Ask Aria Morse anything, and she must answer with the truth. Yet she rarely understands the cryptic words she's compelled to utter. Blessed-or cursed-with the power of an Oracle who cannot decipher her own predictions, she does her best to avoid anyone and everyone.
But Aria can no longer hide when Jade, one of the few girls at school who ever showed her any kindness, disappears. Any time Aria overhears a question about Jade, she inadvertently reveals something new, a clue or hint as to why Jade vanished. But like stray pieces from different puzzles, her words never present a clear picture.
Then there's Alex, damaged and dangerous, but the first person other than Jade to stand up for her. And Will, who offers a bond that seems impossible for a girl who's always been alone. Both were involved with Jade. Aria may be the only one who can find out what happened, but the closer she gets to solving the crime, the more she becomes a target. Not everyone wants the truth to come out.
Industry Reviews
Praise for "Ask Me" "[T]he writing and the character development are top notch . . . Pauley writes with humor but also manages to maintain suspense. And readers will enjoy getting a look at rural Florida--which is far different from the Disney World and beaches that most readers know."--Examiner.com "A real page-turner that will have readers thinking that they know the killer and then changing their minds, leaving them wondering right up until the end . . . A dark mystery featuring a unique heroine.""--Booklist," Starred Review "The concept behind "Ask Me" is without a doubt one of the best I've read... phenomenal."--Fresh Fiction "Startling, sometimes painful . . . absorbing and resonant.""--Publishers Weekly" "Readers will be biting their nails . . . Part romance, mystery, and horror, [Ask Me] has enough suspense and dynamic characters to sustain interest, even for reluctant readers.""--School Library Journal " "Pauley keeps the pages flipping. She paints a fascinating portrait of Aria, both her insecurities and eventually her courage.""--Kirkus Reviews" "The best books keep their readers on a knife's edge of uncertainty, racing through the pages for resolutions. Kimberly Pauley has created a perfectly balanced, cutting masterpiece with "Ask Me." Rest up before you begin, because you won't sleep easily when you're finished."--Myra McEntire, author of the "Hourglass "trilogy "Cryptic, dark, and delicious, "Ask Me" is the perfect pick for teens on the Stephen King track. Pauley has brilliantly crafted a paranormal thriller grounded in myth and twisted with the insecurity and hope every loner has felt. I'm staying out of the Florida woods forever."--Delilah S. Dawson, author of "Wicked as They Come" "Prepare to lose sleep . . . Kimberly Pauley's "Ask Me" is a pulse-pounding thriller that left me guessing until the very end."--Marlene Perez, author of the bestselling Dead Is series "If you ask "me," Pauley's new book explores one of the most original ideas I've seen in a long time." --Sara Grant, author of "Dark Parties" and "Half Lives" "Original, atmospheric, and utterly compelling. I couldn't put it down."--C.J. Redwine, author of "Defiance "and "Deception" "A suspenseful, surprising novel from start to finish."--Alex Flinn, author of "Beastly" and "Breathing Underwater" "A suspenseful blend of modern day thriller and ancient myth, perfect for all lovers of a good murder mystery--teens and adults alike."--Tiffany Trent, author of "The Unnaturalists" and "The Tinker King" "I couldn't put this book down and yet I didn't want it to end! A beautifully written mystery full of suspense and unexpected twists and turns. I loved it!"--Jo Knowles, author "Living with Jackie Chan "and "Lessons from a Dead Girl" "Incredibly satisfying . . . a fast read as well as an enjoyable one.""--Crimespree Magazine" ""Ask Me" uses pitch-perfect prose to plunge the reader into a stunning and imaginative world filled with memorable moments, riveting action, and unforgettable characters. Well done."--David Lubar, author of "Hidden Talents "