Dead Fake: A Bleak Haven Novel

Gr 9 Up–The town of Bleak Haven has always been connected with murder. For Ava, niece to a famous local killer, the last decade has been hard because of what her uncle did. So when her classmates start downloading a new app called “Swipe to Die,” Ava knows nothing good will come of it. Soon, videos are released of anyone who signed up. Created with deepfake AI technology, the videos show how someone would die in a slasher film. Daring each other to participate, the teens seem to find it entertaining—until someone actually dies. Ava and her friends become detectives, not only trying to figure out who’s doing the killing and who created the app, but also if the murders her uncle committed ten years ago are somehow related. Ava’s tenacity and drive as she allows her instincts to guide her show the depth of her character, especially when she is taking care of her little sister and is loyal to her friends. Readers will enjoy this start to a new YA horror series.