Croak

Fed up with her wild behavior, sixteen-year-old Lex’s parents ship her off to upstateNew York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months ofdirty farm work will whip her back into shape. But Uncle Mort’s true occupation ismuch dirtier than shoveling manure.He’s a Grim Reaper. And he’s going to teach Lex the family business.She quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated byreapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. But Lex can’t stop her desire forjustice—or is it vengeance?—whenever she encounters a murder victim, craving tostop the attackers before they can strike again. Will she ditch Croak and go rogue withher reaper skills?Review"The central mystery is genuinely puzzling, and Lex’s narrative voice is funny and fresh. . . . Fantasy fans who like their tales gritty and filled with irreverent humor will be eager for the follow-up."--Kirkus Reviews"The morbid subject matter is kept in check by entertaining characters, clever twists, and a sly, self-aware sense of humor."--Publishers Weekly"Go ahead and die laughing, knowing that the safe transport of your mortal soul will be the summer job of a sweetheart teen with godlike power and discipline problems. A lot of books make me wish I could live within their pages, but I wouldn't mind dying in this one."  —Adam Rex, author of Fat Vampire "Creepy and hilarious."—VOYA, 4Q, 5P"Damico nicely balances the grim subject matter with a heavy dose of humor, and the third-person narration provides some deadpan perspective on Lex’s absurd situation that gives the story an appealing tall-tale feel. . . . An intricate and imaginative construction of the afterlife that is as amusing as it is unique."--Bulletin"Teens looking for something new will find this scythe-swinging debut novel to die for. . . . [A] wacky, highly entertaining new series."--BooklistAbout the AuthorGina Damico grew up in Syracuse, New York. She received a degree in theater and sociology from Boston College, where she was active with the Committee for Creative Enactments, the country’s only collegiate murder mystery improv comedy troupe. She has since worked as a tour guide, transcriptionist, theater house manager, scenic artist, and movie extra. Croak is her first novel. She lives outside of Boston with her husband, two cats, and a closet full of black hoodies. Visit her website at www.ginadami.co.