The Darkest Corners

In a gripping novel that could have been ripped from the headlines, newcomer Thomas introduces Tessa, a young woman who lost everything she ever knew, only to have the past reach out to take even more. With her father dying in prison, Tessa makes the difficult journey from Florida, where she had been living with her grandmother, back to Fayette, Pa. Years ago, Tessa and her best friend Callie had been instrumental in putting a serial killer in jail. Now, people aren't entirely sure that he was guilty%E2%80%94the real killer may still be at large. To complicate matters, Tessa's runaway older sister has resurfaced, and Tessa is desperate to find her, as well as their missing mother. Suffused with chilling detail, the story is slow to gain momentum, trailing through numerous red herrings that may be as frustrating for some readers as they are Tessa. However, a truly surprising ending and the aching beauty of Tessa and Callie's friendship, reforged in adversity, ensure a memorable, disquieting read. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary & Media. (Apr.)