Stained

Set in the quiet town of Weaver Falls, New Hampshire, in 1975, "Stained" follows 17-year-old Jocelyn as she grapples with the sudden disappearance of her childhood friend, Gabe. What begins as a search for a missing person quickly unravels into a gripping mystery involving long-held secrets, the complexities of faith, and the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic community. The narrative delves into sensitive themes including child abuse, the struggles of sexual identity in a less accepting era, and the profound impact of hidden truths. Parents should be aware of the prominent themes of child abuse and homophobia, which are handled with gravity and realism, making it a powerful read for mature young adults.

In Weaver Falls, New Hampshire, in 1975, seventeen-year-old Jocelyn looks for answers when her lifelong neighbor and friend, Gabe, turns up missing and she learns that, while her boyfriend has been telling everything to a priest, Gabe has been keeping terrible secrets.