Teenage detective Scarlett finds herself in deep when she tries to help a little girl prove her brother's friend was forced to commit suicide. Suddenly, Scarlett is caught up in a centuries-old legend, facing down crazed cultists and coming closer to the secrets that got her father killed, all while trying to stay on the good side of the adults around her, including her sister, who think Scarlett should spend more time at the mosque praying and less time getting into trouble. Scarlett's tale is a delightful, unique blend of hard-boiled detective story and Middle Eastern folklore. Latham carefully walks the line between paranormal and realistic storytelling, allowing readers to come to their own conclusions about the truth of the various characters' beliefs. Scarlett's sassy and sharp voice is just noir enough to sell the story, without tripping over the line into parody. Though one character's transformation at the end of the tale is a little abrupt, the action and suspense, as well as the engaging detective at its core, make this a worthy read.

Gr 6-10 Sixteen-year-old Scarlett is a Sam Spade-talking, fedora-wearing Muslim American who runs her own detective agency in the gritty city of Las Almas. Scarlett's usual cases involve adultery and insurance fraud until a 10-year-old girl hires her to investigate a suicide. The minute the teen takes the case, she is tailed by two strange girls with gold circles in their eyes. Someone breaks into her apartment and steals a family heirloom. Even her closest friends start acting like the world is ending. Scarlett quickly discovers that her case isn't just about a suicide, but rather an ancient war between genies and the descendants of King Solomon. There is a relic that could tip the balance of power. Scarlett is tough and fiercely independent. While her older sister takes comfort in religion, the protagonist finds solace in her father's old copy of One Thousand and One Nights . Unfortunately, the novel suffers from its heavy hard-boiled lingo which, in its modern setting, becomes a distraction from the characterization. Despite this, the supernatural mystery is engaging and the Muslim American teenage sleuth will be a welcome addition to YA shelves. VERDICT A fun, if flawed, whodunit with a diverse protagonist who is an heir apparent to Veronica Mars. Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ

Gutsy girl detective Scarlett decides to take Gemma's case. Gemma, age nine, says her fifteen-year-old brother, Oliver, has gone "dark." She fears that he played a role in the suicide death of his best friend. When Scarlett visits Gemma to observe Oliver, she finds a symbol of interlocking rings of different shapes carved into his doorand scratched into his wrist. This is the symbol engraved on the mysterious ancient bottle that has been a key part of Scarlett's family's Muslim faith for generations. The deeper Scarlett digs, the closer danger comes as an evil cult tries to destroy anyone who hinders their search for the sacred bottle.The author weaves a complex tale of ancient myths and young love, Muslim faith and teen rebellion, evil spirits and justice. Through it all, the voice of Scarlett is that of a strong girl who has prepared herself to fight for her family and her client. Her first-person narration is peppered with vivid figurative language: "As smooth as fresh shaved legs" and "as hard to pin down as a soft-boiled egg." Her tough talk, calling Gemma "kid," and her ability to overcome every obstacle create an entertaining parody of the wise-cracking detective. Scarlett is a memorable and dynamic character. Answering the call for diversity in literature, Latham has created a novel that stands on its own merits.Marla Unruh.Scarlett is a sixteen-year-old detective determined to find her father's murderer. She is hired for a case, and solving this one might just solve everything. This reviewer really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down. It is fast paced and exciting. 4Q, 4P.Savannah Withrow, Teen Reviewer.