NEVER LET YOU GO

Never underestimate the fury of a teen scorned.

It’s been one year since Megan admitted to grinding and making out with Mike, best friend Anna’s boyfriend, while Anna was out of the country. Although Megan has worked hard to win back Anna’s trust, she still feels some subtle tension. Anna insists she’s over the betrayal and has even invited Megan to be a summer farmhand with her on her uncle’s organic farm. Despite Anna’s over-the-top flirtation with fellow hand Jordan, his heart is set on Megan. As Megan, still guilty from her earlier transgression and indebted to Anna for saving her from becoming their school’s social outcast, tries—unsuccessfully—to ignore Jordan’s and her own feelings, Anna’s reality slowly unravels. At Anna’s first mention of a razor blade, it’s easy to see where this psychological thriller is headed. But just how and where Anna, a ticking time bomb, will explode keeps readers riveted. Along the way to the satisfyingly creepy ending, the quick, evenly paced narration explores the factors leading to Anna’s breakdown and how Megan’s angst allows her to be manipulated by her supposed BFF. The author of Still Waters (2011) offers another suspenseful tale with plenty of appeal. (Thiller. 14 & up)