The Getaway by Lamar Giles

Welcome to Karloff (like Disney World only more exclusive). That doesn't really do it justice, though. Karloff does have amusement parks with some based on their popular movies. It is also has staff who live on site, a independent power plant, sustainable food production. Karloff  was built like it could carry on even if the world outside its walls fell apart. Oh, wait. That's what happens. 

For Jay, Karloff is a blessing. He and his family moved out of poverty to a place where they have a house, food, and jobs. He also has tight group of friends: Zeke, Connie and Chelle. As African Americans, they have found each other in a place that is not as racially diverse as the outside world. Life is pretty good until the day Connie and her family disappear. Connie's dad was the star chef of the whole resort, so he was not someone of little significance. 

Karloff should be a sanctuary from the rest of the world (where poverty, violence, and destruction have become the norm), but cracks start to show. It becomes difficult to know what the truth is when the people behind Karloff are controlling the message. 

Chelle is a member of the Karloff family, and one might think having her as your friend would give insight and protection. But no, it just makes it more complicated. As the more horrible things start to happen, her her friends wonder how much she knows. 

Events get darker than I thought they would in this suspenseful story. The four young people are put through trials that test their friendships and personal well being. I had this on my shelf for a few months. I am glad I finally read it. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.