They Want Us Dead by CL Montblanc

Description

Sam is the digital content creator behind SamTombs, a social media account dedicated to true crime and cold cases, especially involving LGBTQ+ victims. When Sam and seven other content creators are invited by Teens of True Crime to network and build their brands and skills, Sam jumps at the chance, especially since Arya, an online friend and content creator herself, will be there too. Things seem ominous when Arya arrives late, and Sam’s roommate has been replaced with Dylan, aka AdventuresWithDylan, an online rival who leaves nasty comments and attacks on Sam’s posts. When one of the group is found dead, and the hostess is missing, Sam and the group start to question the motives behind the event organizer as well as each other. Sam knows that she and Dylan didn’t do it, and, surprisingly, Dylan is nothing like he is online. Sam’s new goal: make it out alive…with Dylan.

Like Montblanc’s first novel, Pride or Die, this one has strong character building and quirky support characters with witty banter. The twist is unexpected but gratifying, and will invoke conversations about prejudices and assumptions. A delightfully suspenseful mystery and an author to watch.