White Rabbit

February 12, 2018
In this thrilling sophomore outing from Roehrig (Last Seen Leaving), 16-year-old Rufus Holt sets out with his ex, Sebastian, after getting a phone call from his half-sister April, who is at a party, begging for help. When they arrive at the cabin on the outskirts of Burlington, Vt., they find April stoned out of her mind with a knife in her hand and her drug-dealing boyfriend stabbed to death. She doesn’t remember the last few hours, but she’s willing to pay Rufus $2,000 to find out what really happened, money Rufus desperately needs. Rufus and Sebastian race to untangle a web of lies spun by a clique of rich kids while trying to stay ahead of the killer. Roehrig’s metaphors are inspired (“the three of us were as tense and silent as a German horror film”), and his characters and family dynamics are heartbreakingly real. He nails the angst of spending time with an ex that you can’t help but love, as well as the heartache and confusion of coming out. Ages 12–up. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio.

March 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-Rufus Holt is having a rough July 4th. First, the love of his young life, Sebastian, shows up out of nowhere, just five weeks after crushing Rufus's heart in a most painful and spectacular way. Then, his half-sister April calls, disoriented and desperate for his help. And just to ice the cake a little further, his mom tells him they're short $8,000 and they may lose the rest of what little they have. With no other option, Rufus allows Sebastian to drive him to his sister. When they find her, she is covered in blood, holding a knife, next to the dead body of her boyfriend. She doesn't remember much, but enough to know she didn't do it, and she is willing to pay Rufus to find out who did. Rufus and Sebastian have one night to uncover who really killed Fox Whitney. This excellent mystery has strong and believable characters. The relatively small cast and tight time frame lend themselves to extra focus and depth in each character's development. Roehrig obviously knows how to structure a mystery; it rolls out nicely, with each piece of the puzzle discovered at the appropriate time. Brief flashbacks of Rufus and Sebastian's story help give context to and propel current action that unfolds in a well-timed manner. Their relationship is the core of this tale, and it's portrayed intelligently and realistically with appropriate depth and compassion. VERDICT Excellent characters and plotting, as well as honest and compassionate storytelling make this a strong choice for any YA collection.-Erik Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TX

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
Grades 9-12 Rufus Holt's life has been turned upside down. After his ex-boyfriend, Sebastian, shows up at a party saying that he just wants to talk, Rufus suddenly gets a phone call from April?his sister from a less-than-fatherly stepfather?asking for help. When he and Sebastian show up to help April, they find her in a lot more trouble than they expected: sitting on the kitchen floor of a remote cabin, covered in blood, and holding the dead body of her boyfriend, Fox. Though she swears she didn't kill him, something about the whole situation doesn't feel right. Roehrig, author of Last Seen Leaving (2016), deftly weaves together thrills, intrigue, and fast-paced action in this delectable murder mystery. The novel is unapologetically queer, allowing Rufus and Sebastian to explore their complicated relationship, even against the backdrop of the intensely emotional and melodramatic family dynamics of Rufus, his sister, his stepbrother, and his (sort of) father. Roehrig's narrative is deliciously sensational on the surface but sensitive and heartfelt at its core.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)