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Sherlock meets Veronica Mars meets Riverdale in this romance where the leading man is decidedly unromantic, and crime novel where catching the crook isn't the only hook.


     Of course Zoe Webster didn't like Philip Digby when she first met him. No one does! He's rude and he treats her like a book he's already read and knows the ending to. But Zoe is new in town and her options for friends are . . . limited. And before she knows it, Digby--annoying, brilliant, and somehow attractive?--has dragged her into a series of hilarious and dangerous situations all related to the investigation of a missing local teen girl. When it comes to Digby, Zoe just can't say no. But is Digby's manic quest really worth all the trouble he's getting Zoe into?

***Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year***

"I am in awe of Tromly because of what she has pulled off—a funny, realistic teen crime caper. Do you know how hard it is to get those right? It's basically impossible. But this book sings."—Jesse Andrews, author of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and The Haters

"In what reads like a combination of Veronica Mars and The Breakfast Club, debut author Tromly creates a screwball mystery with powerful crossover appeal."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This debut novel sparkles. Absolutely nothing slows down the pace of this outrageous romp. . . . This is one of those rare books that promises something unique and actually delivers beyond expectation. At least one copy belongs in every young adult collection."—VOYA, starred review

"Fast-talking, suit-wearing Digby is an exasperating teenage Sherlock—sharply observant, impatient with social niceties, and unafraid of authority figures. . . . Fans of Veronica Mars and Elementary will find much to like here . . . Zoe's sarcastic first-person narration is fresh and funny . . . an offbeat and entertaining caper."—Kirkus

"An engrossing and satisfying read . . . Hand this one out along with a Chandler or Hammett classic and the first season of Veronica Mars."—BCCB, starred review

"A fast-paced story. . . . Readers will find a sharply drawn character in the irrepressible Zoe, who's as dubious about Digby's methods as she is curious about whether or not she can live up to his daredevilry."—SLJ

"With acerbic banter and a healthy dose of high-school high jinks, screenwriter Tromly weaves together traditional elements of teen stories to create a Breakfast Club for a new century."—Booklist

  • Pages: 352 Pages
  • Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
  • Imprint: Speak
  • ISBN: 9780147515438
Penguin Teen