The Amateurs cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 5.0
Points 12.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 79386
Points per Word 0.000151
Page Count 307
Points per Page 0.039088
Series Amateurs

Description

After meeting on an online cold-case discussion board, four teens form a pact to solve the murder of a classmate that has haunted their town for years. Led by Seneca Frazier, whose obsession with the case began with the disappearance of high-school senior Helena Kelly, the friends dive into a dangerous investigation that threatens to expose hidden truths. As they confront increasingly perilous clues, the teens must navigate the fine line between amateur sleuths and real-world danger.

Quick Summary

Picture a group of high schoolers who spend their free time on a forum dedicated to solving cold cases, and then decide to take their hobby to the next level by investigating a recent murder that the police have stalled on. The story kicks off when they stumble onto a tip that leads them into a dangerous web of secrets, lies, and a few too many close calls. It's a fast-paced mystery with a modern twist, especially because the whole thing starts from an online community, which makes it feel very current for teens who love true-crime podcasts or internet sleuthing. That said, the book doesn't shy away from gritty content: there's some strong language, graphic violence, and drug use, so parents of younger teens might want to preview it first. If you liked the tension of One of Us Is Lying, you'll probably get hooked on this one.