The Darkest Lie

In a romantic thriller that unfolds in the aftermath of profound loss, CeCe Brooks's mother, Tabitha, has allegedly committed suicide, following rumors that she was sleeping with the high school quarterback. Hounded by students and reporters, CeCe tries to keep a low profile during her senior year. Dunn (Forget Tomorrow) believably conveys Cece's anger, shame, and growing distrust, and the mystery intensifies when CeCe's father reveals that he doesn't believe Tabitha killed herself or slept with the student. The answers may lie at the crisis hotline where she worked, so CeCe volunteers there to investigate. New student Sam wants to help, but CeCe worries that he's trying to dig up dirt to win a journalism scholarship. When CeCe is threatened, she wonders whether a killer may be on the loose, and the suspects multiply. Layered on top of the mystery is romance, with CeCe torn between her feelings for Sam and Liam, a fellow crisis center counselor. While Dunn's writing can be overwrought at times, CeCe's attempts to preserve her mother's reputation keep the story's emotional stakes high. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. Agent: Beth Miller, Writers House. (June)