New England Nightmares: True Tales of the Strange and Gothic by Keven McQueen, 277 pages

New England is renowned for its quaint towns, beautiful landscapes, and busy ports. But it is also infamous as the setting for unexplained deaths, ghost stories, bizarre murders, and peculiar wills and epitaphs.

In New England Nightmares: True Tales of the Strange and Gothic, author Keven McQueen explores the darker and stranger side of New England and the Mid-Atlantic. With shocking and unforgettable tales from the tip of Maine all the way to the New Jersey shore, this eerie collection explores our fascination with death and the unknown, including tales of medical students digging up bodies to dissect, of a murderer's bones being wired together after death, and of Dr. Timothy Clark Smith, who requested that he be buried with a breathing tube and glass window so he could see the outside world.

Steeped in Evil by Laura Childs, 303 pages

Theodosia Browning has never considered herself a wine connoisseur—tea has always been her forte. But that doesn’t mean she’s going to pass up an invitation to a fancy wine-tasting party at the upscale Knighthall Winery, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

But a sweet evening takes on a bitter aftertaste when a dead body is discovered in one of the wine barrels. The son of proprietor Jordan Knight has been murdered.

Dissatisfied with the police investigation, Knight turns to Theo for help. She’s heard through the grapevine that there are both family and business problems at Knighthall. They say in vino veritas, but everyone at the winery seems to be lying through their teeth. Sorting through the guest list as well as family and staff, Theo has her pick of suspects. It may look like the killer has her over a barrel, but cracking tough cases is vintage Theodosia Browning.
TheodosiaBrowninghasneverconsideredherselfawineconnoisseur—teahasalwaysbeenherforte.Butthatdoesn’tmeanshe’sgoingtopassupaninvitationtoafancywine-tastingpartyattheupscaleKnighthallWinery,justoutsideofCharleston,SouthCarolina.

Butasweeteveningtakesonabitteraftertastewhenadeadbodyisdiscoveredinoneofthewinebarrels.ThesonofproprietorJordanKnighthasbeenmurdered.

Dissatisfiedwiththepoliceinvestigation,KnightturnstoTheoforhelp.She’sheardthroughthegrapevinethattherearebothfamilyandbusinessproblemsatKnighthall.Theysayinvinoveritas,buteveryoneatthewineryseemstobelyingthroughtheirteeth.Sortingthroughtheguestlistaswellasfamilyandstaff,Theohasherpickofsuspects.Itmaylooklikethekillerhasheroverabarrel,butcrackingtoughcasesisvintageTheodosiaBrowning.

 TheodosiaBrowninghasneverconsideredherselfawineconnoisseur—teahasalwaysbeenherforte.Butthatdoesn’tmeanshe’sgoingtopassupaninvitationtoafancywine-tastingpartyattheupscaleKnighthallWinery,justoutsideofCharleston,SouthCarolina.

Butasweeteveningtakesonabitteraftertastewhenadeadbodyisdiscoveredinoneofthewinebarrels.ThesonofproprietorJordanKnighthasbeenmurdered.

Dissatisfiedwiththepoliceinvestigation,KnightturnstoTheoforhelp.She’sheardthroughthegrapevinethattherearebothfamilyandbusinessproblemsatKnighthall.Theysayinvinoveritas,buteveryoneatthewineryseemstobelyingthroughtheirteeth.Sortingthroughtheguestlistaswellasfamilyandstaff,Theohasherpickofsuspects.Itmaylooklikethekillerhasheroverabarrel,butcrackingtoughcasesisvintageTheodosiaBrowning.

Don Quixote: Volume One by Miguel de Cervantes, 461 pages

My bookclub read this for January. I managed to finish volume 1, but there was no way I was going to read volume 2.

Horror in the Heartland: Strange and Gothic Tales From the Midwest by Keven McQueen, 240 pages

Brace yourself for a journey into a creepy, dark side of the American Midwest you thought you knew--a side teeming with real-life surrealism and historical horror-comedy. From tales of the booming grave-robbing industry of late 19th-century Indiana to the story of a Michigan physician who left his estate to his pet monkeys, Keven McQueen investigates a spooky and twisted side of Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Exploring burial customs, unexplained deaths, ghost stories, premature burials, the industry of grave robbing, bizarre murders, peculiar wills and much more, this creepy collection reveals the colorful untold stories of the region and offers intriguing, if sometimes macabre, insights into human nature and our history.

A fun and frightful look at a vein of darkness running through the Midwest, Horror in the Heartland promises to send chills down your spine.Brace yourself for a journey into a creepy, dark side of the American Midwest you thought you knew--a side teeming with real-life surrealism and historical horror-comedy. From tales of the booming grave-robbing industry of late 19th-century Indiana to the story of a Michigan physician who left his estate to his pet monkeys, Keven McQueen investigates a spooky and twisted side of Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Exploring burial customs, unexplained deaths, ghost stories, premature burials, the industry of grave robbing, bizarre murders, peculiar wills and much more, this creepy collection reveals the colorful untold stories of the region and offers intriguing, if sometimes macabre, insights into human nature and our history.

A fun and frightful look at a vein of darkness running through the Midwest, Horror in the Heartland promises to send chills down your spine.

Archie & Friends Double Digest #3, 156 pages

Laugh Digest Magazine #187, 80 pages

Jughead with Archie Digest Magazine, 80 pages

Archie Digest Magazine, 80 pages

You Can Only Yell at Me For One Thing at a Time by Patricia Marx & Roz Chast, 139 pages

The perfect Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift: An illustrated collection of love and relationship advice from New Yorker writer Patricia Marx, with illustrations from New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast.
Everyone’s heard the old advice for a healthy relationship: Never go to bed angry. Play hard to get. Sexual favors in exchange for cleaning up the cat vomit is a good and fair trade.

Okay, not that last one. It’s one of the tips in You Can Only Yell at Me for One Thing at a Time: Rules for Couples by the authors of Why Don’t You Write My Eulogy Now So I Can Correct It: A Mother’s Suggestions. This guide will make you laugh, remind you why your relationship is better than everyone else’s, and solve all your problems.

Nuggets of advice include:

If you must breathe, don’t breathe so loudly.

It is easier to stay inside and wait for the snow to melt than to fight about who should shovel.

Queen-sized beds, king-sized blankets.

Why not give this book to your significant or insignificant other, your anti-Valentine’s Day crusader pal, or anyone who can’t live with or without love?The perfect Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift: An illustrated collection of love and relationship advice from New Yorker writer Patricia Marx, with illustrations from New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast.
Everyone’s heard the old advice for a healthy relationship: Never go to bed angry. Play hard to get. Sexual favors in exchange for cleaning up the cat vomit is a good and fair trade.

Okay, not that last one. It’s one of the tips in You Can Only Yell at Me for One Thing at a Time: Rules for Couples by the authors of Why Don’t You Write My Eulogy Now So I Can Correct It: A Mother’s Suggestions. This guide will make you laugh, remind you why your relationship is better than everyone else’s, and solve all your problems.

Nuggets of advice include:

If you must breathe, don’t breathe so loudly.

It is easier to stay inside and wait for the snow to melt than to fight about who should shovel.

Queen-sized beds, king-sized blankets.

Why not give this book to your significant or insignificant other, your anti-Valentine’s Day crusader pal, or anyone who can’t live with or without love?

Lumberjanes: Indoor Recess, 112 pages

On a rainy day at Lumberjanes camp, the Roanokes explore tabletop gaming (with bonus magic!), and the underground tunnels beneath the Mess Hall.

The woods surrounding Miss Qinzella Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types are home to more incredible magical critters and beings than anyone could possibly imagine…unfortunately, on this particular day, it’s pouring rain, and each and every ‘Jane has been tasked with just one job: stay inside, stay dry, and DON’T get into trouble. Confined to the Mess Hall, Jo and Molly give tabletop roleplaying a try, while Ripley, April, and Mal venture a little further afield after discovering a secret tunnel beneath the Kitchens...and the colossal prehistoric bug that lives there! Hey, they’re not technically outside, right?

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer, 354 pages

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah. And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.A romantic and charming story, this companion novel to Off the Page will make every reader believe in the fantastical power of fairy tale love.

1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 star

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.
And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.
A romantic and charming story, this companion novel to Off the Page will make every reader believe in the fantastical power of fairy tales.

Winter in Thrush Green by Miss Read, 226 pages

In the follow-up to Thrush Green, the arrival of a stranger in the village stirs ripples of speculation and interest

World of Archie Comics Double Digest #47, 256 pages

Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra, 390 pages

The March sisters--reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth--have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned--the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you've ever wanted isn't all it's cracked up to be.

When their mother's illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they'll rediscover what really matters.

One thing's for sure--they'll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.The March sisters--reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth--have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned--the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you've ever wanted isn't all it's cracked up to be.

When their mother's illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they'll rediscover what really matters.

One thing's for sure--they'll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.The March sisters--reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth--have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned--the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you've ever wanted isn't all it's cracked up to be.

When their mother's illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they'll rediscover what really matters.

One thing's for sure--they'll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.The March sisters--reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth--have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned--the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you've ever wanted isn't all it's cracked up to be.

When their mother's illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they'll rediscover what really matters.

One thing's for sure--they'll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.The March sisters--reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth--have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned--the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you've ever wanted isn't all it's cracked up to be.

When their mother's illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they'll rediscover what really matters.

One thing's for sure--they'll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.The March sisters--reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth--have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned--the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you've ever wanted isn't all it's cracked up to be.

When their mother's illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they'll rediscover what really matters.

One thing's for sure--they'll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.The March sisters--reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth--have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned--the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you've ever wanted isn't all it's cracked up to be.

When their mother's illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they'll rediscover what really matters.

One thing's for sure--they'll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.The March sisters--reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth--have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned--the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you've ever wanted isn't all it's cracked up to be.

When their mother's illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they'll rediscover what really matters.

One thing's for sure--they'll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams

A Rare Benedictine by Ellis Peters, 150 pages

Peters has gained worldwide praise for her meticulous re-creations of 12th-century monastic life. Here, her chronicles continue with a Christmas story, a tale of robbery and attempted murder, and a narrative of Brother Cadfael's early years.

Gothic and Strange True Tales of the South by Keven McQueen, 271 pages

Explore the macabre and morbid aspects of history with this collection of real-life happenings focusing on all aspects of dying, from burial to haunting. Taken from actual newspaper articles, these narratives prove that death can be both grotesque and ridiculous. Accidents are never expected, but perhaps they could be prevented by a little common sense; for example, do not thaw frozen dynamite in a fire. Premeditated murders are atrocious in thought and deed, but even worse than that is killing to gain literary material. This ghastly compilation includes tales from Virginia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, and other Southern states.

Archie's Pals 'n' Gals Double Digest #104, 256 pages

Archie Double Digest 214, 128 pages

Laugh Digest Magazine #157, 128 pages

In the Shadow of Vesuvius by Tasha Alexander, 292 pages

Some corpses lie undisturbed longer than others. But when Lady Emily discovers a body hidden in plain sight amongst the ruins of Pompeii, it still comes as quite a shock.

Eager to explore ancient sites and modern archaeological digs, Lady Emily jumps at the chance to accompany her dearest childhood friend Ivy Brandon on an excursion to Italy. Soon old friends are joined by new, including the American siblings Benjamin and Calliope Carter (he, a moody painter, and she, a freethinking archaeologist capable of sparring with even the Duke of Bainbridge's most devious flirtations). But when the two women, along with Emily's devoted husband Colin Hargreaves, uncover a corpse and the police dismiss the murder as the work of local gangsters, Lady Emily leaves behind museum tours and villas to investigate.

But an artful murderer is nothing compared to the sudden appearance of a beautiful young woman who claims a shocking relationship to the Hargreaves family. As Colin warms to the girl, Emily must endure an endless stream of slights and snubs. Someone else has it out for Emily, too, someone who keeps sending her threats. Undaunted, Lady Emily's desire to unearth the truth takes her from Pompeii to Naples, to ancient times and back again. But how far below the surface can she dig before she risks burying herself along with the truth?

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #202, 228 pages

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #199, 228 pages

Betty and Veronica Double Digest No. 198, 226 pages

Another fun collection.

One Corpse Too Many by Ellis Peters, 192 pages

In the summer of 1138, war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud takes Brother Cadfael from the quiet world of his garden into a battlefield of passions, deceptions, and death. Not far from the safety of the abbey walls, Shrewsbury Castle falls, leaving its ninety-four defenders loyal to the empress to hang as traitors. With a heavy heart, Brother Cadfael agrees to bury the dead, only to make a grisly discovery: one extra victim that has been strangled, not hanged.

Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs, 310 pages

Theodosia Browning’s dear friend, Delaine Dish, has asked her to be a bridesmaid for her wedding. But when the big day arrives, everything seems to be going wrong. First, a massive storm is brewing over Charleston. A bad omen? Second, Delaine’s maid of honor is late for the ceremony. And finally, the groom not only has cold feet—his whole body is cold. A murderer has crashed the wedding.

As Theodosia comforts a devastated Delaine, she needs to sort out the suspects on the groom’s side from the suspects on the bride’s side. One thing soon becomes apparent—revenge won’t be the only dish served cold at this wedding. And if Theodosia doesn’t watch her step, a cold-blooded killer may have a rude reception in store for her…

The Howards of Caxley by Miss Read, 239 pages

The last decade of old Septimus Howard's life sees many upheavals. War comes to Caxley, and his favorite grandson Edward, a pilot, brings home a wife who seems too cold and aloof for the Howard family. The Howards' restaurant in Market Square survives the wartime shortages, but its temperamental manager, Robert, is slipping past the point when eccentricity becomes insanity ... The last decade of old Septimus Howard's life sees many upheavals. War comes to Caxley, and his favorite grandson Edward, a pilot, brings home a wife who seems too cold and aloof for the Howard family. The Howards' restaurant in Market Square survives the wartime shortages, but its temperamental manager, Robert, is slipping past the point when eccentricity becomes insanity . . .

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #134, 256 pages

A nice way to unwind before bed.

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #188, 256 pages

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #127, 256 pages

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #120, 256 pages

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #118, 256 pages

A fun collection of Archie comics.

For the Love of Books: Stories of Literary Lives, Banned Books, Author Feuds, Extraordinary Characters, and More by Graham Tarrant, 239 pages

Which famous author died of caffeine poisoning? Why was Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland banned in China? Who was the first British writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature? What was Truman Capote superstitious about?

Here is a light-hearted book about books and the people who write them for all lovers of literature. A treasure trove of compelling facts, riveting anecdotes, and extraordinary characters, For the Love of Books is a book about books—and the inside stories about the people who write them.

Learn how books evolved, what lies behind some of the greatest tales ever told, and who’s really who in the world of fiction.

From banned books to famous feuding authors, from literary felons to rejected masterpieces, from tips for aspiring writers to stand-out book lists for readers to catch up on, For the Love of Books is a celebration of the written word and an absolute page-turner for any book lover.

The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson, 373 pages

 All Stevie Bell wanted was to find the key to the Ellingham mystery, but instead she found her classmate dead. And while she solved that murder, the crimes of the past are still waiting in the dark. Just as Stevie feels she’s on the cusp of putting it together, her parents pull her out of Ellingham academy.

For her own safety they say. She must move past this obsession with crime. Now that Stevie’s away from the school of topiaries and secret tunnels, and her strange and endearing friends, she begins to feel disconnected from the rest of the world. At least she won’t have to see David anymore. David, who she kissed. David, who lied to her about his identity—son of despised politician Edward King. Then King himself arrives at her house to offer a deal: He will bring Stevie back to Ellingham immediately. In return, she must play nice with David. King is in the midst of a campaign and can’t afford his son stirring up trouble. If Stevie’s at school, David will stay put.

The tantalizing riddles behind the Ellingham murders are still waiting to be unraveled, and Stevie knows she’s so close. But the path to the truth has more twists and turns than she can imagine—and moving forward involves hurting someone she cares for. In New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson’s second novel of the Truly Devious series, nothing is free, and someone will pay for the truth with their life.

AllStevieBellwantedwastofindthekeytotheEllinghammystery,butinsteadshefoundherclassmatedead.Andwhileshesolvedthatmurder,thecrimesofthepastarestillwaitinginthedark.JustasSteviefeelsshe’sonthecuspofputtingittogether,herparentspullheroutofEllinghamacademy.

Forherownsafetytheysay.Shemustmovepastthisobsessionwithcrime.NowthatStevie’sawayfromtheschooloftopiariesandsecrettunnels,andherstrangeandendearingfriends,shebeginstofeeldisconnectedfromtherestoftheworld.Atleastshewon’thavetoseeDavidanymore.David,whoshekissed.David,wholiedtoherabouthisidentity—sonofdespisedpoliticianEdwardKing.ThenKinghimselfarrivesatherhousetoofferadeal:HewillbringSteviebacktoEllinghamimmediately.Inreturn,shemustplaynicewithDavid.Kingisinthemidstofacampaignandcan’taffordhissonstirringuptrouble.IfStevie’satschool,Davidwillstayput.

ThetantalizingriddlesbehindtheEllinghammurdersarestillwaitingtobeunraveled,andStevieknowsshe’ssoclose.Butthepathtothetruthhasmoretwistsandturnsthanshecanimagine—andmovingforwardinvolveshurtingsomeoneshecaresfor.InNewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorMaureenJohnson’ssecondnoveloftheTrulyDeviousseries,nothingisfree,andsomeonewillpayforthetruthwiththeirlife.AllStevieBellwantedwastofindthekeytotheEllinghammystery,butinsteadshefoundherclassmatedead.Andwhileshesolvedthatmurder,thecrimesofthepastarestillwaitinginthedark.JustasSteviefeelsshe’sonthecuspofputtingittogether,herparentspullheroutofEllinghamacademy.

Forherownsafetytheysay.Shemustmovepastthisobsessionwithcrime.NowthatStevie’sawayfromtheschooloftopiariesandsecrettunnels,andherstrangeandendearingfriends,shebeginstofeeldisconnectedfromtherestoftheworld.Atleastshewon’thavetoseeDavidanymore.David,whoshekissed.David,wholiedtoherabouthisidentity—sonofdespisedpoliticianEdwardKing.ThenKinghimselfarrivesatherhousetoofferadeal:HewillbringSteviebacktoEllinghamimmediately.Inreturn,shemustplaynicewithDavid.Kingisinthemidstofacampaignandcan’taffordhissonstirringuptrouble.IfStevie’satschool,Davidwillstayput.

ThetantalizingriddlesbehindtheEllinghammurdersarestillwaitingtobeunraveled,andStevieknowsshe’ssoclose.Butthepathtothetruthhasmoretwistsandturnsthanshecanimagine—andmovingforwardinvolveshurtingsomeoneshecaresfor.InNewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorMaureenJohnson’ssecondnoveloftheTrulyDeviousseries,nothingisfree,andsomeonewillpayforthetruthwiththeirlife.AllStevieBellwantedwastofindthekeytotheEllinghammystery,butinsteadshefoundherclassmatedead.Andwhileshesolvedthatmurder,thecrimesofthepastarestillwaitinginthedark.JustasSteviefeelsshe’sonthecuspofputtingittogether,herparentspullheroutofEllinghamacademy.

Forherownsafetytheysay.Shemustmovepastthisobsessionwithcrime.NowthatStevie’sawayfromtheschooloftopiariesandsecrettunnels,andherstrangeandendearingfriends,shebeginstofeeldisconnectedfromtherestoftheworld.Atleastshewon’thavetoseeDavidanymore.David,whoshekissed.David,wholiedtoherabouthisidentity—sonofdespisedpoliticianEdwardKing.ThenKinghimselfarrivesatherhousetoofferadeal:HewillbringSteviebacktoEllinghamimmediately.Inreturn,shemustplaynicewithDavid.Kingisinthemidstofacampaignandcan’taffordhissonstirringuptrouble.IfStevie’satschool,Davidwillstayput.

ThetantalizingriddlesbehindtheEllinghammurdersarestillwaitingtobeunraveled,andStevieknowsshe’ssoclose.Butthepathtothetruthhasmoretwistsandturnsthanshecanimagine—andmovingforwardinvolveshurtingsomeoneshecaresfor.InNewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorMaureenJohnson’ssecondnoveloftheTrulyDeviousseries,nothingisfree,andsomeonewillpayforthetruthwiththeirlife.