Missing, Presumed Dead - by Emma Berquist (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

When eighteen-year-old Lexi foresees the brutal murder of a young woman outside a club in downtown L.A., she is powerless to stop it.

But then the girl's ghost appears, seeking vengeance, and Lexi is swept into a dangerous search that could put her directly in the path of a serial killer. From the author of Devils Unto Dust, this fast-paced and literary thriller will haunt fans of Maureen Johnson's Truly Devious and Karen M. McManus's One of Us Is Lying.

With a touch, Lexi can sense how and when someone will die. Some say it's a gift. But to Lexi it's a curse--one that keeps her friendless and alone. All that changes when Lexi foresees the violent death of a young woman, Jane, outside a club.

Jane doesn't go to the afterlife quietly. Her ghost remains behind, determined to hunt down her murderer, and she needs Lexi's help. In life, Jane was everything Lexi is not--outgoing, happy, popular. But in death, all Jane wants is revenge.

Lexi will do anything to help Jane, to make up for the fact that she didn't--couldn't--save Jane's life, and to keep this beautiful ghost of a girl by her side for as long as possible.

Emma Berquist's second novel is a haunting and atmospheric murder mystery that tackles themes of depression, loneliness, love, and identity. This high-concept novel is for fans of Holly Black's The Coldest Girl in Coldtown and Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series.

One girl who sees death. One ghost who demands justice.

• An Unlikely Friendship: Loner Lexi can see how people die. Popular Jane is already dead. Together, they form a bond to hunt the killer who brought them together.
• A Gritty Urban Fantasy: Explore the dark, glittering streets of Los Angeles, where magical crime syndicates operate in the shadows and death is never far away.
• A High-Stakes Investigation: As Lexi and Jane get closer to the truth, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a serial killer who might be part of their own hidden world.
• A Touch of Death: Lexi's curse is the key to solving the case, but every touch brings a new vision of death, deepening her loneliness and testing her sanity.

Review Quotes

"Gritty and high-concept, this cross-genre murder mystery has plenty of appeal for horror and crime fiction fans, and the beginnings of a star-crossed f/f romance add depth." - ALA Booklist

"A lonely teen must use her odd powers to track down a killer. . .Lexi and Jane's tentative (and unusual) relationship is sweet. . .Berquist effectively tackles the destructive nature of grief and loneliness." - Kirkus Reviews

"The atmosphere of the grim dog-eat-dog world of the seedier parts of Los Angeles provides an enticing noir flavor. Lexi's aching loneliness is palpable in her narration. . .The romance between Lexi and Jane offers a bright spot, and their relationship develops organically from merely a source of comfort to genuine love. . . .a compelling page turner." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Horror meets mystery in this supernatural whodunit for lovers of mystery and suspense. . .A fun, fast-paced read for students looking for a thrill." - School Library Journal