The Convincing Hour

Juvenile delinquents are vanishing from Lakeview, Michigan. Story Black, a brilliant fifteen-year-old, has heard the smartest kids go from jail to a special school—and then college. The mastermind behind it all is Lakeview’s newest citizen, Charlotte “Char” Barnaby, a former high school principal and winner of the largest lottery jackpot in history. She brings her powerful billions back to her dying hometown, determined to save it and the worthiest children—regardless of what it costs.

Story plans to be next. Getting arrested is easy but getting out of Lakeview may be impossible. Standing between her and her new life is her mother, Patty Black, a meth user with a genius I.Q. and a mysterious past of her own. Char launches an elaborate scheme to convince Patty to let Story go, but Patty is an immovable force, unwilling to put Story’s happiness before her own. If Story wants the future she sees, she must confront her mother and be willing to lose everything, even their relationship.