Pest - by Elizabeth Foscue (Paperback)

About the Book

High school senior and pest control technician Hallie Mayhew is desperate to win a prestigious scholarship that will allow her to trade the posh paradise of Santa Barbara for a college thousands of miles from her bickering parents and grisly family business. But when her college plans are endangered, she must contend with art thieves, vengeful rats, and the infuriatingly attractive boy next door to secure her ticket to freedom in this riotously funny, heartfelt coming-of-age story.

Book Synopsis

High school senior and pest control technician Hallie Mayhew is desperate to win a prestigious scholarship that will allow her to trade the posh paradise of Santa Barbara for a college thousands of miles from her bickering parents and grisly family business. But when her college plans are endangered, she must contend with art thieves, vengeful rats, and the infuriatingly attractive boy next door to secure her ticket to freedom in this riotously funny, heartfelt coming-of-age story.

Review Quotes

*One of Washington Post's 10 Noteworthy Books for April*

"Hal's determination and drive add spice to the sweet story, while her work experiences pepper the tale with hilarity and incredulity. This is a great fit for a fun read." -Seattle Book Review

"Laugh-out-loud funny . . . Cheering for this scrappy underdog will appeal to younger and older adults alike." --Washington Post

"Foscue's debut young-adult novel is bursting with humor and charm, and readers will enjoy following and rooting for Hallie as she tries to escape the many burdens of her world." --Booklist

"I love underestimated outsiders who come out on top through wit and gumption, and Elizabeth Foscue delivers! Pest is a quirky, fast-paced YA read with a strong, self-determined protagonist, relatable characters, witty dialogue, and a satisfying ending." --USA Today bestselling author Kelly Stone Gamble

"With a charming nod to Veronica Mars, Foscue's lively writing style and creative plot twists will keep those pages turning. And when you get to The End, you'll want more." --Robin Reardon, author of the Trailblazer series

"Wry, funny, and full of heart, Pest takes you on a nimble-footed tour of Santa Barbara's 'dark side, ' while remaining true to its coming-of-age roots. Recommended for readers who like their teen angst leavened with laughs."--Bruce Hale, bestselling author of The Chet Gecko Mysteries and Clark the Shark

"Elizabeth Foscue's coming-of age tale simply oozes charm. Locals will instantly recognize the incredibly detailed look at life in Santa Barbara (boy, you just can't believe how accurate!), and all will be equally captivated by Pest's Hal, and her spirited nature." --Valerie R. Rice, author of Lush Life: Food & Drinks from the Garden

"In Pest, Elizabeth Foscue portrays an insidiously wealthy enclave, crawling with teen drama and teeming with unwanted legged creatures lurking inside mansion walls....Ripe with socio-economic rifts and teen angst, the misunderstood girl next door, Hallie, presents a unique 'most likely to succeed' protagonist who isn't afraid to face the task of college applications--or pick up dead critters along the way. A YA read that is both entertaining and intriguing."--Liz Ruckdeschel, author of the What If... series

*One of Washington Post's 10 Noteworthy Books for April*

"Hal's determination and drive add spice to the sweet story, while her work experiences pepper the tale with hilarity and incredulity. This is a great fit for a fun read." --Seattle Book Review

"Laugh-out-loud funny . . . Cheering for this scrappy underdog will appeal to younger and older adults alike." --Washington Post

"Foscue's debut young-adult novel is bursting with humor and charm, and readers will enjoy following and rooting for Hallie as she tries to escape the many burdens of her world." --Booklist

"I love underestimated outsiders who come out on top through wit and gumption, and Elizabeth Foscue delivers! Pest is a quirky, fast-paced YA read with a strong, self-determined protagonist, relatable characters, witty dialogue, and a satisfying ending." --USA Today bestselling author Kelly Stone Gamble

"With a charming nod to Veronica Mars, Foscue's lively writing style and creative plot twists will keep those pages turning. And when you get to The End, you'll want more." --Robin Reardon, author of the Trailblazer series

"Wry, funny, and full of heart, Pest takes you on a nimble-footed tour of Santa Barbara's 'dark side, ' while remaining true to its coming-of-age roots. Recommended for readers who like their teen angst leavened with laughs."--Bruce Hale, bestselling author of The Chet Gecko Mysteries and Clark the Shark

"Elizabeth Foscue's coming-of age tale simply oozes charm. Locals will instantly recognize the incredibly detailed look at life in Santa Barbara (boy, you just can't believe how accurate!), and all will be equally captivated by Pest's Hal, and her spirited nature." --Valerie R. Rice, author of Lush Life: Food & Drinks from the Garden

"In Pest, Elizabeth Foscue portrays an insidiously wealthy enclave, crawling with teen drama and teeming with unwanted legged creatures lurking inside mansion walls....Ripe with socio-economic rifts and teen angst, the misunderstood girl next door, Hallie, presents a unique 'most likely to succeed' protagonist who isn't afraid to face the task of college applications--or pick up dead critters along the way. A YA read that is both entertaining and intriguing."--Liz Ruckdeschel, author of the What If... series