A modern-day writer and a Harlem Renaissance artist are connected by a painting with a deadly secret in this gripping dual-timeline gothic thriller.
Shanice Pierce knows better than to heed bad omens. But she has a hard time ignoring the signs when she finds herself newly single and out of a job on the same seemingly cursed day.
Then, while cleaning out her grandmother’s house, Shanice comes across a painting she hasn’t seen in years. Drawn to the haunting portrait in a way she can't explain, Shanice accepts her grandmother’s offer to keep the family heirloom.
She soon uncovers the story of the artist, a Harlem Renaissance painter named Estelle Johnson. The young woman was taken under wing by the wealthy art patron Maude Bachmann—or “Godmother” as she insisted her artists call her—and vanished shortly after Bachmann’s brutal murder a century ago.
As Shanice digs deeper, a paranoia that’s haunted her for years returns. She becomes convinced she’s being stalked, and that the deaths happening around her are connected to the staggering offer she turned down for the painting.
But the truth hiding in plain sight is even more shocking—and deadly—than Shanice could possibly have imagined . . .
This collection features original trade paperbacks designed to provide an enjoyable escape for older teen readers. The list includes romances, mysteries, suspense, and other engaging stories that are easy to get lost in. Occasional selections are written for adults but are thoughtfully chosen for their relevance and appeal to teen readers. Moderate mature content appropriate for older teens may be present, making this a great choice for readers seeking accessible, age-appropriate entertainment.