If you're anything like me you've read at least one book that leaves you frustrated, not because it's so lackluster, but because it's so good. The characters and their narrative have come alive so vividly you want to know what happens next. Usually you don't find out. But if you're really lucky the author creates a sequel that is as good as the first.
A few years ago my older daughter, Amber, who knows my taste in books as well as I do, gave me a copy of Kylee Awiech's Soon-to-be Dead Boys. For me it was love at first sight.
Since the age of thirteen Ellie, Awiech's protagonist, has had a vocation to be a detective. (Something I can relate to having felt the same calling after falling hard for the Nancy Drew series). She's climbed through the ranks of Pathfinders, an organization to interest youth in law enforcement careers. She knows her calling creeps many people out. Even her long term bestie, Anika, has misgivings. But she's committed.
There have been these purple papers showing up around school listing boys behaving badly with female classmates. And the writers aren't just naming names. They're promising vengeance. On a pathfinders exercise she discovers of the named boys floating in the river. And he isn't the only one to meet up with the grim reaper.
Toward the end of the book Ellie voices thoughts that stuck with me because they're highly perceptive and unfortunately too relevant in today's world. "But what are we supposed to do when it seems there's no system of justice to step in either. There are so many stories of boys getting away with assault and everyone worrying that punishing them at all will ruin their lives."
The idea that someone has to take action when those officially designated to do so are asleep at the wheel is as much a unifying theme between Soon-to-be Dead Boys and Grand Theft and a Little Death (also gifted to me by Amber) as the cast of Ellie's family, friends, and colleagues. The they again is the police. Stolen cars have been showing up with alarming regularity in front of Sophie's grandmother's house. The police are taking notes. Nothing else. Their questioning is really stressing the older woman out. Sophie is desperate for someone to do something. She goes to school with Ellie.
Ellie is still recovering from the trauma of her first case. And she's having a hard time actualizing the upcoming transition from high school to college or work. She feels like everyone else knows what they're doing. She dreads the breakup of her friend group. And she's having bad panic attacks at the worst possible times.
But all that won't stop her from getting involved. She's able to connect the thefts with an app developed by a classmate and two alums of her school. Digging deeper she learns that there's a mob connection. And she's probably on their snuff list.
The relatable characters and roller coaster ride of a plot aren't the only strengths of this most excellent book. The realistic and relatable portrayal of Ellie's panic attacks can really help people who also have or have struggled with them to not feel shame and hopelessness. I know from personal how overwhelming they can be.
If you're a chiller affecianado with a desire for justice you need to put both books on your to read list.
Kylee, any chance you're working on another sequel? If so, I'm really looking forward to reading and reviewing.
On a purrrsonal note, I made a productive Goodwill/Hannaford run. At Hannaford I got grapefruits and frozen corn and broccoli (nutrition) and Fancy Feast entrees for my best little 🐈 😻 in the world, Tobago. At Goodwill I found a Squishmallow gnome and a Squishmallow tee shirt my size. You know I love my Squishmallows.
A great big shout out to Kylee Awiech for her most excellent writing.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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