THE DROWNING SUMMER

A young medium and her ex–best friend are haunted by ghosts from their own pasts.

Sixteen-year-old Mina Zanetti has finally convinced her mother to fully train her as a medium in the secret family business. But Mina’s first night goes wrong in a way that is deeply tied to her former best friend, Evelyn Mackenzie, and the friendship-ending mistake they made by attempting a summoning together 6 years prior. Pushed by desperation, socio-economically disadvantaged Evelyn’s second summoning unleashes dangerous consequences for both girls. At the heart of their troubles are spirits tied to a scandal that rocked their idyllic Long Island town when they were children: the unsolved murders of three teenagers. Between the mechanics of mediumship and the twists and turns of the mystery of what brought the Cliffside Trio to their bad ends, the bisexual leads’ growing reconnection turns toward mutual romantic feelings. Their relationship reads well because of their respect for one another, shared struggles against isolation, and contrasting personalities (put-together, controlled Mina designs her own fashion collection, while fiery, environmentally minded Evelyn wants to escape their town to study marine ecology). Side characters broaden the world and mysteries, appearing in ways that never slow the plot (with lovely depictions of female friendships in particular). The descriptions of the magic and hauntings are sensory delights, and the ending leaves plot threads for future books. Main characters are White, and there’s diversity among side characters.

Immersed in multilayered personal relationships and engrossing mysteries.