
Reach for this book if you have a teenager who is captivated by the ethics of true crime or is navigating the complexities of small-town social dynamics. This mystery follows two high school girls who start a podcast to investigate the cold case of a cheerleader who vanished twenty years ago. As they dig, they confront uncomfortable truths about how the media consumes tragedy and the ways adults in power can exploit or ignore the truth. It is a sophisticated read for older teens that explores the dark side of nostalgia and the weight of keeping secrets. You might choose this to help your child think critically about the digital content they consume and the importance of seeking justice for those who have been forgotten. The themes of friendship and loyalty are strong, though the story does grapple with heavy subject matter like grooming and local corruption.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewCentral plot revolves around a cold-case murder and the discovery of a body.
References to high school parties and teenage drinking.
Includes some strong language appropriate for the older teen audience.
Depicts grooming and an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and a student.
High school juniors Blair and Cameron launch a podcast to solve the 1999 disappearance of Clarissa Campbell. Their investigation uncovers a web of small-town secrets involving Clarissa's boyfriend and an art teacher. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with grooming, predatory behavior by adults, and cold-case murder. The approach is realistic and gritty, reflecting modern true-crime sensibilities. While the investigation provides answers, the resolution is bittersweet and focuses on the systemic failures that allowed the crime to happen. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with high-energy curiosity and amateur sleuthing, but it gradually shifts into a heavier, more somber atmosphere as the dark reality of Clarissa's life is revealed. It builds tension steadily toward a sobering conclusion. IDEAL READER: A 16-year-old who listens to investigative podcasts and is starting to recognize that the adults in their community are flawed or even dangerous. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might reach for this after hearing their child discuss a sensationalized true-crime documentary or noticing their child's growing skepticism toward local authority figures. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the depictions of statutory rape and grooming (specifically the relationship between Clarissa and the art teacher). It is helpful to discuss these power dynamics before the teen finishes the book. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens (14) will focus on the 'whodunnit' mystery and the podcasting aspect. Older teens (17-18) will likely pick up on the social commentary regarding how society treats 'missing pretty girls' versus other victims. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many YA thrillers that focus on the 'mean girl' trope, this book focuses on the tragedy of the victim's reality and the ethical responsibility of the storytellers.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.