The Executioners Three

Gr 9 Up–When Freddie calls the police to report disturbing noises in the woods, she winds up getting half of Fortin Prep’s student body arrested for underage drinking and finds herself suddenly in with the popular kids at her own school, Berm High. She happily teams up with the popular Prank Squad in the ongoing rivalry between Berm and Fortin, though her attention soon shifts to the disturbing mystery of the bodies discovered in the forest and figuring out what they have to do with an old poem about executioners. All too soon, Freddie’s own life is in danger as she starts to put together the clues and figure out just what the poem means and who might be behind the latest string of gruesome murders. Lovable characters, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and an engaging mystery make this a true page-turner. The 1999 setting is well-developed with references to pop culture that today’s teens will recognize. The ongoing prank war between the high schools adds needed levity to a relatively dark and gruesome tale. Supporting characters are racially diverse, and Freddie’s best friend, Divya, starts a relationship with another girl.