Kill You Last, another Edgar Award nominee, has an unusual plot element, at least one I don't recall seeing before. Shelby's parents have a strained marriage and she's not certain exactly why. Her mother is remote and seldom talks to her in any meaningful way. Shelby knows some of what affects her mom stems from the trauma experienced when mom took her infant brother out in winter weather and he got sick and died, but she's sure something else is going on. Her dad, a professional photographer, is funny and supportive, having been the parent she could count on as she grew up, but there's something odd about the way he looks at her teen girl friends and how he interacts with them.
When three girls from different cities disappear, the only immediate connection is the fact that they all had modeling head shots done by Shelby's dad. When suspicion turns to her father, Shelby decides she needs to investigate because everyone at school is looking at her strangely and her personal life is beginning to unravel. In the process, she starts discovering that almost everyone, dad, mom, Gabriel the hunky model who works with her dad, the high-strung office manager at her dad's office and the mysterious text messenger who sends her mean and innuendo-filled messages after every new news break are not who/what they seem. Her only allies are her best friend, Roman and a college student working for a local college newspaper and Shelby has trouble trusting either of them as things unfold.
This is a very well written tale, one I think both male and female young adults will enjoy. The plot element surrounding Shelby's father and his unnatural attraction for teen girls will resonate with some YA's. Once more, I can see why this was nominated for an Edgar.