Hey YA Readers!
One of my favorite podcast requests back in the day was from an author I was going to do a book read along and discussion with. Lev Rosen, author of Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts), specifically requested a mystery featuring a queer main character published before 2015. The request was surprisingly hard when limited to mystery, as opposed to mysteries or thrillers. We settled on Tess Sharpe’s excellent Far From You. It was a really great conversation, which you can listen to here, but one of the reasons it stands out to me is because finding a book that fit the bill was challenging.
I thought I’d revisit the question now, but instead of staying limited to mysteries or titles prior to 2015, this roundup will also include queer YA thrillers, since there are more of those to choose from, as well as more recent titles. It’s clear this has been an area of growth, especially since 2015. (And if you’re wondering what the difference is between mystery and thriller, I have always found this particular definition to be a nice explainer.)
Let’s dive in. This is not in any way comprehensive because we’re lucky to be in an era of more queer genre fiction than ever before. Consider it a sampler platter.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Someone is out there to get Devon–a talented musician who keeps to himself–and Chiamaka–head girl at the prestigious Niveus Private Academy. In this dark academia thriller, an anonymous text sender named Ace is threatening to share both of their deepest, darkest secrets. Think Gossip Girl meets Get Out.
The Boy in the Red Dress by Kristin Lambert
It’s New Year’s Eve in 1929 New Orleans. Millie is in charge of her aunt’s speakeasy, where tonight, Marion–the boy in the red dress–is performing. A photo of Marion surfaces from a party attendee who begins asking some questions and while Millie writes it off, she can’t when that person’s body is found after what looks like a fall from the club’s balcony. People begin to point the finger at Marion but Millie knows he’s innocent and sets out to find the true killer.
Cold by Mariko Tamaki
Georgia wants to know why Todd died. Todd’s ghost is still around and questioning all of the choices he made in his life that led him to his untimely death. Even though Georgia never knew him, she becomes obsessed with him and what happened. . . .and she begins to wonder if she knows something she was not supposed to know about him.
Dead End Girls by Wendy Heard (May 10)
Maude plans to fake her own death next week for many reasons, including as a way to get back at her terrible parents. But more, she’s eager to start over again fresh. Those plans go to ruin, though, when Frankie, Maude’s step cousin, finds out about her plan.
Frankie doesn’t plan to rat Maude out though. Frankie plans to join her.
Keep This To Yourself by Tom Ryan
Last summer, the Catalog Killer ravaged the small town of Camera Cove, killing four people before disappearing. One of those killed was Connor, Mac’s best friend. Mac wants this summer to be a new start, a way to shake off what happened a year ago. But when he finds a message from Connor, Mac is sucked back in and determined to find out who the Catalog Killer is. It may not be a random person after all.
A Line in the Dark by Malinda Lo
Jess is Angie’s best friend. Maybe more. Angie isn’t tuned into that, though, and when Angie starts to fall for Margot, a girl from a neighboring boarding school, Jess sees something wrong coming from a mile away. But as Angie brings Jess and Margot closer–unwillingly, maybe–Jess knows there are secrets that will unravel the relationship and change Angie’s life forever. Lo is skilled at weaving together a complex thriller, where sexuality, race, and class all intertwine and for readers who love a cast of unlikable characters, this is a treat.
Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass
It wasn’t the bad SAT scores that ruined Connor’s summer. It wasn’t that the old man he used to deliver meals to died. It was being kidnapped after coming out to his mother and being sent to a conversion camp. Until he changes, Connor will live on the secluded island camp called Nightlight Ministries.
It becomes pretty clear early on that this camp is not what it seems, and it seems pretty bad. No one is safe here. Connor plans to escape, bring fellow campers along with him, and expose the Ministry for what it really is.
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Before signing off, a request. If you work with teenagers or have teenagers, I’d love to know what they’re reading in the world of manga. Next week’s YA newsletter will be a look at popular teen manga, so your insights will help deliver a look at a topic I’ve lost a lot of knowledge on by no longer being a teen librarian. You can fill out this short form to help out.
As always, thanks for hanging out. We’ll see you later this week for YA book news and new books.
Until then, happy reading!
— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram.