WE WERE WARNED

A twisty whodunit set against the backdrop of a town haunted by a deadly curse.

High school senior Eden Stafford didn’t want to attend the all-night party at Fairport Village, the scene of several grisly murders of teens over the decades. But she and her mom need the money; ever since her dad fled to avoid embezzlement charges, finances have been tight, so she agrees to work as an assistant to her friend Henry, who’s filming a documentary at the ruined seaside resort for a film school application. When Henry’s dead body is found, followed by that of classmate Diego, Eden realizes that the old curse is killing kids again. She reluctantly teams up with Caleb, her former best friend who turned into her bully, and his clique to work out what really happened to the first victim, Nicolas—and what his death has to do with whoever or whatever is stalking them now. Ichaso provides an impressive roster of suspects, keeping Eden (and readers!) on guard as the mystery plays out. Eden’s growing feelings for Caleb complicate her investigation even as she deals with past hurt and recriminations that add layers of emotion and suspicion. The town’s history is entertaining, and the crimes’ dual timelines allow for extra sleuthing. The crumbling California resort setting is vividly depicted. Most characters present white.

Everyone’s a suspect in this thrilling tale that armchair sleuths will enjoy untangling.