Swipe Right for Murder

In this fast-paced thriller, a gay teen visiting New York City is caught between terrorists and authorities after a hotel hookup via app goes horribly wrong. Mistaken for a hacker in possession of vital data, Aidan Jamison is targeted by a ruthless organization known as the Swans, who think that he can help them pursue their murderous agenda against anti-LGBTQ politicians and activists. Unable to persuade them that they’ve got the wrong guy, Aidan goes on the run across New York State, only to get pulled into the FBI ’s custody. Trusting no one and increasingly sympathetic to the Swans’ pro-LGBTQ mission, Aidan desperately seeks to become more than a pawn in everyone else’s plans. Milman (Scream All Night) deftly portrays a modern teen in an unwinnable situation. Aidan is genre savvy, resourceful, and resilient even as he wrestles with self-doubt and past trauma. As he pinballs from one perilous situation to the next, however, the story bogs down under its own increasing implausibility, with the Swans losing credibility as their plans unfold. Nevertheless, this timely, if over-the-top, thriller is rife with humorous asides, pop culture references, and historical anchors that reinforce its parallels to current political and cultural headlines. Ages 12–up. Agent: Victoria Marini, Irene Goodman Agency. (Aug.)