TWELFTH

A mystery takes center stage at a drama camp.

With her mother busy caring for her older sister, who is struggling with depression, rising seventh grader Maren Sands gets sent to the Charlotte Goodman Theatre Camp in the middle of the Berkshires. Being away from home for the summer could be a chance to start over fresh, but Maren, the quiet and thoughtful type, is determined to remain inconspicuous. Her plan gets derailed when she befriends Theo Templeton, her nonbinary bunkmate who seems to be camp prima donna Allegra Alvin’s nemesis. The drama goes beyond the interpersonal when Maren and Theo find a secret note that sparks a search for a long-lost diamond ring. Turns out they aren’t the only ones looking for it. But who else is after it? And why? Debut author Key constructs a well-paced treasure hunt, as much a mystery as a love letter to theater and its history. Spot-on references show an insider’s knowledge of the art form and its idiosyncrasies. Alternate chapters dig into the history of the camp’s namesake, Charlotte “Charlie” Goodman (who is inspired by a real figure). The overall structure creates a compelling dialogue between past (Hollywood’s blacklist era) and present. The cast assumes a White default, though Theo is cued as Latinx; several minor characters bring some diversity in ethnicity and sexual orientation.

A layered, unexpectedly poignant mystery with over-the-top characters.