"Everyone knows that monsters are real, that they don't just lie on the outskirts of our imagination with the tooth fairy. What we were never told, never fully explained, is how the monsters can roam among us, hidden in plain sight, with nice teeth, gorgeous skin, and breathtaking smiles. How they have the power to manipulate, the power to persuade, the power to siphon the life out of you."
The transition from high school to college is a HUGE step for most undergraduate students, especially those who choose residential colleges. This is most definitely true for Jordyn, protagonist of Tiffany D. Jackson's The Scammer. Her perfectionist parents are irate that she chose a HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) instead of Yale. They don't even help her get ready. And she's recently lost the most important person in her life, the only one who understood her, her brother, Kevin.
Jordyn is elated when she and her suite mates--Vanessa, Kammy, and Loren--hit it off immediately and bond quickly, becoming like sisters. For her college is a chance to reinvent herself, have a life and friends. Pretty soon they're hanging out and going places together. She's over the moon. "My classes are great, my friends are amazing. I have a life worth being jealous of."
But that doesn't last long. About a month into the semester the girls find a strange man sitting in their living room. He's Vanessa's brother, Devonte. He's just out of prison and needs a place to stay. Good looking and able to cook, he makes a good impression on the roomies...
...and a whole lot of other students. The suite becomes a gathering place for the many students who trust his advice and share his vision for a better world.
When Jordyn starts to question him things get ugly. He uses his minions to trash her reputation and assault her. She's in real danger and feeling helpless. And her parents would love an excuse to pull her out of the school they consider inferior.
She does have one unlikely ally. But will the two of them be enough to protect her from a sociopathic messiah figure and his legions of followers?
This is Jackson at her best. If you're a fan or you're looking for a truly suspenseful chiller The Scammer is a most excellent choice. The hype surrounding it is well deserved.
On a purrrsonal note, OMG!!! DO I HAVE EXCITING NEWS!!! Soon I won't be the only celeb in the family. (I'm alluding to the People story on my completing my masters degree and graduating last May after a stroke.) My precious Tobago cat made Newsweek. Pet of the week. I just found out. I couldn't be more proud of her! Better believe I broke out the Fancy Feast to celebrate.
A great big shout out goes out to the one and only Tobago Anna Hathaway!
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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