The Scammer

Bookseller recommendation

“This book snuck up on me and just might be one of my favorites of the year. I was riveted from beginning to end. Reading it often INFURIATED me, which made me so excited to see how Jordan would overcome. I was locked in with her and her struggles—both internal and external—ready to see how it all played out. And narrator January LaVoy did a fantastic job!”

— Luke • Best of Books

Bookseller recommendation

“The Scammer is a tense thriller set on a the campus of an HBCU. Thoughout the book we follow Jordyn, a Black undergrad trying to find her place in the world after being the only minority in an all white high school. She thinks she is finding her stride when her roommate's brother stops in and changes everything. I have to say I was annoyed at the how easily the roommates all fell into the trap of this young man and, at times, I wanted to put the book down. HOWEVER, I urge you to stay the course. The ending will have you reeling with understanding and cheering. This book does go to prove that sometimes it is very easy to fall into a web of lies when spun to seem like truths. ”

— Erin Jones @The Roasted Bookery • The Roasted Bookery

Bookseller recommendation

“This book put me THROUGH IT! Excellent read from Tiffany D Jackson. My first read by her and I was QUITE entertained. ”

— Mocahgirl • Resist Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“For anyone who wants to know what it’s like in a cult, but doesn’t want to actually join a cult. ”

— Sarina • Inklings Book Shoppe

Bookseller recommendation

“Read this for a twisty turn through an amazing story of college students navigating some interesting dynamics in their first time away from home. The 5+ stages of grief that are explored in this novel are relatable in these circumstances, and OMGGGG who is the real SCAMMER??!?!???!! Check out this top pick from Tiffany D. Jackson NOWWWWW!!!”

— Kris • Noire Reading Room

Bookseller recommendation

“Fun and suspenseful, this novel explores what any of us would do if the cult came to our dorm room. ”

— Sarina • Inklings Book Shoppe

Bookseller recommendation

“A compelling mystery that had me hooked right from the beginning. As a former DC resident with a degree in African American Studies, there were some aspects of this story that were entirely too relatable. I was mad at all the young women and stressed for the main character! The twist made my jaw drop! I appreciated the underlying message— that there are many ways to fight the same fight. Loved the book!”

— Moonstone & Mist Bookshop • Moonstone & Mist Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“I think I was holding my breath until the very end. Such a chilling story, but an important one to tell. Tiffany D. Jackson is one of the best young adult authors of our time! Masterful storytelling that often serves as the catalyst for great conversations. ”

— Annastasia • The Bottom Knox

Bookseller recommendation

“This is one of the most insane books I have ever read and the fact it's based on a true story is even more nerve wracking. The whole time I listened to this I had a deep feeling of dread, Tiffany really keeps you hooked from page one! And the plot twist left me absolutely gob smacked, whatever expectations you have about this book, they will be blown out the water”

— Eve • DRAKE The Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Well, this is a banger. It is dark and intriguing. You really don't know who to trust. I have talked about this since I read it, and I think you will too. A great one for a book club. ”

— Carolynn • Afrori Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I loved it. I finished this so quickly because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the perspective of the story and how it was told. It was fun and also full of twists. I definitely recommend this book. ”

— Janelle • Black Garnet Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Tiffany D Jackson’s YA thriller about a college freshman who gets sucked into a cult led by her roommate’s brother, Devonte, is a brutal, twisted tale of the ways belonging can be weaponized to rapidly isolate and manipulate us. Jordyn shocks everyone when she withdraws her acceptance to Yale and instead enrols at Frazier U, a prestigious HBCU in Washington, DC. For the first time in her life, she gets to live surrounded by so many beautiful, brilliant young people contributing to Black joy and Black excellence. But it isn’t long before her roommate’s brother comes for a visit and starts to disrupt the delicate bubble of belonging Jordyn is starting to build with her three roommates. What follows is a haunting, sadly too familiar narrative about manipulation, harassment, and brainwashing that ends in a way I never saw coming. This book was incredibly tense and disturbing at times, and I had to take breaks, but Jackson’s narrative kept drawing me back and left me completely stunned when all was said and done. ”

— Jennifer • Through the Fold