A pretty decent queer YA read with an idiots/academic rivals to lovers throughline. The mystery was low stakes but intriguing enough as you watch the friendship between Chloe, Smith, and Rory develop. Chloe is a slightly unlikeable main character who learns to overcome her prejudices and pre-conceived notions while both Smith and Rory go on separate and intertwined journeys of self-discovery.

I actually really loved Chloe as the lead. I can see how some might find her annoying but Natalie Naudus does an excellent job as narrator and brings to life this academically obsessed bi mean girl. I say mean, but it's more that she is very blunt and no-bs. Her all-consuming obsession over finding Shara and proving that Shara is a terrible person is both entertaining and a good reflection on misplaced priorities (and sapphic chaos).

The main weakness with this one is the length as it does drag out the mystery for a long time and continues for longer than expected after it's resolved. I don't feel like there was wasted pages, but one of these days I swear McQuistion will learn to make their books a bit shorter, sharper, and shinier lol.