“To build a future that is rooted in equality and liberation, you must imagine and pretend that it is possible. And the key part of imagination is joy. Joy is an act of resistance, it’s revolutionary. The fact that our people have survived, and thrived, defying expectation and insurmountable odds.. that deserves to be celebrated.”
― Tiffany D. Jackson, The Scammer

In her latest suspenseful young adult thriller The Scammer, Tiffany D. Jackson weaves a social horror story about college students whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of one of their brothers. Jordyn is finally out from the protective cocoon her overprotective parents have had her in for years. After announcing her desire to attend college for prelaw at a prestigious, historically Black university in Washington, DC, her parents expressed extreme displeasure. That didn’t stop Jordyn from attending anyway, much to their chagrin. Jordyn can’t wait to finally feel like she fits in for once. Her new roommates seem perfect, while her new college feels welcoming.

When one of her new roommates asks if her older brother Devonte can stay in their dorm room, Jordyn is at first uncomfortable with this, especially when she learns that he has just been released from prison. Jordyn feels like she can’t say no to her roommate, especially when he only needs a place to stay until he gets back on his feet and she is trying to be a good friend after all.

Devonte is older, intelligent, charming, and determined to help Jordyn, her roommates, and others make better, more informed choices. He isn’t shy about giving advice, pushing his agenda on a growing group of devotees. Jordyn is skeptical of Devonte from the start, but the more he preaches, the more cautious she becomes. When Devonte’s actions start to directly affect Jordyn and her roommates, she decides enough is enough. She turns to a friend for help, but untangling herself from Devonte’s lies is going to be harder than she ever thought.

The Scammer is a dark, messy, and thought-provoking horror of a read. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this. Tiffany D. Jackson has this unbelievable ability to write books based on real life stories. I felt like I was reading true crime nonfiction (in fact this novel reminded me of a couple true crime documentaries that I have watched in the past). This book is not for the faint of heart. It has elements of horror, thriller, and romance full of twists and turns.

This title is also available in Playaway audiobook.