Book Review: The Body in the Woods by April Henry

Summary: 

In this new series told from multiple perspectives, teen members of a search and rescue team discover a dead body in the woods.

Alexis, Nick, and Ruby have very different backgrounds: Alexis has spent her life covering for her mom’s mental illness, Nick’s bravado hides his fear of not being good enough, and Ruby just wants to pursue her eccentric interests in a world that doesn’t understand her. When the three teens join Portland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, they are teamed up to search for a autistic man lost in the woods. What they find instead is a dead body. In a friendship that will be forged in danger, fear, and courage, the three team up to find the girl’s killer—before he can strike one of their own.

This first book in April Henry’s Point Last Seen YA mystery series is full of riveting suspense, putting readers in the middle of harrowing rescues and crime scene investigations. 

Release Date: June 17, 2014

Age Group: YA

Source: Review copy from publisher

Reviewed By: Evan

Review:

Alexis, Nick, and Ruby couldn’t be more different. Under normal circumstances they may never have met, never have spoken. It appears the only thing they have in common is SAR, a local search and rescue group.  They only expected to rescue lost people, lost living people. Instead they discover a young girl’s dead body in the woods.

The teens likely encountered the killer, and quickly find themselves in the middle of a gripping murder investigation. A frightening list of suspects grows; it seems almost everyone has a possible motive. As they work together to find a killer, they become forever bonded as friends.

The Body in the Woods was exciting and original. Realistic in detail, from the crime, to the secret lives and insecurities of today’s teens. The author tells a story that makes it possible for young adults to be the heroes, to find the answers when adults can’t.