Hawthorn Creely is searching for the missing Lizzie Lovett, but she might just end up finding herself Hawthorn Creely doesn't fit in, and that was before she inserted herself into a missing persons investigation. She doesn't mean to interfere, but Lizzie's disappearance is the most fascinating mystery their town has ever had. And she's pretty sure Lizzie'll turn up at any moment, which means the time for speculation is now.
So Hawthorn comes up with her own theory for Lizzie's disappearance.
A theory way too absurd to take seriously…at first. To prove she's right, Hawthorn hunts for evidence by immersing herself in Lizzie's life. Taking the job and boyfriend of a missing person might seem kind of dangerous, but it may just be the push Hawthorn needs to find her own place in the world.
About the Author
Chelsea Sedoti fell in love with writing at a young age after discovering that making up stories was more fun than doing her school work (her teachers didn’t always appreciate this.) In an effort to avoid getting a “real” job, Chelsea explored careers as a balloon twister, filmmaker, and paranormal investigator. Eventually she realized that her true passion is writing about flawed teenagers who are also afraid of growing up.
When she’s not at the computer, Chelsea spends her time exploring abandoned buildings, eating junk food at roadside diners, and trying to befriend every animal in the world. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada where she avoids casinos, but loves roaming the Mojave Desert.
Industry Reviews
"A dark, comedic mystery about a girl's quest for proof that ultimately helps her discover some truths about herself. We officially love Hawthorn. One minute, our heart was breaking with her raw, aching loneliness, then we were laughing with her crazy sideways wisdom. Like Thorny, this book is offbeat, smart and awesome.
" - Justine Magazine
"A solid coming-of-age novel with light spunk and individuality" - Kirkus Reviews
"Sedoti's debut offers an enlightening look at the dangers of relying on outward appearances to judge someone's character, and Hawthorn's first-person narrative, filled with obsessive thoughts and, eventually, meaningful reflection, is a lively, engaging vehicle for the story... Fans of character-driven novels will appreciate this.
" - Booklist
"Hawthorn's wildly creative imagination and humor drive this mystery's plot forward...Recommended for teens who appreciate a protagonist with a lively imagination and an acerbic tongue" - School Library Journal
"Sedoti deftly pulls readers into [Hawthorn's] head where her yearning for excitement, angst about the future, and insecurity bring further depth to her character. Hawthorn and Lizzie both emerge as surprising, intricate characters whose stories are resonant and memorable.
" - Publishers Weekly
"Hawthorn is one of the most relatable characters in recent young adult literature. Her unhappiness stems from her inability to connect to people her own age and her subsequent boredom. She lives mostly in her own head, choosing to find magic in movies, books and her imagination rather than the world around her. This mystery is less about finding a missing girl as it is about finding happiness and purpose in a complex, often contradictory world.
" - BookPage
"Hawthorn is an engaging young woman with a vivid imagination...With an interesting and diverse supporting cast, this novel is full of topics that are relevant to teens: bullying, self-esteem, family dynamics, and suicide. Highly recommended" - Shelf Awareness