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Description
Seventeen-year-old Ben is yanked from his Spokane life and dropped into a small Montana town when his dad and his dad's boyfriend relocate. Unhappy and on edge, Ben soon realizes that the boy next door seems troubled, and he decides to find out what's going on. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a secret that forces him to choose between staying out of it and protecting the child.
Quick Summary
Ben's move to a tiny Montana town with his dad and his dad's boyfriend sounds like a recipe for awkward, but Michael Harmon turns it into a funny, tender coming-of-age ride that catches you off-guard with a streak of mystery. The moment Ben starts noticing the odd kid next door, the story shifts from everyday teen drama to a low-key thriller that keeps you guessing, yet it never loses its warm, humor-filled voice. If you're a fan of books that blend family drama, LGBTQ+ representation, and a dash of suspense like "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" meets a small-town mystery you'll find this one hard to put down. Parents will appreciate the honest look at blended families and teen identity, though there's a bit of mild language and a few tense moments that make it best for older teens. Overall, it's a quick, enjoyable read that balances laughs, heart, and just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.