Scammed

December 1, 2019
Brynn's life as a young con intensifies in this Norse mythology-themed sequel to The Deceivers (2018). After successfully surviving her first big mission, senior Brynn Hilder begins to relax at secretive Vale Hall, giving in to her feelings for swoony classmate Caleb Matsuki and enjoying her new friendships with fellow trained con artists. When controlling school founder Dr. Odin announces that her former mark, the corrupt senator's troubled son Grayson Sterling, is moving into Vale Hall and is again her primary assignment, Brynn's short-lived sense of peace begins to crumble. Simmons keeps the pace taut and the romantic tension high, but readers may quibble at how often Brynn second-guesses what's truth and what's deception in every comment, gesture, or action--even a kiss. As her doubts mount, Brynn holds on to one constant: She cannot allow her single mother (or herself) to go back to a life of poverty (or, in her mom's case, a controlling relationship). Despite posing more questions than it answers, this installment delves deeper into the compelling main characters and sets the stage for what's likely to be a chaotic, life-or-death next volume. Most characters are white, but there's scattered inclusion in the story: Brynn is Colombian and white American, Caleb is Japanese American, and there is some racial and sexual orientation diversity in minor characters. This twisty, fast-paced sequel will leave readers hungering for more. (Thriller. 13-18)

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January 1, 2020
Grades 9-12 At Vale Hall, a prestigious private school for con artists, Brynn is still reeling from her last assignment, in which she exposed a popular senator's coverup of a fatal car accident. After she breaks off her fake relationship with the senator's son, Brynn's life goes back to normal?but normal doesn't last long. Her next assignment is to investigate the disappearance of one of the senator's interns, and Brynn must carefully read the disturbing truths she uncovers, which cause her to doubt what she knows about Vale Hall, its director, and even her friends. The stakes are ramped up in this high-octane sequel to The Deceivers (2019), and there are enough twists to keep readers fully engaged from start to finish. The story reintroduces the cast, a diverse mix of lovable personalities with unique backgrounds that readers will appreciate. Simmons expertly handles an increasingly complex plot while tackling issues of abuse, harassment, and family life. This perfect balance of action, suspense, and humor topped with wily characters makes for a truly thrilling experience.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)