NO WAY HOME

Study abroad turns deadly.

Seventeen-year-old Tess Alessandro is thrilled to be selected for a foreign exchange program that jets her off to beautiful and exciting Rome. Tess plans on getting to know the language and culture of the city where Nonno, her beloved paternal grandfather, grew up. Her gorgeous Italian counterpart, Sofia Rossi, is equally thrilled to be staying in Washington, D.C. with Tess’ family. All seems well until one night when Tess discovers her host parents, Anjelica and Francesco Rossi—who suddenly turn out to be fluent English speakers—on a video chat with their daughter, who is wielding a knife over Tess’ sleeping parents. Anjelica and Francesco quickly reveal their intentions: She must do everything they say, committing a series of small crimes, or Tess’ parents will be killed. Robbed of her passport, credit cards, money, and phone, Tess is isolated in a foreign country and forced to do their criminal bidding. It’s a crackerjack premise that unfortunately never really takes off. The weak characterization leads to some confusion over who’s talking to whom at times, and Tess never manages to become a fully engaging protagonist. This novel never elevates the game in a meaningful enough way to get readers energized and/or keep them attentive.

A promising concept squandered.