The Perfect Candidate

Cameron Carter, a recent high school graduate from Lagrima, Calif., is starting his dream job as a summer intern for his local congressman. Though younger than the other interns, Cameron quickly catches the eye of Ariel Lancaster, a staff member and intern coordinator who begins to mentor him. When Ariel asks for Cameron’s help with a special project, he feels destined for greatness. But then Ariel is killed in what seems to be a drunk driving accident, and after someone who could be FBI approaches Cameron, he realizes that he may not be ready for a conspiracy-laden Washington, D.C., life. Debut novelist Stone, a former Capitol Hill staffer, imbues this political thriller with an insider’s peek into the lives of Washington’s interns, from scenes of reception-jumping for the free food to a list of the “50 hottest staffers on Capitol Hill.” This authenticity grounds the story, allowing readers to suspend disbelief that an 18-year-old intern could so quickly end up working as a spy. Stone has created a YA version of the TV show Scandal, and it is just as addictive. Ages 12–up. [em]Agent: Rachel Kim and Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment. (Oct.) [/em]