Missing Dead Girls

December 12, 2022
In this rapidly paced mystery, Philadelphia transplant Tillie Gray, a rising senior, is framed for the murder of the most popular girl in her new Pennsylvania town. An out lesbian raised by a single parent, Tillie seems to have little in common with the queen bee of Willow Creek High School, Madison Frank. When Tillie and Madison bond over a horrific accident, the two become instant friends and, eventually, lovers. Over the summer, the girls escape to a private lake house where they take on a graveyard restoration project and hide from Willow Creek’s homophobic residents. Despite being warned about Madison’s tendency to “chew girls up and spit them out,” Tillie craves Madison’s attention, and is willing to do anything for her, including helping Madison to expose her controlling ex-boyfriend Elliot James, who is rumored to have sexually assaulted another student. But plans go awry when Madison turns up dead and Tillie is accused of her murder. Though awkward plotting sometimes leads to uneven storytelling, Walters (The Violent Season) composes a suspenseful tale populated by a well-characterized supporting cast, and the heavily foreshadowed conclusion, told in Tillie’s absorbing narrative voice, is deliciously chilling. Characters are assumed white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Sharon Pelletier, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.

January 1, 2023
A girl from Philadelphia becomes a magnet for secrets and lies. Tillie is new to the conservative, insular town of Willow Creek, working as a summer lifeguard at the local country club, when she meets Madison. Their attraction is immediate, and they quickly become inseparable despite warnings that Madison is dangerous. Both have their complicated pasts: girls they've kissed and loved, love they've lost, darkness that follows them. Tillie learns that Madison isn't out, and to protect her privacy, she helped rich playboy Elliot escape accusations of sexual assault, claiming he was with her at the time. Tillie and Madison plot justice and revenge against Elliot but wind up caught in a dangerous dynamic. The story's abrupt end will likely have readers searching for more pages given the surprising twist without any firm resolution. Nevertheless, Tillie and Madison's relationship is full of physical passion; they have an intense magnetism that will draw in readers. Some of the violence and death require suspension of disbelief at points, but the writing is solid and includes some great lines, and the story centers female power and darkness in ways that many will welcome and embrace. Most characters default to White; one important secondary character is Korean American. The compelling story makes this a page-turner. (Thriller. 14-18)

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February 1, 2023
Grades 9-12 The sudden move from Philadelphia to tiny Willow Creek for Tillie's senior year leaves the teen feeling anxious and lonely, despite her mom's assurances that a fresh start is best for everyone. So, when Tillie meets Madison Frank she is thoroughly dazzled. Wealthy, beautiful, and outgoing, Madison is the opposite of Tillie, which only heightens a fascination that verges on obsession. The story takes a dramatic turn when Madison is found dead, and her bloody photo spreads through social media from an account claiming to be Tillie's. Walter's fast-paced thriller spins with surprises as Tillie grapples with the tragedy and her anxiety grows with memories of what happened back in Philadelphia. Meaningful themes pertaining to challenging friendships, confronting the past, and the dark effects of social media are incorporated as well. Readers will recognize the battlefield known as high school, where curiosity and cruelness walk the halls, hand in hand. Recommend to fans of Kate Doughty's The Follower (2021).

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 4, 2023

Gr 9 Up-After a deadly incident in Philadelphia, Tillie's mom insists they move in order to get a fresh start for her senior year. In her new town, she meets rich and beautiful Madison Frank and they immediately spark up a connection. Both girls have secrets in their past, including things they are trying to hide, though neither seems to feel any remorse over their decisions. The sexual tension between them is palpable, especially as everyone tries to warn Tillie away from Madison and her mean girl past. Madison also has a history of covering for her ex-boyfriend Elliot and his bad behavior when he was accused of assaulting a ninth grade girl. While the introductory chapter hooks readers with the promise of a dead body, the action slows down after that until the final act, which does include a twist ending. Walters's attempts to condemn sexual assault are undermined by a stock villain and cavalier attitudes towards violence. Except for a Korean American side character, the rest of the cast is white. VERDICT This dark summer revenge thriller/romance features questionable ethics and somewhat bland characters, but may appeal to reluctant readers or those looking for a sapphic romance despite its lacking depth.-Carrie Shaurette

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