Nobody but Us

Halbrook debuts with a dark, romantic wild ride reminiscent of Thelma and Louise. When Will turns 18, he and his 15-year-old girlfriend, Zoe, hit the road. They are fleeing Zoe’s abusive drunk of a father and Will’s foster-child history, but their trip from North Dakota to Las Vegas brings them even more to run from, including the threat of kidnapping charges, assault, theft, and murder. The duo’s divergent personalities, personal wounds, and big dreams bond them together, even as their journey enters a downward spiral. Aggressive and quick to anger, Will is a classic bad boy (he even drives a vintage Camaro), while Zoe is cautious, kind, and deeply scarred by the abuses she has suffered. Halbrook wisely avoids making her teenage lovers overly capable—Will and Zoe truly feel like two naïve teens on the run, making one mistake after another as they lose control over their situation. Emotions run high throughout, and Will’s fear of hurting Zoe more than she has already been hurt is especially potent. Ages 13–up. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary & Media. (Feb.)