After the events of the first book, Alex is now heading up The Mockingbirds. Her first case is about a prescription drug ring that's enabling students to cheat (think Adderall, only more powerful). People she knows (and likes) are being implicated in this, and she has to figure out how to balance her new responsibility with being the person and friend she wants to be.

I connected so much with The Mockingbirds and this is a completely different book. The case isn't as clear-cut in this one, and the questions are harder. While I think (or hope) we'd all agree with what constitutes rape, there are shades of gray when it comes to balancing two responsibilities. Is it more important to do a job well or to be a good friend? Where should the stronger pull lie? These are impossible questions and there are no easy answers. There's probably also not a right answer.

I loved Mockingbirds because I could relate to it. And I loved this one because I couldn't. I read this and had several conversations with Alex (things like, "Do NOT do that thing!") and she mostly didn't listen. I loved this book because I love anything where people have to struggle to do the right thing. It's always hard to be brave.

I can officially say that Daisy Whitney is one of my favorite authors (it's always safer to say that after reading and loving two books, you know---one can be a fluke but two shows a pattern!) and I cannot wait to read her next book. I hope there are many more.