Ask the Dark
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
A finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Young Mystery. "Gritty, atmospheric . . . deals with intense issues around family, violence, and class." (School Library Journal).
Billy Zeets has a story to tell. About being a vandal and petty thief. About missing boys and an elusive killer. And about what happens if a boy who breaks all the rules is the only person who can piece together the truth. Gripping and powerful, this masterful debut novel comes to vivid life through the unique voice of a hero as unlikely as he is unforgettable.
"Ask the Dark will keep you up all night, and its flawed, real hero will haunt your day. I wish I'd written it."—Michael Grant, New York Times-bestselling author of the Gone series
"Absolutely remarkable. Readers will line up for this one."—Michael Cart, past president of YALSA and ALAN
"Flawed but observant and courageous, Billy and his taut storytelling will engage readers of all stripes."—Kirkus Reviews
"Turner does a superlative job of developing the distinct and sonorous voice of a troubled teen. Teen fans of suspense, atypical protagonists, and thrillers will be engaged by this unique novel."—VOYA
"A compelling, offbeat tale."—Publishers Weekly
"Harrowing."—Bulletin
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A juvenile delinquent must provide for his family when his disabled father and pregnant sister can't keep up with the bills. Faced with raising $48,000 in three months to keep his family's house, 15-year-old Billy Zeets will do whatever it takes, but running errands and doing odd jobs isn't nearly enough. A $100,000 reward to find a missing schoolmate is perfect, especially since Billy thinks he has a lead. However, there's a serial killer stalking the area, and by investigating the local disappearances, Billy has just made himself a target. Billy's uneducated, roughshod perspective is littered with grammatical errors, idiosyncrasies, and tense shifts, making for a compelling, offbeat tale. "The fact is, I ain't no hero, and I aim to prove it. What I done, if I done anything, was get my daddy a fruit stand," he begins. "And to tell this right you gotta know about that, and other things too." This particular style won't be for everyone, but Turner's grim debut exerts a strong pull, and Billy's is a real struggle with real consequences. Ages 14 up.
