They All Fall Down

October 13, 2014
Sixteen-year-old Kenzie, living in the shadow of her brother's accidental death, is more interested in winning the state Latin competition than getting onto Vienna High's "Hottie List." But she unexpectedly makes the listâand is forced to pay attention to it when the girls on it begin dying in freak accidents. Kenzie doesn't believe it's a curse or a coincidence, especially not after she notices a truck following her and finds a tracking device inside a mysterious Latin-inscribed coin. Plausibility isn't this book's strong point, but there's plenty of suspense as it hurtles toward a final confrontation with the dark forces behind the deaths. While St. Claire (Don't You Wish) portrays Kenzie's passion for Latin somewhat shallowly, the teen's interest in all things Roman still proves a pivotal advantage as she unravels the mystery of the list. The combination of a determined, guilt-ridden heroine with esoteric knowledge and an evil conspiracy with ancient roots should appeal to fans of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series. Readers willing to suspend disbelief should find it an enjoyable and thrill-packed ride. Ages 12âup. Agent: Deidre Knight, the Knight Agency.

September 1, 2014
It's supposed to be an honor to make the Hottie List at her high school, but Kenzie worries that she and the other girls might be the targets of a serial killer. Kenzie has always been a nerd, passionate about Latin, and has never seen herself as popular. She only wants to get into a good college, but she struggles with her overprotective mother, who's unable to recover from the death of Kenzie's older brother. When Kenzie learns she's fifth on the list, which is compiled by the boys in her high school, she's flattered but puzzled. Why did they choose her? Even more surprising, rich and handsome Josh begins to flirt with her and assumes she'll easily agree to be his girlfriend, especially since Kenzie has had a crush on him since middle school. However, now Kenzie finds herself more attracted to Levi, a boy in trouble with the law. When girls on the list begin dying, she and Levi become suspicious. The two team up to try to learn what's going on and uncover a conspiracy. St. Claire keeps the tension high as she slowly uncovers the mystery and builds to a thriller-level climax. Kenzie's use of Latin throughout the book puts an intellectual veneer on a rather standard secret-society plot. Kenzie, Levi and Josh are particularly well-realized, but even some of the briefly mentioned girls on the list pop out as individuals. Neatly done suspense enlivens the familiar plot. (Thriller. 12-18)

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July 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-Junior year promises to be life-changing for Kenzie Summerall. It's been two years since her brother's tragic death and her mother became seized with a fear of accidents, holding Kenzie practically hostage in her own home. It hasn't been too bad for Kenzie who has had less than a hopping social life until now. Now Kenzie is voted onto a list of the top 10 hottest girls in school. All of a sudden there are popular boys noticing her in the hall and parties to attend. It all seems like a harmless popularity game until the girls on the list start dying in their own tragic accidents one by one. It is up to Kenzie to determine whether it is simply a coincidence, a curse, or the act of a killer before it's too late. Part high school drama, part mystery, this fast-paced novel will appeal to a broad range of readers who will have a difficult time putting it down. The surprise discovery at the end begs for a sequel.-Betsy Davison, Cortland Free Library, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2014
Grades 8-11 Best-selling author St. Claire makes her YA debut with a thriller in the tradition of Lois Duncan and R. L. Stine. Overachieving Latin scholar Kenzie is stunned to find her name fifth on the list of the 10 hottest girls in her school, a tradition dating back to her parents' era. And she is not exactly averse to the attention that follows, especially from popular jock Josh and bad-boy transfer student Levi. But as fellow hotties on the listthe first four to be exactdie in tragic accidents, Kenzie has no choice but to figure out what's going on before it's her turn. Though a serious suspension of disbelief is required to indulge in this novel, readers who can manage that are in for a treat. The twists and turns in the last several chapters will have readers holding their breath as the relentless pace takes over. Though the characterizations tend to be a bit stock, this is a high-concept read with serious entertainment value.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)