Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney

Claire and Missy are not only cousins, but best friends. Despite living in separate towns, they are as close as can be, despite their parents' protests that they need to branch out. When Missy's science class discusses hoaxes, Missy is inspired to put on one of her own: she convinces Claire to come to her school and pretend to be her long-lost twin sister, and surprisingly, thanks to the family resemblance, they pull it off. But when the story hits YouTube, both girls begin to feel guilty...and then they start to question their past. There are secrets their parents are keeping, but the truth may be more surprising, complicated, and hurtful than they expected.

As always, Cooney has churned out yet another thought-provoking, surprising mystery with a good pace and probing questions about identity, nurture vs. nature, and birth. Cooney does an excellent job at defining each girl and her emotions surrounding the realization that they have a past they don't know or remember, and everything they knew about their families might be a lie. The fact that these epiphanies began with and are perpetuated by the idea of a hoax adds just the right amount of irony into the story, and turns up the tension. The suspense will have you eagerly flipping through the pages, and then just when you think you've got it figured out, Cooney throws in a twist. Three Black Swans is a smart, fast-paced, and tense pick for reluctant readers or those in need of a quick escape.

Cover Comments: I like the use of color and shading in this cover, and how two of the swans are forming a heart. It's all very symbolic.

Review copy provided by publisher.