Debut author Adamo unflinchingly reckons with rape culture in this twisty, gripping mystery. Jo-Lynn Kirby used to reign supreme at her Rochester, N.Y., magnet high school. But after stolen private photos of her are leaked to her classmates, she’s ostracized and branded as the “Senior Slut,” events that derail her ability to focus on schoolwork and land her on academic probation. When former best friend Maddie Price turns to Jo with an enigmatic plea for help, Jo is suspicious; but after Maddie misses their meet-up and mysteriously vanishes, Jo is unnerved. As Jo’s investigation into Maddie’s disappearance homes in on a dangerous truth, she confronts a revelation of her own about a night she doesn’t want to remember. Edgy and authentic, this stunning gut-punch of a novel unravels the complexities of teen girlhood, toxic friendships, and trauma while a romantic subplot sensitively explores the challenges of reclaiming one’s sexuality after surviving sexual assault. Vividly voiced in Jo’s blunt, biting first-person narration, this is both a timely, suspense-building thriller and a powerful story of healing. Characters read as white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. (Apr.)

Gr 10 Up —"I think I'm in trouble, but I think you can help me." These are some of Maddie Price's last words to her former friend Jo-Lynn Kirby before she disappears. The rest of Rochester may deem her a runaway, but it's the last interaction with Maddie that Jo can't get past. While it means digging into her past trauma and facing former friends, Jo is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Maddie. The deeper she digs into Maddie's disappearance, the more Jo questions what she knows and who she is really searching for. Is it Maddie or the girl she was before? Of course, there is more to the story than even Jo expected. This is a captivating novel about finding the truth and oneself: readers will enjoy trying to figure out what happened to Maddie along with Jo and figuring out who they can and who they shouldn't trust. Adamo has a good grip on being a teenager in today's world, making many situations relatable and realistic. This title may be a mystery, but it's also very much about being a teenager. The topic of sexual assault does occur within the book, which can be triggering for some readers. Most of the cast cues white; there is LGBTQIA+ representation among supporting characters. VERDICT This strong debut belongs on library shelves, especially where mysteries are popular.—Amanda Borgia