Every Exquisite Thing

Penny Paxton is the daughter of a supermodel and is ready to begin her journey to international adoration by joining the elite Dorian Drama School. When her mentor offers her an opportunity to have a portrait painted by a mysterious artist, she accepts, but when he is found murdered, she realizes she has made a terrible mistake. A sinister someone is using the uncanny portraits to kill off the subjects one by one, and Penny knows her time is running out.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Penny Paxton, the daughter of a renowned supermodel, embarks on a journey to achieve international adoration by enrolling at the prestigious Dorian Drama School. Her mentor, a mysterious artist known for granting immortal beauty to his subjects, presents her with an opportunity of a lifetime—to have a portrait painted that could potentially make her a star. Excited to follow in the footsteps of Dorian's most illustrious alumni, Penny eagerly accepts the offer. However, her world is turned upside down when her mentor is found murdered, and she realizes that a sinister force is using the uncanny portraits to eliminate the subjects one by one. As more perfectly beautiful students fall victim to this mysterious killer, Penny knows that her time is running out.

In this captivating YA horror-thriller-romance retelling, author Penny Paxton delves into the themes of beauty, identity, and the devastating consequences of pursuing perfection. The novel explores the dark side of the entertainment industry, where the pursuit of fame and fortune can lead to unimaginable horrors. Through the eyes of Penny, the reader is taken on a thrilling journey as she uncovers the secrets behind the uncanny portraits and fights to save her classmates from the killer's grasp.

The writing in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is vivid and evocative, drawing the reader into the world of the drama school and the mysterious artist. Paxton's portrayal of Penny is nuanced and complex, showing her growth and transformation as she confronts the darkness that lurks within the school and the killer's motives. The supporting characters, including Penny's classmates and the detectives investigating the murders, are well-developed and add depth to the story.

The novel's pacing is perfect, building tension and suspense throughout the story. The plot twists and turns keep the reader engaged and guessing until the final reveal. The ending is satisfying, providing closure to the story while leaving room for future installments.

Overall, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a must-read for fans of YA horror, thriller, and romance. It is a captivating and searing exploration of the human psyche and the price we pay for our desires. With its compelling characters, thrilling plot, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008627355