PERDITA

Published by Merit Press (now Simon Pulse) in 2015

Arielle has a vast, excitable imagination—but she's not imagining how strange and out of control her life becomes after the death by drowning of her older sister's best friend, Perdita. Not only does this death echo the death of Arielle's own older brother, ten years before, it leads to dreams and visions in which Perdita seems to be reaching out to Arielle, asking for her help. The only other explanation—that Arielle's high-strung emotions have finally caused her to break with reality—is even more terrifying. A story that builds to greater and greater heights of suspicion and fear, Perdita is also a multi-layered literary achievement that leaves no emotion untouched.

Reviews

"Intimate, fascinating. An edgy, intriguing debut novel of suspense, suspicion, and surprise." —Kirkus Reviews

Arielle is a sympathetic, likable, and realistic narrator, thanks to Gardner's keen ear for teen dialogue.... An absorbing mystery...that will hold readers' attention throughout." —School Library Journal

"Told in first person, Faith Gardner paints an intense psychological portrait that's fascinating and chilling." —Bustle.com