Dark Song

Fifteen-year-old Ames Ford lives a charmed life in Boulder with her parents and her beloved younger sister, Chrissy. "If Mom weren't a little overcontrolling sometimes—okay, all of the time—our family would've been gag-worthy perfect," she remarks. But Ames's privileged world disintegrates when her father is fired; the family members are ostracized by their wealthy friends; and they are forced to move into a dilapidated apartment in Texas owned by grandparents Ames did not know she had. Lies her parents have told and secrets they have kept bleed out each day, weakening her relationship with them. Then she meets manipulative, thrilling Marc who makes her feel secure despite his violent streak. "Mom and Dad had drained my world of color, but Marc was bringing it back. One little color at a time." Giles (Right Behind You) builds tension as Marc attempts to convince Ames that her parents—and even the world—are against them; readers will wonder if Ames has the strength of character to extricate herself. Ames and the rest of the Ford family's fall from grace makes for breathless, chilling reading. Ages 15–up. (Sept.)