
"When" by Victoria Laurie is a young adult thriller centered on Cady, a 17-year-old with the unsettling ability to see the death date above everyone's head. When a popular classmate disappears, Cady's vision indicates the girl is already dead, propelling her into a dangerous investigation to uncover the truth. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of paranormal mystery with realistic themes of family dysfunction, including a mother struggling with alcoholism and a strained relationship with her father. This book is suitable for mature young adult readers, offering a compelling plot that explores grief, justice, and the burden of a unique gift, while also touching on the emotional complexities of living with a parent's addiction.
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Sign in to write a reviewImplied violence related to murder and criminal investigation.
A main character's parent struggles with alcoholism.
Explores the impact of alcoholism on family members and the emotional burden of a psychic ability.
As a thriller, the protagonist faces dangerous situations during her investigation.
Implied emotional distance and potential for physical separation due to parental alcoholism.