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Flora Calhoun gets pulled into an investigation when her former classmate is found dead. Though the police rule it a suicide, Flora is convinced there's more to the story and launches her own amateur investigation. The case leads Flora through the underbelly of Los Angeles as she uncovers connections between the victim and an exclusive prep school. Her search puts her in contact with both wealthy elites and struggling outsiders while forcing her to confront her own past trauma. This YA thriller combines elements of noir detective fiction with contemporary teen dynamics. The narrative follows Flora's determination to solve the mystery while navigating complex relationships, class divides, and questions of trust. The story explores themes of justice, privilege, and the weight of secrets. It raises questions about who gets to uncover the truth and what price must be paid for answers.

Readers describe this YA thriller as fast-paced with strong LGBTQ+ representation, though some note predictable plot elements. Positive feedback focuses on: - Complex female friendships - Authentic queer characters without making sexuality the main plot - Engaging murder mystery that maintains tension - Realistic depiction of teenage life and relationships Common criticisms: - Mystery becomes obvious early on - Uneven pacing in middle sections - Some find the protagonist's decisions unrealistic - Side characters need more development Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (150+ ratings) BookishFirst: 4/5 (80+ ratings) One reader noted: "The protagonist's inner monologue feels genuine to teen experiences without being overdone." Another mentioned: "The mystery aspect falls flat compared to other YA thrillers, but the character relationships save it."

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🔍 The book was published in 2020 as Kylie Schachte's debut young adult novel 🗯️ The story centers on a queer teenage protagonist, Flora Calhoun, representing important LGBTQ+ representation in the YA mystery genre 🌆 The novel is set in Portland, Oregon, a city known for its vibrant youth culture and progressive atmosphere 🔪 While marketed as YA fiction, the book tackles mature themes including murder, corruption, and underground fighting rings 📚 The author drew inspiration from classic noir detective stories but deliberately subverted traditional genre tropes by featuring a young, female amateur detective as the lead character