Hmm - I think that when adults talk disparagingly about YA, this is what they are thinking of, something written by a very young writer who is stronger in plot than craft. The writing style was a real challenge for me to get through because it was so clunky and unpolished, but I loved WHAT she was doing: page turning, twisty, soapy Pretty Little Liars -style melodrama with mostly queer BIPOC teens, written initially as an undergrad herself. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for that, the mystery, and that gorgeous cover. This is going to be a fun one to booktalk to my teen readers.

NB : I do think it's odd, from a current popular author, to not have any content warnings going in. I wonder if she didn't want to give any spoilers? But sexual assault plays such a massive role that I think most of my readers would want to be prepared.