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Deadly Little Secret

by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Fiction Young AdultParanormalMysteryFantasyRomanceSupernatural

Book Description

A chilling connection awakens dark secrets in a seemingly perfect town. Camelia's life spirals when she crosses paths with mysterious Ben, whose haunted eyes hint at a dangerous past. As whispers of danger envelop her, she grapples with the suffocating grip of high school drama and the weight of unspoken truths. Friends turn to foes, trust teeters on the brink, and every shadow holds a potential threat. With her heart racing and danger lurking, will Camelia uncover the truth before it’s too late? Dive into this gripping tale where trust is as deadly as the secrets that bind them. What happens when love becomes a weapon?

Quick Summary

"Deadly Little Secret" is a thrilling young adult novel centered around Camelia Hammond, whose ordinary life is upended when she has a mysterious encounter with Ben Carter—a new, secretive student with a troubled reputation. After Ben saves her from an oncoming car, rumors about his involvement in his ex-girlfriend's death swirl, casting doubt and fear across the school. As Camelia draws closer to Ben, she is forced to navigate the complexities of trust, friendship, and the hazards of her growing supernatural connection. With suspense mounting, Camelia becomes the target of a dangerous stalker, prompting her to uncover the truth behind both Ben’s secret past and her own hidden abilities. The novel explores themes of trust, danger, and the supernatural, drawing readers into a tense, romantic mystery where every relationship harbors potential peril.

Summary of Key Ideas

Trust and Suspicion

Camelia Hammond’s quiet suburban existence is shattered when a near-accident introduces her to Ben Carter, a brooding and enigmatic new student. Ben’s unexpected appearance at her side, pulling her from the path of an out-of-control car, raises more questions than answers. The incident marks the start of Camelia’s obsession with Ben, whose presence is as alluring as it is unsettling. High school rumors soon label Ben as dangerous, linking him to the mysterious death of his ex-girlfriend, and Camelia must reckon with both her curiosity and unease.

Dangerous Attractions

As Camelia tries to maintain normalcy, her life is disrupted by a series of menacing pranks and anonymous messages. The stalker's actions become increasingly invasive, turning her world paranoid and fragmented. Despite warnings from friends, Camelia can’t shake her growing feelings for Ben—a connection intensified by her sense of unspoken understanding and by the haunting sense that she’s being watched. The boundaries between friend and foe blur as those closest to her reveal their own secrets and suspicions.

Power of the Unexplained

Ben’s secret soon surfaces: he possesses a supernatural ability to sense the future through touch, a power he’s desperate to keep hidden after the tragedy that claimed his ex-girlfriend’s life. This revelation brings Camelia and Ben closer together, as she realizes her own emerging psychic sensitivities. Navigating their blossoming romance is complicated by danger and distrust, as Camelia must decide whether Ben represents salvation or peril. Their bond becomes a lifeline amid escalating threats.

Friendship and Betrayal

Friendship undergoes significant strain as Camelia’s two best friends, Kimmie and Wes, react differently to the emerging crises. Kimmie’s support is unwavering, but Wes’s skepticism fuels Camelia’s doubts. The mounting dangers test these relationships, forcing Camelia to question who she can trust. As Ben is ostracized by peers and scrutiny closes in, Camelia must rely on her instincts and push past the fear sown by gossip and betrayal.

Facing Inner and Outer Threats

The story reaches its tense climax as Camelia bravely confronts her stalker and harnesses her psychic gift to survive. The resolution leaves Camelia transformed: wary, yet empowered by deeper self-knowledge and her connection to Ben. "Deadly Little Secret" masterfully weaves romance, suspense, and the supernatural, capturing the intensity of first love while exploring the dangers lurking beneath everyday facades. Camelia learns that sometimes the real danger comes from within, and that trust—once shattered—can be more perilous than the shadows around her.