April 26, 2021
Every year, the best colleges admit only a few graduates each from prestigious Massachusetts boarding school Claflin Academy. White scholarship student Olivia Winters lacks the means and connections of other Claflin seniors, which is why she joined the Ivies—a group of five girls, three white, one Black, and one Korean American, all willing to sabotage their peers to help one another secure Ivy League acceptance. Per a rule established by founder and Harvard hopeful Avery Montfort, no two Ivies can target the same institution from the consortium of eight. But the true extent of the clique’s cutthroat nature is exposed when fellow Ivy and purported Brown applicant Emma Russo gets accepted early decision to Harvard, and Avery is rejected. Shortly thereafter, someone murders Emma. Budding journalist Olivia resolves to discover the culprit—not least because Avery will eventually discover that supposed Penn applicant Olivia also received a Harvard acceptance. Quick pacing, dark humor, and deftly drawn characters distinguish this satirical thriller from Donne (The Stars We Steal). Myriad twists and Olivia’s keen detective work propel the mystery to a cynical, gratifying close. Ages 14–up. Agent: Elana Roth Parker, Laura Dail Literary.
October 1, 2021
Gr 9 Up-When Claflin Academy scholarship student Olivia is taken in by four rich girls to become what is essentially the poor stepsister for their powerful group, the Ivies, she's awed by their glamor and confidence. She realizes that her early acceptance at Harvard won't be seen favorably by the others, particularly Avery, who was certain she'd get one of the two expected slots informally allocated to Claflin students. When Emma, Olivia's roommate and another Ivie, also gets into Harvard, Avery attacks her at the party celebrating early acceptance for students. The next day, Olivia finds Emma face down in the pool. What follows is a backstab fest, coupled with numerous red herrings. By the end of the book, readers are likely to feel washed out, as well as wondering whether anyone involved is worthy of respect. The final chapter does bring a bit of redemption for two players. VERDICT The rampant arrogance and immorality of the characters will capture listeners the same way an auto accident draws spectators.-John R. Clark, formerly with Hartland P.L., ME
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