Crush: 26 Real-life Tales of First Love

Readers will fall head over heels for this nostalgic and irreverent collection. Twenty-six bestselling authors return to the teenage bedrooms, school hallways and college dorms of their youth to share passionate essays of love lost and found and lessons learned along the way. Whether heartbreaking or hilarious, their soul-baring honesty reminds us to keep reaching for true love wherever we can find it and for as long as it takes. Their intimate reflections will fascinate and move any reader who remembers her first love.

Published:

666: The Number of the Beast

This anthology brings together some of the most popular horror writers in one spine-tingling collection. My story, "The Legend of Anna Barton" is in here. It's the 100th anniversary of Anna Barton's death, the girl who supposedly haunts Schillington Prep (more commonly known as Chillington or Shrillington), a co-ed boarding school in New England. Anna used to be a student at Schillington, but when she found out her boyfriend was cheating on her, and there was no one around to offer her any support, she scribbled the words "You shouldn't have left me alone!" across her dorm room wall shortly before she killed herself. Legend has it that now, every twenty-five years following Anna's death, someone on campus will die. So far, that legend holds true. While most of the students abandon the campus for the anniversary weekend, one group decides to stick around to see if Anna's legend will continue to live on.

Published:

Dear Bully

Today's top authors for teens and young people come together to share their stories about bullying--as bystanders, as victims, and as the bullies themselves--in this moving and deeply personal collection. Lauren Oliver, R. L. Stine, Ellen Hopkins, Carolyn Mackler, Kiersten White, Mo Willems, Jon Scieszka, Lauren Kate, and many more contributed 70 heartfelt and empathetic stories from each corner of the schoolyard. In addition, Dear Bully includes resources for teens, educators, and parents, and suggestions for further reading.

Published:

Project 17

Breaking in was easy. Getting out will be harder.

Book Cover: Project 17
Editions:Hardcover
ISBN: 978-078683856
Paperback
ISBN: 978-1423121244

“…Breakfast Club meets Blair Witch Project.” – Publisher’s Weekly

High atop Hathorne Hill, near Boston, sits Danvers State Hospital. Built in 1878 and closed in 1992, this abandoned mental institution is rumored to be the birthplace of the lobotomy. Locals have long believed the place to be haunted. They tell stories about the unmarked graves in the back, of the cold spots felt throughout the underground tunnels, and of the treasures found inside: patients' personal items like journals, hair combs, and bars of soap, or even their old medical records, left behind by the state for trespassers to view.

On the eve of the hospital's demolition, six teens break in to spend the night and film a movie about their adventures. For Derik, it's an opportunity to win a filmmaking contest and save himself from a future of flipping burgers at his parents' diner. For the others, it's a chance to be on TV, or a night with no parents. But what starts as a playful dare quickly escalates into a frenzy of nightmarish action. Behind the crumbling walls, down every dark passageway, and in each deserted room, they will unravel the mysteries of those who once lived there and the spirits who still might.

Click here to download the Porject 17 discussion guide!

Published:
Publisher: Hyperion
Reviews:R.A. Nelson, author of Teach Me and Breathe My Name wrote:

"Stolarz takes a delicious cast of characters on a terrifying thrill-ride. A harrowing adventure in an abandoned mental hospital, PROJECT 17 is sexy, funny, poignant and blood-chilling."

School Library Journal wrote:

“Page-turning action, genuine scares, and a satisfying conclusion should make this a hit with teens, particularly those who enjoyed the suspense of Stolarz's "Blue Is for Nightmares" series (Flux).

Publishers Weekly wrote:

“…Breakfast Club meets Blair Witch Project.” Ages 12-up. (Dec.)

Library Media Connection wrote:

“The writing is clear and concise. It moves at a quick pace and holds your attention to the very end. The suspense will keep readers (especially reluctant ones) glued to the pages. This is an easily accessible book to put into a wide variety of hands.”

Booklist wrote:

“The Breakfast Club meets Session 9 in this genre-blended horror novel, in which six wildly different kids film themselves spending the night in Danvers State Insane Asylum before it is demolished.”

TeenReads wrote:

"...a spooky read narrated in the voices of each of the different characters. It blends the supernatural adventure of Stolarz's BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES COLLECTION with the poignant realism of BLEED."

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books wrote:

“…the creative format…and lightning pace will offer horror-movie buffs a satisfying…night at a location that will likely chill any reader.”


Shutter

The truth will be exposed...

Book Cover: Shutter
Editions:Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1484727904
Audiobook
ISBN: B0764GJ2D4

"The mystery has a fast pace and successful red herrings that will keep readers wondering about Julian's innocence." -- Booklist

 

THE FACTS
• Julian Roman, age sixteen, is an escapee from the Fairmount County Juvenile Detention Facility.
• His parents, Michael Roman and Jennifer Roman, are dead.
• Julian is wanted for murder.

THE QUESTIONS
• Why is Julian Roman on the run if he supposedly isn't guilty?
• Just how dangerous is he?
• And who did kill Michael and Jennifer Roman, if not Julian?

Sixteen-year-old Day Connor views life through the lens of her camera, where perspective is everything. But photographs never tell the whole story. After Day crosses paths with Julian, the world she pictures and the truths she believes-neatly captured in black and white-begin to blur.

Julian is not the "armed and dangerous" escapee the police are searching for, but his alibis don't quite add up, either. There is more to his story. This time, Day is determined to see the entire picture . . . whatever it reveals. Did he? Or didn't he?

Day digs deeper into the case while Julian remains on the run. But the longer her list of facts becomes, the longer the list of questions becomes, too. It's also getting harder to deny the chemistry she feels for him. Is it real? Or is she being manipulated?

Day is close to finding the crack in the case. She just needs time to focus before the shutter snaps shut.

Laurie Faria Stolarz is a master of suspense and romance. In this page-turning thriller, Stolarz tackles dark truths with a powerful, contemporary voice. Shutter will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Shutter is also available as an audiobook

Published:
Publisher: Hyperion
Reviews:Chicago Review of Books wrote:

From beginning to end, Shutter explores the mechanics of burying pain, the culmination of broken relationships, and the inevitability of change. Stolarz presents the kind of deep emotion and well-paced action common among the most successful of young-adult novels.

Publisher’s Weekly wrote:

Genuinely emotional scenes.

School Library Journal wrote:

Purchase where accessible mysteries are needed.

Kirkus Reviews wrote:

Solid with enough plot twists to keep readers guessing.

School Library Connection wrote:

This book will be popular with mystery readers and it will keep them guessing until the very end.


Return to the Dark House

Ivy Jensen survived the Dark House once, but can she make it out a second time?

Book Cover: Return to the Dark House
Part of the The Dark House Series series:
Editions:Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1423181736

Two months have passed since Ivy narrowly escaped the Nightmare Elf’s grip, but the memories of Parker, Natalie, Shayla, Frankie, and Garth continue to haunt her. Their killer is still out there—somewhere. The police trail has gone cold, though, and it’s up to Ivy to piece together the clues to find him.

When a cryptic video arrives in her inbox, Ivy soon finds herself back in the spotlight, this time on a twisted scavenger hunt through the dark, ancient halls of a long-forgotten Gothic school building. Ivy’s not alone, either. Taylor Monroe has returned to the scene. But can Taylor be trusted? Or is she another pawn in the Nightmare Elf’s deadly game?

Which Dark House Dreamer are you? Check out the Dark House series extras here!

Published:
Publisher: Hyperion
Reviews:School Library Journal wrote:

Two months have passed since Ivy Jensen escaped the Nightmare Elf's grasp. She is frustrated with the police who seem to be doing nothing to find her missing friends, including her potential love interest, Parker, who sacrificed himself in order for Ivy to make it to freedom. She is certain the Nightmare Elf is holding them captive. When she receives a cryptic homemade video in her email—a video that appears to be a message from Natalie—she turns to the one person she never thought she would see again—Taylor, the girl who abandoned the other teens to save herself before the Nightmare Elf could begin his twisted game. Taylor and Ivy follow the clues to an old abandoned private school to face their fears a second time and possibly save their friends. A second installment in a terrifying horror series for younger teens.


Welcome to the Dark House

What's your worst nightmare?

Book Cover: Welcome to the Dark House
Part of the The Dark House Series series:
Editions:Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1423181729

“Stephen King would love it.” – Kirkus Reviews

What’s your worst nightmare?

For Ivy Jensen, it’s the eyes of a killer that haunt her nights. For Parker Bradley, it’s bloodthirsty sea serpents that slither in his dreams.

And for seven essay contestants, it’s their worst nightmares that win them an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at director Justin Blake’s latest, confidential project. Ivy doesn’t even like scary movies, but she’s ready to face her real-world fears. Parker’s sympathetic words and perfect smile help keep her spirits up. . . at least for now.

Not everyone is so charming, though. Horror-film fanatic Garth Vader wants to stir up trouble. It’s bad enough he has to stay in the middle of nowhere with this group—the girl who locks herself in her room; the know-it-all roommate; “Mister Sensitive”; and the one who’s too cheery for her own good. Someone has to make things interesting.

Except, things are already a little weird. The hostess is a serial-killer look-alike, the dream-stealing Nightmare Elf is lurking about, and the seventh member of the group is missing.

By the time Ivy and Parker realize what’s really at stake, it’s too late to wake up and run.

Which Dark House Dreamer are you? Check out the Dark House series extras here!

Published:
Publisher: Hyperion
Reviews:Kirkus Reviews wrote:

“The suspense starts pounding when the teens enter the park and doesn’t stop until readers are ready for the sequel. Stephen King would love it.”

School Library Journal wrote:

“Stolarz writes a wonderfully eerie story…. This title will have huge teen appeal.”

Horn Book wrote:

“Truly terrifying plot twists unfold at breakneck pace, shifting quickly from character to character. Impressively fearsome.”

Mallory Heart Reviews wrote:

“I ‘fell in love’ with each of the characters (empathy-wise) because they are so cleverly delineated. Three cheers and twelve stars for this winner!”

Children's Book World Teen Readers' Council wrote:

"A perfect novel for anyone who loves gut-wrenching fear."

Hellnotes wrote:

“Stolarz takes you on a thrilling and terrifying ride with the introduction to her new series, Welcome to the Dark House, a tale meant to haunt you into the thrilling depths of fear itself.”


Deadly Little Voices

Camelia Hammond thought her powers of psychometry gave her only the ability to sense the future through touch. But now she has started to hear voices. Cruel voices. Berating her, telling her how ugly she is, that she has no talent, and that she'd be better off dead. Camelia is terrified for her mental stability, especially since her deranged aunt, who has a suicidal history, has just moved into the house. As if all of that weren't torturing enough, Camelia's ex-boyfriend, Ben, for whom she still harbors feelings and who has similar psychometric abilities, has started seeing someone else. Even her closest friends, Kimmie and Wes, are not sure how to handle her erratic behavior.

With the line between reality and dream consistently blurred, Camelia turns to pottery to get a grip on her emotions. She begins sculpting a figure skater, only to receive frightening premonitions that someone's in danger. But who is the intended victim? And how can Camelia help that person when she is on the brink of losing her own sanity?

Published:
Publisher: Hyperion
Excerpt:

"You’re just one big fat joke,” the voice hisses.

I cover my ears, but the insults keep coming.

“Just do it,” a voice whispers. It’s followed by more voices, of different people. They talk over each other and mingle together, producing one clear cut message – that I’m a waste of a life.

I rock back and forth, trying to remain in control. I smother my ears with the sheet. Press my forehead against my knees. Pound my heels into the floor, bracing myself for what comes next. Meanwhile, there’s a drilling sensation inside my head; it pushes through the bones of my skull, and makes me think that I’m going crazy.

“Please,” I whisper. More tears sting my eyes. I shake my head, wondering if maybe I’m already dead, if maybe the voices are part of hell.

Reviews:Teenreads wrote:

"Laurie Faria Stolarz just oozes talent, delivering another fascinating winner. Once hooked, readers won’t be able to stop, eager for Camelia to solve the mystery of the horrid visions and voices she’s receiving. Stolarz is a master at building up suspense."


Deadly Little Games

Camelia and Ben have discovered a powerful bond: They both possess the power of psychometry, the ability to sense things through touch. For Ben, the gift is a frightening liability. When he senses a strong threat or betrayal, he risks losing control and hurting people. Camelia's gift is more mysterious. When she works with clay, her hands sculpt messages her mind doesn't yet comprehend.

Before either teen has a chance to fully grasp these abilities, an unresolved family tragedy resurfaces in Camelia's life, irrevocably changing everything she cares about...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc8N4Q0YDuM

Published:
Publisher: Hyperion

Deadly Little Lies

Book Cover: Deadly Little Lies
Part of the The Touch Series series:
Editions:Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1423111450
Paperback
ISBN: 978-1423111993

Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, a new boy at school who had a very mysterious gift – psychometry, the ability to sense the future through touch. But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry and experiencing strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow been transferred to her.

Ben returns to school, but he remains aloof, and Camelia can't get close enough to share her secret with him. Camelia makes the painful decision to let him go and move on. Adam, the hot new guy at Knead, seems good for her in ways Ben wasn't. But when Camelia and Adam start dating, a surprising love triangle results. A chilling sequence of events uncovers secrets from Ben’s past – and Adam's. Someone is lying, and it's up to Camelia to figure out who – before it's too late.

Missed the Barnes & Noble exclusive editions of Deadly Little Secret and Deadly Little Lies? I'm now on Wattpad (so come follow me) and I'm releasing Ben's, Kimmie's, and Wes's bonus pages as well as some fun Stacey-and-the-gang pieces. Click here to check it out!

Published:
Publisher: Hyperion
Reviews:TeensReadtoo.com, Gold Star Award, 2009 wrote:

"Stolarz's writing is brilliant."

TeenReads.com wrote:

"Laurie Faria Stolarz is a master creator of suspense and romance. Her words cause the heart to pound, the palms to sweat, the spine to shiver, and the stomach to flutter. The trepidation born from the anonymous threats will make the pages fly, and the palpable tension between Camelia and Ben as they attempt to ignore their hearts causes the fire to burn hotter. Stolarz brings back the colorful characters who provided the mood-lightening bits of humor in DEADLY LITTLE SECRET...She also emphasizes the importance of solid friendships to help teens deal with the gut-wrenching experience of witnessing parents fight and tear their lives apart."

ALAN's Picks wrote:

"...the perfect book for readers who enjoy series, who like a mystery with a splash of romance, and who live for books that send a shiver down their spines. Stolarz does an excellent job of creating likeable and multifaceted characters: Camelia has a girl-next-door quality and her friends are vibrant. The elements of psychometry will most likely drive readers to investigate more on this unusual ability. This is a series worth recommending..."

Juiciliciousss Reviews wrote:

“…The plot, the characters and even the writing style continues to fascinate me...This series is probably one of the best of 2009 and I can't wait for the next installment…a 10 out of 10 rating.”


Read my article, “Six Novels Exploring How (and How Long) We Process Trauma” on CrimeReads here.

Want an autographed book (or books) for you or a friend, check out my shop page.

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