A twenty-year-old crime, an accelerated death penalty, and an elitist family cover-up: Nyla races against the death row clock to save a woman the world is rooting for . . . and against. Which side will you choose?
Twenty years ago, eighteen-year-old Francis Quick was convicted of murdering her best friend, Cora King, and sentenced to death. Now the highly debated Accelerated Death Penalty Act has passed giving Frankie thirty final days to live. Surprising everyone, one of the King family members sets out to challenge the woefully inadequate evidence and potential innocence of Frankie Quick.
The at-first reluctant but soon-fiery Nyla and her unexpected allyhandsome country island boy Sam Stackbring Frankies case to the international stage through her YouTube channel, Death Daze. They step into fame and a hometown battle that someones still willing to kill over. But who? The senator? The philanthropist? The pawn shop owner? Nylas own mother?
Best advice: Dont go to family dinner at the Kings estate. More people will leave in body bags than on their own two feet. And as for Frankie Quick, shes a gem . . . even if shes guilty.
Praise for We Were Kings:
We Were Kings is the best kind of mystery novelintelligent and bursting with heart. As Nyla untangled her family’s secrets, the twists left me breathless. Brittany Cavallaro, New York Times bestselling author
Bingeable. Atmospheric. A book that grabs hold and doesnt let go. We Were Kings offers a delicious mystery perfect for fans of We Were Liars and A Good Girls Guide to Murder. I savored every word from beginning to end. Caroline George, author of The Summer We Forgot Young Adult suspense with some romance Stand-alone novel Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Dive into the captivating world of "We Were Kings" by Court Stevens, a thrilling young adult mystery that blends suspense, romance, and compelling social issues. This hardcover edition, published in 2022 by Thomas Nelson, will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Twenty years ago, a shadow fell over a small town when eighteen-year-old Francis "Frankie" Quick was convicted of murdering her best friend, Cora King. Now, with the controversial Accelerated Death Penalty Act looming, Frankie has only thirty days left to live. The evidence against her has always been shaky, the whispers of doubt persistent, but no one dared to challenge the powerful King family... until now. Enter Nyla, a character as complex as the mystery she's about to unravel. Initially reluctant, Nyla finds herself drawn into Frankie's case by an unexpected source: a member of the King family themselves. Teaming up with the charming and resourceful Sam Stack, a "country island boy" with a heart of gold, Nyla uses her YouTube channel, Death Daze, to bring Frankie's plight to the world. But as the case gains international attention, Nyla and Sam find themselves caught in a web of secrets, lies, and deadly intentions. "We Were Kings" is more than just a whodunit; it's a story about family, loyalty, and the courage to question everything you thought you knew. The King family estate holds more than just lavish dinners; it holds generations of secrets, buried resentments, and a darkness that threatens to consume everyone in its path. As Nyla digs deeper, she uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power, forcing her to confront not only the potential innocence of Frankie Quick but also the skeletons in her own family's closet. Could the senator be involved, protecting a carefully constructed image? Is the philanthropist hiding a sinister secret behind their charitable facade? What role does the unassuming pawn shop owner play in this deadly game? And what about Nyla's own mother could she be complicit in the cover-up? Court Stevens masterfully crafts a narrative with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. The atmospheric setting and relatable characters create a truly immersive reading experience. Perfect for fans of "We Were Liars" and "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder," "We Were Kings" explores themes of justice, redemption, and the devastating consequences of unchecked power. Don't miss this stand-alone novel thats already generating buzz. Brittany Cavallaro, New York Times bestselling author, calls it "the best kind of mystery novelintelligent and bursting with heart," while Caroline George, author of The Summer We Forgot, describes it as "Bingeable. Atmospheric. A book that grabs hold and doesnt let go." With discussion questions included, "We Were Kings" is the perfect choice for book clubs looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. Get your copy today and prepare to be captivated by this unforgettable thriller.