Catherine brings the superstition, Lucille the spirit, and Victoria the sacrifice. I could be wrong by the ending, but I love considering how their personalities and experiences might fit together within the magic.

And when the spellcasting against their tormentors finally begins? Yes, please. After watching these men bully and hurt these women, I was ready for them to face some consequences. My main pacing complaint is that I wish this happened sooner. The magical retaliation arrives around the halfway point, and I had been eagerly waiting for it. Still, I appreciate the character development that comes first; knowing the women makes those moments more satisfying.

My other reservation concerns the trial semester’s admissions premise. Two of the ten women enrolled are women of color, and I found myself wondering how their inclusion would have been arranged at this particular university in post–Civil War Alabama. Given the setting, I wanted more explanation of the institution’s decision and the barriers involved. I’m only halfway through, though, so that explanation may still be ahead. Ortiz does portray these women receiving even worse treatment than their white classmates, which makes the question more significant for me.

So far, this is a compelling spooky-season read with characters I care about and magic I’m eager to see develop. The harassment and violence make it a heavy read in places, but the women’s growing resistance keeps me turning pages. My current rating is 4.6 out of 5 stars, and I’m looking forward to discovering where their sisterhood—and their spells—takes them next.

Content warnings: Sexism, discrimination, homophobia, blood, death, murder, self-harm for witchcraft purposes, physical assault, sexual assault, psychological assault, and a graphic force-feeding scene.

My rating so far: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.6/5 stars

About the book:

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Publishing date: October 6, 2026

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Rep: Sapphic, Trans, LGBT+

Synopsis:

In this spellbinding Southern Gothic novel, three women weave together old Southern folklore and magic to fight sexism and educational discrimination in post-Civil War Alabama, perfect for fans of Hester Fox and Louisa Morgan.

When Lucille, Catherine, and Victoria are invited to participate in a trial semester for women at Alabama’s most prestigious university, they each have their own reasons for accepting. Lucille wants freedom from both her father’s control and reminders of her traitorous first love. Catherine wants to escape an arranged marriage meant to halt her attraction to women. And Victoria wants to run from the guilt that haunts her after the death of one of her fellow mill girls.

The trial semester will determine whether or not women across the state will be allowed to attend other universities. But the enrolled women quickly learn that success is not guaranteed, and some of their male cohorts are determined to see them fail. When the men’s pranks go too far, Lucille, Catherine, and Victoria form a coven under the guise of a sorority and call upon witchcraft steeped in the traditions of southern folklore to fight back.

As they gather their fellow witches, they discover there is something darker at work at the university, a force that is determined to expel all the women at the university, and they’ll need all the allies they can get if they want to succeed.

For fans of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and Weyward, this historical speculative novel explores the darker side of human nature and the ways in which women navigate—and survive—oppressive, male-dominated societies.

Meet the author:

Katie Ortiz is a writer, teacher, wife, feminist, and cat mom from Alabama. She’s a member of the Alabama Historical Association and writes accessible historical fiction with a speculative twist. Her writing often explores the darker sides of human nature and the ways in which women navigate and survive in oppressive, male-dominated societies. She attended the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Alabama Writing Day Workshops and the 2023 Atlanta Writers Conference. When she’s not writing at her favorite local coffee shop, she fights for the right to education every day as a public school teacher, reads witchy books, or takes her two cats on walks.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

I gave this one five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because I loved how its pieces worked together. Jayde’s grief drives the story, the secrets kept me questioning everyone, and her slow-burn relationship with Barrick gave me another reason to keep turning pages. There is plenty to untangle here, emotionally and magically, and I could not put the book down.

A Resurrection Plan with Dangerous Stakes

Jayde has tried four times to resurrect Soleste, the girl she loved. Each attempt has failed, but Jayde believes she knows what is missing: the life of Soleste’s murderer. That belief sends her down an increasingly dangerous path, where finding a killer and bringing someone back from the dead become tangled together.

Then Barrick, an alchemist’s son, catches her after her latest failure. He offers her a choice: face exposure for her crimes or help him infiltrate the alchemy cult she believes is hiding Soleste’s killer. Jayde agrees and binds him to her through a magical oath. Nothing says “promising partnership” quite like secrets, blackmail, and forbidden magic.

As they work their way into the cult, the questions multiply. What was Soleste hiding? What does Barrick know? How much of Jayde’s understanding of the past can she trust? I loved that the mystery reaches into her relationships as well as the circumstances surrounding Soleste’s death.

Jayde’s Grief and Complicated Choices

Jayde was one of my favorite parts of the book because she is such a complex main character. Her decision to use blood magic makes her determination impossible to dismiss. She is willing to cross frightening boundaries to bring Soleste back, and that willingness gave me a lot to think about while I followed her search.

Her grief also makes the mystery personal. She is investigating the death of someone who mattered deeply to her, so every secret has the potential to change both her plans and her memories. I enjoyed that tension between wanting answers and wanting to preserve what she believes about Soleste.

Although the synopsis describes Soleste as the girl Jayde loved, my impression of their romantic connection came primarily through Jayde’s memories. I did not feel that the book showed scenes clearly establishing a romance between them. Instead, the way Jayde remembers Soleste led me to read that bond as romantic. That distinction stayed with me: the depth of Jayde’s feelings is apparent, while their relationship is largely filtered through her recollections.

The Slow Burn Had Me Hooked

The enemies-to-lovers romance subplot between Jayde and Barrick was a highlight for me. I loved how gradually the tension builds, especially through embarrassed reactions and accidental touches. Those small moments can do so much when an author gives the relationship time to develop.

There is something wonderfully awkward about characters trying to navigate attraction when their partnership already comes with reasons to distrust each other. Jayde and Barrick have secrets, separate motivations, and a magical oath complicating matters. A little brush of contact suddenly has a lot riding on it. Very inconvenient for them. Excellent for me.

I appreciated that the romance develops alongside the mystery. Their changing feelings add another layer to the question of what binds them together. With magic already involved in their connection, the growing attraction gives Jayde something else to untangle. I kept wanting more of their interactions, which is exactly what I hope for in a slow burn.

Banter, Secrets, and Suspicious Company

I also really liked Barrick and his brother, particularly the banter between them. Their exchanges were another enjoyable part of the character dynamics, and I appreciated having that relationship alongside the tension between Barrick and Jayde.

Meanwhile, the secrets gave me plenty of reasons to stay suspicious. Jayde and Barrick both keep things hidden, and the cult adds an entire hierarchy of uncertainty. I loved following a story where the central characters themselves contribute to the mystery.

Then there is Ronan, Jayde’s orphan friend and a thief, who also struck me as suspicious. Add the mysterious Chymist, whom Jayde believes is responsible for Soleste’s death, and my mental suspect list was getting crowded. I enjoyed having so many people and possibilities to question without knowing how everything would connect.

Magic That Leaves Questions Behind

The world’s magic was another element I loved. There are numerous rules surrounding its use, along with alchemists and forbidden practices, and the world retains a sense of mystery as those components come together.

One detail that especially caught my attention was a flashback in which Soleste uses magic to help plants grow. She describes borrowing from the earth, while magic is also described as stealing. I liked that explanation because it made me think about the exchange involved: where does the power come from, and what does taking it mean?

That idea adds weight to Jayde’s blood magic and resurrection attempts. I enjoyed how the magical rules, the cult’s secrets, the character relationships, and the search for Soleste’s killer all connect. Each component gave me another reason to stay invested.

Where the Bones Took Root earned its five stars from me with a complicated heroine, an absorbing mystery, and a slow burn full of those deliciously awkward little moments. If forbidden magic, buried secrets, and enemies becoming something more are your kind of reading combination, this is one to put on your radar. My biggest problem was finding a good place to stop reading.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5

About the book:

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing date: October 6, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: LGBTQ+

Synopsis:

Four times, Jayde has tried to resurrect Soleste, the girl she loved, with forbidden magic. Four times, she’s failed—and she’s convinced it’s because she’s missing the secret ingredient: the life of Soleste’s murderer.

When an alchemist’s son named Barrick catches her in the wake of her latest failure, he offers her a choice: he can expose her crimes, or she can help him infiltrate the alchemy cult she’s certain is hiding Soleste’s killer. Desperate, Jayde agrees—and binds him to her side with a magical oath.

But as Jayde and Barrick deceive their way through the cult’s hierarchy, her hunt for Soleste’s killer unearths buried truths. Soleste may have been keeping secrets of her own, and Jayde’s growing feelings for Barrick can no longer be explained by the magic that binds them.

The closer Jayde gets to the truth, the more it threatens everything she believed—about Soleste, the night she died, and her enemy-turned-accomplice.

To bring Soleste back, Jayde will have to confront her grief and decide how far she’s willing to go for the girl she loved… and whether it’s worth sacrificing the boy who accepts every dark piece of her.

Meet the author:

Juniper Klein is a YA fantasy author based in Houston, Texas, where she battles the humidity and serves as a devoted butler to her White Swiss Shepherd.

A Texas A&M University graduate and a former engineer, Juniper writes emotionally driven fantasies that explore grief, memory, and the dangerous things people will do for love. Her stories blend dark magic, immersive settings, sharp banter, and lovers who were meant to be enemies.

When she’s not writing, Juniper can usually be found taking French classes, planning her next escape to somewhere wild or less humid, or pushing herself beyond her comfort zone.

She is represented by Paula Weiman at ASH Literary.

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Gloria and her dad enjoy solving crossword puzzles together, but the puzzles she faces in her own life don’t come with enough clues. She has spent years studying the faces of women around her, wondering whether one of them might be her biological mother. Gloria and her best friend even play a game of looking for women in their thirties who could be a match. It sounds playful at first, but it also shows how often the question is on Gloria’s mind. She can be out living her life and still be looking for an answer.

Then Gloria sees an obituary photo of a woman who looks remarkably like her. Suddenly, the possibility she has imagined for years feels close enough to investigate. There is a painful catch: the woman in the photo has died. Gloria sets out to learn who she was and whether their resemblance means anything, keeping her search secret from the parents who have always been there for her.

I loved Gloria. Her desire to find her biological mother felt understandable and deeply personal. She isn’t searching because her adoptive parents have failed to love her. She wants to know where she came from, whom she resembles, and what pieces of her story she hasn’t been told. Mattern makes that longing feel like a missing piece and a mystery Gloria can’t stop trying to solve. I wanted answers right along with her.

The family dynamic between Gloria and her parents was another highlight. Their love gives the story warmth, but it doesn’t make Gloria’s questions disappear. That balance matters. Gloria can appreciate the family she has and still wonder about her biological family. As her search pulls her into more secrecy, the tension comes from caring about everyone involved. I wanted Gloria to discover what she could, and I also worried about the growing distance between her and the people who love her.

Mattern does a good job building that tension through Gloria’s determination. An obituary photo is a striking place to find a possible clue about your beginnings, and it gives her search an emotional weight from the start. Each step toward an answer feels important to Gloria. At the same time, each lie makes it harder for her to let her parents into what she’s experiencing. The mystery kept me reading, but Gloria’s feelings kept me invested.

I especially liked how the game with her best friend helped establish Gloria’s search as part of her everyday life. This isn’t a question that appears only after she finds the photo. She has been wondering and watching for a long time. By the time she spots that resemblance in the obituary, I understood why she would feel compelled to follow it, even when keeping it to herself became difficult.

I did have one question that stayed with me: I was surprised Gloria’s parents seemed to be in the dark about her biological family, too. I wondered whether her adoption was closed and why her parents didn’t reach out to the adoption agency to help her look for information. It’s possible the book addressed that reasoning and I missed it—I read enough books that details occasionally get confuffled together! Still, I wanted a little more clarity on what her parents knew and what options they had when Gloria needed answers.

That question didn’t take away from what I enjoyed most. Where the Light Shines In is a lovely, emotional read about a girl trying to understand her story while learning how hard it is to carry big questions alone. Gloria’s search has the pull of a mystery, but the heart of the book is her relationship with her family and her hope that she can make sense of the spaces she feels inside.

I give it 4.8 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨.

I’d recommend it for middle grade classrooms and readers who enjoy thoughtful family stories, especially young readers exploring questions about adoption and identity. Gloria’s experience is her own, but her wish to understand where she comes from is one many readers can connect with. Bring tissues if family stories tend to get you; this one has plenty of heart.

About the book:

Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary
Publishing date: September 29, 2026

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Rep: adoption

Synopsis:

“…if there’s one thing my thirteen years of life have taught me, it’s that having parents who love you doesn’t erase the somebody else who brought you into the world.”

Despite being adopted into a loving family, thirteen-year-old Gloria feels as if her life is a bit too much like the crossword puzzles she and her dad enjoy solving together: too many empty spaces and not enough clues.

For as long as she can remember, Gloria has studied the faces of random women in the hopes of finding her birth mother. But when she finally lands on the perfect candidate, it’s in a place she never could have expected—an obituary photo.

Determined to learn more about this dead woman who looks just like her, Gloria embarks on a secret mission to fill in the gaps of her origin story.

At first, finding answers about her past feels exactly right. But as the lies Gloria tells keep piling up, and each step toward her biological family takes her farther from the parents who have loved her forever, she starts to wonder if she’ll ever be able to fill her empty spaces. Because how can you feel truly whole when you’re shattering from the inside out?

Meet the author:

Jenny Mattern is a crafter of stories, a fledgling poet, and a cake-for-breakfast enthusiast who wishes she lived in a tiny cottage on a windswept cliff above the sea. Alas, she lives in the mountains in a landlocked state—lovely, yes, but much too far from the roar of the ocean for her liking.

Born and raised in the Seattle area, Jenny now lives in Montana with her family and a menagerie of pets. Where the Light Shines In is her debut novel.

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“The first thing you need to know: They’re not antiques.
The second thing you need to know: I’m not his daughter.”

That opening immediately made me curious, and The Antique Picker’s Daughter wastes very little time pulling the reader into Frankie’s unstable and increasingly dangerous world.

Melanie Dugan’s novel is a short, fast read, but it tackles some very heavy subjects, including youth homelessness, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking.

Frankie has already been abandoned by both of her parents when she is left in the care of her deeply religious grandmother. When her grandmother’s beliefs become increasingly extreme, Frankie runs away. She ends up on the streets of Toronto, where surviving becomes even more difficult as winter approaches.

Then she meets Francis, a much older man who teaches her what he calls “the game”—finding, buying, stealing, and reselling items for profit. The two begin traveling through small towns and villages in southern Ontario, and for a while they form an unusual team.

But Frankie’s safety is always fragile, and when Francis leaves her behind in a town she doesn’t know, the danger surrounding her becomes much more serious.

What I liked 😁

One of the strongest things about this book is its pacing.

There is almost no warm-up period. Dugan gets Frankie out of her grandmother’s house and into survival mode quickly, and from there the story keeps moving. At only 250 pages, this is the kind of book where you tell yourself, “I’ll read a few chapters,” and suddenly realize you’ve read half the book.

I also really enjoyed the mystery surrounding the characters.

Frankie is telling the story, but that doesn’t mean we know everything about her. She holds things back, and so do the people around her. There is always this feeling that someone knows more than they are saying.

Francis especially interested me because his relationship with Frankie is complicated from the beginning. There are moments when he seems protective, moments when the power imbalance between them is impossible to ignore, and moments when I wasn’t sure what to believe about him at all.

That uncertainty worked for me.

Actually, I wish the novel had explored Frankie and Francis’s relationship even more because it became one of the most interesting parts of the story.

What Didn’t Work for Me 🙄

My biggest issue, however, was Frankie’s emotional voice.

Terrible things happen to her—things that should be frightening, painful, enraging, or devastating—but Frankie often narrates them with almost the same emotional weight she might use to describe an everyday inconvenience.

At times, I felt like I was being told about something horrifying without being allowed to feel how horrifying it was to her.

To be clear, emotional numbness can absolutely be part of how someone copes with trauma, and Frankie’s detachment may have been intentional. But as a reader, I needed more from the writing to understand that detachment.

I wanted glimpses of what was happening underneath it.

Was she terrified but refusing to admit it? Angry but shutting it down? Dissociating? Trying not to think about what had happened? Even physical reactions, intrusive thoughts, or small cracks in her emotional armor could have helped me connect more deeply with her.

Instead, there were moments involving sexual exploitation and violence where Frankie’s narration felt so matter-of-fact that I became distanced from her rather than pulled closer to her.

The events themselves are upsetting. Frankie’s reaction to them, however, sometimes felt like the emotional volume had been turned down too far.

And considering this is a first-person narrative, I really wanted to be inside her experience.

I also had a couple of questions that never completely went away.

Frankie initially leaves her grandmother with the idea of finding her mother, yet that motivation seems to fade as the story continues. I kept expecting her search for her mother to become important again, so I was disappointed that this thread didn’t feel as developed as I expected.

I was also unsure when the novel was supposed to take place.

Something about the atmosphere, the way Frankie moves through the world, and the overall texture of the story made me picture an earlier period—possibly the 1970s or 1980s—but I never felt certain.

If the time period was stated clearly, I missed it.

A few stronger details anchoring the story in a specific decade would have helped me visualize Frankie’s world and better understand some of the circumstances surrounding her.

In Conclusion

Despite those issues, The Antique Picker’s Daughter was difficult to put down.

And that creates an interesting contradiction with my criticism of Frankie’s emotional distance: I didn’t always feel as connected to Frankie’s inner life as I wanted to be, yet I still needed to know what was going to happen to her.

The situations she faces are disturbing, and some sections are genuinely hard to read because of the realities of homelessness, exploitation, and human trafficking.

Dugan also succeeds at showing how quickly a vulnerable young person can move from one unsafe situation into another.

Frankie is constantly looking for stability, but stability keeps shifting underneath her. A person who seems helpful can become dangerous. A place that seems safer can reveal another threat. A decision that appears to offer an escape can lead straight into another trap.

That uncertainty gives the novel much of its tension.

Overall, The Antique Picker’s Daughter is a compelling and unsettling story with strong pacing, an intriguing sense of mystery, and a main character whose journey kept me reading.

I wanted more emotional depth from Frankie, more development of her complicated relationship with Francis, and clearer follow-through on a few story details—especially her original desire to find her mother and the novel’s time period.

Still, this is a quick, memorable read that tackles some incredibly difficult subjects and doesn’t waste time getting to the heart of Frankie’s struggle for survival and safety.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ — 3.5/5 stars

About the book:

Publisher: Inanna Publications & Education Inc.
Release Date: September 2026
Genre: General Fiction / Literary Fiction

Synopsis:

“The first thing you need to know: They’re not antiques.
The second thing you need to know: I’m not his daughter.”

Abandoned first by her father, and then by her mother, Frankie has been left in the care of her deeply religious grandmother. When her grandmother’s religious convictions tip into delusion, Frankie decides to run away.

Life on the street in Toronto is hard, and with winter coming, it gets tougher. This is when Frankie first meets Francis, a man old enough to be her father. He starts training her in “the game,” as she comes to call it; buying, stealing, and reselling “inventory” at inflated prices. Through winter, spring, and early summer, the two become a team, traveling around small towns and villages in southern Ontario.

As Frankie discovers, life on the road holds dangers she can’t anticipate, and her precarious world tips into disaster when Francis abandons her in an unfamiliar town. Betrayed, alone, and deserted, Frankie realizes she’s in a dangerous situation — will she be able to find her way out on her own?

The Antique Picker’s Daughter explores youth homelessness, human trafficking, and one young woman’s search for safety.

Content Warning: Youth homelessness, human trafficking, physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and rough language.

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Meet the author:

Melanie Dugan is the author of Sometime Daughter (“A stunning debut,” The Kingston Whig-Standard), Revising Romance (“…heartwarming, amusing, and…downright sexy,” Midwestern Book Review), Dead Beautiful (“Artful and funny,” Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer), Bee Summers (“…a carefully wrought portrayal of the way we carry trauma with us through life,” Brenda Schmidt, Quill & Quire), and Hard White (“It is a very compelling and beautifully-crafted story…I highly recommend it,” Skeleton Press).

She lived in Boston, Toronto and London, England, before settling in Kingston, Ontario, where she now lives.

She has worked in libraries and bookstores, and was Associate Publisher at Quarry Press in Kingston, and also served as Managing Editor for Poetry Canada, Quarry Magazine and Canadian Fiction Magazine.

In 2009 she was promotions director for the inaugural Kingston WritersFest.

She has studied writing with Leon Rooke, Keath Fraser, Kim Moritsugu, Helen Humphreys and Anita Rau Badami.

Her short stories have been shortlisted for several awards including the CBC Literary Award.

Connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

In Demonology for Overachievers by Lily Anderson, academic competition gets a paranormal—and very deadly—twist. Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), this YA paranormal novel combines dark academia, demons, academic rivalry, and plenty of dark humor. I read this book as part of a book tour with Toppling Stacks Tours, and it turned out to be a fun and entertaining read, even if I didn’t always understand the lengths its characters were willing to go to in the name of achievement.

Merritt Maldonado has spent her high school career doing everything she possibly can to stand out. She has joined clubs, taken on activities, worked hard, and built the kind of résumé that should make her an obvious choice for a prestigious full-ride scholarship.

There’s just one problem: Linus Lexington.

No matter what Merritt does, Linus seems to be right there competing with her. With the scholarship on the line and Merritt desperate to finally get an advantage, she makes what is probably the worst extracurricular decision imaginable—she strikes a bargain with a demon.

As you might expect, things do not go according to plan.

When the other scholarship applicants begin dying, Merritt realizes that her demonic deal has consequences she never anticipated. Then she discovers that Linus has somehow gotten mixed up with the same demon. Suddenly, the two rivals are forced to work together to figure out how to escape their bargain before even more people die.

What I Thought 💭

One of my favorite parts of this book was definitely the paranormal aspect. I went into this wanting demons and supernatural chaos, and Lily Anderson delivered. I especially liked the demons themselves and the way the bargains worked. There is something very entertaining about watching characters think they have found a clever shortcut only to discover that dealing with a demon comes with a very large amount of fine print.

The consequences of Merritt and Linus making these deals were probably the most interesting part of the story for me. Their decisions aren’t treated like harmless mistakes. There are genuine repercussions, and watching those consequences escalate added both tension and humor to the story.

I also really enjoyed the dark humor throughout the book. Demonology for Overachievers deals with death, demons, pressure, and some gruesome situations, but it never becomes overwhelmingly heavy. There is a playful darkness to the story that made it easy to keep reading.

The descriptions were another strong point. Anderson does a great job creating vivid scenes, particularly when the supernatural elements start creeping into Merritt’s otherwise achievement-obsessed world. The paranormal moments were easy to picture, and those scenes were some of the most memorable parts of the book for me.

Overall, this was also a very easy read. The story moves quickly; there is always something happening, and I never felt like I had to push myself through it. If you enjoy paranormal YA that doesn’t take itself too seriously, there is a lot here to have fun with.

My biggest struggle, however, was connecting with the characters and their motivation.

I could not completely wrap my head around teenagers going to such extreme lengths for a scholarship. I understand that this is deliberately a story about overachievers and the enormous amount of pressure young people can put on themselves, but I kept thinking, “You summoned a demon...for a scholarship?”

Then again, I was never an overachiever.

I actually have a niece who is much more ambitious and achievement-focused, and I could absolutely imagine her understanding Merritt’s mindset far better than I did. So maybe part of my disconnect comes down to personality. For someone whose entire future feels tied to getting into the right school, winning the right scholarship, or building the perfect résumé, Merritt’s desperation may feel much more relatable.

For me, though, that disconnect also made it harder to become emotionally invested in the characters themselves.

I didn’t particularly care for Merritt or Linus, and I never became as attached to them as I would have liked. I think a lot of that stems from the same problem: their relentless overachiever energy was difficult for me to identify with. I understood what the book was doing with academic pressure and competition, but understanding it intellectually wasn’t quite the same as connecting with the characters emotionally.

Thankfully, I didn’t need to love the characters to enjoy the story.

The demonology, dark humor, supernatural consequences, and increasingly messy situation were enough to keep me entertained. In fact, I think that is where Demonology for Overachievers works best. It takes something very familiar—the pressure to succeed in high school—and pushes it into absurd, sinister territory by asking what happens when the desire to get ahead literally becomes a deal with the devil.

Despite my issues connecting with the characters, I had a good time reading this one. It was entertaining, creative, wonderfully paranormal, and filled with the kind of darkly funny consequences that make you want to keep turning the pages just to see how much worse things can possibly get.

If you enjoy YA paranormal stories, dark academia, academic rivals, supernatural bargains, demons, and a healthy dose of dark humor, Demonology for Overachievers is definitely worth checking out.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ — 4/5 Stars

About the book:

Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date: September 22, 2026

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Synopsis:

Dark academia takes a fresh twist in this YA novel, where a determined high school senior strikes a bargain with a demon to win a coveted scholarship—only to discover her rival has made the same deal.

Merritt Maldonado has done everything right. But for every club she’s founded, tree she’s planted, and sport she’s played, her academic nemesis Linus Lexington has been right there. By her side. Copying her every move.

And now they’re neck and neck for a coveted full ride scholarship. Desperate to gain an edge, Merritt finds herself making a deal with a demon. But when other applicants start dying in gruesome ways, Merritt realizes the demon is killing off her competition. And to make matters worse, she finds the demon’s mark on Linus.

Now Merritt and Linus’ souls are tied to the same deadly demon. With bodies piling up, they have to work together to break the pact, stop the killings, and maybe admit that the bond they share isn’t just supernatural…

Meet the author:

LILY ANDERSON is the Printz-Honor winning author of several novels, including SCOUT’S HONOR, UNDEAD GIRL GANG, and THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN ME IS YOU. A former school librarian, she is deeply devoted to Shakespeare, fairy tales, and podcasts. Somewhere in Northern California, she is expressing strong opinions on musical theater.

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WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU ARE. STOP DIGGING.

The story follows Ace Li, who has spent years trying to rebuild himself after his best friend, Akash Patel, kissed him and then disappeared from his life without a word. Ace has finally found stability again through his routines: swimming, protein shakes, debate, and keeping his feelings under control.

Then Akash comes back.

But he isn’t just returning to reopen old wounds. His mother, Radhika Malhotra, a world-famous investigative journalist, is missing — and she was last seen in Ace’s town. When Ace discovers notes about what Radhika had been investigating, he starts following the trail himself. The deeper he digs, the more dangerous things become, especially once he starts receiving anonymous threats telling him to stop.

I really liked the premise of this book. The mystery had a lot of promise, especially with the missing journalist angle, the threatening messages, and the idea that exposing the truth could have consequences for an entire town. I love stories where one person starts pulling at a thread and realizes the secret is much bigger than they expected.

That said, I wanted more of the mystery and thriller elements.

For me, the story leaned more heavily into Ace’s heartbreak, his complicated feelings for Akash, and the rekindling of their relationship. That emotional storyline makes sense for Ace’s character, especially given how deeply Akash’s disappearance affected him. But I personally found myself wanting the investigation, danger, and suspense to take up more space.

The anonymous messages, the missing journalist, and the secrets surrounding Radhika’s investigation were the parts that pulled me in most. I wanted more tension, more twists, and more of that thriller feeling where every clue makes things worse instead of clearer.

Still, the book had an interesting setup, emotional stakes, and a strong central conflict. Ace’s struggle between protecting the stable life he has built and chasing the truth gave the story weight. I also liked the question at the heart of the book: how much are you willing to risk for the truth — and for someone you still care about?

Overall, Don’t Print This was an entertaining read with a compelling premise. I just wish the mystery had been pushed further and given more room to shine alongside the romance.

I’d recommend this one to readers who enjoy YA stories with romance, emotional tension, missing-person mysteries, anonymous threats, and characters caught between old feelings and dangerous truths.

Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐✨

About the book:

Genre: YA Mystery
Publishing date: September 22, 206

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Rep: Chinese, Asian, biracial, queer, LGBT+, disability, deaf/HoH, Ehlers-Danlos

Synopsis:

WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU ARE. STOP DIGGING.

Freshman year, Ace Li kissed his best friend, Akash Patel. The next day, Akash moved away without a word―and Ace was so brokenhearted he stopped eating.

It took years for Ace to recover, but he’s finally stable again. Ace drinks his protein shakes, swims every morning, and might even win the debate competition this year. He’s good. He’s forgotten that kiss―at least, that’s what he tells himself. Then Ace hears the news: Akash is back.

Akash has returned because his mother, the world-famous investigative journalist Radhika Malhotra, is missing, and she was last seen in this town. Ace tries to stay away, but the second he sees Akash, the feelings he’s suppressed bubble back to the surface. Then Ace happens upon some notes―notes about what Akash’s mother was investigating. If he retraces her steps, he might be able to find her. And if he does, maybe Akash will give him another chance.

As Ace follows Radhika’s trail, his stable life begins to crumble. He stops eating, and he starts receiving threatening, anonymous messages. If he goes public with what happened to Radhika and why, his entire town will have to pay the consequences. Winning Akash’s heart might cost Ace everything, but maybe that’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make.

Content Warning: toxic relationship, violence, murder, toxic friendship

Meet the author:

I’m an award-winning journalist, editor, and writing instructor whose work has appeared in publications including The Verge and Business Insider. All pronouns are acceptable.

I grew up in Lakeville, Connecticut, known locally as “the middle of the woods.” I graduated from Brown University with honors in Literary Arts/Creative Writing, and have worked as a technology and business journalist ever since. My work has brought me to New York City, back to Lakeville, and then to South Korea, where I currently reside with my partner and cat. Along the way, I’ve anchored news for KBS World Radio and appeared as a regular voice on tech podcasts and panels.

Don’t Print This, a queer YA mystery from Page Street YA, is my debut novel. The story grew out of many things: a lifelong passion for children’s literature, a newfound appreciation for my rural upbringing after a decade of big city life, and years inside newsrooms, where I came to deeply value the necessity—but also the costs—of telling the truth.

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There are zombie stories, and then there are zombie stories involving mysterious glowing green goo, wood-eating orphans, scientific investigations, secretive ninjas, and an entire town at risk of literally being eaten. Zombie Zoo: Adventures in Tub by Melanie Abed is the first book in the Felix & Ninja series, and it kicks things off with plenty of action, mystery, humor, and wonderfully strange world-building.

The story takes place in the Territory of Tub, specifically the wooden island town of Spinachi. Thirteen-year-old Felix is a young naturalist who would probably be perfectly happy staying in his tree fort, observing the world and recording everything in his field journal. Unfortunately for Felix, his home is suddenly facing a much bigger problem than anything he can simply observe from a safe distance.

A mysterious bioluminescent green substance is turning orphans into wood-eating zombies.

And when your entire town is made of wood, that is a pretty serious problem.

Felix quickly realizes that this outbreak doesn’t seem accidental. Someone may have intentionally unleashed the plague, and whoever is behind it could still be out there. To figure out what is happening, Felix is forced to leave the safety of observation behind and actually jump into the action.

That is where Ninja comes in.

Ninja is another orphan, but unlike Felix, she approaches problems through instinct, secrecy, and spycraft. She is clever, cautious, and not exactly quick to trust anyone. Felix, meanwhile, relies heavily on scientific observation, evidence, and data. Putting these two together creates a fun dynamic because they approach almost every problem from completely different directions.

Their personalities and methods are one of my favorite parts of the book.

Felix brings a lot of humor to the story, while Ninja has a cleverness and mysterious quality that makes you want to know more about her. Watching these two loners slowly learn how to work together gives the story more than just its zombie adventure. At its heart, this is also a story about friendship and learning when to trust someone else.

One of the things I especially enjoyed was the way the author speaks directly to the reader.

There is this wonderful feeling that the stories we are reading are supposedly true accounts from the Territory of Tub and that the storyteller knows much more about this strange world than we do. The narration gave me strong Lemony Snicket vibes. I really enjoy stories where the narrator feels almost like another character—someone guiding us through the events while also making comments, giving warnings, or hinting that there is much more happening beyond the current story.

That storytelling style immediately made the world feel bigger.

We also get glimpses of the Territory of Tub and its elementals, which made me curious about what else exists beyond Spinachi. Since this is the first book in a planned five-book series exploring different territories, I think there is a lot of potential here for the world to grow as the series continues.

I also liked the STEM element woven into the adventure. Felix isn’t just running away from zombies. He is observing what is happening, looking for patterns, following evidence, and trying to understand the science behind the outbreak. That scientific curiosity fits naturally into the mystery without making the story feel like a lesson disguised as a novel.

At the same time, Ninja balances Felix perfectly because she approaches situations with completely different skills.

Together, they have to uncover the mystery behind the outbreak, figure out who they can trust, discover why the zombies are attacking the town, and hopefully find a cure before Spinachi is completely destroyed.

And there is a lot happening.

The story moves very quickly, which I think many middle-grade readers will love. There is rarely a quiet moment before another clue, danger, discovery, or zombie-related disaster appears.

That fast pacing was also my one small complaint.

Sometimes the action happened a little too quickly for me. I would have loved a few more quiet moments with Felix and Ninja so I could get to know them better as characters. Their personalities are interesting enough that I wanted more time with them outside of the immediate danger.

I especially wanted a little more room for their friendship to develop.

That said, the quick pacing never ruined the reading experience for me. If anything, it makes the book especially well suited for readers who enjoy stories that keep moving and don’t spend too long lingering in one place.

Middle grade readers who enjoy creepy adventures with plenty of humor should have a lot of fun with this one. The zombies are strange and spooky without making the story lose its playful tone, and the mystery surrounding the outbreak gives readers plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages.

Fans of Goosebumps, The Last Kids on Earth, or stories with quirky narrators and unusual worlds may especially enjoy exploring the Territory of Tub.

Overall, Zombie Zoo: Adventures in Tub is a funny, imaginative start to a new middle grade series. Between Felix’s scientific curiosity, Ninja’s spy skills, the mysterious elementals, and an outbreak of wood-eating zombies, there is definitely no shortage of adventure.

I’m giving this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 stars.

The action moved a little faster than I personally would have liked, and I hope future books give us more time to get to know Felix and Ninja. But the unique world, clever narration, humor, and mystery made this a fun reading experience—and I’m definitely curious to see what other strange adventures are waiting in the Territory of Tub.

About the book:

Genre: Middle-grade Mystery
Publishing date: September 15, 2026

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Synopsis:

Creepy, clever, and laugh‑out‑loud funny, ZOMBIE ZOO blends STEM investigation, paranormal mystery, and friendship forged in chaos.

When mysterious bioluminescent green goo turns orphans into wood‑eating zombies, 13‑year‑old naturalist Felix can’t hide in his tree fort anymore—someone unleashed this plague deliberately, and they’re still out there. Forced to team up with Ninja, a shadow‑dwelling orphan who trusts no one, Felix must trade his field journal for action. Two loners with opposite methods—Felix relies on scientific observation and data; Ninja depends on instinct and spycraft—race to uncover who released the plague and find a cure before their wooden island town of Spinachi is devoured. As the outbreak spreads and Doc Brunne’s loyalties crumble, buildings collapse, and clues point to sabotage, the pair must solve the mystery, deploy a cure, and learn to trust—before they become the next victims.

First in a 5-book series exploring the territories of Tub. Perfect for readers who loved Goosebumps,Amari and the Night Brothers, Last Kids on Earth, It Found Us, and anyone ready for a zombie adventure where being different might just save the world.

Meet the author:

In kindergarten, my life’s goal was to become a teacher who wore only pink and ate French fries all day long. Now that I’ve matured, my goal in life is to become a Miss Marple-Sherlockian-Jedi Knight—I’m totally serious; it’s a real thing.

I love stories, and I’ve had the privilege of working in Hollywood for over a decade in many different capacities, working with celebrities, directors (I’m married to one, plus he’s my illustrator), and a few executives (the head-honcho types that I can’t talk about because I signed confidentiality waivers). I’m not sure any of these people would have hired me if they knew I had a closet full of mint-condition Star Wars toys…

However, the life of a freelancer is not for the faint of heart. I’ve kept myself busy with my extracurricular activities, from skydiving to scuba diving, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a degree in Fine Art, an M.A. in Psychology (with a focus in Neuroscience), and a few other things that I like to keep top secret. …Some people think I’m a spy, but I’ll never tell!

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Set on the exclusive private Caribbean island of Mokani, the book follows Avery as she returns to the place she considers her happy place for another summer with her extremely wealthy friends. This year, though, she brings someone new along: Nora, her college roommate and very much an outsider to Avery’s privileged social circle.

Almost immediately, things feel off.

Avery’s ex is still hanging around and clearly isn’t over their breakup. Her friends are behaving strangely. Nora starts asking questions that make everyone uncomfortable. Avery’s family is dealing with financial problems she doesn’t completely understand. Meanwhile, a tropical storm is moving toward the island, and it becomes increasingly clear that just about everyone has something to hide.

And some of those secrets may be worth killing for.

What I liked

One of my favorite parts of How the Other Half Die was the way Roscoe slowly pulled me down the rabbit hole of everyone’s drama. The story rotates between the perspectives of Leo, Avery, and Hugo, and each point of view gives you another small piece of what is really happening on Mokani Island.

Of course, every new piece of information also gives you about five new questions.

Some of the most interesting characters don’t get their own point-of-view chapters. Archie, his sister Sydney, and especially Nora remain slightly harder to read because we’re always seeing them from someone else’s perspective. That worked really well for the mystery because I spent a lot of the book wondering what each of them knew and what they might be hiding.

Nora is particularly suspicious from the beginning. She’s Avery’s college roommate, but she doesn’t exactly slide easily into this group of wealthy friends. She asks a lot of questions, pays attention to things everyone else seems determined to ignore, and seems especially interested in Archie and Sydney’s father.

Then there are Nora and Sydney’s strange interactions with each other.

I started developing theories about those two fairly early in the story. I won’t say whether I was right because that would take us straight into spoiler territory, but their behavior definitely made me suspicious. I managed to guess some of the reasoning behind what was happening, yet the ending still delivered a satisfying shock.

That balance worked for me. I like being able to figure out a few puzzle pieces without predicting absolutely everything.

The other mystery that kept me interested involved Avery’s parents and their money problems. In a story about people with an enormous amount of wealth, watching cracks form in that perfect, privileged image adds another layer to the drama. Pretty much everyone on Mokani Island has a secret, and Roscoe does a great job giving you just enough information to keep you reading.

The book definitely has that delicious White Lotus feeling of watching rich people behave badly while knowing something much darker is happening underneath all the luxury.

What didn’t work

There were a couple of things that didn’t work as well for me.

The friends-to-lovers romance between Leo and Avery was probably the weakest part of the story. Their relationship just didn’t grab me, and I found most of the romantic storyline a little snooze-worthy. Thankfully, the mystery and interpersonal drama were interesting enough that the romance never became a reason for me to stop reading.

My bigger frustration was Avery herself.

For someone surrounded by so many strange conversations, unusual reactions, obvious secrets, and increasingly suspicious behavior, Avery could be incredibly naive. I had a hard time believing she could remain so unaware of what was happening with her parents or fail to question some of Nora’s comments and reactions more seriously.

There were moments when I wanted to reach into the book and tell her to please start paying attention.

I also wasn’t completely convinced by the secret Nora was holding over Avery involving Avery copying on a college exam. The story treats it as a pretty powerful piece of leverage, but it felt a little far-fetched to me that this particular revelation would have quite that much power.

At the same time, Avery comes from a very different family and social world than I do, so maybe the potential consequences make more sense within her circumstances. For me personally, though, it didn’t feel like the explosive secret the book wanted it to be.

Those complaints aside, How the Other Half Die was an entertaining, drama-filled thriller that kept me invested until the end. The multiple perspectives, private-island setting, suspicious friendships, wealthy-family secrets, and steady stream of revelations made this an easy book to keep turning pages through.

If you enjoy YA mysteries where basically everyone is suspicious, everyone has something to hide, and beautiful locations are hiding very ugly secrets, this one is worth checking out.

Fans of The White Lotus, twisty rich-people drama, and mysteries that make you constantly reconsider who you trust should have a lot of fun with How the Other Half Die.

And after that ending? I’m definitely curious to see what happens in the companion novel, How the Other Half Kill.

About the book:

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

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Synopsis:

A steamy thriller set on a private Caribbean island where the ultrawealthy’s summer vacation is full of sun, schemes, scandals, and murder. Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson and older readers who enjoyed The White Lotus.

The exclusive Mokani Island is Avery’s happy place. This summer, she’s invited her college roommate, Nora, to hang out in paradise and party with her superrich friends.

But the vibe feels off from the start. Avery’s ex can’t get over their split. Her best friend is acting weird. A hot new staff member can’t keep his eyes off her. And nobody likes Nora, who keeps sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.

​A tropical storm is brewing and everyone on the island seems to be hiding something—but are some secrets worth killing for?

Don’t miss the companion, How the Other Half Kill!

Meet the author:

P.C. Roscoe has sold cheese in Borough Market in London, scrubbed pans in a kitchen, processed invoices for a multinational, researched TV scripts, and edited romance. But her favorite job, by far, is writing, where she gets to immerse herself in tension-filled, high-stakes stories. She grew up in London before moving to a cottage in Norfolk where she splits her time between writing, cooking disasters and half-finished DIY projects and she honestly couldn’t be happier.

That was the plan.

I opened Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi thinking I would read a few pages to get a feel for the book before writing about it.

And then I couldn’t stop reading.

Seriously. A few pages turned into a few more, and before I knew it, I was completely wrapped up in Rama and Leena’s story. Safadi’s writing pulled me in almost immediately, and by the end, I was sitting there in complete awe of what she had managed to accomplish with so few words.

Because Sisters Alone is written entirely in verse.

And it is stunning.

The story follows Syrian-American sisters Rama and Leena, who are both grieving the death of their mother but handling that grief in very different ways. Rama is fiery, angry, and struggling with intrusive thoughts while feeling an enormous responsibility to hold her family together. Leena has withdrawn into herself, carrying guilt over her mother’s death and becoming quieter and more disconnected from the world around her.

Then their father has to leave for work.

When a blizzard hits, the sisters find themselves trapped alone in their rural home. What begins as an inconvenient storm quickly becomes something much more dangerous as they lose power, food, warmth, and eventually the security of their home itself.

Suddenly, these two sisters who have been struggling to reach one another emotionally have to depend on each other to survive.

And yes, you might want tissues nearby.

Actually, just keep the whole box next to you.

One of the things that absolutely amazed me about this book was how distinct Rama and Leena felt. Verse novels have fewer words to work with than traditional prose, so every word has to matter. Safadi somehow gives each sister such a unique voice that I never had trouble knowing who I was with.

More importantly, I didn’t just know who they were.

I felt who they were.

Rama’s anger, anxiety, fear, and determination come through so strongly. Leena’s grief feels quieter, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful. Their pain manifests differently, and watching those differences affect their relationship made the sisterhood at the center of this story feel incredibly real.

There is also something about the verse format that makes the emotional moments hit even harder. A handful of carefully chosen words can land with the force of an entire paragraph. Sometimes the empty space on the page feels almost as important as the words themselves.

I kept stopping to think, How did she do that?

How did Safadi make me understand this much about these girls with so few words?

That is talent.

The survival element also gives the novel a wonderful sense of urgency. You’re dealing with grief and anxiety on one level, but at the same time, there is a very real physical danger surrounding the sisters. The storm keeps escalating, which means the emotional and external stakes rise together.

But what stayed with me most wasn’t the blizzard.

It was the relationship between Rama and Leena.

At its heart, Sisters Alone is a story about two sisters who are hurting. They love each other, but grief has created distance between them. Being forced to rely on one another strips away some of those walls and reveals how desperately they both need connection.

And my heart could barely handle it.

I also really appreciated the Syrian-American and Muslim representation woven into the story. These details help build a fuller picture of the sisters, their family, and the ways they find comfort and connection. Young readers deserve books that allow them to recognize their own cultures and experiences on the page, while books like this also give other readers a chance to step into a life that might be different from their own.

This is one I would absolutely recommend for classrooms.

Teachers, librarians, and parents—put this one on your lists.

Because it is written in verse, I think it could be especially appealing for reluctant readers who might feel intimidated by a 300-plus-page novel. The pages move quickly, but the story still has tremendous emotional depth.

It would also be fantastic for an English or language arts classroom studying poetry or novels in verse. There is so much to explore here: voice, word choice, pacing, formatting, characterization, imagery, grief, anxiety, family relationships, culture, and how an author can communicate enormous emotions through very little text.

Students could learn a tremendous amount simply by looking at how Safadi creates two completely recognizable narrators.

And then, of course, there’s the fact that it’s nearly impossible to put down.

That’s always helpful when you’re trying to convince kids that reading can be exciting.

Sisters Alone surprised me in the very best way. I expected to sample it. Instead, I devoured it. I expected an interesting survival story. Instead, I found a beautiful, painful, hopeful story about sisterhood, grief, mental health, culture, and the strength we sometimes find when everything around us seems to be falling apart.

Shifa Saltagi Safadi has done something remarkable here.

Five stars doesn’t feel like enough.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Five stars all the way to the moon—and please, for the sake of your emotions, keep those tissues nearby.

About the book:

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery/Survival
Representation: Syrian-American, Muslim, Anxiety
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Five stars all the way to the moon!

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Rep: Syrian-American, Muslim, Anxiety

Synopsis:

From the National Book Award–winning author of Kareem Between comes a powerful novel in verse about two sisters trapped in a blizzard in a heart-wrenching story of sisterhood and survival.

Two sisters. One storm. A fight for their lives.

Rama is all fire—fierce, quick to anger, and trying to hold her family together while battling the monster of intrusive thoughts. Leena is all ice—quiet, numbed to the vibrancy of the world, as she silently blames herself for their mother’s death.

When their father must travel for work, a sudden blizzard traps the sisters alone at their rural home. As the storm tears through their house, they’re left without power, without food, without shelter—and with no one to rely on but each other.

Told in powerful, poetic verse, Sisters Alone is a heart-stopping story of sisterhood, survival, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going, even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

Content Warning: death of a parent, hospitalization, medical content, hypothermia, grief, anxiety, panic attack

Meet the author:

Shifa Saltagi Safadi is the National Book Award-winning author of Kareem Between, the Amina Banana series, and several picture books, including The Gift of Eid.

Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents when she was a young girl. She is a bilingual Arabic/English speaker, and is very familiar with the challenges of learning English and navigating two languages.

Shifa has a bachelor’s degree in English literature, is a former English teacher, and is a former reviewer of Muslim books on her blog, Muslim Mommy Blog.

She is passionate about spreading a love of reading to children through fun storytimes and engaging school visits.

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The similarity for me wasn’t necessarily in the individual plots. It was the feeling that the story wasn’t going to give me an easy “good guy versus bad guy” situation. Instead, it asks readers to look deeper at the person behind the crime and consider how trauma, environment, mental health, and past experiences can shape someone’s actions.

That moral gray area was easily one of the most interesting parts of ALTERED.

The story begins when Frank Devlin walks into the office of renowned New York City psychiatrist Justin Wright. Frank has multiple personalities, or “alters,” and Justin takes him on as one of the most challenging patients of his career. Justin wants to help Frank find some stability and build a better life.

Unfortunately, Justin has no idea just how deeply Frank—and his alters—will eventually become intertwined with his own family.

And that is where things get complicated.

Justin Wright Is More Than Just the Psychiatrist

One thing I really appreciated was that Kaufman didn’t make Justin simply the psychiatrist whose only purpose was to analyze Frank. Justin has plenty of problems of his own.

His marriage and family life have complications, and his relationship with his son is particularly strained. Those personal conflicts gave him more dimension and made him feel like a real person rather than the stereotypical brilliant psychologist who somehow has everyone else completely figured out.

Spoiler alert: he definitely doesn’t.

I enjoyed the way Kaufman wove Justin’s family struggles into the larger mystery surrounding Frank. As Justin becomes increasingly involved in his patient’s situation, the separation between his professional and personal worlds becomes much harder to maintain.

That creates much of the book’s tension.

Frank’s Story Broke My Heart

Frank was the character who affected me most.

Without getting too deeply into spoilers, what happened to him when he was young is devastating. There were moments when I genuinely cried because his story was so painful to read.

That is also where ALTERED becomes more complicated than a straightforward crime thriller.

You may be horrified by certain actions while simultaneously feeling enormous sympathy for the person responsible for them. Frank’s history doesn’t magically erase accountability, but learning what he endured changes how you look at him.

That reminded me again of what I enjoyed about The Sinner. Sometimes the most fascinating crime stories aren’t primarily about discovering who did something. They’re about understanding why.

Books like this also make me think about how much our understanding of trauma and mental health has changed over the decades. There are still many complicated questions surrounding the relationship between traumatic experiences, psychiatric conditions, coping mechanisms, memory, and behavior. While trauma doesn’t provide one simple explanation for every mental illness, Frank’s story certainly made me think about how profoundly a person’s experiences can affect the rest of their life.

Where the Book Lost Me: The Pacing

My biggest problem with ALTERED was the pacing.

For a thriller, there were simply too many sections where the story moved slower than I wanted it to. I found the characters interesting, and I never had trouble following the plot, but there were several moments when I wished the book had been tightened up.

Some scenes felt like they could have been shortened—or possibly removed altogether—without losing anything important.

That may partially come down to personal reading preference. I tend to read more young adult and new adult thrillers, which often move very quickly. Adult psychological suspense can take more time developing characters, motivations, and internal conflicts.

Even knowing that, though, ALTERED dragged enough in places that I couldn’t quite push my rating to four stars.

And that frustrated me a little because the core story is good.

Final Thoughts

ALTERED is dark, emotional, uncomfortable, and sometimes heartbreaking. Rob Kaufman creates a psychological thriller where the distinction between victim and villain becomes increasingly difficult to define.

I especially enjoyed Justin Wright as the central character. His own family problems make him more interesting, while Frank’s story gives the novel its emotional weight. The interactions between Justin, Frank, and Frank’s alters kept me curious about where everything was heading—and when the truth behind Frank’s past begins emerging, the story becomes genuinely painful.

The slower pacing kept this from being a four- or five-star read for me, but the premise, characters, psychological elements, and emotional complexity made it memorable.

If you enjoy thrillers like The Sinner, where solving the crime is only part of the story and understanding the person behind it matters just as much, ALTERED may be worth adding to your reading list.

Just prepare yourself emotionally.

Frank’s story is not an easy one to forget.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ — 3.9/5

About the book:

​Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 270 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: May 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +M: ALTERED has a few profanities and alludes very subtly to abuse but never gets graphic or says the words. “Trauma” is used by Justin, the psychiatrist.​

Book Description:

When Frank Devlin walks into Justin Wright’s office, the renowned New York City psychiatrist decides to take on one of the most challenging cases of his career.

Justin is determined to help Frank, a young man with multiple personalities (“alters”), live a happier, more fulfilling life. Little does he know that Frank and his alters are secretly weaving themselves into Justin’s life in ways that will affect the Wright family forever.

A suspense-filled story driven by emotion, angst, and the ultimate revenge, “Altered” takes readers down a twisted path of uncertainty and mind games—leaving them shocked, heartbroken, and questioning what could possibly come next...​

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CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES:

Book Details:

​Book Title: JADED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 2) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 246 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: March 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +M

Jade, a beautiful young woman suffering from depression and despair, is trying to escape her past… a former life that catches up with her during every full moon. Justin’s biggest obstacle to helping her is Jade herself. The closer he gets to the root of her problems, the further away she pushes him — leaving Justin questioning both her sincerity and his own professional skills.
​
As with “Altered”, this novel is packed with suspense and emotion, mainly due to people from Justin’s past, including Frank Devlin, the man who has made himself the bane of the Wright family’s existence.
Once again, readers are led down a road that keeps them wondering what is real, who did what, and when will Justin and his family finally find the peace they deserve?

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Book Details:

​Book Title: AVENGED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 3) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 256 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: June 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +M

SO MANY THINGS START TO MAKE SENSE IN “AVENGED” — BOOK 3 of the Justin Wright Suspense Series.
​
It all starts with Richard Davis, Justin’s new patient seeking help for uncontrollable anger and hostility. He can barely walk a New York City street without exploding at the people around him. Can Justin relieve him of his negativity or is he too consumed with his own son Michael — a boy found after seven years in captivity who is now void of any compassion or joy?
​
As with the first two books, “Avenged” is teeming with emotion and suspense, not only because of Richard Davis and Michael’s issues but because Frank Devlin and Jade continue to haunt Justin and Mandy from afar. As with all Rob Kaufman books, readers get the ride of their lives on a roller coaster of thrills and uncertainty until the very last page.

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Book Details:

​Book Title: SCARED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 4) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 266 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: Jan 2024
Content Rating: PG-13 +M

IT’S BEEN 15 YEARS SINCE JUSTIN’S NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE, and life has changed dramatically for the Wright family.

Michael, now a psychologist, has a past that’s catching up with him at the same time an unsatisfied patient is planning his revenge. Justin, now practicing from his home office, has a patient consumed by the fear of death — a young man scared of just about everything — including fear itself.

As both father and son deal with their patients’ problems and their own internal challenges, they also struggle daily with Mandy’s health issue, a potentially deadly illness that threatens to take away the most important woman in their lives.
​
Like every other Justin Wright book, “Scared” brings you into a suspense-filled world loaded with emotion, uncertainty and, of course, mind games. It’s a story rife with complicated people, some who are not only vengeful, but scared — of both life...and death.

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Book Details:

​Book Title: DECEIVED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 5) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 250 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: May 2024
Content Rating: PG-13 +M

IN THE MIDST OF THEIR GRIEF, THE WRIGHT FAMILY IS PUSHED TO THEIR LIMITS by a stranger who will change their lives forever.

A single phone call sets off a chain of events that will test Justin’s every belief.

When a mysterious woman claims kinship, Justin’s instincts scream deception. But when they meet, her mesmerizing appearance shatters his doubts, unveiling a truth he never saw coming.

Justin keeps the woman’s existence hidden from Michael as his son grapples with a relentless stalker, a malicious wife, and a patient who suffers from a compulsive disorder — an affliction that leads her down a path from which she’ll never return.
​
In this fifth Justin Wright novel, secrets collide and loyalties are tested with unexpected twists that propel you deep into a world of suspense and intrigue where nothing — and no one — is as it seems.

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Book Details:

​Book Title: REVEALED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 6) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 250 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: Sep 2024
Content Rating: PG-13 +M

IN THE GRIPPING CONCLUSION OF THE JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES, every burning question and hidden secret comes to light.

As time marches on, the Wright family faces numerous changes, yet one mystery endures: the whereabouts of Daniel. Was Monica responsible for his disappearance? Should Benji be implicated, or has Barb wrongly accused him?

Haunted by echoes of his own past abduction, Michael grapples with his son’s absence, while also trying to help a patient plagued by Paranoid Personality Disorder—a man whose deep mistrust challenges Michael in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, Justin contends with the prison release of Richard Davis, something that rekindles old fears and compels him to constantly watch his back.
​
This sixth and final book brings you on the most suspenseful journey yet, one that concludes with events that will change the Wright family forever. It’s a story of psychological thrills and mystery that carries you into the past, the future, and back to the present, all told through the eyes of someone you might consider a stranger—or would you?

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Meet the author:

Meet the Author:

Rob Kaufman is a celebrated psychological thriller author, known for crafting emotionally intense stories that delve into the human psyche. With a degree in Psychology, he weaves his deep understanding of human behavior into gripping narratives filled with relatable characters and compelling twists.

Fascinated by what drives people toward darkness while seeking love and acceptance, Rob explores the fine line between good and evil. His novels aren’t just suspenseful—they unravel everyday events that spiral into extraordinary psychological dramas.

Readers become deeply invested in his characters, experiencing a range of emotions from laughter to heartbreak. His books have earned national and international acclaim for their unique, thought-provoking storylines and masterful plotting.

Beyond writing, Rob actively engages with readers, sharing insights into his creative process and the psychological depths of his characters. His commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance continues to captivate audiences, cementing his place as a compelling voice in psychological thrillers.

connect with the author: website ~ X ~ facebook ~ instagam ~ goodreads

Wish You Well by Jamie Sumner does not.

This book grabs your heart with both hands and says, “You’re coming with us.”

It’s emotional. It’s heartbreaking. It’s funny in places where you almost feel like you shouldn’t be laughing. And at the center of everything are three kids with big diagnoses, even bigger personalities, and absolutely no intention of being reduced to the things happening to their bodies.

And I loved them for it.

About the Book

Violet Marino does not want sympathy. She doesn’t want people fussing over her, and she definitely doesn’t want new friends. What she wants is to play soccer and figure out how to deal with the fact that she is slowly going blind—preferably on her own terms.

Then she meets Wyatt.

Wyatt has a newly transplanted heart and the kind of personality that immediately makes you think, Oh no. This kid has ideas.

And he does.

Then there’s Noor, who is sharp as a blade, undergoing chemo, and armed with excellent snacks she can’t even eat.

On paper, these three do not exactly scream instant best friends.

Which, naturally, means they are absolutely perfect together.

All three have something else in common: a wish-granting foundation that keeps trying to get in touch with them. Wyatt decides that instead of simply accepting their individual wishes, they should team up and game the system. One sick kid getting one wish might be nice. Three sick kids taking three epic adventures together?

That could be legendary.

What begins as a scheme and a distraction, though, slowly becomes something none of them were planning on.

A real friendship.

And that is where Wish You Well gets you.

My Review

Violet completely won me over.

She’s feisty in the best possible way. She is hurting, but she is not fragile. She is scared, but she is not helpless. She has built walls around herself, but Jamie Sumner makes it incredibly easy to understand why those walls are there.

Violet doesn’t want her diagnosis to become the most interesting thing about her. She doesn’t want everyone looking at her differently or treating her like she could break at any moment. She wants soccer. She wants independence. She wants some control over a situation that is increasingly outside her control.

That combination of anger, fear, determination, and vulnerability makes her feel wonderfully real.

Then Wyatt comes crashing into the story with all his charm and terrible ideas.

I loved the energy he brings to this trio. He is the kind of character who can make you laugh while simultaneously making you wonder whether somebody should perhaps be supervising him a little more closely.

And then there’s Noor.

I adore Noor.

She’s clever, direct, and wonderfully sharp. Her humor gives the story another layer, especially because it exists right alongside the reality of what she is going through. None of these characters exist simply to represent an illness. They are funny. Irritating. Stubborn. Afraid. Hopeful. Occasionally ridiculous.

They are kids.

That distinction matters.

A story centered around three seriously ill children could very easily become overwhelmingly sentimental. Wish You Well certainly has emotional moments—and yes, there were parts that hurt—but it never feels as though the characters are there only to make the reader sad.

Instead, the heart of this story is friendship.

At first, Violet, Wyatt, and Noor are connected by circumstance and by Wyatt’s ridiculous plan. Their partnership is almost transactional. They have a common goal, so they might as well work together.

But somewhere along the way, pretending to be friends starts looking suspiciously like actually being friends.

And friendship is complicated.

Letting somebody into your life means giving them the opportunity to know you. It means allowing them to see the things you would rather hide. It means caring about what happens to them.

And when your future—or your friend’s future—feels uncertain, caring about someone can be terrifying.

Because when you finally let people in, you also give them the power to hurt you.

Or leave.

Or matter.

A lot.

That emotional idea was what stayed with me most.

There is so much fear underneath these kids’ actions, but Wish You Well is not ultimately a story about being afraid. It is about deciding that connection is worth the risk anyway.

I also really appreciated that the friendships aren’t magically perfect. These kids have complicated emotions. They make questionable choices. They push each other. They get things wrong. Their illnesses might be what initially bring them together, but their personalities—and everything messy that comes with them—are what make their relationship worth following.

And honestly, watching these three become a team was my favorite part of the book.

Final Thoughts

Wish You Well is one of those middle grade novels that reminds me why I love the category so much. It tackles enormous subjects—illness, fear, uncertainty, independence, grief, and what it means to have a future you cannot completely control—without forgetting that its characters are still kids who want adventures, friendships, jokes, and something exciting to look forward to.

Violet, Wyatt, and Noor absolutely grabbed me by the heart.

Their circumstances are heartbreaking, but this story is not without joy. There is humor here. There is mischief. There is hope. Most importantly, there is the reminder that opening yourself up to other people can be scary precisely because those relationships have the potential to mean so much.

Sometimes protecting your heart means keeping everyone out.

But sometimes the people you let in are exactly the ones who make the difficult parts worth facing.

Wish You Well is emotional, funny, tender, and beautifully human.

Just maybe keep the tissues nearby.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars

About the book:

Book: Wish You Well
Author: Jamie Sumner
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Synopsis:

From the acclaimed author of Roll with It comes a “winning, cathartic joy ride” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) of a middle grade novel about three kids with big diagnoses, bigger personalities, and one outrageous plan to team up and scam a wish-granting foundation.

Violet Marino doesn’t want sympathy. And she definitely doesn’t want friends. She just wants to play soccer and deal with the whole slowly-going-blind thing on her own terms.

Then she witnesses a boy choke on a hot dog at a hospital picnic. Enter Wyatt: dangerously charming and full of terrible ideas, especially for a kid with a newly transplanted heart. Add sharp-as-a-blade Noor, who is always armed with excellent snacks she can’t eat, thanks to chemo. Other than their illnesses, the three don’t have much in common—except for the fact that a wish-granting foundation keeps calling.

Ever the optimist, Wyatt has a plan: team up to game the foundation, even if it means faking friendship. One wish is fine, but three sick kids on three epic adventures? That’s history-making. The scheme starts off as a distraction. But soon the stakes feel real. Because when you finally let someone in, there’s more to lose.

About the Author

Jamie Sumner is the author of the Roll with It trilogy, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, Schooled, Glory Be, and Wish You Well. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com.

Still, when I first started reading, part of me wondered if I already knew exactly how this story was going to go.

A dog is being mistreated. Kids realize something is wrong. Adults don’t help. Kids come up with a crazy plan to rescue the dog. Mission accomplished.

You know—the kind of rescue-the-dog story that feels like it has appeared on every bookshelf at some point.

Well, I was wrong.

The Dog Heist surprised me almost immediately because while saving Lyra is definitely at the center of the story, this book is about so much more than rescuing a dog. It is also about loneliness, family changes, friendship, feeling left behind, figuring out where you belong, and realizing that sometimes the person you least expect to understand you becomes exactly the friend you need.

Caleb is having a seriously terrible September. His parents have separated, he has moved to a new town, he is living with his dad, and he desperately misses his dog. Add the pressures of starting over at a new school and dealing with his ADD, and it’s easy to understand why he sometimes struggles.

I really felt for Caleb.

One of my favorite things about his character is that Jansen doesn’t make him feel like a collection of problems that need to be fixed. He feels like an actual middle school kid trying to cope with way too many changes at once. He can be impulsive and frustrating, but he is also funny, caring, and incredibly determined when something matters to him.

Then there is Valery.

At first, she and Caleb seem like two people who should absolutely NOT become friends.

Valery has problems of her own. A new school year is beginning, and instead of being excited to spend it with her best friend, she suddenly feels pushed aside because her friend has a new boyfriend. Anyone who has ever had a close friend suddenly become distant will understand that particular kind of hurt.

I loved Valery because her feelings felt so believable. She is lonely, angry, embarrassed, and trying to pretend she doesn’t care nearly as much as she actually does.

And then Caleb arrives.

She finds him annoying.

He probably finds her annoying.

Basically, it’s a perfect beginning to a friendship. 😂

What finally brings them together is Lyra, the neglected dog living nearby.

Both Caleb and Valery know something is wrong. They can see how badly Lyra is being treated, but the adults around them either can’t or won’t solve the situation quickly enough. With a hurricane approaching, waiting around becomes even more dangerous.

So naturally, the kids come up with a plan.

They’re going to steal the dog.

Is this a good idea?

Probably not.

Did I want them to do it anyway?

ABSOLUTELY.

This was where the book really hooked me. I genuinely started worrying about Caleb, Valery, and Lyra. Their neighbor isn’t just a cardboard cutout of the stereotypical “mean dog owner,” either. He is intimidating enough that every encounter raises the tension, and that made the kids’ decision to rescue Lyra feel legitimately risky.

The approaching hurricane makes everything even more intense. It gives the story this ticking-clock feeling because you know Caleb and Valery cannot simply keep putting off their plan.

And poor Lyra!

As a dog lover, reading about her situation was hard. I wanted somebody to get that dog out of there immediately. At the same time, I appreciated that the story never felt like it was using Lyra’s mistreatment merely to make readers sad. Her situation becomes the reason these two lonely kids finally see something in one another that they didn’t notice before.

They both care.

They both feel overlooked in different ways.

And neither one of them is willing to ignore someone else who needs help.

That friendship ended up being my favorite part of the book.

Top 5 Reasons to Read The Dog Heist

Since this tour is all about sharing five reasons to pick up The Dog Heist, narrowing it down wasn’t as hard as I expected!

1. 🐶 Lyra will steal your heart.
If you’re an animal lover, you’re going to be rooting for Lyra from the moment you meet her. Her situation gives the story its emotional heart and makes Caleb and Valery’s mission feel incredibly important.

2. 💛 Caleb and Valery feel like real kids.
Neither character is perfect, and that’s exactly why I liked them so much. Caleb is dealing with his parents’ separation, moving, missing his dog, and ADHD, while Valery is coping with the hurt of feeling abandoned by her best friend. Their struggles make them easy to relate to.

3. 👫 The unlikely friendship is wonderful.
Caleb and Valery definitely don’t start out as instant best friends. Watching two lonely kids who initially find each other annoying slowly realize they might actually need one another was one of my favorite parts of the story.

4. ⛈️ There’s genuine suspense and adventure.
The hurricane adds a ticking clock to an already risky rescue mission. Once Caleb and Valery decide they’re going to save Lyra themselves, I genuinely worried about what might happen to all three of them.

5. 📚 It tackles important topics without feeling like a lesson.
Family changes, ADHD, changing friendships, loneliness, animal welfare, courage, and asking adults for help are all part of the story, but they never overpower the adventure. Young readers get plenty to think about while still getting an entertaining story.

Those five reasons really sum up why this book surprised me so much.

I started The Dog Heist expecting a fairly predictable dog-rescue adventure and ended up getting attached to Caleb and Valery just as much as I did Lyra. Dani Jansen creates middle grade characters who feel like actual kids—messy, emotional, impulsive, funny, and capable of surprising bravery.

There are also plenty of topics here that could lead to great conversations with younger readers: divorced parents, changing friendships, neurodiversity, loneliness, animal welfare, standing up for what you believe is right, and knowing when you need help from adults.

And while there are serious subjects, the story never becomes overwhelmingly heavy. There is adventure, humor, friendship, suspense, and, of course, a dog.

What else do you need?

So, teachers, parents, media specialists, and librarians: get this book on your shelves. I can easily see middle grade readers—and even some slightly younger strong readers—getting completely invested in Caleb and Valery’s mission.

Especially the animal lovers.

I went into this one thinking I knew exactly what kind of story I was getting, and Dani Jansen completely proved me wrong. The Dog Heist has heart, humor, lovable characters, real tension, and a rescue mission that had me worrying right alongside Caleb and Valery.

Five very enthusiastic stars from me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

And for the official canine review?

My dog Akira loved it too.

Okay, technically she didn’t read it.

But I’m pretty sure she approves. 🐕😂

About the Book

Publisher: Second Story Press
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary
Publication Date: September 1, 2026
Book Tour: Toppling Stacks Tours
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars

Content Warning: Animal neglect/abuse

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Synopsis:

A neglected dog brings two misfits together in this adventure for middle schoolers who love animals and stories where the kids take charge.

For Caleb, September is off to a rough start. His parents have split up, he’s moved to a new town, and—worst of all—he misses his dog. Valery is his new neighbor, but apart from being in the same class, they have nothing in common. Valery is lonely and hurt since her best friend abandoned her for a boy, and she thinks Caleb is just obnoxious. Under normal circumstances, they’d never be friends. But these aren’t normal circumstances.

There’s a hurricane coming, and Valery and Caleb are both worried for Lyra, their neighbor’s terribly neglected dog. None of the adults in their lives will do anything, so they hatch a plan to rescue her themselves, no matter how risky.

Meet the Author

Dani Jansen is an English and drama teacher who lives in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal. She performed (as a teacher) in her school’s glee show for eight years. Yes, there is probably video evidence of this. No, she will not point you in the direction of where to find it. Dani helped found her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance and has only occasionally subjected her students to the Bard. Her writing has appeared in This Magazine, Lunch Ticket, The A3 Review, and Fiction Southeast. She has also contributed to Maman Loup’s Den. Her debut novel, The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life, came out September 22, 2020.

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What I got was definitely an interesting supernatural mystery with a strong main character, secret societies, romance, and plenty of questions to unravel—but it wasn’t quite the type of romantasy I thought I was picking up.

Sianna Adu had plans. Westfield University, an elite institution tucked away in the Virginia swampland, was supposed to be part of her future. Then tragedy strikes, and in one devastating day, Sianna loses her family and discovers that she has gained an unusual ability. She can see lifelines and, through objects, glimpse pieces of the past and future.

Instead of heading off to her dream university, Sianna finds herself struggling simply to survive. She works dead-end jobs, worries about rent, and tries to make a life for herself in New Jersey.

This was actually one of my favorite parts of the book.

Sianna has grit.

She is independent, stubborn, and determined to keep moving even after experiencing a loss that could easily have completely broken down her plans for the future. I appreciated that Agyemang allows us to see that struggle. Sianna isn’t instantly swept away into some glamorous magical existence after discovering her abilities. She still has bills. She still needs somewhere to live. She still has to figure out what comes next.

That grounded struggle made her feel much more real to me.

I also really liked the way her supernatural ability was handled. Being able to touch an object and get glimpses into its history sounds amazing at first. Think of everything you could discover!

Except…would you really want to?

Agyemang does a good job of turning Sianna’s ability into both a gift and a burden—and most of the time, it feels much more like a burden. She doesn’t always get to control what she sees, and knowing things about the past or future isn’t necessarily helpful when you can’t change them. I liked that the magic had weight and consequences rather than simply making Sianna more powerful.

Then Kasem Saint James enters the picture.

Kasem is connected to Westfield, and his arrival pulls Sianna back toward the future she thought she had lost. It also raises questions about her abilities, the mysterious connection between the two of them, and Westfield itself. Once Sianna arrives at the university, secret societies, old histories, curses, and plenty of people with their own agendas begin complicating things.

The supporting characters were another strong point for me. Sianna doesn’t have to navigate everything completely alone, and I enjoyed watching the relationships surrounding her develop as she tried to figure out exactly what was happening. With so much mystery involved, it was fun trying to decide who could be trusted and what pieces of Westfield’s history really mattered.

My biggest issue with Divine Oaths, however, is less about the actual story and more about how the book is being presented to readers.

I picked this up because I saw it categorized as New Adult romantasy. And when someone tells me “romantasy,” my brain admittedly goes somewhere very different.

Give me strange kingdoms. Magical worlds. Mystical creatures. Sprites. Goblins. Fairies. Elves. Dragons. You know…fantasy fantasy.

And honestly, the cover reinforced that expectation for me. It has the same lush, dramatic, magical look that I’ve come to associate with a lot of romantasy novels—the kinds of books where I expect mystical creatures, elaborate magical systems, hidden kingdoms, or some other larger fantasy world waiting inside.

But Divine Oaths is set in our modern world, and its supernatural elements are much more contained. Most people don’t seem to be walking around openly using magic or interacting with mythical creatures, and Sianna’s abilities felt more paranormal to me than the type of magic I normally associate with many of today’s romantasy releases.

That doesn’t mean a fantasy novel needs dragons, elves, fairies, or an entirely invented world to qualify as fantasy—it absolutely doesn’t. And the dark academia label makes sense, particularly once Westfield and its secretive history become central to the story.

Still, I can’t help wondering whether a different cover and slightly different marketing might have better prepared readers for what this book actually is. A cover leaning more toward paranormal romance, supernatural suspense, or contemporary dark academia might have set more accurate expectations while still capturing the mystery and romance at the heart of the story.

Because expectations matter.

When both the genre label and the cover suggest one kind of reading experience, readers naturally walk into the book expecting certain things. Put the right book in front of the wrong audience, and you run the risk of readers deciding early on that it isn’t for them—or even putting it on the DNF pile—not because the story is bad, but because it isn’t the story they thought they were buying.

I can easily imagine someone looking specifically for sweeping fantasy romance picking this up and wondering where the fantasy world they expected went. On the other hand, readers who love paranormal abilities, secret societies, mysterious universities, curses, contemporary settings, and romance may find exactly what they’re looking for here.

So don’t go into Divine Oaths expecting dragons to fly over Westfield University.

Go in expecting a resilient heroine, a dangerous supernatural gift, a mysterious university, complicated relationships, old secrets, and a curse that needs unraveling.

Once I adjusted my expectations, I appreciated the story much more for what it actually was.

For me, Sianna and her abilities were the highlights, and the mystery kept me interested. The genre mismatch with what I expected kept it from being a higher-rated read, but I’m glad I gave Sianna’s story a chance.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4/5 Stars

About the Book

Publisher: Requited imprint of Hachette Book Group
Publication Date: September 1, 2026
Genre: New Adult Romantasy / Dark Academia
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4/5 Stars

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

Ninth House meets Legendborn in this thrilling dark academia debut following a new student fueled by questions about her prestigious university and the haunting answers she uncovers as her heart pulls her in two different, dangerous directions.

Westfield University was supposed to be Sianna Adu’s dream school. But just when she’s on the cusp of attending the elite academic institution hidden in Virginia’s swampland, an unexpected tragedy changes everything. In one day, Sianna loses her family and gains an extraordinary power—the ability to see lifelines and witness other people’s pasts and futures.

With all she’s lost, Sianna puts her college dreams on pause and spends her days navigating dead-end jobs and a not-so-secret crush on her coworker. But when Kasem Saint James, the undeniably handsome heir of Westfield, approaches her with a strange request, the future Sianna has long deferred becomes a dangerous new reality. Worried that her powers are now tied to Kasem, she has no choice. Fate has called her to Westfield.

At an academy where secret societies abound, connections are everything, and an ominous history—stretching back centuries—determines the future, Sianna and Kasem must piece together the past to undo a curse that binds them to each other.

With a swoony romance and jaw-dropping twists, this layered dark academia novel introduces a university where nothing is quite as it seems.

Meet the Author

Elizabeth Agyemang is the author of several books, including the graphic novels Fibbed, which was a Parents.com Best Children’s Book of 2022 selection, a Chicago Public Library Best Fiction for Kids 2022 pick and a Fox 43 AM Live Best Book of the Week pick, and A Beginner’s Guide to Leveling Up, both of which she illustrated. She is also the author of the young adult novel Heart-shaped Lies, a mystery thriller which has been featured on Ebony Magazine, Paste Magazine, OkayAfrica, and Girls’ Life Magazine, and Divine Oaths, a dark academia, romantic fantasy that is her adult debut. When she isn’t gushing over books or comics, she spends her free time dissecting classic movies and TV shows. Find her works online at elizabethagyemang.com.

Elizabeth is represented by Suzie Townsend at New Leaf Literary.

Website | Tik Tok | Instagram | Goodreads

That is the deliciously complicated situation at the heart of Mirrorwoven by Bori Cser, a YA fantasy filled with hidden identities, court politics, music, magic, and sapphic romance. The premise immediately caught my attention, but what has impressed me most while reading is actually the way Cser introduces her world. This is one of those fantasy novels where I genuinely feel like I am discovering a new place alongside the main character instead of stopping every few pages for a history lesson.

Del has two very important rules: stay away from royalty and don’t fall in love. Unfortunately for her, this is a fantasy novel, so naturally neither rule is going to remain uncomplicated.

Del is secretly a runaway princess. After the death of her sister, she leaves her homeland, her family, and her new responsibilities as heir behind. Using magic, she creates a new “mirrorwoven” face so no one will recognize her and escapes to the lagoon-city of Salato, where she hopes to disappear into a completely different life.

There is just one rather inconvenient catch: true love’s kiss can undo the magic disguising her identity.

So obviously falling in love is off the table.

Probably.

One of my favorite things about Mirrorwoven so far is its worldbuilding. Cser does a wonderful job weaving Salato’s culture, government, history, and everyday life into Del’s story without making all of that information feel like a giant fantasy encyclopedia has been dropped into the middle of the novel.

As Del travels through Salato and tries to join the bard guild, I’m learning about the city right along with her. At the same time, little pieces of Del’s northern homeland and her past are revealed naturally through her experiences, memories, and comparisons between the two places.

As a reader, I love this.

As a writer, I’m slightly jealous.

I actually caught myself thinking, I need to figure out how Cser is doing this because I want to learn this technique for my own writing. The world feels developed without the author constantly stopping the story to explain why everything works the way it does. Instead, I feel like I’m visiting Salato with Del, noticing things as she notices them.

Del herself is another highlight. She is funny, intelligent, observant, and just messy enough to be entertaining. Considering everything she has experienced, there is also quite a bit happening beneath the personality she shows everyone around her. I especially enjoy the contrast between the seemingly ordinary musician Del wants people to see and the politically educated princess she is desperately trying to hide.

And then, of course, Del manages to break her first rule by becoming court bard to Clara, the newly widowed First of Salato.

Because apparently running away from royal life only works until royal life finds you again.

This brings Del into Clara’s orbit as well as that of Clara’s brilliant and potentially dangerous sister-in-law, Nasca. Between Del’s secret identity and the growing relationships among these women, there is plenty of potential for romantic tension, political trouble, and some spectacularly bad decision-making.

My biggest issue with the book so far, though, is the pacing.

For as much as I enjoy exploring this world with Del, I keep waiting for the story itself to give me a little more urgency.

The primary threat hanging over Del is the possibility that someone will discover who she really is. That should create enormous tension, especially when she keeps moving closer to the exact kind of people she originally planned to avoid. Yet I haven’t consistently felt that danger.

Del seems to skate past situations where she could potentially be noticed, questioned, or exposed. I wanted more obstacles in her path—more moments when maintaining this new identity became genuinely difficult or when one mistake had consequences she couldn’t easily escape.

Because those complications haven’t happened as often as I would like, parts of the plot have started to drag for me.

The romance and banter also lean heavily into the slow-burn side of things. I can absolutely see other readers loving that. If your favorite part of a fantasy novel is lingering romantic tension, sapphic yearning, witty conversations, and watching relationships develop gradually, the pacing may work much better for you.

For me, though, I need a little more external conflict mixed in with all that yearning.

I’m currently sitting at 3.7 stars, which feels like the perfect representation of my reading experience so far. I’m impressed by the writing and genuinely fascinated by the world. I like Del, I want to know more about what happened in her past, and I’m curious enough about her increasingly complicated relationships with Clara and Nasca that I definitely want to see where everything goes.

At the same time, I’m a little bored getting there.

That may change as the story progresses. There are certainly enough secrets, political complications, dangerous relationships, and terrible possibilities waiting in the wings for things to get very interesting very quickly.

For now, Mirrorwoven is a beautifully constructed YA fantasy with a protagonist I enjoy spending time with and some of the most naturally incorporated worldbuilding I’ve read recently. I just wish the plot would give Del a few more problems she couldn’t talk, charm, or quietly slip her way out of.

If you love sapphic YA fantasy, hidden identities, court politics, masquerades, slow-burn romance, clever banter, and immersive worldbuilding, Mirrorwoven may be exactly the kind of fantasy you’ve been looking for.

As for me? I’m still reading—and still waiting for Del’s carefully constructed house of cards to finally start falling.

About the book:

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: August 25, 2026
Genre: YA Fantasy
Representation: Sapphic, LGBT+
Content Warnings: Family trauma, death of siblings
Current Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4/5

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Synopsis:

You are cordially invited to the Dragon Masquerade …

Del has two rules. stay away from royalty. don’t fall in love.

The first – because Del is secretly a runaway princess. After the death of her sister at the hand of her boyfriend, Del flees her family, home and all the responsibilities that come with being the queendom’s new heir. With a magically constructed mirrorwoven face, Del is now unrecognisable, and disappears to the faraway opaline lagoon-city of Salato.

The second rule – because the enchantment hiding Del’s identity can only be unravelled by true love’s kiss. But that’s just fine. Del’s had enough of love anyway.

When Del breaks Rule One and becomes court bard to the newly widowed First of Salato, she is resolved to keep her head down. But Clara is naïve and trusts too easily, and soon Del finds herself having to guide Clara through the shoals of court life, somehow without revealing her own secret.

As Del grows closer to both Clara and Nasca, Clara’s brilliant, dangerous sister-in-law, it will only take a push to bring Del’s house of cards tumbling down.

Like, for example, breaking Rule Two

Meet the author:

Bori Cser is a Hungarian-Australian author of young adult fantasy. At various times she has identified as a classically trained clarinettist, a biology PhD dropout and a dinosaur puppeteer, but these days mostly describes herself as in need of a nap. She lives on Dharug and Gundungurra country in Australia’s Blue Mountains with her partner and three high-maintenance cats.

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