★ 06/10/2024
Since her recently divorced parents can’t afford it, assumed white and Mohawk teen Avery Ray is determined to attend college on a running scholarship. While traversing difficult terrain, a hypnotic voice lures her off her usual training path and deep into the forest, in which she encounters a mysterious, dreamlike landscape that features a pond of black water. Barely breaking free of the voice’s lure, Avery makes her way back to safety, but the black water’s malignancy lingers. When she starts hallucinating visions of the water and smoky, faceless forms begin stalking her every move, she fears that she’s unleashed something sinister. Then someone close to her goes missing, forcing Avery to dive deep into the history of her Crooks Falls town and her own Mohawk identity if she hopes to break the curse of the black water. Sharp prose and humorous banter permeate this stellar debut by Isaacs, who crafts an atmospheric mystery filled with intrigue and harrowing imagery that shimmers brilliantly amid the eerie setting. Fully fleshed out secondary characters help Avery connect with her heritage while a romantic subplot seamlessly interweaves itself throughout her investigation. An author’s note and Kanyen’kehá glossary conclude. Ages 13–up. Agent: Natalie Lakosil, Looking Glass Literary. (Sept.)