This is a preorder. You will receive the book on publication date, planned for Nov 20, 2026

Families torn apart by suspicion. Teens who refuse to be silenced.

Michael Young was once funny and carefree, but now at thirteen, he's thirty pounds underweight and terrified of choking on mashed potatoes. His mind races uncontrollably, his body betrays him, and a seizure in English class lands him in the hospital—just the start of his troubles.

The authorities think they know what's wrong: his mother. Michael is removed from home, placed in foster care, while Bryn battles a system that’s made up its mind. Doctors misdiagnose him, and the caseworker targets the wrong person. Meanwhile, two teens living off-grid watch closely, debating if this is the moment to intervene.

Michael was unwell long before anyone noticed. Time is slipping away for someone to discover why.

A story about the failures of our brains, bodies, families, and trusted systems—and those who relentlessly fight for justice.

For readers of:
✔ Medical suspense
✔ Issue-driven YA drama
✔ Families in crisis
✔ Thought-provoking medical mystery

If you have ever been the kid nobody believed, the parent nobody listened to, or the outsider who saw what everyone else missed — this book was written for you.

Don’t miss this gripping tale filled with twists that keep you guessing until the end! Perfect for fans of suspenseful stories featuring diverse characters who dare to challenge an unjust system!

Praise for the Series

"P.D. Workman has penned another incredibly intense and absolutely heartbreaking story about a teen caught up in the very system developed to protect children from those who would do them harm. —Kim, Goodreads Reviewer"

"One of P D Workman’s great strengths is her ability to create believable, likeable and often unusual characters – you feel you really get to know the protagonists in her novels. —John C, Goodreads Reviewer"