CAUGHT DEAD

There’s a new monster in Tremorglade.

Once a month, teens and adults worldwide turn into Rippers, or werewolflike beasts. For the residents of Tremorglade, this transformation isn’t scary and dangerous like it once was, though—not since Sel and his friends exposed the medical corporation that was using them for an experiment. Now, Sel’s biggest problem is his separation from best friend Elena, who’s moved far away. But then Rippers start getting bitten and hurt during Howl nights and experiencing strange aftereffects from their injuries. With the help of his neighbor Mika, a bold 11-year-old with hip dysplasia, as well as a mysterious newcomer to town, Sel once again sets out to uncover the truth, this time about the new creature that’s bigger and badder than the Rippers. Like Bite Risk (2023), the first book in the series, this high-octane tale is filled with action from start to finish and has the perfect amount of spookiness and gore. The beginning quickly catches readers up on prior events before jumping right into the new challenge. Exciting twists will keep readers hooked and guessing until the satisfying ending wraps up this dilemma while promising more to come. While this is mostly Sel’s story, the inclusion of some chapters featuring Mika’s and Elena’s perspectives adds extra depth and intrigue. Sel presents white; Mika is implied Japanese American, and Elena is cued Latine.

Creepy and completely captivating.