GIRL OVERBOARD

On a cruise ship rumored to have a high rate of suicides, Izzy resolves to discover whether new friend Jade is another tragic victim or the target of a crime.

High school sophomore Izzy would rather spend spring break with Luke, her boyfriend, instead of on a cruise with her parents. But her anxious mom disapproves of Luke—if she only knew that he’s pressured Izzy into helping him cheat on a test. The trip is saved by Jade, a cool girl who gives off influencer vibes. Sixteen-year-old Jade drinks; she even has a stash of ketamine. She also seems to encourage the young men onboard to vie for her attention—and some of them become violent. Izzy, who lacks social confidence, can’t believe that edgy Jade is spending time with her, although some of Jade’s behavior pushes Izzy past her comfort zone. Then Jade disappears. Everyone is willing to believe she’s yet another suicide on an unlucky ship, but Izzy starts sleuthing. The tension rises as Izzy makes shocking discoveries and becomes the target of threats. The manipulative and abusive villains serve as a warning note to young women and appear in counterpoint to Izzy’s lovable dad. Her mom, a lawyer and women’s advocate, is a force in her own right. Most characters read as White; two cruise ship employees—Latinx Diego and Sergei, who speaks with a thick Russian accent—unfortunately read like stereotypes.

A riveting, melodramatic mystery for true-crime fans.