The Unfortunates

At 17, Grant Franklin Tavish has a very bright future ahead of him. The son of a senator, attending an elite school, surrounded by peers of similar social and economic standing—Grant’s life should be simple. Except that, after the “incident” (a car accident caused by Grant that kills “a carful of people”), he can’t help but feel that he is literally getting away with murder. Wracked with guilt, Grant decides the only way to face the consequences of his actions is to ensure that he does not return from a solitary caving trip—a Tavish family rite of passage. Grant’s plans are spoiled when an avalanche, which he believes he’s responsible for, traps four teens in the caves with him. Determined to save their lives, Grant is not only forced to face his own demons and finally own up to his actions, but also to use every ounce of survivalist skill he has in order to make it out of the caves alive. Liggett (The Last Harvest) uses elements of horror in this tale of psychological suspense. Her characters are prodded in the right direction by an external force that may very well be a figment of a guilty imagination. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jaida Temperly, New Leaf Literary & Media. (July)