In this atmospheric if slow-moving debut, 16-year-old Evie Hawley is pregnant—and the father of her baby, Shaun, has just been killed. Following Shaun's death, Evie feels lost; her single mother works nights, and Evie rarely sees her, so Evie spends a lot of time with Shaun's friends. Evie becomes conflicted when she finds herself drawn to Shaun's best friend, school tough guy Réal Dufresne. Réal, who is half French and half Native Ojibwe, is attracted to Evie, but is plagued by guilt. He is convinced that he is possessed by the Windigo—a mythological monster—and that he killed Shaun, even though he doesn't remember what happened that night. As Evie and Réal grow closer, the group of friends splinters apart and Evie is forced to make difficult decisions about what to do with the baby. McDonell sets the story in a rural "red-brick-and-wrought-iron town" where options can seem as bleak as the physical surroundings. References to Ojibwe mythology and language add texture as the mystery surrounding what really happened to Shaun, and who—or what—is at fault, deepens. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)

Gr 9 Up—Haunted by his family history and a community that thinks of him only as a "psycho," Réal Dufresne has a secret. The leader of their group, Shaun, has turned up dead and eviscerated, and the shock is tearing Réal, Sunny, Alex, and Shaun's girlfriend, Evie, apart. With something to hide and negotiating their feelings around Shaun's death, Réal and Evie find familiarity in each other. But as their secrets bubble to the surface, there's no telling what it will mean for the group. In a chilling and twisted novel, McDonell brings together small-town gossip, teenage noir, and Algonquin lore to thrill readers. Alternating between a focus on Réal and Evie, the narrative sometimes lacks necessary clarity and focus, but ultimately serves up a narrative that propels readers forward with a drive that pounds like a heart beneath the surface. McDonell provides a strong sense of character for each of her players, drawing them to a crashing conclusion through a series of impactful events. The author also displays an adeptness in handling themes such as inevitability, loyalty, and guilt, making this a read that sticks in the gut. McDonell includes a brief note on her research and discussions with Native individuals who informed her use of Algonquin legends along with resources for those who wish to learn more. VERDICT Though it takes a few chapters to find its ground, this book delivers on a stirring psychological drama fans of Carol Plum-Ucci's The Body of Christopher Creed and of the CW's Riverdale will tear through.—Abby Hargreaves, District of Columbia Public Library