Nothing More Dangerous

In Allen Eskens' "stunning small-town mystery," high-school freshman Boady Sanden grapples with family loyalty and the complex dynamics of race in his small Southern town of Jessup, Missouri. Longing for a life beyond the Ozark hills, Boady's world is turned upside down when a new family moves into the neighborhood, challenging his perceptions and relationships in a community fraught with unspoken rules. Amidst a backdrop of hidden secrets, including the disappearance of Lida Poe, an African-American woman linked to the local plastics factory, Boady must navigate the stark divides of race and class as he faces the realities of his world. This compelling narrative explores themes of belonging and self-discovery, making it a powerful coming-of-age tale.