Blonde Ops

Thrown out of her sixth prep school for hacking its computer system, 16-year-old Bec Jackson is sent to Rome to intern at Edge fashion magazine, whose editor-in-chief, Parker Phillips, is a friend of Bec’s mother. In Italy, Bec is quickly put to work by a demanding managing editor. When Parker is in a near-fatal car accident, connected to a visit from the First Lady of the United States, former supermodel Candace Worthington replaces Parker as editor. Despite the presence of the Secret Service, Bec launches her own investigation into the accident, combining her hacker skills and nascent detective instincts (“Real detectives used a special black powder. I would have to make do with MAC Onyx Dust”). Bennardo and Zaman (the Sirenz books) offer a light mystery filled with fashion tips, entertaining dialogue, a pair of potential romances for Bec, and an alluring Roman setting. What this thriller lacks in character depth it makes up for with an energized pace, ever-shifting suspects, and an intriguing glimpse into the benefits and drawbacks of art and fame. Ages 13–up. Agent: Natalie Lakosil, Bradford Literary Agency. (May)