cover image My Secret to Tell

My Secret to Tell

Natalie D. Richards. Sourcebooks Fire, $9.99 trade paper (320p) ISBN 978-1-4926-1571-2

Emmie has been in love with her friend Chelsea’s gorgeous brother, Deacon, for years. Deacon has problems, however, including a paralyzing fear of blood. When Deacon’s father turns up nearly dead, Emmie finds Deacon covered in his blood. She wants to help Deacon, but nearly everyone in town thinks he is responsible for sending his father to the hospital. Secrets abound: Emmie is covering for Deacon, Chelsea is behaving strangely, and Deacon is definitely holding back the whole story, even from Emmie, his biggest ally. In an effort to create suspense, Richards (Gone Too Far) packs her novel full of red herrings (including the local thugs Emmie has scary run-ins with) to sometimes confusing effect. With so many characters acting suspiciously and dialogue that conceals more than it reveals, readers may end up feeling frustrated and lost. As a character, Deacon remains largely ephemeral, and Emmie’s frequent reminders that she has loved him for ages aren’t quite enough to help make sense of why she defends him so staunchly. Ages 14–up. Agent: Cori Deyoe, 3 Seas Literary Agency. (Oct.)