Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

An atmospheric debut novel with a paranormal core, Boys with Sharp Teeth is a layered journey of self-discovery disguised as a dark romantic psychological thriller. Marin James risks everything penetrating Huntsworth Academy to exact revenge on the three students she believes murdered her cousin Sam. But what begins as a quest for vengeance soon turns into a philosophical look at the dark corners of Huntsworth, and she fears what her rage-filled pain will unleash around her and within her. Once Marin is enmeshed at Huntsworth after some questionable beginning plot points, the book begins its descent. Supernatural elements blend into the tale like moss over a wall, and the presence of terrifying spirits act as a commentary on grief. Through the intentionally slow pacing, readers will feel Marin’s frustrations as she uncovers the truth about Sam’s death, discovers spirits lurking in the mirrors around Huntsworth, and becomes torn between her revenge and her developing feelings for those around her. One thing is for sure; readers will think twice about peeking at a mirror in a dark room thanks to this eerily atmospheric novel.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Desperate to avenge her murdered cousin, a girl assumes a false identity and infiltrates his boarding school to uncover the truth. Three days ago, Marin James’ cousin, Sam Bullvane, died. Sam was her best friend, her port in the storm as she grew up in their tiny mountain town with a uninterested father and an absent mother. Though his death was assumed to be an accidental drowning due to an overdose, Marin knows Sam was murdered. Now she’s determined to find the culprits and make them pay. Assuming the fake identity of Jamie Vane and enrolling in Huntsworth Preparatory Academy are easier than expected. But ingratiating herself with Sam’s former friends—and murder suspects—proves riskier. Quiet girl Baz Hallward feels like the easiest mark. Henry Wu is all games, tinged with danger. And Adrian Hargraves, with his perfect face, initially wants nothing to do with Marin—and she immediately loathes him. As her investigation deepens, she enters a heated entanglement with Henry and Adrian, while uncovering their secrets. Mirrors show her supernatural horrors, and she’ll have to confront them, too, if she wants to learn the truth. Marin’s early sleuthing sings with tension, but aimless philosophical musings and twists that attentive readers will see coming make it unravel quickly. Overwrought language obscures the escalating danger. Most characters present white; Henry’s surname implies Asian heritage. An intensely dark debut that’s focused on style over substance.(Paranormal mystery. 14-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Publishers Weekly
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

High school senior Marin James is certain that her older cousin Sam Bullvane’s drowning death was not an accident. Using a forged application and a fake tuition check, she assumes a new identity as Jamie Vane and transfers into elite Huntsworth Preparatory Academy, where Sam worked as a security guard. She has three suspects, all students: haughty, brainy Adrian Hargraves; wealthy orphaned scoundrel Henry Wu; and insecure, eager-to-please Baz Hallward, the headmistress’s daughter. As Marin races to uncover the perpetrator before her con is discovered, she becomes embroiled in her suspects’ dangerous, thrill-seeking ways. Supernatural happenings, having to communicate with who she assumes is one of the suspects through anonymous marginalia notes, and growing attachments to both Adrian and Henry further complicate her investigation. Debut author Howell deftly conveys grief in this complex and morose offering, highlighting through the characters’ messy interactions—including Marin’s vengeance-fueled scheming and Adrian’s guilt over a past transgression—the ways in which loss can impact one’s emotions and decision-making. Fans of heady, twisty dark academia tales will revel in unpicking this knotty mystery. Most character cue as white; Henry is of East Asian descent. Ages 14–up. (Apr.)