AD* | When Delilah meets Sawyer Saffitz (son of Anya Saffitz, aka Hollywood royalty), she becomes hooked on a decade-old scandal. In her quest for the truth, Delilah uncovers blog posts written by the mysterious “gottiewrites” and is soon caught up in a world of greed, fandom conspiracy theories … and murder. And the deeper Delilah digs, the more dangerous it becomes – because someone is willing to kill to hide the truth.
Last Seen Online is a captivating YA mystery that artfully intertwines secrets and fandom culture. This riveting novel follows Delilah, whose journey begins with curiosity and quickly spirals into a perilous investigation filled with greed, conspiracy theories, and murder.
This novel is a love letter to fandom culture, peppered with numerous references. The author does an excellent job of weaving in these elements and it's a testament to the book's broad appeal that, although aimed at young adult readers, it can easily captivate an adult audience as well.
One of the standout features of Last Seen Online is its natural and unassuming LGBTQ+ representation. The characters' diverse identities are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, treated with the same casual normalcy as their heterosexual counterparts. This inclusivity is refreshing, as characters are more than their sexual orientations and are instead complex individuals contributing to the story's richness.
The novel's structure is innovative, employing a variety of media formats such as social media messages, blog posts, and comment threads to unravel the mystery. This approach not only makes the narrative more dynamic and interactive but also immerses the reader into the investigative process, making them feel like an active participant in piecing together the clues alongside Delilah.
The characters are beautifully flawed, adding depth and relatability to the story. Delilah and Sawyer's morally ambiguous actions enhance the narrative tension and realism. Their decisions, often straddling the line between right and wrong, make them more human and relatable, highlighting that everyone has their imperfections. This moral grey area adds layers to the drama and keeps readers invested in the characters' fates.
Rating: 4 stars
Last Seen Online is available to buy now (paid link; commission earned).
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* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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