Take the Fall

High school senior Sonia Feldman is reeling after being attacked in the woods of Hidden Falls, as well as the news that her best friend, Gretchen, fell to her death from the top of the Black River Creek falls the same night. Sonia's memories of her attack are hazy, and after Gretchen's ex-boyfriend, Marcus, is arrested and released, Sonia isn't sure what to think. When Sonia starts getting threatening notes, it seems that she may be in danger, but as Gretchen's dark secrets come to light, the suspect list gets longer, and Sonia begins to question everything she knew about her friend. Writing in Sonia's voice, Hainsworth (Through to You) navigates the murky waters of friendship and loyalty to spin an intriguing murder mystery, one whose final twists and revelations hit their marks. As a protagonist, Sonia is well drawn, but as Gretchen's cruel machinations are revealed, it's hard to see her as sympathetic, and her motives aren't explored much. Nonetheless, it's a mystery that should keep readers hooked. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Feb.)