cover image Dead Girls Society

Dead Girls Society

Michelle Krys. Delacorte, $17.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-553-50802-4

In this absorbing standalone novel from Krys (Hexed), teenager Hope Callahan receives a mysterious invitation to play a secret game of “thrills and dares.” Hope, isolated due to complications from her cystic fibrosis, is desperate for company and excitement, so although she knows that it’s a bad idea to sneak off to an abandoned New Orleans warehouse in the middle of the night, she does so anyway. Upon arrival, she finds four other invited girls and instructions to complete a series of dares for a chance to win $100,000. As the dares grow more dangerous, and Hope realizes that quitting isn’t an option, she begins to fear that she’s not competing for money but fighting for her life. This swiftly paced blend of mystery and psychological suspense uses vividly sketched characters with complex backstories to argue against stereotyping and in favor of tolerance and empathy. Creepy set pieces add tension and texture, and the burgeoning relationship between Hope and her best friend Ethan provides a dose of romance. Ages 12–up. Agent: Adriann Ranta, Foundry Literary + Media. (Nov.)