The Winnowing - by Jo Schaffer Layton (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"...a fast-paced and exciting murder mystery for teens." -Historical Novel Society

Darkness descends over St. Louis, a city already rocked by the Great Depression. More and more people are disappearing, and some have turned up dead. A sinister secret society is moving forward with "The Winnowing," a plan designed to erase society's undesirables.

After Stanley and Hazel foil the diabolical plans of Charles Chouteau, they become instant celebrities. Hazel is thrust into the role of debutante, and risks losing herself, while Stanley must deal with the horrific tragedy of his best friend's death.

Threatened by the unseen forces of the Veiled Prophet, and their lives spiraling out of control, Stanley and Hazel's relationship is tested, possibly beyond repair.

As bodies pile up and people become more desperate, the divide between rich and poor grows ever wider, threatening to tear their worlds apart.

The pair must find their way back together if there is any hope of saving their relationship... or the future of humanity.