This Is Not a Dead Girl Story

Sixteen-year-old Jules Green, her best friend and cousin Remy, and Remy’s 17-year-old boyfriend River live in Black Falls, N.Y. Jules views herself as frizzy-haired, strange-faced, and painfully awkward compared to Remy, who’s pretty, smart, and lovable. Jules is also secretly in love with River but has no delusions of them becoming more than just friends. As such, Jules, determined to move on, has sex with tall and handsome fellow student Bailey while at a party. Following Jules and Bailey’s encounter, the partygoers are informed that River has died in a car wreck that authorities believe was premeditated. Days later, Remy disappears, and while her friends assume she is also dead, Jules refuses to accept it. Aided by River’s mysterious 17-year-old cousin Sam, Jules begins an investigation. As cryptic clues and startling revelations surface, Jules is forced to confront hard truths she never knew about the people closest to her, even as she navigates a growing attraction to Sam, who seems to represent everything she loathes about her small town. In this propulsive pivot from Sweeney (This One’s for You), a smart and complex heroine contends with issues surrounding body image, sex, drugs, mental health, and justice. Major characters read as white. Ages 14–up. Agents: Melanie Figueroa and Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary. (Aug.)