The Ruling Class is essentially The West Wing meets Veronica Mars, written by the woman who currently owns the "teen mystery" genre, Jennifer Lynn Barnes. If your kid recently emerged from the fever dream of The Inheritance Games, they are likely looking at this book next. It’s smart, it’s cynical about D.C. power structures, and it features a protagonist who handles problems with a level of competence that is genuinely refreshing for the YA category.
TL;DR: The Ruling Class (originally published as The Fixer) is a high-stakes political thriller perfect for readers aged 12 and up. It follows Tess Kendrick as she navigates an elite D.C. private school and her sister’s career as a high-level "fixer." Expect complex puzzles, political scandals, and a "clean" but tense romantic subplot. It’s a top-tier pick for middle schoolers who want a mystery that feels sophisticated without crossing into graphic territory.
First things first: if your kid’s bookshelf already has a book called The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, do not buy this. The Ruling Class is a 2024 re-release of the same story, rebranded to capitalize on the massive success of the Inheritance Games series. The new title leans into the "elite school" aesthetic that's currently dominating BookTok, but the guts of the story—Tess Kendrick, the D.C. conspiracies, and the sharp-edged dialogue—remain the same.
The reason Jennifer Lynn Barnes is currently the most reliable name in YA mystery is that she respects her readers' intelligence. Tess Kendrick isn't a "chosen one" with magical powers; she’s a girl who grew up on a ranch, knows how to fix a fence, and carries that same practical, no-nonsense energy into the halls of Hardwicke Academy.
The plot kicks off when Tess is moved to D.C. to live with her estranged older sister, Ivy. Ivy is a "fixer"—the person powerful people call when they have a problem they can’t solve legally or publicly. Tess quickly realizes that the "ruling class" kids at her school have problems that need fixing, too. She starts as a reluctant school-yard fixer and ends up tangled in a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the federal government.
When parents hear "political thriller" and "D.C. scandals," they usually think of Scandal or House of Cards. While The Ruling Class deals with heavy themes, it stays firmly in the YA lane. Here is the breakdown of what is actually on the page:
The Heavy Hitters: Action and Snark
- Violence: There is real danger. Characters are threatened with guns, there are physical altercations, and a character is shot (non-fatally, but it's a major plot point). It’s handled with more gravity than a cartoon, but it isn't gore-focused.
- The "Scandals": The book deals with blackmail, illegitimate children, and political corruption. It’s the kind of "mature" content that requires a kid to actually understand how the world works, which is why it lands so well with 13-year-olds who are starting to look at the news with a skeptical eye.
- Romance: It’s a slow burn. There is romantic tension and some kissing, but it’s remarkably "clean" compared to the "spicy" romance trends currently flooding the teen market. The focus remains on the plot and the sisterly dynamic.
- Language: There is some mild swearing (think "hell," "damn," and the occasional "sh*t"), but it’s used sparingly for emphasis, not as a constant soundtrack.
Most YA mysteries rely on the "dumb teenager" trope—kids making bad decisions that drive the plot forward. The Ruling Class does the opposite. Tess is observant, analytical, and cautious.
If your kid is a fan of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder or One of Us Is Lying, they will appreciate the pacing here. Barnes doesn't waste time. Every chapter ends on a hook, and the "puzzle" elements—figuring out who is pulling the strings—are logically sound. It rewards the reader for paying attention.
If your teen is diving into this world, they’re engaging with the idea of "power"—who has it, how they keep it, and what they’re willing to do to protect it. It’s a great jumping-off point for talking about:
- The "Fixer" Ethics: Is it okay to do the wrong thing for the right reason? Ivy and Tess often operate in a moral gray area.
- Media Literacy: The book shows how stories are "spun" for the public. Ask them if they notice how real-world events are framed differently by different people.
- Sisterhood: The heart of the book isn't the mystery; it's the fractured relationship between Tess and Ivy. It’s a rare YA book that prioritizes a sibling bond over a romantic one.
Once they finish the sequel, The Deadly Ten (formerly Deadly Little Scandals), they’re going to want more of that high-IQ, high-stakes energy.
- For more elite school puzzles: Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. It features a cold case at a boarding school for geniuses and a protagonist who is obsessed with true crime.
- For the "Inheritance" vibe: The Hawthorne Legacy. If they haven't finished the original Barnes trilogy, that’s the obvious next step.
- For a darker edge: The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson. It’s a bit more modern-noir but hits that same "teen girls solving what adults can't" sweet spot.
- For the full list: Check out our best books for kids list for more age-appropriate mystery recs.
Q: Is The Ruling Class appropriate for a 12-year-old? Yes, for most 12-year-olds, this is a great fit. The content is sophisticated but not graphic. If they can handle a PG-13 action movie, they can handle the D.C. intrigue in this book.
Q: Is this book part of The Inheritance Games series? No, it’s a separate series (The Fixer), though it’s written by the same author and shares a similar "high-stakes mystery in an elite setting" vibe. If they liked Avery Grambs, they will almost certainly like Tess Kendrick.
Q: What is the difference between The Fixer and The Ruling Class? Only the title and the cover art. The text is the same. It was rebranded in 2024 to make it more obvious that it appeals to fans of the author’s newer, more famous work.
Q: Are there any content warnings for The Ruling Class? The main things to know are a non-graphic gunshot wound, themes of political corruption/blackmail, and some mild profanity. It’s a very "safe" thriller compared to many modern YA titles.
The Ruling Class is a win for parents of middle and high schoolers who are looking for "smart" fiction. It’s a fast, engaging read that treats the reader like an adult while keeping the content firmly within the bounds of YA. If your kid is a reluctant reader, the cliffhangers in this book are the best bait you can find.
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