About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with family secrets or feeling like they are the only person willing to stand up for the truth in a cynical world. It is an atmospheric 1948 noir mystery that follows sixteen-year-old Alice as she navigates a dangerous Hollywood underworld to find out who attacked her sister. Through her journey, the book explores themes of sisterly loyalty, the heavy weight of silence, and the resilience needed to face adult realities. While the setting is historical, the emotional core is deeply modern, speaking to the bravery required to advocate for a loved one when authority figures fail. Parents should note that this is a hard-boiled mystery featuring period-typical grit and some violence, making it best suited for older teens who enjoy complex, atmospheric thrillers and stories about uncovering difficult family histories.
