SUJA SUKUMAR
Young Adult Author
The splintered relationship between two Indian American cousins is at the center of this dark, twisty YA mystery—perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson, Karen McManus, and Angeline Boulley.
Anthony Award Winner for Best YA/Children's novel (2025).
Pencraft Award: Best Young Adult - General Genre Summer 2025
“[A] heartstopping debut.”—Teen Vogue
Selected by the Detroit Public Schools Community District for their 2025 Local Author panel
Buy links
Signed copies available at Sidetrack
Upcoming events:
Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST
Roosevelt University,
430 S Michigan
Chicago , IL 60605
One-day, in-person event in downtown Chicago is ideal for crime fiction readers, writers, and publishing pros and includes a single track of panel conversations, Registration includes a tote bag full of books & goodies!
April 25, 2026 • 9:00 am – 3:30 pm • Toledo School for the Arts
Toledo, OH
“Sukumar’s debut gives readers a glimpse into the harrowing world of social ostracism and the manipulation teenage girls often contend with. While it is a well-executed thriller, the book’s power is in the deep character exploration of Tanvi as a young woman finding her inner strength. Readers will be inspired by this story of resilience in the face of multiple traumas.”—Booklist
“A Pretty Little Liars-sized itch can be scratched for readers . . . [in this] heartbreaking missing person mystery.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“This gripping psychological thriller will have readers suspecting everyone until the very last chapter . . . A quick and riveting mystery with fantastic representation.”
—Library Journal
“A perilous, unpredictable adventure that glues the reader to the pages . . . YA fiction but adult readers will find this dramatic character-driven psychological thriller equally fascinating.”
—BookTrib
A well-paced psychological thriller affectingly audio-adapted-- School Library Journal
Fans of April Henry will enjoy the fast paced story and the satisfying ending--Young Adult Book Reviews.