Three Drops of Blood

McNeil pulls inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window to craft an insidiously witty thriller that covers issues surrounding body shaming and sexual violence. Seventeen-year-old aspiring actor Kate Williams has secured the role of spunky best friend on TV show Dirty Pretty Teens, acting opposite former Disney Channel star Belle Masterson, 17. Kate’s determined to use the show as a stepping-stone to her future goals, which include skipping college and “escaping the type casting juggernaut of the fat funny girl.” But after Belle posts a video of her and Kate dancing with Dex Pratt, the married 38-year-old showrunner, the show is canceled, foiling Kate’s plans. Kate takes a job at a law firm and, while doing late-night filing, she sees a woman shoot and kill two men in the office across the courtyard. When authorities don’t believe her, Kate enlists coworker Ty Chen’s help investigating the crime. Kate’s desire to be seen as a competent adult and the main character of her own story proves appealing in this first-rate mystery, which leads to memorable twists, exhilarating chase sequences, and a satisfying romance. Most of the protagonists are white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Ginger Clark, Ginger Clark Literary. (Mar.)