Missing, Presumed Dead

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.

“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