I Swear

Davis debuts with a gripping mystery that takes place during the aftermath of the suicide of a bullied high school student named Leslie. Popular, cruel, and manipulative Macie targeted Leslie because Jake picked Leslie instead of her. Jake, who agonized over why Leslie kept him at a distance, now believes that Macie drove Leslie to take her own life. Other players include new girl Katherine; Beth, a gymnast with a big secret; hipster Krista; and Jillian, Jake's insecure younger sister%E2%80%94all of whom continue to be manipulated by Macie after Leslie's death. Tension mounts when Leslie's parents initiate a wrongful death suit and characters are subpoenaed. Alternating between multiple points of view, Davis's first-person narratives skillfully flip between past and present, portraying the events that led to Leslie's demise with impeccably plotted details and shifting emotions and alliances. Sharp dialogue, absorbing deposition scenes, blackmail, and complex characterizations will have readers racing through this sensitive and lyrically written drama that affirms, "you're only as sick as your secrets." Ages 14%E2%80%93up. (Sept.)