A review by readerpants
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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.