SUJA SUKUMAR
Young Adult Author
The splintered relationship between two Indian American cousins is at the center of this dark, twisty YA mystery—perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson, Karen McManus, and Angeline Boulley.
Nominated for an Anthony Award for Best YA/Children's novel.
Pencraft Award: Best Young Adult - General Genre Summer 2025
“[A] heartstopping debut.”—Teen Vogue
Selected by the Detroit Public Schools Community District for their 2025 Local Author panel
Buy links
Shop indie!
Signed copies available at
Sidetrack in Royal Oak,
Schuler books in Ann Arbor
Coreander books in Grosse Pointe
Upcoming events:
Bouchercon New Orleans 2025
Sept 3 - 7, 2025,
Convention location: Marriot Hotel
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
Debut Breakfast: Sept 6, Saturday
Panelist: Sept 6, Saturday. Topic: what makes YA mysteries so popular for any age group?
Anthony Awards: Saturday, Sept 6.
A2 Community Book Fest
Sunday, November 9, 10 AM - 5 PM
Ann Arbor District Library
Ann Arbor, MI
“Sukumar’s debut gives readers a glimpse into the harrowing world of social ostracism and the manipulation teenage girls often contend with. While it is a well-executed thriller, the book’s power is in the deep character exploration of Tanvi as a young woman finding her inner strength. Readers will be inspired by this story of resilience in the face of multiple traumas.”—Booklist
“A Pretty Little Liars-sized itch can be scratched for readers . . . [in this] heartbreaking missing person mystery.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“This gripping psychological thriller will have readers suspecting everyone until the very last chapter . . . A quick and riveting mystery with fantastic representation.”
—Library Journal
“A perilous, unpredictable adventure that glues the reader to the pages . . . YA fiction but adult readers will find this dramatic character-driven psychological thriller equally fascinating.”
—BookTrib
A well-paced psychological thriller affectingly audio-adapted-- School Library Journal
Fans of April Henry will enjoy the fast paced story and the satisfying ending--Young Adult Book Reviews.