Devil in Ohio

Gr 10 Up—Fifteen-year-old Jules is determined to be a famous photographer, and the first step is to get on the school newspaper where her crush is the editor. The teen finally lands an interview for the paper when her mother brings home a mysterious girl named Mae, and Jules's boring life becomes significantly more eventful. At first, Jules feels sorry for Mae because she has clearly been abused; but after a couple of weeks, she enjoys having a female friend and the recent popularity that comes with knowing the new girl. However, as Mae's presence slowly begins to affect Jules's friendship with her best friend Isaac and her parent's marriage, she starts to question the identity of her new housemate. This thriller relies heavily on Mae's motivations—is she a naive abused girl or is she a manipulator? The unreliable antagonist is a staple in this genre, especially when the character is fully developed and keeps readers engaged and constantly guessing. Mae, however, is underdeveloped, and at times her behavior is unrealistic. The supporting cast, including Jules' sisters and Isaac, is also underdeveloped and doesn't drive the plot forward. Although the novel has some relatable themes, such as people's reliance on social constructs, the overall narrative lacks nuance. Teens will find the ending too abrupt and anticlimactic.