The Hidden Memory of Objects

Debut novelist Amato adeptly mixes the paranormal and historical to build a page-turning mystery. When Megan Brown’s 17-year-old brother Tyler (aka Red) dies from what looks like a drug overdose, she can hardly believe it. Red, a popular star athlete, got through life with a winning smile and easy confidence. Megan, nicknamed “Brown” both for her mousy hair and her less-than-sparkling personality, is the polar opposite, finding solace in her found object art collages. When Brown begins to have visions after touching important items that once belonged to her brother, she starts to piece together what happened the night he died. Woven throughout are tidbits about John Wilkes Booth and Abraham Lincoln—Red was obsessed with Booth, and their mother works at the Ford Theater. Amid startling discoveries and an unexpected romance, Brown emerges a devoted sister who puts herself in jeopardy because she refuses to believe her brother would use drugs. Readers will gladly follow along as she inches closer to uncovering the secrets of the objects her brother held dear. Ages 13–up. Agent: Lana Popovich, Chalberg & Sussman. (Mar.)