Before you open Elora Cook’s new novel take a deep breath because it’s a non-stop, action-packed story of twists and turns that you are not going to want to put down. And if you have a teen or young adult in the house, they’ll definitely be hooked.
A former Owen Sound-er, Elora Cook currently lives in St. John’s, NL. She loves returning back to Grey County frequently to visit her family, although with all this snow here recently, maybe she should hold off until some of it is melted!
Her new book, In the Company of Killers, releases on March 18th and already booksellers across North America are anticipating its release as a top Teen and Young Adult book for 2025.
Elora describes her new book as a romantic thriller similar to Gossip Girl with a The Sopranos twist, which should help to paint a picture that it is a fast-paced modern drama. As the novel unfolds, seventeen-year-old Tasha Nicastro learns quickly and brutally that she is the daughter of one of the most powerful mafia families in New York and through a series of events, must embrace the role of heiress as the new family boss. Revenge is required but unraveling the complicated and dangerous relationships leads her on a mission of discovery where relations aren’t exactly what they seem. In order to discover the depths of the mystery she needs help and turns to the most unlikely of allies, Leo Danesi. Leo has been many things in Tasha’s life, adversary/frenemy/love interest, but he too is coming to terms with the fact that he is set to inherit leadership of his own family’s rival mafia business. Through some ups and downs and lots of clandestine meet ups, they must trust each other and work together for the sake of their family’s safety, which is easier said than done.
The novel is written primarily for an audience of 14–18 year-olds, but honestly, it will resonate with anyone looking for a modern thriller. It moves fast and is told from the two different perspectives of Tasha and Leo, which adds depth and complexity to the storylines. It is set in a modern world of wealth and privilege until the cold facts of their circumstances force them to act. This is a fast-paced, unpredictable story that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go till the final page.
If book launches are your thing, or you’d like to have your teen meet a real local author, Elora will be touring to a few locations in Toronto and Southern Ontario to promote the release of the book. She will be in Toronto on March 20th, Kitchener on March 26th and London on March 27th and I know she would be thrilled to meet you in person.
Find her book In the Company of Killers here.
Written by Carey Low
