Vivian Divine Is Dead

Sabel debuts with an enticing combination love story and murder mystery set against the backdrops of Hollywood and Mexico during Day of the Dead celebrations. Vivian, a 16-year-old movie star, has been heartbroken since her actress mother was kidnapped and killed six months earlier. Yet Vivian remains resilient even after her father's botched suicide attempt and her boyfriend kisses her best friend on national TV. Vivian has bigger problems: she receives an anonymous letter that tells her "This is how you die," along with a video depicting her death. Vivian's bodyguard insists that she transform her appearance and travel to Mexico for protection. On her way, Vivian meets Nick, who challenges her spoiled behavior and understands the loss of her mother. When they are separated, Vivian has to learn to make her own way through the unfamiliar terrain and face the self-defeating aspects of her personality. Sabel's story moves forward with cinematic force, the sometimes-outrageous plot swerves in keeping with the full-throttle pace and ample suspense. Ages 13%E2%80%93up. Agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. (June) Coin Heist Elisa Ludwig Adaptive (www.adaptivestudios.com), $17.99 (302p) ISBN 978-0-996-06660-0 A group of teens hatch a plan to save their financially distressed school by robbing the Philadelphia Mint in this fast-paced adventure from Ludwig (Pretty Crooked). Haverford Friends is set to close after it's discovered that the headmaster embezzled its funds. But, during a class trip, the math and tech-minded Alice discovers a flaw in the Mint's security, presenting an opportunity, however farfetched, to break into the system and coin the money needed for the school. She's joined by headmaster's son Jason, who is mortified over his father's predicament; Benny, an athlete who doesn't know where he belongs; and Dakota, who feels pressured to keep up a fa%C3%A7ade of perfection. Each has a reason for wanting to save the school, but personality clashes, logistical issues, and second thoughts may sabotage their plan. Told in rotating viewpoints from the four protagonists, this is a caper in the same spirit as Ally Carter's Heist Society series. Though characters' voices occasionally blend into one another, and the ending borders on deus ex machina, Ludwig's exciting storytelling and some romantic subplots maintain intrigue throughout. Ages 14%E2%80%9318. (June)