The facts initially seem straightforward. After one of the McClain family’s infamous barn parties, seventeen-year-old Sadie Cooper and her apparent killer, Mason Vreeland, are both dead. Sadie’s twin sister, Jayne, witnessed the murder and held Sadie as she died. Mason was then killed by Sadie’s boyfriend, Ben, while he was supposedly trying to save her.

It sounds like a tragic but uncomplicated case. Mason killed Sadie. Ben killed Mason. Case closed.

Except this is a thriller, so naturally the case is approximately as closed as a screen door during a hurricane.

The story unfolds through the perspectives of Jayne, Ben, and Sadie’s best friend, Liz, as they explain to the police what happened at the party and during the days leading up to it. The problem is that their stories do not quite match. At first, the differences appear small enough to dismiss. Someone remembers a conversation differently. Someone leaves out an interaction. Someone insists they were in one place when another person’s account suggests otherwise.

Then those tiny inconsistencies begin multiplying, and suddenly everyone looks suspicious.

One of the strongest parts of Killing Sadie is the way Rachel Peterson handles the unreliable narrators. Every point-of-view character is either lying, hiding something, manipulating the truth, or doing an impressive combination of all three. Trying to decide who deserves your trust becomes part of the fun. Just when I thought I understood a character’s motivations, another detail appeared and made me reconsider everything.

The book is filled with gaslighting, betrayal, secret grudges, questionable relationships, and people making spectacularly bad decisions. In other words, it contains nearly everything I want from a fast-paced young adult thriller. The drama is delicious, the tension keeps building, and the characters’ shifting versions of events create a constant sense that something important is being hidden just out of sight.

I did predict the culprit after chapter five. As an avid thriller reader and writer, I always make a prediction before reaching the ending because apparently I cannot simply relax and let a mystery happen to me. I need to mentally assemble a crime board, connect imaginary red string between suspects, and decide who did it before the book tells me.

This time, my early prediction was correct all the way through.

However, figuring out the answer did not make me want to stop reading. That is an important distinction. Some mysteries collapse once you identify the person responsible, but Killing Sadie remains compelling because the mystery is not limited to one question. Knowing—or suspecting—who did it does not automatically reveal how the situation developed, what each character is concealing, or why everyone is working so hard to control the narrative.

I wanted to see how all the lies connected. I wanted to know which details were genuine clues and which were carefully constructed distractions. Most of all, I wanted to watch the characters’ stories fall apart.

The third act shifts into Sadie’s perspective during the days before the party, finally allowing readers to see the events through the victim’s eyes. This change gives the book’s title and central mystery additional meaning. Sadie may be at the center of everything, but she does not fully recognize what is happening around her. Watching the truth come together through her point of view is both satisfying and frustrating because the warning signs become increasingly visible—even when Sadie cannot interpret them correctly.

The final reveal is worth the wait. Although experienced thriller readers may recognize certain clues early, I think many readers will be surprised by the full truth. Peterson does a fabulous job of using omissions, assumptions, and conflicting perspectives to keep the story moving. The suspense does not depend entirely on a single shocking moment. Instead, it comes from gradually realizing how much information has been distorted.

My only real criticism is that the overall concept did not feel particularly original to me. Unreliable narrators, deadly parties, tangled teenage relationships, and victims who missed something important have all appeared in other young adult mysteries. The publisher recommends the book for fans of How to Survive Your Murder and Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets, although I have not read either comparison title, so readers familiar with those books may notice similarities that I cannot evaluate.

Still, originality is not the only thing that makes a thriller successful. A familiar idea can be incredibly entertaining when executed well, and Killing Sadie is very well executed. The multiple perspectives are engaging, the discrepancies are carefully placed, and the constant lying gives the story an addictive momentum. I may have solved the central mystery early, but I still had a fantastic time watching every secret crawl into the light.

Overall, I am giving Killing Sadie 4.8 out of 5 stars. It may not completely reinvent the young adult thriller, but it delivers a compulsively readable mystery filled with lies, gaslighting, betrayal, and characters who should never be allowed to coordinate their stories without legal supervision.

Pick this one up when you are in the mood for a twisty, fast-paced thriller that will make you suspicious of everyone. Just do not start it before bed unless you are prepared to say, “One more chapter,” several times before accidentally finishing the entire book.

About the book:

Synopsis:

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

Perfect for fans of How to Survive Your Murder and Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets, this young adult thriller unspools the truth behind a tragic murder through multiple unreliable narrators who all have secrets to keep.

Here’s what we do know: there was another infamous barn party at the McClain family farm last night, and things went horribly wrong. By the end of the night, there were two dead bodies in the old barn: seventeen-year-old Sadie Cooper and her killer, Mason Vreeland. The murder was heartbreakingly witnessed by Sadie’s twin sister, Jayne, and Sadie died in her arms. Mason was killed by Sadie’s boyfriend, Ben, in an attempt to save Sadie.

Aside from figuring out Mason’s motive, it should be an open and shut case.

But it’s not.

The story unfolds just after the murders, and Jayne, Ben, and Sadie’s best friend, Liz, are telling the cops what transpired at the party and the events leading up to it. But little details don’t match. And those little details start to add up to big discrepancies. But who’s lying, and why?

The shocking truth is revealed in the third act, when the POV shifts to victim Sadie herself, in the days leading up to the party. Witness exactly what happened—and see if you can piece it all together. Because poor Sadie totally missed what was right in front of her.

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About The Author

Rachel Peterson graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a degree in English and creative writing. Born and raised in Ohio, she started her career in advertising before spending nearly a decade in New York City as a marketing executive for technology companies. An avid traveler, Rachel now splits her time between Manhattan and the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, Ken; their dog, Olive; and horse, Hope.

The premise immediately caught my attention: Uyai and Fiyin may be enemies, but they share one painful truth—the same popular boy hurt them both. If they want to take him down before graduation, they’ll have to put aside their differences and become teammates.

I’m always interested in stories that challenge the damaging double standard that shames girls while excusing boys with “boys will be boys.” Girls should never be treated as sexual objects or blamed for someone else’s harmful behavior. Accountability belongs with the person who exploited, humiliated, or hurt them—not with the girls who were harmed.

Featuring Black and Nigerian representation, a boarding-school setting, enemies-to-allies tension, and a twisty revenge plot, The Revenge Playbook sounds like an important and compelling YA novel.

⚠️ Content warnings: Sexual assault and oppression
⭐ Rating: No rating—book not read (Follow me on Goodreads for my rating and review, which will be posted later)

About the book:

Genre: YA Contemporary
Publishing date: July 21, 2026

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Rep: Black, Nigerian

Synopsis:

In this deliciously twisty YA novel, two girls ( enemies) at a boarding school must team up to take down the boy who hurt them– perfect for fans of Ace of Spades and Do Revenge.

Uyai and Fiyin may be roommates at Blue Waters Secondary School, but they are not friends. Uyai is popular and fierce– she dominates every room she walks into. Fiyin is nerdy and quiet– she’s easy to miss. Anyone who knows them (assuming they know who Fiyin is at all) would argue that, besides that shared dorm room, the two girls have absolutely nothing in common.

But they do.

Because both girls have been hurt. Humiliated. Taken advantage of. And both girls have just one boy to blame for it.

Fiyin thinks Uyai is an irresponsible mean girl. Uyai thinks Fiyin is an uptight loser. They both think the boy that hurt them deserves to suffer. But taking down one of the most popular guys in school isn’t a one-woman task. If they want to get their revenge before graduation, Uyai and Fiyin will need each other’s help– regardless of how they feel about each other.

After all, you don’t need to be friends to be teammates.

Content Warning: sexual assault, oppression

Meet the author:

Rimma Onoseta is a Nigerian author who writes stories she wanted to read when she was younger: stories about young girls who are chaotic and fierce and who question what they’re taught.

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That is the unsettling situation twelve-year-old Joni Bird faces in The Ginghams, the eerie and imaginative middle-grade debut by T.C. Kemper. Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), this mystery combines creepy science-fiction elements, friendship struggles, humor, and an important message about individuality.

When Joni returns to Olive Springs, she immediately realizes that something is wrong. Her best friend, May, is no longer the loud, drum-playing, head-banging girl Joni remembers. Instead, May wears her hair in a tight bun, dresses more conservatively, and suddenly believes that playing the drums is “unladylike.”

May is not the only person behaving strangely.

The town’s ice cream shop now serves only vanilla. Women and girls wear nearly identical dresses and large pearl earrings. Neighbors who once had distinctive personalities have become unnervingly cheerful, obedient, and proper.

At the center of these changes is the Gingham family, the unsettling new residents of Olive Springs. With their old-fashioned clothing, carefully controlled manners, and frozen smiles, the Ginghams seem determined to transform the town into their version of a perfect community. Anyone who attends their Thursday-night book club returns as a polished, smiling “model citizen” devoted to Mr. Gingham’s lifestyle guide, The Pillars of Perfection.

Joni is not fooled. With the help of her friend Tyler, she begins investigating the Ginghams, hoping to discover what is hidden behind their basement door and, more importantly, how to bring May back.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was its concept. The story reminded me of The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin, as well as the 2004 movie adaptation starring Nicole Kidman and Bette Midler. Like that story, The Ginghams explores the disturbing idea of people losing their individual personalities in the pursuit of an artificial standard of perfection.

Kemper makes this concept appropriate and engaging for a younger audience. The result is creepy without becoming too frightening and thought-provoking without feeling like a lecture. Young readers will understand that something is wrong with Olive Springs, but they will also have fun following Joni as she searches for clues and tries to outsmart the Ginghams.

Joni’s narration is another strength. She is relatable, curious, stubborn, and wonderfully spunky. Her determination frequently gets her into trouble, but it also makes her exactly the kind of character needed to uncover what is happening. She refuses to accept the changes around her simply because the adults and other children act as though everything is normal.

I also appreciated that Joni is not portrayed as perfect. She can be impulsive, and she does not always understand what May needs from their friendship. This gives the story emotional depth beyond the mystery itself.

The conflict between Joni and May was especially effective. At first, it is easy to assume that May has simply been taken over by the Ginghams. As the story develops, however, readers begin to understand why she allowed their influence into her life. The Ginghams offer structure, approval, and a clear picture of how someone is supposedly meant to behave. For a child who feels uncertain or misunderstood, that kind of acceptance can be tempting.

This conflict makes Joni’s mission more complicated. Saving May is not only about defeating a sinister family. Joni must also recognize the problems that already existed between them and consider whether she has truly been listening to her friend. Their relationship helps reinforce the idea that friendship requires more than knowing someone’s favorite music or remembering how they used to behave.

The book’s strongest theme is the importance of individuality. Olive Springs becomes unsettling because everything unique about its residents begins to disappear. Personal style, unusual interests, strong opinions, and creative expression are replaced with sameness.

Through this exaggerated transformation, the story shows young readers that there is no single correct way to dress, behave, create, or live. People should not have to erase parts of themselves to earn acceptance. Differences are not flaws that need to be corrected, and “perfect” is often an impossible standard created to control people.

There were, however, a few elements that did not work as well for me.

Tyler, the queer or gender-nonconforming character, initially felt somewhat stereotypical. His personality is communicated through kimonos, brightly feminine clothing, painted nails, and makeup. I understand why the author emphasizes his bold appearance: when the Ginghams change him, the disappearance of his usual style creates a dramatic and immediately recognizable contrast. Still, I would have liked his identity and personality to be developed through more than clothing and appearance.

I also struggled to understand why more people did not become suspicious of the Ginghams. The changes in Olive Springs are extremely obvious. Personalities shift, clothing becomes uniform, and familiar businesses lose their variety. While the story requires most of the town to overlook or accept these changes, I sometimes wished the book had offered a stronger explanation for why so few unaffected people questioned what was happening.

Despite those concerns, The Ginghams is a fast-moving and entertaining mystery with plenty for middle-grade readers to enjoy. The creepy smiles, suspicious book club, hidden basement, and race to save Olive Springs create an adventure that should keep readers turning the pages.

More importantly, the story delivers a valuable message about accepting differences, resisting pressure to conform, and paying attention when a friend may be struggling beneath the surface.

I think kids will connect with Joni’s determination, recognize the complicated emotions within her friendship with May, and enjoy imagining how they might fight back against the Ginghams. Readers who like eerie mysteries, strange neighborhoods, clever young investigators, and stories about standing up for yourself will find a lot to appreciate here.

Final rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨3.8 out of 5 stars.

About the book:

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel
Publishing date: July 28, 2026

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Synopsis:

An eerie middle grade mystery debut that follows a young girl who returns home to find the people of her little town, including her best friend, chillingly changed after the arrival of the prim and proper Gingham family.

“A rip-roaring adventure, but more importantly, a kids’ power ballad to the importance of being yourself.” —New York Times-bestselling author Gordon Korman

When 12-year-old Joni Bird returns home from summer camp, it’s clear something strange is afoot in Olive Springs. May, her usually head-banging best friend, now wears her hair in a tight bun and calls playing the drums “unladylike.” The ice cream shop only serves vanilla ice cream. The women and girls of the neighborhood all sport big pearl earrings and crisp cotton dresses.

At the heart of it all? The creepy new family in the neighborhood with their soulless, carnival smiles and retro fashion sense: the Ginghams. Everyone they invite to their Thursday night book club re-emerges as dead-eyed, smiling, Gingham-approved “model citizens,” all thanks to Mr. Gingham’s lifestyle guide, The Pillars of Perfection—and something even more sinister hidden behind his basement door.

Through quick thinking and cunning, Joni and her friend Tyler set out to fight not only to get their friend May back, but to save their whole town from forever falling under the Ginghams’

Meet the author:

T.C. Kemper is an American author of sparky kidlit and speculative fiction. When she’s not sipping peppermint tea sweetened with local honey or hiking woodland trails with her family and rescue pup, she’s likely lost in a beautifully crafted story.

Upcoming release: THE GINGHAMS (Henry Holt BFYR/Macmillan Children’s): a fresh middle-grade twist on THE STEPFORD WIVES, with book banners as villains, A.I.-powered mind control, and a friendship breakup. This spooky sci-fi is full of spine-tingling surprises!

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Superstar Blair Baker is preparing for a triumphant homecoming concert when she is murdered only moments before she is supposed to take the stage. Her younger sister, Stevie, is determined to discover who killed Blair, even if searching for the truth puts her in danger.

This is not the first time Stevie has desperately searched for answers after someone she loves was hurt. She was younger then and unable to uncover the truth, but now she refuses to let another mystery remain unsolved. As Stevie investigates Blair’s death, she is pulled deeper into the darker side of fame and begins discovering secrets much closer to home. Someone wants those secrets to stay hidden—and they may be willing to do anything to stop Stevie from exposing them.

From that premise alone, I knew Drop Dead Famous would be my kind of book. What I did not expect was how completely invested I would become in Stevie, her investigation, and the people she meets along the way.

Stevie is a compelling main character because her determination comes from such a personal and emotional place. She is not investigating a random crime or chasing attention. Blair was her sister, and Stevie needs to understand what happened to her. That grief gives the mystery real weight. Even when Stevie takes risks, her choices make sense because readers understand how much she has already lost and how desperately she needs answers.

The investigation also forces her to look beyond Blair’s polished public image. To millions of fans, Blair was an international superstar. To Stevie, she was a sister with flaws, secrets, and relationships that the public knew nothing about. I loved the way the story explored the difference between a celebrity’s carefully managed image and the complicated human being behind it.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the friendship Stevie forms with Colby, a die-hard fan of Blair. Colby easily became my favorite character. She brings so much personality and humor to the story, especially through her quirky comments and memorable behavior. Her ability to run in cowboy boots deserves recognition all by itself! Those small details made her feel fun, distinctive, and completely real.

Stevie and Colby also make an excellent investigative pair. Colby’s enthusiasm and knowledge of Blair’s career give her a different perspective, while Stevie understands the personal side of Blair’s life. Their friendship adds warmth and energy to a story built around grief and danger. I loved watching their partnership develop as they followed clues, questioned what they thought they knew, and moved closer to the truth.

The mystery itself is incredibly well constructed. Every time I thought I might have figured something out, another discovery made me reconsider my theory. The story kept moving without feeling rushed, and the clues were scattered throughout the book in a way that made me want to pay attention to every conversation and suspicious detail.

Pearson also balances the suspense with humor and emotion. The funny exchanges never take away from the seriousness of Blair’s murder. Instead, they give the characters—and the reader—a moment to breathe before the tension builds again. That balance helped make the story feel like more than a standard whodunit. It is a mystery, but it is also a story about grief, trust, family, friendship, and the cost of living in the public eye.

And then there is the ending.

Without revealing anything that could spoil the experience, I will say that I loved the twist involving the identity of Blair’s killer. The revelation about Blair’s secret—and the way that secret connects to the reason she was killed—was shocking and satisfying. It made me mentally revisit earlier moments and clues, which is exactly what I want from a great mystery.

The ending did not feel as though it came out of nowhere simply to surprise readers. Once the truth was revealed, the pieces began falling into place. I wish I could say more, but this is definitely a book best enjoyed without knowing too much beforehand.

Jennifer Pearson is a former teacher who lives in northeast England with her husband and two sons. She has written several middle-grade novels under the name Jenny Pearson and has received recognition from the Costa Children’s Book Award, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards. Drop Dead Famous is her young adult debut, and the press release also notes that a sequel featuring a new murder investigation is planned for summer 2027.

Overall, I loved everything about this book. The characters were entertaining, the emotional stakes felt genuine, the mystery kept me guessing, and the final twists delivered exactly the kind of surprise I was hoping for. Stevie and Colby are a fantastic duo, and I would happily follow them into another investigation.

Drop Dead Famous hooked me from the first page and kept me reading all the way to the end. Fans of fast-paced YA mysteries, celebrity-centered thrillers, strong friendships, family secrets, and shocking revelations should add this one to their reading lists.

Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the book:

An investigation turns into an obsession when the younger sister of a slain pop star is determined to uncover her sister’s killer, no matter the cost, in this “tense and intricately plotted thriller” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

When superstar Blair Baker is murdered moments before her triumphant homecoming concert, her younger sister, Stevie, knows she has one chance to find out who’s responsible.

The thing is, Stevie’s been here before, desperately searching for clues that might reveal who hurt someone she loves…but Stevie was younger then, just a kid. This time, she won’t let the truth slip through her fingers.

What begins as a search for answers about Blair’s death turns into a dangerous journey through the darker side of global fame. Soon, Stevie begins to uncover dark secrets closer to home—secrets that someone wants desperately to keep hidden. Is Stevie ready to confront what the truth reveals?

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Meet the author:

Jennifer Pearson is a former teacher and author who lives in the northeast of England with two energetic boys and her somewhat energetic husband. She’s the author of several middle-grade novels, writing as Jenny Pearson, and has been short-listed for the Costa Children’s Book Award and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and was the winner of the Lollies (Laugh Out Loud Book Awards). When she’s not writing, Jenny can either be found doing something sporty or binge-watching true crime documentaries while eating astounding quantities of cheese.

That question lies at the heart of Amanda Connolly’s The Lure of Wolves and Whispers, a dark, Irish lore–inspired romantasy filled with forbidden magic, political intrigue, deadly competition, and dangerously attractive men who may or may not be trustworthy. As the first book in The Martyred Isle series, it introduces a mysterious fantasy world that left me with plenty of questions—and a strong desire to continue reading.

On the mist-covered Isle of Eireann, magic has almost completely disappeared. What remains can be purchased, but every magical bargain comes at a terrible price. When Maeve’s beloved older sister is gravely injured, Maeve refuses to stand by and watch her die. Desperate to save her, Maeve seeks forbidden magic and trades her own life to Wolf, a ruthless rebel leader known as the Whisperer.

Bound to obey him, Maeve is sent into a dangerous royal competition to become the next queen. To survive, she must compete for a place beside Prince Cashel, the son of the tyrannical king responsible for much of the suffering throughout the isle. Maeve quickly discovers that the royal court is filled with secrets, shifting loyalties, and people who are far more complicated than they first appear.

Maeve was easily my favorite part of the book. She is brave, stubborn, resourceful, and wonderfully full of spunk. Her dedication to her sister drives many of her decisions, including some that are incredibly dangerous. Even when she is frightened or uncertain, she continues fighting for the people she loves.

I especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding Maeve, her mother, and her family’s past. There are hints that Maeve may be connected to the lost magic of Eireann in ways she does not yet understand. Every new clue raises even more questions. What happened to the magic? What secrets did Maeve’s mother keep from her? Is Maeve capable of challenging the king and helping magic return to the isle?

The magical system also fascinated me because magic does not feel ordinary or easily accessible. It feels ancient, mysterious, and slightly frightening. The people of Eireann know that magic once existed, but most of it was lost after war, conquest, and the rise of a brutal king. In a way, magic feels almost as distant to them as it does to us. They have stories and traces of it, but they do not fully understand what was lost or how it might be restored.

Then, of course, there is the romance.

The developing love triangle between Maeve, Wolf, and Prince Cashel added plenty of tension. Both men are intimidating, powerful, secretive, and more than a little dangerous. They are also frighteningly attractive, which makes Maeve’s situation even more complicated.

Wolf is ruthless and commanding, and his motives are difficult to read. He controls Maeve through their magical bargain, yet there are moments suggesting that there may be more beneath his cold exterior. Prince Cashel has an equally troubling reputation, especially because he is the son of the king Maeve has every reason to hate. However, he may not be exactly the man the rumors have made him out to be.

I spent much of the book questioning which man Maeve could trust—if she should trust either of them at all.

The secondary characters were another highlight. Talon, Aoife, Maeve’s sister, and her sister’s girlfriend all bring something interesting to the story. None of them feels completely transparent. Everyone seems to be keeping a secret, hiding an allegiance, or waiting for the right moment to reveal what they know. I am hoping future books explore these characters further and finally uncover some of their secrets.

Connolly also does an excellent job creating tension between the nobles, the royal family, and the common people. The class system in Eireann is deeply unfair and often infuriating. People are judged, mistreated, and denied opportunities simply because of their birth. The nobles and members of the royal court possess wealth and power while commoners are expected to suffer quietly.

This caste-like system gives the story more emotional weight because Maeve is not only fighting for herself or her sister. She is entering a world built to keep people like her powerless. Watching her challenge that system made me even more invested in her journey.

My biggest complaint is that the book does not include a map. I firmly believe a map should be a requirement for fantasy novels—especially stories involving multiple territories, political factions, royal strongholds, and a complicated history.

Connolly provides vivid descriptions of Eireann, its buildings, and its political structure, but I occasionally struggled to picture how everything connected. A map would have made the world easier to navigate. I also would have loved a few illustrations showing the interiors of important buildings, the different regions, or the clothing worn by the characters.

That said, the absence of a map did not prevent me from becoming absorbed in the story. The world is atmospheric, the political conflicts are compelling, and the unanswered questions kept me turning the pages.

The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is an exciting beginning to what promises to be a dramatic romantasy series. It offers a determined heroine, forbidden magic, cruel rulers, hidden identities, dangerous bargains, and a love triangle filled with uncertainty. Readers who enjoy royal competitions, morally complicated love interests, political intrigue, and fantasy worlds shaped by lost magic should find plenty to love here.

By the end, I was left wondering who Maeve can truly trust, what happened to Eireann’s magic, and whether she might be the person destined to bring down the treacherous king.

I am ready for the next book—and I am still trying to decide whether I am rooting for Wolf or Prince Cashel.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨4.5 stars

About the book:

Publisher: Sarah Barley Books

Release Date: July 7, 2026

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

One sister offers her life in exchange for the other’s in this dark, Irish lore–inspired romantasy and “sizzling, high-stakes debut launching a series that readers will greedily devour” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

On the mist-shrouded Isle of Eireann, buying magic comes with a price.

But when her beloved older sister is gravely injured, Maeve risks everything to buy the forbidden magic that might save her. In exchange, Maeve trades her life to a ruthless and dangerously alluring rebel leader. Bound to do his bidding, Maeve finds herself thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen and stand beside a prince rumored to be more brutal than his tyrannical father.

With the isle on the brink of war, trust and survival come at a terrible cost—one that will tear Maeve’s world, and her heart, in two.

What would you sacrifice to survive?

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Meet the Author:

Amanda Connolly is a Canadian political journalist and editor. A winner of the EU-Canada Young Journalist Fellowship, she is a dual citizen of Canada and Ireland. The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is Amanda’s debut novel.

The novel follows eighteen-year-old Jade Whitney, who is sent to live with her Great Aunt Ruth at Blythe House, her family’s grand and mysterious mansion in Grove Hollow, New York. From the moment Jade arrives, it is clear that this town, her family, and her new home are hiding more than a few secrets. Blythe House may be beautiful and impressive, but it also has that perfect gothic feeling where every room seems like it could be holding a secret.

Jade is immediately thrown into a world that feels unfamiliar, intimidating, and not always welcoming. At her new private school, she struggles to find her place. Most of the students keep their distance, but she eventually connects with a group known as the Misfits. They are edgy, genuine, and exactly the kind of friends Jade needs while adjusting to a new life. They spend their time exploring abandoned haunted mansions and listening to The Cure, which gives the story such a strong 80s atmosphere.

One of the things I enjoyed most about Metamorphosis was how easy it was to relate to Jade. She is the new girl trying to fit in, figure out who she can trust, and understand where she belongs. That feeling of being caught between different people and different versions of yourself was very believable. Jade is drawn to the Misfits because they feel real and accepting, but she is also pulled toward Brad, the handsome and popular rugby captain who seems to notice her when others do not.

Brad brings in plenty of classic teen drama, especially since he breaks up with the head cheerleader to date Jade. It has that perfectly angsty YA energy where crushes, jealousy, social circles, and complicated feelings all collide. I liked that the romance was not simple, because Jade is also connected to William, the Victorian ghost tied to a cursed locket she finds in an abandoned estate.

William, or Will, adds one of the most compelling layers to the story. His mystery, his connection to the locket, and his growing bond with Jade kept me turning the pages. There is something so dramatic and fun about a ghost boyfriend situation, especially when it is wrapped in old family secrets, curses, and a setting that already feels haunted. Jade’s attraction to Will creates a complicated emotional pull, and I enjoyed watching her try to understand what he needs from her while also questioning what she wants for herself.

The side characters also stood out to me. Great Aunt Ruth is memorable, and Nigel, her very stereotypical butler, adds to the old-mansion atmosphere in a fun way. These characters help make Blythe House feel like more than just a setting. It becomes a place with personality, history, and secrets tucked into every corner. The family drama is one of the strongest parts of the book, and I loved how the story slowly reveals that Jade’s family history is darker and more complicated than she ever imagined.

Another highlight for me was the 1980s setting. The references to music, technology, and teen culture helped ground the story in its time period without feeling overwhelming. The Cure references, the lack of modern technology, and the overall mood gave the book a nostalgic feel that worked really well with the paranormal and gothic elements. The 80s backdrop made the mystery feel more isolated and atmospheric, which added to the tension.

The book also does a great job balancing different elements: teen angst, paranormal romance, mystery, family secrets, and gothic drama. There is always something pulling the story forward, whether it is Jade trying to fit in at school, uncovering the truth about her family, dealing with her feelings for Brad, or trying to help Will. The combination made the book engaging and easy to keep reading.

My only complaint is that I did get frustrated at times with how long it took to get answers. The mystery is interesting, but there were moments when I really wanted the story to reveal more a little sooner. That said, the slower reveal was not enough to stop me from enjoying the book or wanting to finish it. The characters, atmosphere, and family secrets kept me invested even when I was impatient for the bigger answers.

Overall, Metamorphosis is a lovely and compelling start to the Grove Hollow series. It has likeable characters, a strong gothic setting, great 80s details, family history, drama, secrets, and a complicated ghostly romance that makes the story stand out. Jade is an easy main character to root for, and her journey into the strange world of Grove Hollow is full of mystery and emotion.

Fans of YA paranormal romance, haunted mansions, cursed objects, dark family secrets, and messy teen feelings will find a lot to enjoy here. With its mix of gothic atmosphere, 80s nostalgia, and romantic tension, Metamorphosis is a page-turning read that left me excited to see where the Grove Hollow series goes next.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½✨ | 4.8 out of 5 stars

About the book:

Genre: YA Paranormal
Publishing date: July 6, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

Stranger Things meets Twilight in this stunning gothic paranormal romance! A teen girl is swept into an opulent world of love, lies, and ghosts after she moves in with the wealthy, mysterious family she never knew she had. Book One in the Grove Hollow series, this is an 80s dark academia-tinged tale full of fated love, a cursed amulet, and twisted family secrets.

The year is 1985, and eighteen-year-old Jade Whitney is about to discover her family holds a dark secret that will change her life forever. Sent to live with her Great Aunt Ruth, Jade moves into Blythe House, her family’s sprawling, gilded mansion—but picturesque Grove Hollow, New York, is anything but welcoming.

At Jade’s new private school she’s shunned by everyone except for the Misfits, the school’s edgy outcasts, who spend their weekends exploring abandoned haunted mansions and listening to the Cure. But Jade’s eye keeps wandering back to Brad, the charming, handsome rugby captain, who might just be the only other kid at school to welcome her.

Everything changes when Jade finds a cursed locket in a derelict estate. The locket is connected to a Victorian ghost named William, who desperately needs Jade’s help, and who Jade feels an undeniable attraction to. And the closer they grow, the more urgent it becomes for Jade to decide where her heart truly lies—and if she’s really willing to let Will go.

Meet the author:

Shelby Nicole is a multi-talented author, business owner, artist, and graphic designer known for her enthralling gothic paranormal series, Grove Hollow. With intricate narratives, mysterious plotlines, and fantastical elements, Shelby breathes new life into the paranormal romance genre, taking readers to otherworldly realms.

Through her magnetic storytelling, Shelby sets herself apart as an author, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next thrilling chapter in The Grove Hollow series.

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What I appreciated most about For the Greatest Good was the issue at the heart of the story. The book makes it clear that “moral victories” are not enough when people are living through a public health crisis. Pondville needs money, infrastructure, and real help. The story does a good job showing how environmental injustice affects poor communities and how those communities are often expected to simply endure problems that would be treated as emergencies elsewhere. The message is one of the strongest parts of the book: people should not have to leave the towns they love just to have clean, safe water.

I also really liked the way Pondville itself was portrayed. Small towns in YA books with queer characters are often shown only as hostile, judgmental, or religiously extreme places where LGBTQ+ people cannot safely belong. While that absolutely can be true in some communities, it is not the only reality. In this book, Pondville has a tight-knit feeling. People know each other, look out for each other, and have reasons for staying beyond simple stubbornness. There is a sense of community care that almost feels like found family, and I appreciated seeing that in a queer YA story.

One of the most effective parts of the book, for me, came in Chapter 3, when Gavin and MacKenzie interview a town resident about why she stays in Pondville. That scene added so much emotional context. It showed that leaving is not always easy, possible, or even fair. Poverty can keep people rooted in place, but love can too. Why should people have to abandon their homes, memories, neighbors, and history because the government and corporations have failed them? That scene helped make the stakes feel real and human. Honestly, I wish the book had opened closer to that moment.

Unfortunately, the first two chapters did not work well for me. I struggled to get into the story at the beginning, and I almost put the book down after Chapter 2. I kept reading because I had signed up for the tour with Toppling Stacks Tours, and I am glad I pushed through because the book does improve once the larger community issues come into focus. Still, the opening felt weaker than the premise deserved. Starting with the interview in Chapter 3 would have pulled me into Pondville’s crisis much faster and given me a stronger reason to care right away.

My biggest issue with the book was Gavin. I understood what he was trying to do, and I understood that desperation can make people justify bad choices. But I did not like him much as a character. He often came across as selfish and careless, especially when he was willing to hurt people to get what he wanted. The book wants Gavin’s choices to feel morally complicated, and they are, but I needed more emotional grounding to believe in how far he was willing to go.

That missing piece affected the story for me. I did not feel fully convinced that Gavin loved Pondville enough to risk everything for it. The book tells us the town matters, but I wanted to see more of how Pondville supported him as a gay teenager, how it made him feel safe, seen, or valued, and why saving it was worth conning his estranged father, manipulating the grant process, or risking serious consequences. There is one scene where Gavin is treated poorly in a nearby town because he is gay, which could have been a strong contrast, but I still needed more examples of Pondville actively being the place where he belongs.

The estranged father-son dynamic, however, was compelling. Gavin’s relationship with his father adds tension and emotional complexity to the plot. Their interactions are uncomfortable in a way that fits the story, because Gavin is not just trying to save his town; he is also dealing with unresolved family pain. I liked that this relationship was messy and transactional. It gave the book another layer beyond the political and environmental conflict.

Overall, For the Greatest Good has a strong message, an important topic, and a premise full of potential. I loved that it centered clean water access, public health, poverty, and queer representation in a small-town setting that was not reduced to stereotypes. But the uneven opening, my frustration with Gavin, and the lack of deeper emotional proof behind his devotion to Pondville kept this from being a stronger read for me.

This is a thoughtful YA novel with a lot to say, even if the execution did not fully convince me. Readers who enjoy morally complicated characters, political/social issue-driven fiction, small-town stories, and LGBTQ+ representation may find a lot to discuss here. For me, it lands at 3.5 stars: promising, important, and worth reading, but not without some holes.

About the book:

Genre: YA Contemporary
Publishing date: June 30, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Gay, LGBT+

Synopsis:

Moral victories don’t solve public health crises. Money does.

After years of poor water quality, Gavin fears his town, Pondville, is one burst pipe away from losing access to safe drinking water forever.

Demoralized, Gavin and his best friend MacKenzie turn to his estranged father, a board member of the infamous water company CrispFlow. CrispFlow is known for giving out grants to improve public facilities, but they’ve also been buying and privatizing cities’ failing water systems, often leaving those towns’ situations worse than they found them. Gavin wouldn’t trust CrispFlow to privatize their water, but with his father on the board and Gavin and Mack interning at town hall, he might just be able to walk away with the grant money instead. Gavin’s dad agrees to rig the grant process if Gavin and MacKenzie sabotage the competition to help Crisp­Flow win an infrastructure bid. It’s not above board, but everybody wins, as long as no one gets caught . . .

Content Warning: Social injustice, estrangement of a parent

Meet the author:

My name is Blair Hanson, and if it’s not already obvious, I am not an expert at building websites! I am much more passionate about writing contemporary young adult fiction. In my (mostly nonexistent) free time, I enjoy falling down Wikipedia wormholes and cuddling with the world’s most adorable cats.

My books include America’s Not-So-Sweetheart (June 17, 2025, Page Street YA) and the forthcoming For the Greatest Good (expected June 30, 2026, Page Street YA).

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This book is bold, dramatic, and sharp, and the thrills are what made it work best for me. I gave it 4.5 stars because once the story leans into its danger and dystopian chaos, it becomes very hard to look away. There is something unsettling but also darkly entertaining about a world where fame, performance, survival, and politics are all tangled together. The idea of a singing competition where the stakes are life and death is both ridiculous and horrifying, which is exactly why the satire lands. It takes the familiar structure of reality TV competition and pushes it into nightmare territory.

For me, the strongest part of Survival Show was the tension. The thrills kept me engaged. I liked the danger of the competition, the sense that everything could go wrong, and the way the book uses entertainment as a mirror for bigger issues. The concept is campy, but underneath the camp is a lot of bite. Dawson is not just writing a wild dystopian spectacle for fun, though there is definitely fun in the chaos. The book is also looking at the world we live in now: climate anxiety, political fear, anti-LGBTQ policies, international instability, and the way people in power can turn suffering into entertainment.

That combination of satire and real-world relevance gives the story more weight than the premise might suggest at first. Yes, it has the “sing for your life” energy of a dystopian talent show from hell, but it also asks uncomfortable questions about what society values, who gets exploited, and how far people will go for survival, fame, or control. The best dystopian stories are not really about the future. They are about the present wearing a scary outfit. This one understands that.

I also liked the campy tone. A story like this needs to know what it is. If it took itself too seriously, the premise might become too heavy. If it leaned only into the fun, the darker themes might not land. Survival Show walks that line with a lot of energy. It has drama, danger, and spectacle, but it also has enough real-world sharpness to keep it from feeling empty. The book knows reality TV can be absurd, addictive, cruel, and emotionally manipulative, and it uses that knowledge well.

The part that did not fully work for me was the romance. The book includes a sapphic rivals-to-lovers relationship, and while I can see that being a major draw for many readers, it personally did not do as much for me as the thriller and dystopian elements did. I did not dislike the romance, but I did not feel as invested in it as I wanted to be. The danger, satire, and competition were much more compelling to me. Every time the story focused on survival and the larger dystopian world, I was more hooked.

That said, the romance not being my favorite part did not ruin the book. It just meant that I connected more strongly with the external stakes than the romantic ones. Readers who love rivals-to-lovers dynamics may respond differently and enjoy that part more than I did. For me, the book was at its best when it was intense, chaotic, and satirical. Give me the deadly singing competition. Give me the political commentary. Give me the “what nightmare version of entertainment culture are we in now?” energy. That is where the book shines.

The pacing also helps. A premise like this needs momentum, and Survival Show delivers plenty of it. The story has that “just one more chapter” quality because you want to know what is going to happen next, who will survive, and how much worse the situation can get. Spoiler: in dystopian satire, the answer is usually “worse, but with better lighting.”

I would recommend Survival Show to readers who enjoy YA dystopian stories with a satirical edge, reality TV-inspired plots, high-stakes competitions, queer representation, and a little camp mixed with their chaos. If you liked the idea of The Hunger Games but want something more performance-based, pop-culture aware, and theatrical, this one is worth checking out. It is especially good for readers who like their dystopian books to be both entertaining and pointed.

Overall, Survival Show is a thrilling, dramatic, and darkly fun read. The romance did not completely grab me, but the concept, tension, satire, and survival elements absolutely did. It is the kind of book that takes a familiar entertainment format and asks, “What if this was much worse?” Then it answers with glitter, danger, and a microphone.

My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

About the book:

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: August 4, 2026

Genre: Young Adult LGBTQ Dystopian Thriller

Synopsis:

The American Idol meets The Hunger Games in this “chilling, satirical dystopian adventure” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) about a teen betting her life that her singing talent can make her a star from the celebrated author of This Book Is Gay, Juno Dawson.

The world just seems to take and take from Taryn Beck, but there’s one thing it’ll never have: her voice. Only when she’s singing does Taryn feel like she can escape her reality—free from the aftermath of the War, free from the Scottish refugee camps where she and her family now live, and free from the responsibility of making ends meet for the sake of her sick brother.

Taryn’s voice is her one ticket out, and that’s why she enters to be a contestant on the world’s most watched television program: Starmaker, where kids from the New Peace Global Alliance compete for the chance to join an all-singing, all-dancing pop group. Rise to the top, and a life of luxury, stardom, and money awaits.

There’s only one small catch. The lowest ranking face a televised public execution. Starmaker thanks their participants for their noble sacrifice to Project Population.

Taryn’s about to sing for her life.

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Meet the author:

Juno Dawson is a #1 Sunday Times (London) bestselling novelist, screenwriter, and journalist and a columnist for Attitude magazine. Juno’s books include the global bestsellers This Book Is Gay and Clean. She also writes for television and has multiple shows in development both in the UK and US. Juno grew up in West Yorkshire, writing imaginary episodes of Doctor Who. She later turned her talent to journalism, interviewing luminaries such as Steps and Atomic Kitten before writing a weekly serial in a Brighton newspaper. Her writing has appeared in Glamour, The Pool, Dazed, and The Guardian. She has appeared on Pointless Celebrities, BBC Women’s Hour, ITV News, Channel 5 News, This Morning, and Newsnight. Juno lives in Brighton. She is a part of the queer cabaret collective known as Club Silencio. In 2014, Juno became a School & College Role Model for the charity Stonewall.

Rainbow Boys follows three teenage boys as they navigate their identities, relationships, fears, and hopes in a world that is not always kind to them. Set in the early aughts, the book captures a time when coming out could feel especially isolating and frightening, and when LGBTQ+ representation in young adult literature was nowhere near as visible as it is now. That historical context matters. Reading this book now, part of its power is seeing both how far queer YA has come and how many of the emotions in this story still feel deeply relevant.

This 25th Anniversary Edition comes with a fresh look, a note from the author, and an introduction by Maia Kobabe, the author of Gender Queer. That makes this edition feel less like a simple reprint and more like a celebration of a book that has mattered to many readers over the years. If you have already read Rainbow Boys, this edition gives you a good reason to return to it. If you have not read it, this is a great time to see why it has stayed important for so long.

What stands out most about Rainbow Boys is how honest it is about fear, longing, confusion, and hope. The boys in this story are not all in the same place emotionally. They each have their own insecurities, pressures, and ways of dealing with the world around them. That is part of what makes the book work so well. Coming out is not treated like one simple, universal experience. It is personal. It is messy. It can be terrifying. It can also be freeing. Sanchez gives these characters space to struggle, make mistakes, want love, fear rejection, and slowly discover what confidence can look like.

The early aughts setting gives the story a particular kind of tension. The world these characters are living in is often intolerant, and the stakes of being honest about who they are feel very real. There is a vulnerability in the story that still lands. Even though some details are tied to the time period, the emotional core is timeless. Wanting to be seen, wanting to be loved, wanting to find people who understand you—those feelings do not expire. They are still powerful, especially for teen readers who may be trying to figure out where they belong.

One reason this book deserves its classic status is that it centers queer teens as full, complicated people. Their identities matter, but they are not reduced to one issue or one struggle. They are trying to survive high school, deal with attraction, understand themselves, and figure out who they can trust. They want romance, friendship, safety, and belonging. In other words, they are teenagers. Sanchez gives them humanity, which sounds basic, but for the time this book originally came out, that kind of representation was incredibly important.

I also appreciate that the book does not pretend confidence appears overnight. These characters have to build it. They have to find each other. They have to face the world around them and the doubts inside themselves. That makes the coming-of-age aspect feel earned. It is not just about “coming out” as one big dramatic moment. It is about gradually learning how to live more honestly, even when honesty is scary.

For readers who already know and love this book, the anniversary edition is worth having. There is something special about seeing a book like this honored twenty-five years later. It is a reminder that YA literature matters. Representation matters. The books that reach readers at the right time can stay with them for years. And yes, if you are a collector, this edition absolutely has shelf-upgrade energy. Sometimes the book cart demands tribute.

I give Rainbow Boys: 25th Anniversary Edition five stars because it is a classic for a reason. It is important, heartfelt, and still meaningful. It belongs in conversations about queer YA and coming-of-age literature, and this anniversary edition is a beautiful way to recognize its legacy.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy realistic YA, LGBTQ+ coming-of-age stories, and books about identity, courage, friendship, and finding your voice. Many readers may have already read it, but if you have not, this edition is a perfect place to start.

My Rating: 5/5 stars

About the book:

Publication: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 29, 2026

Genre: LGBTQ+ Young Adult Novel

Synopsis:

For the first printing only! This paperback features sprayed stenciled edges while the special edition supply lasts. This reissue has a brand-new look, a note from the author, and an introduction by Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer.

A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)

Navigating through the intolerant world of the early aughts and their own insecurities, three teenage boys find each other and the confidence to come out of the closet in this seminal queer coming-of-age novel.

Jason Carillo is a jock with a steady girlfriend. He’s on track to play ball, marry his high school sweetheart, and get as far away from his abusive dad as possible—but that’s if he can get into college with his shaky math grades…and if he can stop dreaming about having sex with guys.

Kyle Meeks is definitely gay, but he’s not planning on telling anyone, least of all his parents. All he wants is to keep his head down and get through high school without incident—until Jason asks him for help in math and all of a sudden, Kyle is spending long hours with a boy he’s always found cute and it’s getting harder and harder to keep his feelings under wraps.

Nelson Glassman is out and loud about it, but being proud of who you are doesn’t mean things don’t get lonely. He’s got a target on his back for the school bullies to kick, and while his mom supports him, she doesn’t entirely understand him. To make things worse, he and his best friend—and longtime crush—Kyle have been spending more and more time apart, and he doesn’t know how to deal.

Messy, honest, and raw, Rainbow Boys follows these three boys as they come of age and come out of the closet in the early aughts in one of the most revolutionary young adult novels in the last quarter century.

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Meet the author:

Alex Sanchez spent almost fifteen years working with youth. He is the author of the teen novels Boyfriends with Girlfriends, Bait, The God Box, Getting It, Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, and Rainbow Road, as well as the Lambda Award–winning middle grade novel So Hard to Say. Lambda Literary honored Alex with a Jim Duggins, PhD Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize. He lives in Thailand and Hollywood, Florida. Visit him at AlexSanchez.com.

That changes when Jaliya travels to Jamaica to visit her uncle and his family for the summer. On the surface, it is supposed to be one last vacation before college, but Jaliya has a much deeper reason for going. She wants answers about her estranged mother, whose absence has been a painful mystery in her life. That mystery is what really pulled me into the story. I love a coming-of-age book where the main character is not just figuring out romance or friendship, but also trying to understand the missing pieces of her own identity. Jaliya’s mother’s absence has shaped so much of who she is, even in ways she does not fully realize at first.

I will say that the book had a slower start for me. I found myself wishing Davis would just get Jaliya to Jamaica already. The opening section takes its time setting up Jaliya’s life, her personality, and the emotional weight she is carrying, and while that is important, I was eager for the story to move into the setting that promised adventure, secrets, family tension, and discovery. Once Jaliya arrives in Jamaica, the story really begins to bloom. The setting adds warmth, movement, and texture, and the relationships become much more layered.

One of my favorite parts of the book was Jaliya herself. She is easy to root for because she feels so real. She is not some perfectly confident main character who arrives on the page already knowing who she is and what she wants. She is unsure. She is cautious. She is carrying questions she has been afraid to ask. Watching her slowly push against the version of herself that everyone else has gotten used to was one of the strongest parts of the story. There is something very relatable about a character who has done everything “right” on paper but still feels like she has not fully lived.

The family dynamics also worked well for me. Jaliya’s visit to her uncle and his family is not exactly the warm, easy reunion she may have imagined. Her cousin has his own life and does not automatically make space for her, and her aunt and uncle are not exactly the people she remembers. I liked that Davis allowed these relationships to be complicated. Family in this book is not simple. It is loving, frustrating, secretive, protective, and sometimes painful. Basically, family showed up and said, “Let’s make this emotionally inconvenient,” and honestly, that is where a lot of the story’s power comes from.

The romance also adds a lot to Jaliya’s summer of self-discovery. Her childhood crush is still very attractive but also unavailable, which creates one kind of tension. Then Jaliya meets India, who is vibrant, gorgeous, free-spirited, and completely different from the life Jaliya is used to. India makes Jaliya feel something new, something exciting, and something that forces her to look more closely at herself. I liked how the romance tied into Jaliya’s larger identity journey instead of feeling like a separate side plot. This is not just about who Jaliya likes. It is about who she is becoming.

What made the book strongest for me was the way it balanced romance, family secrets, and identity. Jaliya is not only searching for information about her mother; she is also trying to figure out what kind of person she wants to be when she is not trying to please everyone else. That emotional thread gave the story depth. I loved the mystery surrounding her mother because it gave Jaliya’s personal growth more weight. Her questions felt urgent, not just because she wanted answers, but because those answers could change how she understood herself.

Even with the slower beginning, The Lovers, the Liars, and Me became a heartfelt and rewarding read. I appreciated the emotional honesty, the messy relationships, and the way Jaliya’s journey unfolded. This is a summer story, but not just the light and breezy kind. It has romance, secrets, family drama, and self-discovery all wrapped together. It is about that moment before adulthood when you start realizing you can choose who you become, even if the people around you are still expecting you to stay the same.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy YA coming-of-age stories with complicated family dynamics, identity exploration, summer settings, and romance with emotional stakes. If you like stories about girls finding their voice, asking difficult questions, and stepping into a fuller version of themselves, this one is worth picking up.

My Rating: 4.7/5 stars

About the book:

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Release Date: June 23, 2026

Genre: Young Adult LGBTQ Drama/Contemporary

Synopsis:

A teen travels to Jamaica hoping to answer questions about her absent mother, only to discover more about her identity than she could have ever expected—and find herself caught up in an unexpected love triangle—in this dazzling young adult coming-of-age novel by award-winning author DeAndra Davis.

Jaliya Powell has never had a real adventure, a real boyfriend, or spoken up for herself. She’s never even been kissed. Despite being valedictorian of her high school class, Jaliya is used to fading into the background.

But this summer will be different.

This summer, Jaliya is visiting her uncle and his family in Jamaica. Under the guise of one last vacation before college, she plans to find out more about her estranged mother, whose absence has remained an unspoken mystery. But things have changed in the seven years since Jaliya last visited. Her cousin has his own life and is reluctant to let Jaliya in, her childhood crush has only gotten hotter and more unavailable, and her aunt and uncle aren’t everything she remembered, either. Then she meets India, who’s vibrant, gorgeous, and free-spirited. And who makes Jaliya feel something she’s never felt before.

While searching for traces of her mother across the island, Jaliya finds herself entangled in complicated relationships, tricky secrets, and a passionate new love. As she navigates this perfectly complicated summer, Jaliya must choose between who she has always been or who she hopes to become.

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Meet the author:

DeAndra Davis is New York–born and Florida-bred. She’s a hopeless musical theater nerd (Wicked is definitely her favorite), a perpetual student and teacher, and always trailed by a kid or a dog because she has way too many of both. She has an opinion for everything, an argument ready, and a hug for everyone, and she thinks you should, too. She is the author of All the Noise at Once, winner of the William C. Morris Award for best young adult debut book, and The Lovers, the Liars, and Me. DeAndra can be found on most socials @DeAndraWrites.

And honestly? I loved this book.

Dead Girls is the kind of graphic novel that horror fans, mystery readers, queer readers, and anyone who has ever yelled “don’t go in there!” at a slasher movie will immediately understand. It has the missing girls, the eerie woods, the suspicious small town, the masked killer energy, and the “everyone thinks they know what happened” atmosphere. But instead of simply repeating the same familiar formula, Kubrick twists it into something sharper, funnier, and much more self-aware.

One of my favorite parts of the book is that Ash is the daughter of a serial killer, but the infamous killer is her mother, not her father. That detail adds such an interesting layer to the slasher satire. So often, stories about serial killers, legacy, and inherited darkness focus on violent fathers and the children left behind in their shadow. By making Ash’s mother the Clossdale Killer, the book immediately shifts the dynamic. It complicates the expectations around motherhood, monstrosity, femininity, and how girls are judged when violence enters the story. Ash is not just trying to prove she did not commit these murders; she is also trying to prove she is more than the worst thing people associate with her family.

That theme of identity is one of the strongest parts of the book. Ash is weird, guarded, funny, and understandably exhausted by the way people look at her. She is also a lesbian, and I loved seeing her queerness be part of her character without the story reducing her to only that. This was such a great read for Pride Month because the LGBTQ+ representation feels natural and meaningful. Ash’s lesbian foster mothers also bring a layer of found family to the story, which balances the bloodier, scarier elements with warmth and emotional grounding. In the middle of murder, suspicion, and chaos, the book still makes room for love, support, and chosen family.

The humor is another huge highlight. Dead Girls is genuinely funny, and not just in a “slasher characters make bad decisions” way. The dialogue is snappy, the timing is great, and the horror references are exactly the kind of thing that made me grin while reading. My personal favorite was the WWJLCD moment: “What Would Jamie Lee Curtis Do?” I am absolutely taking this acronym with me from now on. It feels like a perfect horror-fan spin on WWJD, but instead of asking what the traditionally righteous choice is, you are asking how to face danger with the fierce, practical, no-nonsense survival instincts of the ultimate scream queen and LGBTQ+ advocate. Honestly, in a crisis, calling the police or Jamie Lee Curtis feels like a solid plan.

I also really enjoyed the way Kubrick brings in the world of true crime podcasts and crime-thriller culture. The book taps into the current obsession with murder content, amateur investigation, and the way real tragedy can become entertainment. That adds another smart layer to the satire. Dead Girls is not only poking fun at slasher tropes; it is also looking at how people consume stories about dead girls, missing girls, and “fascinating” killers. It asks what happens when a town, a media culture, and even strangers decide they already know the villain before the truth is uncovered.

The artwork is fantastic. Kubrick’s illustrations create suspense, comedy, and thrills in every frame. The style has the energy of classic comic book storytelling mixed with touches that reminded me of anime techniques: expressive faces, dramatic reactions, sharp movement, and panels that know exactly when to go big and when to pull back. The scary moments have impact, but the funny moments land just as well. That balance is hard to pull off, especially in a story that is juggling murder mystery, satire, emotional trauma, queer identity, and friendship, but the visuals keep everything moving.

What really makes the book work, though, is the cast. Every character feels rounded, not just thrown in to be a trope or a body count. Ash’s friends have personality and purpose, and I loved following them through this chaotic, bloody, hilarious journey. The relationships give the story its heart. Yes, there are murders to solve and danger around every corner, but underneath that is a story about girls trying to protect each other in a world that keeps turning them into suspects, victims, or punchlines.

Dead Girls is fearless, funny, feminist, and full of horror-loving attitude. It is perfect for readers who enjoy Scream, Yellowjackets, campy slashers, queer YA, graphic novels with bite, and stories that can make you laugh right before they make you nervous. Beck Kubrick has created a debut graphic novel that is clever, stylish, suspenseful, and completely entertaining.

I had such a fun time reading this, and I will definitely be recommending it. For me, Dead Girls is a bloody good Pride Month read—and a killer addition to the YA graphic novel shelf.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

About the book:

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
On Sale: September 22, 2026

Buy Links: Simon & Schuster

Synopsis:

The teen daughter of an infamous serial killer must prove she isn’t the one behind recent copycat murders in this witty and laugh-out-loud funny graphic novel that’s a campy, feminist send-up of slashers that both celebrates and subverts classic tropes.

In the cozy town of Clossdale, a serial killer rampages! Five girls missing in as many weeks! Bodies turning up on the forest floor! And all fingers point to one vile fiend: Ash Hargreeves.

Except Ash didn’t do it. She may be the daughter of the infamous Clossdale Killer, and these copycat killings aren’t exactly convincing proof of her innocence—and okay, she’s kind of a weirdo who has two friends total, but when the murders strike a little too close to home, Ash decides to take a stand.

With the help of her besties, Ash is going to hunt down the killer, clear her mother’s name, and stop there from being any more dead girls—now and forever. After all, WWJLD: what would Jamie Lee do?

Resource: Simon & Schuster Guide to Using Graphic Novels in the Classroom

Meet the Author/Illustrator:

Beck Kubrick is an award-winning writer and cartoonist living in Manchester, UK. They like stories about terrible girls and thinking about the apocalypse. They have worked with Cartoon Network, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, and more. Dead Girls is their debut graphic novel as author-illustrator. You can visit them online at BeckKubrick.com or @BeckKubrick.

Giveaway:

One (1) physical copy of Dead Girls by Beck Kubrick. USA only. Giveaway ends on June 30, 2026, at midnight EST.

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Their con is clever: Lola plays a tragic ghost haunting the mansions of the rich, while Lisandro takes on the role of the brave spiritualist who can help the restless spirit find peace. For the right price, of course. When they set their sights on The Coterie, the grand estate of newspaper tycoon Bixby Fairfax and his famous mistress Blythe Bell, the siblings know this could be the job that changes everything. A payout this big could finally give them a way out of the Midwest and into a life that feels more like freedom.

But this con comes with a twist. For the first time, Lola and Lisandro have to switch roles. Lola steps into the role of the medium Katrina, while Lisandro becomes the ghostly presence haunting the mansion. As they settle into The Coterie and begin working their act, strange things start happening that even they cannot explain. The deeper they go, the more the estate’s glittering surface begins to feel unstable, and the question becomes whether they can pull off the performance or whether this will be their final act.

One of my favorite parts of We Could Be Anyone was definitely the con itself. I loved seeing how Lola and Lisandro planned their performances, built their roles, and used theatrical tricks to manipulate the wealthy people around them. There is something so fun about a story centered on performers who are not just pretending for applause, but pretending for survival. Their scam has just enough theatrical flair to make it entertaining, and I enjoyed learning how they pulled off the “haunting” and spiritualist routine.

The premise is easily one of the strongest parts of the book. Two siblings using ghostly illusions and fake séances to scam rich people during Hollywood’s Golden Age? That is a fantastic setup. It has drama, style, danger, and a little bit of gothic weirdness. The Coterie itself also adds a lot of atmosphere. McLemore does a lovely job describing the mansion, the clothing, and the overall feeling of wealth and performance. The dresses Lola wears, especially when she is impersonating the medium Katrina, are easy to picture. The descriptions are lush without feeling overwhelming, and they help create that sense of old Hollywood glamour mixed with something darker hiding underneath.

I also really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue surrounding the characters. There is a lot of tension built around who everyone truly is versus who they are pretending to be. That fits beautifully with the book’s larger themes of identity, performance, and survival. Lola and Lisandro are constantly putting on masks, but they are not the only ones. The people inside The Coterie have secrets of their own, and that kept me turning the pages. Even when I was frustrated, I still wanted to know what was really going on.

That said, this was a three-star read for me because there were a few things that kept pulling me out of the story. My biggest issue was the dual point of view. Lola and Lisandro’s chapters sounded way too similar. I would be reading from Lola’s point of view, get up to do something, come back, and then have to double-check whose chapter I was in because the voices blended together so much. At first, I wondered if this was intentional. Since the book is so focused on performance, identity, and role-switching, I thought maybe the similar voices were building toward some kind of twist or reveal. But that twist never came.

Because of that, the POVs ended up feeling more confusing than meaningful. In a story about two siblings with different desires, different frustrations, and different relationships to the con, I wanted their voices to feel more distinct. I wanted to immediately know when I was in Lola’s head versus Lisandro’s. Instead, they often felt like the same person narrating slightly different scenes, and that made it harder for me to fully connect with either of them.

My other major frustration was the setting, specifically the lack of clarity around when and where the story takes place. The book is set during Hollywood’s Golden Age, but that period covers a wide span of time, roughly from the late 1920s into the 1960s. While I picked up on a few hints that made me think the story might be set in the 1920s or 1930s, such as the mention of a drink like “The Bee’s Knees”, I never felt fully grounded in the time period. The ghostly special effects used in the con also felt fairly rudimentary, almost Scooby-Doo-like, which made me wonder if maybe the story was set in the 1930s or 1940s. Then Lisandro’s longing to leave the Midwest and find a queer community in the city made me think perhaps the story was leaning more toward the 1940s or 1950s.

I found that lack of specificity frustrating. Historical fiction does not always need to spell out every single date, but I do need enough detail to feel anchored. Here, I kept asking myself: What year are we in? Where in the Midwest are we? What is the larger world around these characters like? Without a clearer sense of time and place, the historical setting felt blurry. For a book so rich in visual description, I wanted that same richness applied to the historical backdrop.

Still, We Could Be Anyone has a lot going for it. The mystery kept me reading, the con was entertaining, and the atmosphere had moments that really worked for me. McLemore’s descriptions of The Coterie, the costumes, and the performance elements were beautiful, and the premise had so much potential. I especially appreciated the queer and Latine representation woven into a story about survival, reinvention, and the desire to escape into a better life.

Overall, We Could Be Anyone is a stylish and intriguing YA historical fiction novel with a fantastic setup, but it did not fully come together for me. I loved the con, the mystery, and the glamorous descriptions, but the similar character voices and unclear historical setting made the reading experience more confusing than I wanted it to be. For readers who enjoy atmospheric stories about deception, identity, and old Hollywood-inspired drama, this may still be worth picking up. For me, it landed at a solid three stars.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5

About the book:

Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Publishing date: May 26, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Queer, Latine, LGBT+

Synopsis:

True deception is a work of art.

Lola and Lisandro are actors during Hollywood’s Golden Age, but you won’t see them on any silver screen. Instead, these siblings use their talents to scam the rich and famous out of their ill-begotten cash. They have their act down to a science: Lola plays the tragic ghost who haunts the mansions of the wealthy, and Lisandro plays the brave spiritualist who will help her soul find peace. For a small fee, of course.

The siblings have their sights set on their next target: The Coterie, the opulent estate of newspaper tycoon Bixby Fairfax and his famous mistress Blythe Bell. A score this big will allow them to move… well, anywhere but here. But this job requires them to do something they’ve never done before: switch roles. And as strange things keep happening at The Coterie… things that even Lola and Lisandro can’t explain.

As they are drawn deeper into The Coterie’s gleaming façade and tensions rise between brother and sister, one question looms over them. Will they be able to pull off their act? Or will this be their last performance?

Meet the author:

Anna-Marie McLemore (they/them) is the author of William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist The Weight of Feathers; Wild Beauty; Blanca & Roja, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time; Indie Next List title Dark and Deepest Red; Lakelore, an NECBA Windows & Mirrors title; Venom & Vow, co-authored with Elliott McLemore; Flawless Girls; and National Book Award longlist selections When the Moon Was Ours, which was also a Stonewall Honor Book; The Mirror Season; and Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix. Their latest release is their adult debut, The Influencers, and their next young adult novel is “We Could Be Anyone”, forthcoming in spring 2026.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

I received a gifted hardcover copy of The Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens from Margaret K. McElderry Books. This is not part of a book tour, and all thoughts are my own honest opinions. Scroll down to read my full review and enter the giveaway to win your copy of this fun YA romantasy!

The story follows seventeen-year-old Ellinore, who has the best questing record in the kingdom. She is famous, admired, and celebrated as a legendary hero. The only problem? Every single one of her heroic victories has been fake. The monsters were staged, the treasures were planted, and the danger was never quite what everyone believed it to be. Ellinore has been living inside a carefully maintained lie, and she is tired of it.

So, during a royal feast, she does the unthinkable: she retires.

Unfortunately for Ellinore, a quiet life is not in the cards. Her reckless twin brother, Zig, manages to bet his life on her ability to retrieve the horn of the mythical Elder Beast. The Elder Beast is the kind of creature most people believe is more legend than reality, which means Ellinore has to step back into the role she was so desperate to leave behind. This time, however, the quest might actually be real.

Joining her on this final adventure are Zig, who is eager to prove himself; Aven, the charming and brooding royal who has become Ellinore’s fiercest rival; and a chaotic group of unlikely questers who have big dreams, questionable abilities, and an impressive talent for creating trouble wherever they go.

The plot itself is not necessarily something completely new. We have seen fake heroes, reluctant quests, rivalries, magical creatures, and ragtag adventuring parties before. But honestly, that did not bother me at all. What makes this book work so well is not that it reinvents every piece of the fantasy genre, but that it takes familiar ingredients and makes them feel warm, funny, and full of personality. The story knows exactly what kind of book it wants to be: cozy, subversive, playful, romantic, and full of heart.

For me, the biggest strength of The Last Best Quest Ever is the characters. Ellinore is such a great protagonist because she is messy in a very human way. She is not the perfect hero everyone thinks she is, but she is also not heartless or cruel. She is someone who has been trapped by expectations, reputation, and fear. Watching her wrestle with who she has pretended to be versus who she actually wants to become was one of my favorite parts of the book.

Aven is also a delight. I loved the rivalry between Ellinore and Aven, especially because their dynamic has that perfect blend of irritation, competition, tension, and reluctant admiration. Their romance is sweet, fun, and very easy to root for. It never overwhelms the rest of the story, but it adds such a lovely emotional thread throughout the quest.

That said, Zig completely stole the show for me. His banter, his impulsiveness, and his chaotic little-brother energy made him my favorite human character in the book. He brings so much humor to the story, and every time he was on the page, I knew I was probably going to laugh. I loved the sibling dynamic between him and Ellinore, too. It felt affectionate, frustrating, ridiculous, and very real in the way siblings can be.

And then there is Dave.

Dave the gold dragon is my absolute favorite. I do not want to spoil too much, but I will say that the right dragon improves every fantasy adventure, and Dave is absolutely the right dragon. Funny, memorable, and completely charming, Dave adds so much personality to the story. I adored him.

One thing I also really appreciated was the use of the word “princet,” a non-gendered royal title that combines prince and princess. I know the term has been used before in LGBTQ+ books and literature, but this was my first time encountering it in a story, and I loved how naturally it fit into the world. Lukens always does a wonderful job creating inclusive fantasy spaces that feel welcoming without ever making the representation feel forced or overly explained.

The tone of this book is a big part of its charm. It has laugh-out-loud humor, but it also has real emotional growth. It pokes fun at classic quest narratives while still clearly loving the genre. There is adventure, danger, romance, found-family energy, magical chaos, and plenty of moments that feel perfect for readers who enjoy tabletop gaming or Dungeons & Dragons-inspired stories.

Overall, The Last Best Quest Ever is a fabulous read. It is funny, sweet, cozy, and full of characters I wanted to spend even more time with. The plot may use familiar fantasy elements, but Lukens makes them shine through humor, heart, and a cast that is impossible not to love. Ellinore and Aven are wonderful, Zig is hilarious, and Dave the gold dragon deserves all the praise.

This is a five-star read for me all the way! I truly cannot recommend this one more. Fans of F.T. Lukens, cozy YA romantasy, queer fantasy, chaotic quest parties, and stories that flip traditional hero narratives on their head should absolutely add this to their TBR.

And since the publisher kindly sent me two hardcovers, I’m planning to give one away so another reader can enjoy this delightful adventure too. Scroll to the end to enter the giveaway!

About the book:

Book: The Last Best Quest Ever
Author: F.T. Lukens
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: May 26, 2026
Source: Gifted by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis:

Dungeons and Dragons meets Gwen and Art Are Not In Love in this cozy, subversive YA romantasy that flips the classic quest narrative on its head. Following a fraudulent hero forced into one last high-stakes adventure with a brooding rival prince, the novel blends laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt character growth, and a delightfully chaotic party dynamic that will resonate strongly with fantasy and tabletop gaming audiences.

Seventeen-year-old Ellinore has the best questing record in the kingdom. Not even Aven—the infuriatingly charming royal who’s become her fiercest rival—can compete. But every one of Ellinore’s triumphs is a lie. The monsters she’s slain? Staged. The treasures she’s claimed? Planted. Tired of the charade, she shocks the realm by retiring during a royal feast.

Her hopes for a quiet life vanish when her reckless twin brother, Zig, bets his life on her ability to retrieve the horn of the mythical Elder Beast—a creature no one believes is real. To save him, Ellinore must return to the spotlight for one final quest. She’s joined by Zig, eager to prove himself; Aven, determined to finally outshine her; and a ragtag crew of unlikely questers with big dreams, questionable skills, and a knack for trouble.

As the stakes rise, Ellinore must decide who she really wants to be: the fraud the kingdom celebrates, the hero it needs, or someone entirely new.

Meet the Author:

F.T. Lukens is a New York Times bestselling author of YA speculative fiction, including the novels Spell Bound, So This Is Ever After, Love at Second Sight, Otherworldly, and In Deeper Waters (2022 ALA Rainbow Booklist; Junior Library Guild Selection), as well as other science fiction and fantasy works. Their contemporary fantasy novel The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic was a 2017 Cybils Award finalist in YA Speculative Fiction and won the Bisexual Book Award for Speculative Fiction. F.T. resides in North Carolina with their spouse, three kids, three dogs, and three cats.

Learn more about F. T. Lukens by visiting their website ft-lukens.com or following them on Instagram @ftlukens.

Book Giveaway:

One hardcover of Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens. U.S.A residents only. Giveaway ends on June 15, 2026, at Midnight EST.

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Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review. This book tour is sponsored by Toppling Stacks Tours.

After several disappointing social seasons in London, Rosalin decides she has had enough of playing the part expected of her. Instead of focusing on finding a husband, she sets her sights on getting the education she has always wanted. The problem, of course, is that Trinity College, a sister college of Cambridge, is not open to women. So Rosalin comes up with a bold plan: to disguise herself as her cousin Ansel and attend in his place while he sneaks off on a secret Grand Tour through Europe.

Honestly, this was my favorite part of the book. I loved the premise of Rosalin dressing up as her cousin and taking his place at Trinity College. It immediately gives the story a playful, adventurous energy, and it was fun watching her try to navigate a world that was never meant to include her. There is something so satisfying about a heroine who refuses to accept the limits placed on her, especially when she is clever enough to outsmart the people around her.

Once Rosalin arrives at Trinity College, she meets Tarik St. Clair, a talented mathematics prodigy and her tutor. Their connection grows through their shared intelligence, witty exchanges, and mutual respect. For the first time, Rosalin meets someone whose mind feels like a true match for her own, and that adds a charming layer to the romance. Their relationship is sweet, cozy, and easy to root for.

The romance itself has a very light, fairytale quality. This is not a heavy or overly dramatic historical romance. It is more of a soft, swoony read with fun characters and a playful setup. The story has a young adult version of Bridgerton feel to it, with society expectations, family pressure, secret identities, and a heroine trying to carve out her own path. Readers who enjoy historical romance with modern-feeling heroines and a touch of fantasy-like wish fulfillment will probably have a great time with this one.

Rosalin is a lively and likable main character. I enjoyed that she was intelligent, determined, and tired of pretending to be less than she was. Her frustration with society’s expectations felt relatable, especially because she knows she is capable of so much more than being judged by her marriage prospects. Her decision to take control of her future makes her easy to cheer for, even when the plot itself stretches believability.

The side characters also add to the entertainment value. Ansel’s secret trip adds humor and mischief to the story, while Tarik brings warmth and charm to Rosalin’s college experience. The characters are fun rather than deeply complicated, which fits the overall tone of the book. This is the kind of romance that feels cozy, bright, and low-stress.

That said, I rated this one 3.5 stars because, while I enjoyed the story, it did not feel especially historically accurate or plausible. The premise is fun, but I had to suspend a lot of disbelief while reading. Rosalin disguising herself as her cousin and attending Trinity College in his place is entertaining, but it definitely leans more into romantic fairytale territory than realistic historical fiction. If you are looking for a deeply researched, historically grounded novel, this may not fully satisfy that craving.

For me, the book worked best when I treated it as a whimsical historical romance rather than a realistic one. The history is more of a backdrop than the main focus, and the plot is clearly designed to be charming and romantic rather than strictly believable. Once I accepted that, I was able to enjoy the book for what it was: a sweet, cozy, and imaginative romance about a young woman chasing both education and love.

I also think this book will appeal to readers who like their historical romance with a modern sensibility. Rosalin’s intelligence, independence, and refusal to settle make her feel very accessible to YA readers. The story celebrates ambition, self-worth, and finding someone who loves you for your mind as much as your heart. Those themes were lovely, even when the plot felt far-fetched.

Overall, Rebel Heiress is a fun and charming YA historical romance with a clever disguise plot, entertaining characters, and a sweet love story. It may not be the most historically accurate or believable read, but it has plenty of heart. If you enjoy romantic fairytales, secret identities, academic settings, and cozy historical romance with Bridgerton-style vibes, this could be your next delightful read.

It is light, swoony, and playful—the perfect choice for readers who want a sweet escape rather than a serious historical account. While I wanted a little more historical plausibility, I still had fun reading Rosalin’s story and enjoyed the warmth and whimsy of the romance.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5 stars / 5

About the book:

Genre: YA Historical Romance
Publishing date: May 19, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

A young heiress must disguise herself to attend a prestigious, all-male university, where she unexpectedly falls for her handsome tutor, in this swoony historical romance by the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

Lady Rosalin Chen has a secret—she isn’t as vapid as she pretends to be. In fact, she’s a computing genius and smarter than most of her peers in the ton, including her own cousin, Ansel. It’s a secret she’s kept for years, not that hiding her intelligence has done her any favors in the marriage department.

In fact, after several dismal social seasons in London, she’s practically considered a spinster. With little to lose, she decides to set her sights on getting a proper education rather than finding a husband. Disguised as Ansel, who truly could be her twin, she attends Cambridge University while he galivants around Europe on a secret Grand Tour.

There Rosalin crosses quills with the Trinity College’s mathematics prodigy and her tutor Tarik St. Clair. For the first time in her life, Rosalin is genuinely intrigued by a boy. His mind seems to be as sharp as hers. Unfortunately, as a commoner, Tarik doesn’t fit her parents’ expectations. But what if he could? What if she concocted one more audacious plan that could raise his station and finally take her off the market? She just has to hope that her lies don’t catch up to her.

Meet the author:

AMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling novelist. Always Be My Duchess was one of Cosmopolitan’s 30 Best Romance Books of 2022 and The Beast of Beswick was one of Oprah Daily’s 24 Best Historical Romance Novels to Read. She is also the author of several award-winning young adult novels. A Caribbean-born AAPI writer, her books have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, and Seventeen Magazine. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading, being the president of her one-woman Harley Davidson motorcycle club, or power-napping. She lives in Colorado with her family.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. Be sure to scroll down to read my full review, find the book, and enter the book giveaway to win your copy of this historical gem!

As someone who studied history in college and has always been deeply fascinated by art history—especially Impressionism and post-Impressionist artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec—this book felt tailor-made for me. I’ve long admired Lautrec’s iconic Moulin Rouge prints, but I knew surprisingly little about the woman who inspired so much of his work: Jane Avril herself. After reading this novel, I can honestly say I’m completely captivated by her story.

Born into poverty as the illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat, Jane Avril rises from an abusive and traumatic childhood to become the queen of the Moulin Rouge during the famed “Gay 90s” in Paris. But this novel is so much more than a glamorous account of cabaret life. M. L. Malcolm dives deeply into Jane’s emotional struggles, resilience, wit, intelligence, and determination in a way that makes her feel incredibly real and human.

What impressed me most was how vividly Malcolm captured Jane’s personality. She’s sharp, independent, observant, and far ahead of her time. There’s a strength to her character that feels authentic rather than romanticized, and that made me admire her even more as the story unfolded. Jane isn’t written as some untouchable historical icon—she feels like a living, breathing woman trying to survive and carve out her place in a harsh world.

The historical accuracy in this novel deserves enormous praise. One thing I often struggle with in indie historical fiction is when the story starts feeling more like a textbook, overloaded with facts and historical events instead of an actual narrative. Thankfully, M. L. Malcolm avoids that completely. Rather than dumping information onto the reader, she seamlessly weaves the history of Belle Époque France into Jane Avril’s personal story and perspective. You experience the world through Jane’s eyes, learning about the art, culture, nightlife, and social struggles of the era naturally as her life unfolds. It made the history feel immersive, engaging, and incredibly alive instead of forced or overly academic.

The Moulin Rouge itself practically becomes a character in the story. The energy, artistry, decadence, and chaos of Parisian nightlife leap off the page. As an art history enthusiast, I especially loved seeing figures like Toulouse-Lautrec woven naturally into the narrative. The relationship between art and performance during this period was such an important cultural movement, and the author captured that beautifully.

I also appreciated how honestly the novel portrayed Jane’s difficult upbringing. Her mother’s abuse and the trauma she endured as a child are heartbreaking, but Malcolm handles these moments with care and realism rather than sensationalism. These experiences shape Jane into the woman she becomes, and understanding that journey makes her later success even more powerful.

Another wonderful touch was the inclusion of photographs throughout the book. I absolutely loved this addition. Seeing real images connected to Jane Avril and the world she inhabited added another layer of immersion that made the story feel even richer. For readers who enjoy historical fiction grounded in real people and places, this detail is such a treat.

What surprised me most, though, was just how emotionally invested I became. I expected to enjoy the historical elements because of my personal interests, but I didn’t expect to become so completely absorbed in Jane’s life. This wasn’t a dry historical account or a slow-moving literary piece. It was emotional, compelling, atmospheric, and impossible to put down.

Malcolm’s writing style flows beautifully, balancing historical detail with engaging storytelling. The pacing kept me turning pages late into the night because I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. Even though Jane Avril is a historical figure whose life is documented, the novel still feels suspenseful and emotionally gripping.

The book also does a fantastic job exploring themes of identity, survival, independence, art, and reinvention. Jane constantly has to navigate a world that wants to define her by her gender, social status, or past trauma, yet she refuses to let herself be confined by any of it. That aspect of her story felt surprisingly modern and deeply inspiring.

By the end of the novel, I felt both emotionally satisfied and genuinely moved. Jane Avril is a woman who deserves far more recognition in historical fiction, and M. L. Malcolm gives her the spotlight she deserves with compassion, intelligence, and extraordinary attention to detail.

If you love historical fiction rich in atmosphere, strong female protagonists, art history, Parisian culture, or stories centered around real historical figures, I strongly recommend Jane Avril: The Muse of the Moulin Rouge. This book exceeded every expectation I had and easily became one of my favorite historical fiction reads.

A mesmerizing, beautifully researched, and emotionally powerful novel that shines a long-overdue light on one of Belle Époque Paris’s most unforgettable women. Five stars without hesitation. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the book:

Publisher: A Good Read Publishing
Release date: February 2026

Synopsis:

Born the bastard daughter of an aristocrat, Jane Avril became the most famous dancer at the most famous dance hall in the world during the “Gay 90’s” in Paris: the Moulin Rouge. Beautiful, intelligent, and fiercely independent, she earned a place among the most famous artists, writers, and entertainers of her day, including Henri Toulouse Lautrec, who immortalized her in his paintings and posters. Immerse yourself in the turbulent and fascinating life of a Belle Epoque legend as she struggles out of poverty into the limelight, learning how to live and love as Queen of La Danse.

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Meet the author:

M.L. Malcolm loves readers! She has visited with over a hundred book clubs all over the country, and is happy to use Zoom or whatever technology is available to connect when a personal visit isn't possible. She's also a history geek, so she loves reading and writing historical fiction.

She began her professional career as an attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. After practicing law for three years, M.L. determined that "she and the law were not meant for each other," and is now a self-described "recovering attorney."

As part of her recovery strategy, M.L. yielded to her entrepreneurial inclinations and took over a struggling travel agency. She ran the business successfully for several years before selling it to a larger company, then retired from the labor force to spend more time with her children and pursue her life-long ambition to become a writer. She has also amassed an impressive hat collection (and yes, she does wear them).

M.L. has won several awards, including recognition in the prestigious Lorian Hemingway International Short Story Competition, and a silver medal from ForeWord magazine for Best Historical Fiction Book of the Year. "Heart of Lies" was chosen by the American Booksellers Association as an "Indie Pick" and a "Recommended Book Club Read" selection, and M.L. was selected by Target Stores as an "Author to Watch". She has also worked as a free-lance journalist for newspapers and magazines in Washington, DC and Los Angeles.

She and her family currently live in Washington, DC. M.L. is her nickname. Her full name is Mary Lee Malcolm

Connect with the author: goodreads

Giveaway:

Autographed copy of Jane Avril: The Muse of the Moulin Rouge by M. L. Malcolm (one winner) (USA and Canada) (ends June 19, 2026)

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Due to some current NetGalley access issues — the publisher didn’t send me my physical copy of the book — I unfortunately wasn’t able to receive a copy in time to read and review this one. So instead of posting a review, I’m sharing a spotlight for this eerie YA horror release because the premise sounds deliciously unsettling—in the “maybe don’t wander into that swamp after sunset” kind of way.

A cursed town. A man-eating swamp. A monster no one has managed to kill. And a girl determined to save everyone, even if saving them might cost her the chance to save herself.

Yes, please. I look forward to reading this one whenever I do get a copy.

Tour Note

Thank you to Toppling Stacks Tours and Page Street YA for including me on this tour. While I wasn’t able to read the book in time due to NetGalley access issues or get my physical copy, I’m happy to feature this intriguing YA horror release and help readers discover it.

About the Book:

Genre: YA Horror
Publishing date: May 12, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

I’m the only one left hunting the monster, the only one left with a chance of saving us all.

Raised in a town surrounded by a labyrinthian, man-eating swamp, Lili craves nothing more than to track down the monster lurking in its depths and kill it.

The monster’s curse claims the flesh and bone of every adult in town, stealing them away, piece by piece. For generations, people have tried to kill it or escape the town altogether, but every path out of town leads them right back in.

Caleb, a bookish boy with dreams of freedom, is hungry to escape. He thinks that with Lili’s help and knowledge of the swamp, he can make a map to freedom. And Lili hopes that with a better sense of its territory, she might finally find and kill the monster.

Together, they chart the swamp’s shifting terrain. Sharing in the danger and the beauty of the landscape sparks a friendship between them—and then something more. However, what they discover disrupts everything Lili thought she knew about the town, her father, the monster—even herself. The truth at the root of the curse could devour them all. And Lili must decide if risking her life to be the town’s savior is worth sacrificing her own chance of escape.

Meet the Author:

Brianna is obsessed with hunger both in life and in work. She writes strange things, and odd things, and unruly things. She also continues to accidentally write novels in verse. Most recently, about a carnivorous swamp.

In 2022, she graduated from the Vermont College of Fine Arts with an MFA in Writing, specifically for Children and Young Adults. She’s represented by Brent Taylor at Triada US Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, you can find her binging tv, playing Legend of Zelda, or traveling. That, and probably taking too many pictures of flowers.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Scroll down to read my full review and enter the giveaway to win an autographed copy of this book!

In this installment, Helen Clarke-Matheson believes she has finally moved beyond the painful shadows of her past. She has built a new life with Chris, but everything she thought she knew about her family history is shaken when her sister arrives with a DNA test. Suddenly, the story Helen grew up believing no longer makes sense. Her father may not have abandoned the family after all, and her mother may not have simply wandered away from her children.

With those revelations, Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad are pulled into a very personal investigation. The Geezer Squad, a fun and unusual team of retired sleuths who operate under the cover of a book club, must dig into decades of secrets, lies, and conflicting stories. As they uncover long-forgotten clues, the mystery becomes darker and more complicated. What really happened to Helen’s parents? Were their disappearances connected to murder? And can the truth finally bring closure to Helen and her siblings?

One of my favorite parts of this book was the cast of characters. I loved them all. Each person brought something interesting to the story, and the group dynamic gave the book a lot of personality. The Geezer Squad especially adds a fun twist to the investigation. There is something very entertaining about a group of retired seasoned sleuths working behind the scenes while pretending to be a simple book club. That setup gives the mystery a cozy and charming feel, even when the case itself deals with painful family history and possible murder.

I also absolutely loved the way Lauren Carr includes animals in the story. The dogs and even the rabbit were such a sweet part of the book. They were not just randomly mentioned in the background; they felt like part of the world and part of the characters’ lives. That detail added warmth and charm to the story and gave it the cozy mystery vibe I enjoy so much. Sometimes pets in mysteries can feel like an afterthought, but here they helped make the story feel more inviting and full of heart.

The mystery itself kept my attention throughout the book. There were plenty of questions to keep me curious, and I found myself wanting to know how all the pieces connected. The plot has that slow unraveling quality that works really well for a cold case mystery. Since the investigation reaches back into the past, there are layers of family history, old secrets, and hidden motives to uncover. I kept wondering about the mysterious “Peewee Herman” guy and how he fit into everything, which definitely made me want to keep turning the pages.

The family element also made the story feel more emotional. This is not just a random case for Chris and the Geezer Squad. It is deeply personal for Helen, and that gives the mystery more weight. The idea of discovering that your entire understanding of your parents’ disappearance may be wrong is heartbreaking and unsettling. The story explores how the past can resurface no matter how hard someone tries to move on, and how truth can be painful but still necessary.

My only real complaint is that I probably should have read the previous books in the series first. This is book five, and while the author does a good job filling in the background information, I still sometimes felt like I had walked into a room where everyone already knew each other. I could follow the story, but I felt a little like an outsider trying to catch up with established relationships and character histories. That did not ruin the book for me, but I do think readers may enjoy it even more if they start earlier in the series.

That being said, Shadows of the Missing still works as an enjoyable mystery on its own. Lauren Carr gives enough context to understand what is happening, and the mystery is strong enough to pull readers in. The characters are engaging, the pets add a lot of charm, and the plot has enough twists and secrets to keep things interesting.

Overall, Shadows of the Missing is a great mystery with wonderful characters, lovable animals, and a cozy feel that makes it a lovely book to pick up while on vacation or anytime you want to settle in with a cold case full of family secrets. It has suspense, heart, humor, and plenty of charm. Fans of cozy mysteries, cold case investigations, and stories with quirky sleuthing teams will likely find a lot to enjoy here.

Thank you to the author and iRead Book Tours for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

About the book:

Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: May 5, 2026

Synopsis:

In the shadows of the missing, the truth lies buried.

Helen Clarke-Matheson believed she had escaped the shadows of her past, building a new life with Chris. But the past has a way of resurfacing, and when her sister arrives with a DNA test, Helen’s world is once again turned upside down. Her sister shattered the family history Helen believed to be true. Her young father hadn’t abandoned his family, and her delusional mother didn’t wander away from her children.
Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, a quirky team of retired seasoned sleuths working under the guise of a book club, are drawn into a deeply personal investigation. They must wade through decades of buried secrets and conflicting accounts to uncover the truth behind the parents’ disappearances. As they peel back the layers of deception to unravel long-forgotten clues, they confront the lingering specter of murder and long-hidden crimes. Can they piece together the fragments of the past to bring closure to Helen and her siblings, or will the truth remain buried forever?

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About 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.
Join the mystery at authorlaurencarr.com!

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

Giveaway:

Autographed hardback copy of SHADOWS OF THE MISSING, plus GEEZER SQUAD COLD CASES SOLVED BEFORE COFFEE mug (one winner) (USA only) (ends June 4)

Enter Here

This story pulls you into a haunting world where survival depends on deception, loyalty is constantly tested, and the forest itself feels alive… and hungry. While I ultimately landed at a ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars) rating, there’s a lot to appreciate here—especially if you love gothic vibes and morally messy characters.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC and my honest review. Here are five reasons to pick up this eerie tale:

🌿 1. The Gothic Atmosphere Is Absolutely Immersive

One of the strongest elements of this book is its mood. From the very beginning, the setting wraps around you like the vines that threaten the manor itself. The story takes place in a sprawling estate surrounded by a dark, oppressive forest—one that doesn’t just sit quietly in the background but actively creeps into the lives of the characters.

The imagery is vivid: tangled vines crawling over stone walls, a looming manor filled with tension, and a town overshadowed by something ancient and dangerous. The forest feels like a character in its own right, especially with the looming presence of the mysterious Redwood Man.

If you love books where the setting feels alive and almost suffocating in its intensity, this one delivers.

🔍 2. The Central Mystery Keeps You Guessing

At the heart of the story is a layered mystery that pulls you deeper the more you read. Why did Zaviera’s mother run off—and why with Katrien’s boyfriend, Lucca? Why didn’t Zaviera go with her? And what’s really going on behind the bargain with the Redwood Man?

These questions create a strong sense of intrigue that drives the narrative forward. Even when things get confusing (and they do at times), there’s an underlying pull to keep going, to uncover what’s really happening beneath the surface.

The book constantly hints that there’s more to the story than what’s being revealed, which adds to the tension and keeps readers engaged.

❤️ 3. The Romance Is Messy and Believable

The relationship between Zaviera and Katrien is one of the highlights of the book. It’s not neat or predictable—instead, it feels complicated, emotional, and very human.

Their dynamic develops naturally as they spend time together, starting from a place of necessity and evolving into something deeper. There’s tension, vulnerability, and a sense that both characters are trying to navigate their own fears and responsibilities while growing closer.

If you enjoy romances that feel authentic rather than idealized, this one stands out. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of emotions, which makes it all the more compelling.

🌲 4. The Concept of the Redwood Man Is Intriguing

The idea of the Redwood Man—and the bargains tied to him—is one of the most fascinating aspects of the story. The notion that girls must impersonate Zaviera and face this mysterious forest lord is both eerie and compelling.

There’s a folkloric quality to it that adds depth to the worldbuilding. The bargains, the rules, and the consequences all hint at something ancient and powerful lurking beneath the surface.

That said, this is also where some confusion comes in. The twist involving Zaviera’s sister being able to communicate and bargain with the Redwood Man feels significant, but it isn’t fully explained in a way that feels satisfying. It’s clear there’s more going on—but the lack of clarity may leave some readers, like me, wanting more breadcrumbs along the way.

🤔 5. It’s a Thought-Provoking Read—Even When It’s Confusing

While I enjoyed many elements of this book, I’d be remiss not to mention that parts of the plot felt unclear. Certain developments—like the specifics of the bargain, the role of Zaviera’s sister, and even why Katrien’s cousin was in trouble—left me with questions.

At times, I found myself stopping and going back to re-read sections because I felt like I had missed something. This did slow down my reading experience and made it harder to stay fully immersed.

However, it’s worth noting that some readers may interpret this differently. The story gives the impression that everything might come together in the end, and the ambiguity could be intentional. For me, I just wish there had been a few more hints or clearer connections along the way.

Still, even with the confusion, the book kept me thinking—and that’s never a bad thing.

⭐ Final Thoughts

The Redwood Bargain is a moody, atmospheric YA fantasy that excels in its setting and emotional complexity. With its creeping vines, dangerous deals, and layered relationships, it offers a unique reading experience that will განსაკუთრებით appeal to fans of gothic storytelling.

While the plot can be a bit difficult to follow at times, the strong atmosphere, compelling romance, and intriguing mystery make it worth the journey—especially if you enjoy stories that lean into ambiguity and slow reveals.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5 stars)

If you’re drawn to dark forests, complicated characters, and stories where not everything is immediately clear, this might be one to add to your TBR.

About the book:

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing date: April 28, 2026

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Rep: Sapphic, LGBT+

Synopsis:

To free her cousin from an indentured contract, Katrien agrees to fulfill their lord’s bargain with the fabled “Redwood Man.” Three maids before her have posed as his stepdaughter, Lady Zaviera, and met this lord of the forest as promised. But Katrien means to be the first to fool him—and live.

Impersonating a Lady is no easy feat, especially one as beautiful and aloof as Zaviera. With one month before she’s sent off, Katrien is put through endless lessons, even as the Redwood Man’s suffocating vines overtake the manor and threaten its staff.

Zaviera takes a special interest in her training, and their shared interests grow into shared affections. But the Redwood Man awaits his prize. Caught between duty and desire, her future and her past, Katrien must navigate a tricky bargain—or risk failing those she holds dearest.

Meet the author:

Markelle Grabo started writing in 5th grade once she realized her squeamish nature wouldn’t lend itself well to a career in Marine Biology. After growing up in Wisconsin, she earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Loyola University Chicago and her master’s degree in creative writing for children and young adults from Hamline University, where she wrote the first draft of her debut YA novel, Call Forth a Fox.

When not writing, Markelle enjoys hiking, food adventures, and going to the movies. Whatever she’s doing, she’s usually listening to an audiobook or a podcast at the same time. She lives in the Greater Chicago Area with her husband and their two very fluffy cats, Matcha and Kava.

Markelle is the author of Call Forth a Fox and The Redwood Bargain (April 2026). She is represented by Tricia Lawrence of Aevitas Creative Management.

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Set in the quiet, unassuming town of Barren’s Peak, West Virginia, the story follows Thea LaGuerre, a high school dropout struggling to stay afloat after her mother’s death. Her life feels stuck—until a barn party spirals into chaos and opens the door (literally) to a dangerous, magical Labyrinth. Suddenly, Thea is thrust into a world of monsters, secrets, and survival alongside two boys who complicate everything: Callum and Oliver.

One of the standout strengths of this novel is its characters. Thea, Oliver, and Callum are easy to connect with from the start. Thea’s resilience and grounded upbringing in the Appalachian Mountains make her feel real and relatable. Compared to the boys, she almost seems like the “lucky” one, having grown up outside the trauma of the Sanctuary—a shadowy magical order that shaped both Callum and Oliver in ways that clearly still haunt them.

Oliver, in particular, evokes a lot of sympathy. His history with Callum and his outsider status create a sense of emotional depth that makes you root for him almost immediately. Watching him navigate both lingering feelings and the chaos of the Labyrinth adds a layer of tension that works really well.

Then there’s Callum… who might be the most frustrating part of the book.

The love triangle between Thea, Callum, and Oliver is undeniably compelling—but also messy in a way that sometimes feels more confusing than intentional. While the dynamic starts off intriguing, it becomes harder to follow emotionally as the story progresses. Oliver often feels like the third wheel, which makes certain moments—like Callum suddenly kissing him—feel jarring rather than meaningful.

This raises a lot of questions about Callum’s character. Is he a thrill seeker who chases intensity in both danger and relationships? Is he emotionally confused due to the trauma he and Oliver experienced growing up in the Sanctuary? Or is he simply written inconsistently? The story doesn’t fully explore these possibilities, leaving his motivations unclear and, at times, making him difficult to like.

That said, the emotional complexity isn’t entirely a drawback. The characters’ trauma and confusion—especially around identity and relationships—feel realistic, even if they aren’t always fully unpacked. There’s a lot of potential here, and it adds an edge of authenticity to the story.

Where the book truly shines is in its atmosphere and action. The Labyrinth itself is vividly described, filled with danger, mystery, and a constant sense of unease. The pacing during action scenes is strong, pulling readers into the urgency of survival as the trio faces monstrous threats and impossible choices. Kulwicki’s descriptive writing makes it easy to visualize both the eerie beauty and the terrifying aspects of this magical world.

However, one noticeable drawback is the lack of downtime. The story moves quickly from one intense moment to the next, which keeps the momentum high but doesn’t always allow space for character development or world-building clarity. There are moments where you just want to pause, breathe, and understand what’s happening—both in terms of the Labyrinth itself and the characters’ emotional states.

This leads to another frustration: there are still a lot of unanswered questions by the end of the book. And while some mystery is expected in a fantasy series, the lack of clarity combined with the nonstop pacing can feel overwhelming.

And then… there’s the ending.

Without spoiling anything, it’s a full-on cliffhanger—and not the gentle kind. The kind that makes you want to yell, “Wait, that’s it?!” It also doesn’t help that the book isn’t clearly labeled as part of a duology or series upfront. Knowing that going in might have softened the blow, but as it stands, the ending feels abrupt and slightly unfair to readers who weren’t expecting it.

Still, despite these frustrations, The Labyrinth of the Waking Dead succeeds in doing something important: it hooks you. The combination of compelling characters, high-stakes action, and emotional tension makes it hard to walk away from—even when it leaves you annoyed.

In fact, it’s the kind of book that makes you both eager and irritated for the next installment. You want answers. You want more development. And yes, you might even want resolution for that chaotic love triangle.

Overall, this is a strong start to what could be a very compelling series. With a bit more breathing room for character and world-building—and clearer emotional direction—it has the potential to become something truly standout in the YA fantasy genre.

Until then, consider yourself warned: this book will pull you in, mess with your emotions, and leave you hanging.

And somehow… you’ll still want more.

About the book:

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing date: April 21, 2026

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Rep: Queer, LGBT+

Synopsis:

In this adventure-packed portal fantasy, three teens discover a gateway to a mythical Labyrinth in the Appalachian Mountains

Barren’s Peak, West Virginia, is not a place anyone would call magical, but Thea
LaGuerre calls it home. A high school drop-out whose mother died in an accident, Thea is stuck working part-time jobs just to make ends meet. The most she has to look forward to are barn parties where she can make out with Callum, the one interesting boy who moved to town six months ago.

Thea doesn’t know it yet, but Callum was sent to Barren’s Peak to watch her. He was raised within the magicians’ order, a shadowy organization meant to keep humanity safe from an underworld of monsters. Callum would sacrifice anyone, including himself, to help their cause, but he still can’t help falling into Thea’s orbit. She’s the first person he’s felt seen by since his childhood sweetheart, Oliver—who he hasn’t seen since Oliver’s banishment from the order.

But Oliver hasn’t given up on Callum or on magic. Following a magical creature’s trail to Barren’s Peak, Oliver happens upon Callum and Thea at a barn party that turns into a monster-overrun massacre. To save Callum and the girl he’s protecting from a wave of deadly fairies, Oliver opens a portal for the three of them to flee into the Labyrinth.

To get home again, Thea, Oliver, and Callum will have to work together to survive the Labyrinth’s trials and discover the threads that brought them there.

Content Warning: death of a parent

Meet the author:

Michelle Kulwicki grew up in the Pacific Northwest overturning every rock and stick in an unending quest to find portals to worlds far more exciting than her own. After moving to the mountainless Midwest, she earned her bachelors and master’s degrees in music performance, and spent years in the symphony and musical theater pit circuit. She’s now a mom by day, musician by night, and writer in all the spaces in between—a life that is somewhat lacking in portals, but is still full of magic.

Her short fiction has been both Locus Recommended and Hugo nominated, and her novel work has been featured in a special edition Owlcrate box as well as been translated into Italian and French. She can be found on most socials as @kulwickiwrites, or online at michellekulwicki.com

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author and publisher for the book, including me on this tour, and my honest review. This book tour is sponsored by Toppling Stack Tours. Click the button below to follow the tour:

Tour Schedule

At its core, this story follows Catie, an unusual and quietly compelling protagonist whose oddness is not only accepted but becomes one of her most endearing traits. She’s not your typical heroine, and that’s exactly what makes her so memorable. Her perspective shapes the narrative in a way that feels intimate and immersive, drawing readers deeper into the unsettling yet fascinating world she inhabits.

One of the standout elements of this novel is its seamless blending of genres. There’s magic, ghosts, and even a story-within-a-story structure that adds layers of intrigue. The necromancy woven throughout the book is particularly captivating—not because it’s fully explained, but because it isn’t. Baguchinsky strikes a delicate balance, giving readers just enough information to understand the power Catie and Hunter share without over-explaining it. This restraint adds to the mystique, making their abilities feel more organic and, in some ways, more believable.

Speaking of Hunter—the romance between him and Catie is beautifully done. It’s not over-the-top or forced, but instead grows naturally out of their shared experiences and connection to the supernatural. Together, they form a partnership that feels both powerful and vulnerable. Their bond, rooted in necromancy, adds an extra layer of depth to their relationship, making it feel unique among typical YA or gothic romances.

The setting deserves special praise because it’s so much more than just a backdrop—it’s practically a character in its own right. Lockwood Heights, the eerie home nestled deep within the redwood forests of California, is dripping with atmosphere. Designed by an eccentric architect with a vision of creating a “forever home,” the house carries a dark, complicated history that seeps into every corner of the story. Its presence looms large, influencing the mood and tension in ways that feel almost alive.

Beyond the supernatural elements, what truly elevates this book is its exploration of complex relationships. Catie’s dynamic with her mother is layered and emotionally charged, while her relationship with her best friend—and ex-girlfriend—adds nuance and authenticity. Her bond with her brother Leigh is equally intricate, highlighting themes of loyalty, tension, and unspoken truths. These relationships ground the story, giving it emotional weight that resonates long after the final page.

The novel also doesn’t shy away from darker themes, particularly those surrounding male violence against female family members and cycles of abuse. These elements are handled thoughtfully, adding a layer of realism that contrasts sharply with the supernatural aspects of the story. It’s this balance—between the magical and the painfully real—that makes the narrative so compelling.

Fans of Wuthering Heights will find familiar echoes here, especially in the portrayal of intense, sometimes complicated love and relationships. There’s a similar sense of emotional turbulence and gothic atmosphere, but Baguchinsky makes it entirely her own.

And then there’s the ending.

Without giving anything away, the twist is deeply satisfying—one of those moments that makes you pause and reflect on everything that came before it. Even more impressive is the way the story concludes: not with neat resolution, but with just enough ambiguity to keep your mind turning long after you’ve finished. It’s the kind of ending that lingers, inviting you to revisit the story in your thoughts again and again.

Ultimately, May the Dead Keep You is a rare gem—a book where everything just works. The characters, the setting, the romance, the mystery, and the supernatural elements all come together seamlessly to create an unforgettable reading experience. It’s the kind of story that grabs hold of you and refuses to let go.

I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down—and I already can’t wait to see what Jill Baguchinsky does next. This might just be the start of a new favorite author for me.

If you’re looking for a gothic read filled with eerie atmosphere, complex relationships, and a touch of dark magic, this is one you won’t want to miss.

About the book:

Genre: YA Horror
Publishing date: April 21, 2026

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Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Don’t Let the Forest In and Wuthering Heights. May the Dead Keep You is a gothic YA horror about the pasts that haunt us and the stories we decide to make for ourselves.

There’s nowhere Catie East would rather be than the redwood forest that surrounds her family’s unusual historic home, the Heights.

She prefers being alone in the forest. People are…complicated. But when a scientist and his son move into the estate’s cottage, planning to study the woods around them, the boy catches Catie’s eye. And when a dead woodpecker miraculously comes back to life in his precious hands…he captures her heart.

Necromancy isn’t the only strange thing happening in the Heights. There’s an unfamiliar face in the mirror. Blood on the floors. Eyes in the wallpaper. And the men around her—including her once-sweet nature boy—are becoming something else. Something possessive and frightening. Something violent.

As the Heights’s dark history starts to come to light, Catie discovers that the home she loves is imbued with pain. And even though the pain isn’t her own, it will corrupt her and the people around her all the same—unless she can stop it.

A story about breaking cycles of abuse and overcoming generational trauma, May the Dead Keep You is an edge-of-your-seat listen—equally horrifying, heart-wrenching, and hopeful.

Content Warning: enerational trauma, animal deaths and resurrections, stalking and related behaviors, drug references, underage drinking, blood and gore, violence including mentions of domestic abuse, miscarriage, parental loss, abandonment, character death, character injuries/ characters in peril.

Meet the author:

Jill Baguchinsky writes raw, accessible young adult fiction that resonates with teenagers navigating an increasingly dark and complicated world. Her most recent book, SO WITCHES WE BECAME (LBYR 2024), received a starred review from School Library Journal; the young adult horror novel tackles society’s toxic “boys will be boys” mentality with nuance and sensitivity, challenging women and girls to find strength in the shadows of their past trauma and fight back. MAY THE DEAD KEEP YOU (LBYR 2026), her next YA horror, turns some traditional romance tropes upside down to illustrate that themes like obsession, possessiveness, and stalking aren’t romantic at all. Jill’s debut novel, SPOOKYGIRL, won the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for Young Adult Fiction.

Although Jill works mainly in the young adult realm, she has also been recognized as a notable voice in adult horror; her stories have appeared in the women-in-horror anthologies INTO THE FOREST: TALES OF THE BABA YAGA and MOTHER KNOWS BEST: TALES OF HANDMADE HORROR (both Black Spot Books). Her work has been adapted for audio on the popular NoSleep Podcast, and her post-apocalyptic short story “Green Thumb” won Uncharted Magazine’s Sci-Fi/Fantasy Short Story Award. Although Jill’s work is often dark and sometimes grim, she weaves hope, strength, and subtle humor throughout her stories, offering readers a bit of light in the shadows.

Jill’s storytelling abilities adapt seamlessly to other genres as well. For her 2018 young adult contemporary novel, MAMMOTH (Turner Publishing), Jill worked with real-life scientists and trained at the Waco Mammoth National Monument to deliver a story of finding one’s confidence and voice as a young female intern in the male-dominated field of paleontology.

Born in New York and raised in Florida, Jill spends most of her time writing with the help of her menagerie of rescued office assistants (currently cats and guinea pigs), giddily cross-stitching rude or political sentiments, and chilling at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park.

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