Perfect Girl

Gr 10 Up–Jessa is determined to be the best possible version of herself, up to and including denying the giant crush she has on her brother’s off-limits best friend. Even her friends pick on her for being so uptight, with perfect grades and behavior. What should be a simple sleepover with friends starts off on a complicated foot when Tiny, Jessa’s ex-best friend who’s been acting strange lately, arrives and is clearly struggling with something but refuses to discuss it. As the unresolved feelings between the girls begin to boil over, Jessa’s annoying brother is working hard to get them with a jump scare and everyone’s fear becomes a little more real when Tiny’s abusive and threatening boyfriend arrives. Flashbacks to another recent disappearance in the area, linked to a string of them, twist together with the friends’ terrifying stormy night as readers are catapulted to a satisfying conclusion. There is a lot of 1990s nostalgia to be found here; this quick, tightly plotted thriller incorporates familiar YA tropes in a fresh new way.