Although their suburban San Diego high school is a multicultural place, with the exception of Latina Bronwyn, the principal cast is white.Īlthough the language and plot sometimes border on cliché, this fast-paced blend of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and classic John Hughes will leave readers racing to the finish as they try to unravel the mystery on their own With each teen (“brain,” “criminal,” “jock,” and “princess,” respectively “walking teen-movie stereotypes,” as Simon says) narrating alternating chapters, the novel offers insights into common adolescent struggles-from the pressure to succeed to an alcoholic, out-of-work father-as well as an unlikely romance and opportunities for self-reflection as the investigation escalates.

When police discover the drink was laced with peanut oil-and that Simon was going to reveal life-ruining secrets about all four students on his gossip app the next day-they go from unfortunate witnesses to top murder suspects. Instead, Bronwyn, Nate, Cooper, and Addy witness Simon collapse and ultimately die after taking a sip of water. Detention takes a dark turn when the student behind Bayview High’s infamous app About That dies from a peanut allergy-and every witness has a different reason for wanting him gone.Īlthough McManus’ debut initially feels like a rehashing of The Breakfast Club, with five teens from disparate social circles brought together through detention, there is no bonding through library dance parties or atypical lipstick application.

Karen mcmanus