You Killed Wesley Payne

You Killed Wesley Payne is a young adult mystery novel that cleverly blends classic hard-boiled noir with a high school setting. The story follows Dalton Rev, a seventeen-year-old private investigator, as he enrolls in a new school to solve the murder of a student found duct-taped to a goalpost. Parents should know the book features a dark, humorous tone and deals with themes of murder, corruption, and high school social dynamics, including cliques and bullying. While the language and themes are appropriate for the target age range of 12-18, the book doesn't shy away from the grittier aspects of a detective story, albeit with a comedic twist. It's a great choice for teens who enjoy mysteries, dark humor, and unconventional protagonists.