All That’s Left to Say by Emery Lord

Abstract

Reviewed by: All That’s Left to Say by Emery Lord Adam McConville Lord, Emery All That’s Left to Say. Bloomsbury, 2023 [400p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781681199412 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781681199429 $13.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 9-12 When junior Hannah MacLaren’s cousin and closest friend Sophie dies of a drug overdose, Hannah is sure something nefarious is afoot. Restyling herself as a vigilante with a grand plan, she changes her look, drops all her former activities—including her beloved debate—and enrolls herself in Sophie’s preppy private school for senior year. Soon she’s collecting clues, trailing suspects, and pursuing leads, but she’s also surprisingly making friends, enjoying new pursuits, and engaging in deliciously witty banter with former debate rival Christian Dailey. Her continued search, however, puts all that at risk, and it might even prevent her from truly understanding what happened to Sophie. Wearing the trappings of a conventional girl-undercover whodunit, this compelling read also offers an unexpectedly poignant picture of grief and the impact of secret addiction on those left behind. The narrative shifts between junior and senior year, deftly creating tension with cliff-hanger moments and well-timed flashbacks while keeping the focus on Hannah’s growth (or lack thereof). Other players may lack real depth, but it supports the reality that Hannah sees people as less complex than they really are. Diversity is relegated to the bit players mostly, but new bestie Gabi Reyes, a bisexual Latina, plays a strong supporting role. Dailey, meanwhile, as the nemesis-turned-coconspirator-turned-love-interest, is a worthy partner in all ways, and his lively repartee with Hannah contributes needed moments of lighthearted playfulness. Hand this novel to anyone who likes their heroines smart, their romantic leads supportive, and their plotlines insightfully substantive. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois