Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Needy Little Things" by Channelle Desamours is a captivating YA thriller that is unique in both the plot and the storytelling. From the very start, the book promises a fast-paced journey, although the first half is a bit slow. However, the suspense and twists in the second half more than make up for it, transforming the story into an unputdownable page-turner. Some of the twists as well as the actions of certain characters were quite the surprise, and I absolutely loved the mystery aspect of this book as well as Sariyah’s ability.

The protagonist, Sariyah Lee Bryant, is a Black teen with a unique ability: she can sense what people need—be it a pencil, a hair tie, or a phone charger. This peculiar talent, known only to her family and her best friend Malcolm, becomes both a gift and a curse. When her friend Deja vanishes after Sariyah fulfills a need for her, Sariyah is thrust into a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind Deja's disappearance. This isn’t the first time one of her friends has gone missing, and Sariyah is determined not to let Deja become another forgotten Black girl.

Desamours brilliantly constructs a mystery filled with twists and turns, making "Needy Little Things" a standout in the YA thriller genre. The plot is layered with little moments that make you invested in Sariyah’s journey. I really enjoyed seeing the exact “needs” for why Sariyah’s ability had her give people various items. Her ability is so unique and also helpful in so many different ways. Rather than being a curse, throughout the story, you can see that Sariyah’s ability is truly a gift. With the plot, Desamours skillfully weaves in social commentary, highlighting issues of racial injustice and the lack of media attention given to missing Black girls, adding depth and urgency to Sariyah’s mission.

Sariyah is a compelling protagonist, relatable in her struggles and admirable in her determination. As she delves deeper into the circumstances of Deja's disappearance, Sariyah faces mounting personal challenges: her mother's job loss, her brother's health complications, and the overwhelming pressure of her own financial and emotional burdens. There did seem to be a bit too much going on with some of these plot points, but they did all come together at the end and did all contribute to both the plot as well as Sariyah discovering the worth and depth of her own ability.

The story's climax is intense and satisfying, with all the puzzle pieces clicking into place. Desamours' writing is both haunting and poignant, ensuring that the book's message lingers long after the final page is turned. I really liked the book’s structure as well, as the pace moved from a slower start to a thrilling, suspenseful finish. A few of the side characters could have had more development, especially Sariyah’s love interest, but they all contributed to the plot and mystery.

Overall, "Needy Little Things" is a superbly crafted story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. I definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy a mix of mystery, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling.

This book kept me up at night! Channelle Desamours knows how to craft a deftly written mystery thriller. So much fun and so quick to read, I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait for it to come out to get a physical copy!!

A special thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.