This Place Kills Me

New girl Abby Kita gets swept up in a boarding school murder mystery in this gripping graphic novel from Tamaki (Anne of Greenville) and Goux (Pet Peeves). When fellow student Elizabeth Woodward—starring as Juliet in the Wilberton Theater Society production of Romeo and Juliet—is found dead in the woods wearing her stage costume, Abby quickly discovers that she was the last person to see Elizabeth alive. Though authorities claim Elizabeth died by suicide, Abby is troubled by something Elizabeth said in their final conversation; Abby teams up with her roommate, student journalist Claire, to investigate the circumstances surrounding Elizabeth’s final days. As Abby gets closer to learning the truth behind Elizabeth’s death, she also uncovers a conspiracy involving drugs and sexual coercion simmering under the surface of Wilberton’s seemingly perfect exterior. At the same time, painful moments from Abby’s past resurface as she continues to navigate suspicion from school staff and students. Twisty and captivating, this offers an incisive look at how power structures at institutions are enforced at the expense of vulnerable young girls. Heavy black inks emphasize light and shadow, giving illustrations a noir-like feel, while pink accents both soften weighty emotional sequences and intensify high-energy reveals. Character skin tones echo the hue of the page. Ages 14–up. (Aug.)