A YA mystery with such depth

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Ace of Spades is a dark YA academic story that "delves deep into the heart of institutionalized racism."

Perspective trades between main characters Devon and Chiamaka, the only two Black students at Niveus Private Academy. The book opens with the announcement that both are senior prefects, in the running for class valedictorian. But then "Aces" starts to go after them each by sending the student body anonymous text messages about them, threatening to derail not only their senior year but their college prospects as well.

Author Àbíké-Íyímídé deftly shows how racism bleeds into everything. Classism, homophobia, and slut shaming rear their ugly heads too. This is a YA mystery with such depth.

It's rare that an epilogue truly adds something to my reading experience, but I loved this one. Àbíké-Íyímídé is clearly talented; I can't wait to see what she writes next.