Super Short Summary

Set in the 1980s in Lilydale, Minnesota, Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey follows 12-year-old Cass McDowell as she investigates the abuse of her male classmates and the suspicious actions of her father and his cop friend. Cass uncovers family secrets, leading to a loss of innocence and a realization that the adults and institutions around her can't be trusted, exploring themes of Loss of Innocence and Societal Hypocrisy. This novel refers to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as child neglect, murder, violence, racism, and anti-gay bias.