Prom Dates from Hell

Beyond the amusing title, this book has an equally compelling premise: smart-mouthed Maggie Quinn tries to ignore her psychic powers, but begins to be disturbed by dark dreams. Then strange events happen in real life, too, such as Maggie seeing a dark shadow in the pool just before a friend slips on the school's diving board, nearly drowning. Slowly, with the help of a cute college boy who knows a lot about the occult, she begins to piece together what is haunting her classmates—and her—and who will be the next victim. But even she is surprised by who is behind the spell, finally figuring it out in an outrageous scene on prom night. There is a lot to like in this story that takes on magic, romance and even clique politics. The book occasionally shifts from lighthearted fun into some true darkness, such as when Maggie's best friend reveals that she had been date-raped by the school's most popular guy. In the end, readers will appreciate the lesson Maggie learns about listening to her gut, and will likely laugh when she bravely shouts at the shadowy evil spirit, "I hope you enjoyed your leave, Smokey, because your pass is about to be revoked." Ages 14-up. (Mar.)