White Rabbit

Rufus Holt receives a midnight phone call from his half-sister April, begging for help after she wakes up next to her boyfriend's dead body with no memory of what happened. With the help of his ex-boyfriend Sebastian, Rufus races against time to retrace April's steps and uncover the truth before dawn. The investigation leads them through an elite high school party scene filled with drugs, secrets, and a web of complex relationships. As Rufus and Sebastian question April's friends and piece together the events of the night, they discover that nearly everyone had a potential motive for murder. This fast-paced mystery combines elements of noir detective fiction with contemporary young adult themes. The story explores family loyalty, trust, and the challenge of confronting difficult truths about the people closest to us.

Readers highlight the fast pacing and intense thriller elements that keep them engaged throughout. Many note the realistic portrayal of sibling relationships and family dynamics. The mystery elements receive praise for being complex without becoming confusing. Positives from reviews: - Strong LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural to the story - Well-developed side characters - Effective use of time pressure and urgency - Balance of serious themes with moments of humor Common criticisms: - Some find the pacing too frantic - A few readers note plot points require suspension of disbelief - Several mention the protagonist can be frustrating Ratings: Goodreads: 3.91/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (150+ ratings) Reader quote: "The tension never lets up - I read it in one sitting because I had to know how it ended." - Goodreads reviewer "The relationship between Rufus and Sebastian felt authentic and messy in the best way." - Amazon reviewer

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🐰 Like the main character Rufus Holt, author Caleb Roehrig worked as a teen detective at a theme park before becoming a writer. 🔍 The book's plot unfolds over a single night, following a classic noir tradition of compressed timelines to heighten tension. 💊 The drug "White Rabbit" featured in the story is fictional, but its name references both the Alice in Wonderland character and the Jefferson Airplane song about drug experimentation. 📱 Social media plays a crucial role in the mystery, reflecting how modern teens use platforms like Snapchat and Instagram to document their lives—sometimes with dangerous consequences. 🌙 The story takes place during summer solstice, the longest night of the year, adding symbolic weight to the protagonist's extended ordeal.