Better the Devil
This intriguing, fast-paced psychological thriller tells the story of a queer, runaway teenager who, after being caught shoplifting, assumes the identity of Nate Beaumont, a boy who disappeared ten years earlier. What begins as a desperate attempt to escape his past quickly becomes much more dangerous when Nate’s family takes him home, believing him to be their missing son. Bad things begin to happen as someone threatens to reveal who ‘Nate’ really is, and our protagonist starts to fear for his own life.
The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists, gradually revealing the dark truth behind Nate’s disappearance. This novel starts strong, with a taut, gripping premise and use of flashbacks to add context. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its constant sense of tension: Brown carefully builds this suspense throughout the story as the mystery unfolds, making readers question who knows the truth and whether the protagonist will be discovered – or worse.
Characterisation is another strong aspect of this novel. The unnamed protagonist is complex and sympathetic, shaped by his difficult upbringing with ultra-religious parents who reject his identity. His internal conflict between wanting to escape and longing for the acceptance he finds with the Beaumont family adds emotional depth to the story.
This is a YA novel that keeps readers engaged through its strong characterisation and insight into the challenges faced by queer youth, not to mention the mystery at its core. While the reveal was a little predictable, this is overall a compelling, thought-provoking thriller for young teens.
