Let's Play Pretend...

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to balance their private life with the intense social pressures of high school. It speaks to the anxiety of keeping secrets and the weight of past mistakes in an era where privacy feels impossible. Following the disappearance of their group leader, four estranged friends are reunited by anonymous, threatening messages that expose their deepest insecurities. While the plot is a fast paced mystery, the emotional core explores the fragility of reputation and the importance of genuine loyalty. It is best suited for mature teens who are beginning to navigate complex social hierarchies and the moral ambiguity of peer influence. Parents can use this series to open honest dialogues about digital safety, the consequences of bullying, and why we sometimes hide our true selves to fit in.