White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig
Review by Lauren
source: ARC from Karen at For What It’s Worth (thanks, Karen!)
Official Summary (add to Goodreads): Rufus Holt is having the worst night of his life. It begins with the reappearance of his ex-boyfriend, Sebastian—the guy who stomped his heart out like a spent cigarette. Just as Rufus is getting ready to move on, Sebastian turns up out of the blue, saying they need to “talk.” Things couldn’t get much worse, right?
But then Rufus gets a call from his sister April, begging for help. And then he and Sebastian find her, drenched in blood and holding a knife, beside the dead body of her boyfriend, Fox Whitney.
April swears she didn’t kill Fox—but Rufus knows her too well to believe she’s telling him the whole truth. April has something he needs, though, and her price is his help. Now, with no one to trust but the boy he wants to hate yet can’t stop loving, Rufus has one night to prove his sister’s innocence…or die trying.
Review: Oh, I just loved this one. White Rabbit is the second book by Roehrig (and I loved that one too – my review of Last Seen Leaving can be found here). I’m a big fan of mysteries, and it’s always exciting when there’s a YA release, because I don’t read a lot of them for this age group. Honestly, I never really guessed the ultimate culprit – I had some “maybes” as the truth was fast approaching, but overall, this one kept me wondering throughout the book.
It’s told solely through the point of view of Rufus, whose ex-boyfriend (well, secret ex-boyfriend) shows up wanting to talk…and then before he can say what’s on his mind, Rufus’ half sister April calls him. This sends Rufus and Sebastian to the party April is at, only to find nobody else there but April and her boyfriend, Fox Whitney…who is, you know, dead.
White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig is a new favorite YA mystery with LGBT+ characters. #bookbloggers #ontheblog Click To TweetThis book takes place over one really long night, and I thought it worked well. The reasoning for Rufus not calling the police right away made sense to me, and don’t worry, the police do ultimately become involved. Before this though, Rufus, Sebastian, and April set out to try and figure out just who might have killed Fox and tried to pin it on April. Oh, and Sebastian still needs to tell Rufus what’s on his mind.
I really liked Rufus and Sebastian together; it’s obvious they both really care about each other, and yes, Sebastian did some stupid stuff in the past and hurt more than just Rufus, but I could understand where he was coming from. There’s a scene later in the book, pertaining to Sebastian, that is especially emotional and lovely. I also really enjoyed the dynamics of Rufus’ family. His dad wants nothing to do with him, he has a sadistic older brother, and a younger sister (April) who seems to like him okay, but Rufus knows he can’t always count on her. It’s an interesting mix and it added a lot of intrigue to the story.
White Rabbit is full of lies, half-truths, and plenty of suspense. I’ll happily read anything Roehrig publishes at this point.
Still need to read Roehrig’s debut, Last Seen Leaving? Again, check out my review!
Neato! I think this would be a good one. I love that its a YA mystery or perhaps romantic suspense. Thanks for sharing about it, Lauren.
This sounds like a fantastic option for so many types of readers. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds so suspenseful! I love all these mystery/love stories you’ve been reading, they really have a little of everything!
it’s always great to have another good one in the series
I just finished this book today, and yeah for Roehig! No second book slump here. Quick paced, lots of twists, and I am a fan of the romance.
Not something I would usually go to but sounds kind of interesting!
I haven’t heard of this series, but that cover looks familiar… I love mysteries that keep you guessing throughout the book, and really make you think about the outcome. Thanks for sharing this!
Also, Karen is wonderful! One of the sweetest people I know. 🙂
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
What a great premise!
Oh this sounds good and something I’d enjoy. Love the names too. 😀 I do know a mystery buff that would enjoy this author too. I’m checking out Roehrig’s books! Brilly review.
Nice review. We can hear your enthusiasm for the book and it entices us to pick it up.
I really like books like this that take place in a very definite period of time. Thanks for sharing your review with us!
I don’t read enough of this genre myself, even when it comes to YA ones. I love the sound of this one. The synopsis already has me on the edge of my seat. Great review!
I liked the first book a little more regards to the mystery but I adore the way he writes characters.
Glad you enjoyed it Lauren!
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Lies, half-truths, and plenty of suspense? Sounds like a pretty intense and exciting read!
Oh how interesting the book takes place over just one night! It sounds like a fun thriller for sure!
So glad you enjoyed White Rabbit! It’s been on my radar for a while and I hope I’ll be able to get my hands on it soon! Even though I’m not a huge fan of Thrillers, it definitely sounds like something I might end up enjoying!
So glad to know this is really good. It’s been on my TBR for a while but I keep skipping over it because the cover reminds me of Nancy Drew. I will make sure I don’t skip it again!
I love it when you read a mystery and you’re still guessing all the way up to the very end. Sounds like a great book!