A young woman learns that truth and simplicity aren't always companions in this mystery-thriller filled with hairpin turns from Kara Thomas (Prep School Confidential as Kara Taylor).
Ten years ago, Tessa Lowell and her friend Callie were key witnesses in the murder trial of Wyatt Stokes, the suspect in the Ohio River Monster serial killer case. The Monster had murdered three young women and dumped their bodies on I-70 outside Tessa's hometown of Fayette, Pa. After Callie's cousin became the fourth victim one night when they were all together, Tessa and Callie's testimony put Stokes away for life. Now 18, Tessa has returned to Fayette after her lowlife father dies in jail. Callie's mother is happy to see Tessa, but 10 years apart has destroyed the girls' friendship. Callie parties to forget that horrible year, but Tessa can't forget, especially with Stokes's appeal coming up. When another teen girl turns up dead, the killer's m.o. matches the Monster's, and Tessa begins to wonder if she and Callie helped convict a serial killer or a scapegoat. As the girls dig for the truth, they come ever closer to the killer now stalking their town.
Tessa's complicated relationship with her absent mother and elder sister brings heart to a cerebral mystery wrapped in heart-pounding suspense. Thomas keeps it real with a jaded heroine from the have-nots societal segment who holds onto her humanity, and a frank illustration of failure in the justice system. Hand this one to older teens who love dark mysteries or fans of Netflix's Making a Murderer. --Jaclyn Fulwood, lead librarian at Del City Public Library, Okla.