It centers around the main character of Frances 'Frankie' Landau-Banks and her sophomore year at a boarding school, exploring the themes of feminism, class and privilege, and friendship and loyalty.

Frankie Landau-Banks is a sophomore at Alabaster Prep when she encounters the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, an all-male secret society.

[3] The Horn Book Magazine points to the direct clinically-sounding narration presenting Frankie's struggles in a "dispassionate and case-study way", which in effect leaves the reader to make up their own mind.

[4] Common Sense Media notes that the plot and setting works well, however it seems to be grasping for a message that never follows through, concluding that "readers may feel not quite satisfied".

[5] Publishers Weekly praises how Lockhart juggles smart and tantalizing themes while combining "the pacing of a mystery with writing that realizes settings and characters", noting that the "exuberant, mischievous story scores its points memorably and lastingly".