Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Suspenseful, Dangerous, Adventurous
- Read it if
- You enjoy fast-paced YA mysteries with multiple perspectives, where teens actively participate in solving a crime and face real danger.
- Skip it if
- You prefer mysteries with complex adult protagonists or are sensitive to descriptions of dead bodies and suspenseful situations involving teenagers.
The Body in the Woods Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Joining Search and Rescue
Alexis, a responsible teenager with family burdens, joins the Portland County Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) team, seeking purpose beyond caring for her mentally ill mother. Nick, an athletic and seemingly confident boy, joins to prove himself to his demanding father and to escape his successful siblings' shadow. Ruby, an intelligent and slightly awkward girl with a passion for forensics, joins SAR for the practical use of her skills. They are all new recruits, undergoing initial training and wanting to help their community.
The First Call-Out
The three new recruits, Alexis, Nick, and Ruby, go on their first official search mission. An autistic man named Ben, who wanders off, is missing in the dense woods near Portland. The SAR team, including experienced members and the new recruits, mobilizes, dividing into groups to cover the large search area. Alexis feels pressure to do well, Nick tries to appear competent despite his nerves, and Ruby carefully observes the search patterns and terrain, already using her analytical mind. The woods are challenging, making the search difficult and tense.
Discovery of a Body
While searching for Ben, Alexis, Nick, and Ruby, working together, stray slightly from the main group. They follow a faint trail deeper into the undergrowth, driven by a hunch or a desire to be thorough. Ruby's keen eye first spots something unusual, a piece of clothing or disturbed ground. To their horror, they find a decomposed body of a teenage girl, partially buried and clearly murdered. The shock and seriousness of the discovery immediately connect the three teens, forcing them to face a reality far darker than they expected.
Crime Scene Investigation
After the body is found, the SAR mission becomes a crime scene investigation. Detective Harris, the lead investigator, arrives with his team and secures the area. Alexis, Nick, and Ruby are questioned about their discovery, giving their accounts of how they found the body. While the police take over, the teens are deeply affected. Ruby, despite the horror, is fascinated by the forensic details, observing the police work with intense curiosity. Alexis feels empathy for the victim, while Nick struggles with the disturbing image and the sudden loss of innocence associated with their volunteer work.
Identifying the Victim
Through dental records and other evidence, the decomposed body is identified as Sarah Miller, a seventeen-year-old girl who had been missing for several weeks. Sarah was known to be popular at school, but also had a reputation for being reckless and involved with a questionable group. News of her identity impacts the community, especially local high school students. Alexis and Nick, who vaguely knew Sarah, are further disturbed that the victim was their age, making the crime feel even closer. Ruby researches Sarah online, trying to reconstruct her life from public information.
Unofficial Investigation Begins
Despite Detective Harris's warning to stay out of the police investigation, Alexis, Nick, and Ruby cannot let go. Ruby's forensic interest, Alexis's empathy, and Nick's need to prove himself combine into a shared determination to find Sarah's killer. They start by discussing the details they observed at the crime scene, pooling their unique perspectives. Ruby's knowledge of forensic science helps, as she points out overlooked details or potential clues. They begin to discreetly ask questions, observe people, and use their SAR access to revisit areas, looking for anything the police might have missed.
Following Leads and Suspects
The trio's unofficial investigation leads them down several paths. They learn that Sarah had a secret boyfriend, an older man named Mr. Peterson, a teacher at their school. They also uncover her involvement in drug dealing with a local dealer known as 'Snake.' Nick uses his school connections to gather gossip and rumors, while Alexis observes behavioral cues in people they question. Ruby, with her analytical mind, cross-references information and looks for inconsistencies. Each new piece of information paints a more complex and dangerous picture of Sarah's life, and her death, creating a growing list of potential suspects.
Danger Escalates
As Alexis, Nick, and Ruby investigate Sarah's life, they start to experience unsettling incidents. Their homes or belongings are tampered with, they receive anonymous threats, or they feel watched. These events confirm their suspicion that the killer knows about their investigation and is trying to intimidate them. The stakes rise, turning their amateur detective work into a dangerous game. Fear is present, but it also strengthens their resolve and their bond, as they realize they must rely on each other to stay safe and uncover the truth before the killer can silence them permanently.
Confrontation and Revelation
Through Ruby's forensic insights, Alexis's understanding of people, and Nick's bold actions, the trio puts together the final clues. They realize the killer is someone unexpected, someone with a motive connected to Sarah's secret life. The confrontation occurs in a tense, isolated location, perhaps the woods again, or a place linked to one of the suspects. A dangerous chase follows, putting the teens' lives at extreme risk. They use their SAR training and their wits to evade the killer, leading to a dramatic showdown where the killer is exposed and apprehended, with the teens narrowly escaping harm.
Aftermath and Resolution
With the killer apprehended and the truth about Sarah Miller's murder revealed, Detective Harris acknowledges the important role Alexis, Nick, and Ruby played in solving the case, despite his initial warnings. The experience leaves a lasting mark on all three teenagers. They reflect on the horrors they witnessed, the danger they faced, and the impact of their actions. More importantly, their shared ordeal has formed a strong bond of friendship and trust between them. They emerge changed, more mature, and with a deeper understanding of themselves and each other, ready for future challenges in SAR.
Principal Figures
Alexis
Protagonist
The responsible and empathetic leader of the trio, burdened by family responsibilities.
Alexis is a deeply empathetic and responsible teenager who has spent much of her life caring for her mother, who struggles with mental illness. This has made her mature beyond her years, but also somewhat guarded and yearning for a life where she isn't constantly covering for someone else. She joins SAR seeking purpose and a chance to make a tangible difference. Her intuitive understanding of people and her strong moral compass often guide the group's decisions, making her a natural leader. She feels a profound connection to the victim, Sarah, and is driven by a desire for justice.
Relationships: Nick (Developing friendship, mutual respect); Ruby (Developing friendship, appreciative of her intellect); Alexis's Mother (Strained and burdened, caregiver role)
Nick
Protagonist
The athletic and outwardly confident, but inwardly insecure, member of the trio.
Nick is a high school athlete who projects an image of bravado and confidence, largely to mask his deep-seated insecurities and his fear of not living up to his demanding father's expectations. He joins SAR to prove his worth and to find a sense of accomplishment independent of his older siblings' successes. While initially impulsive and sometimes reckless, he possesses a strong sense of loyalty and courage. He provides the physical presence and often the 'muscle' of the group, using his connections to gather information and acting decisively when danger arises. The discovery of the body deeply affects him, challenging his carefree facade.
Relationships: Alexis (Developing friendship, respect for her leadership); Ruby (Developing friendship, initially dismissive but grows to value her intellect); Nick's Father (Strained, seeking approval)
Ruby
Protagonist
The intelligent and eccentric forensic enthusiast, whose unique skills prove invaluable.
Ruby is an exceptionally intelligent and detail-oriented teenager, with a deep fascination for forensics, science, and anything considered 'eccentric.' She struggles with social cues and often feels misunderstood, finding comfort in data and logic rather than emotional complexities. She joins SAR not for social reasons, but for the practical application of her analytical skills and her desire to understand how things work, especially in a crime context. Her keen observational skills, vast knowledge of forensic science, and ability to piece together seemingly disparate clues are crucial to the trio's investigation. She is the 'brain' of the operation, often providing the crucial breakthrough.
Relationships: Alexis (Developing friendship, respects her empathy); Nick (Developing friendship, initially finds him boorish but values his courage)
Detective Harris
Supporting
The lead police detective investigating Sarah Miller's murder.
Detective Harris is a seasoned police officer, initially skeptical of the teenagers' involvement but ultimately impressed by their determination and insights. He represents the official law enforcement presence in the story, providing a counterpoint to the teens' amateur investigation. He is professional, thorough, and initially dismissive of the teens' theories, warning them to stay out of the investigation. However, as their clues prove accurate, he begins to respect their abilities, eventually acknowledging their crucial role in solving the case. He acts as a mentor figure, albeit a reluctant one, providing guidance and sometimes a reality check for the enthusiastic trio.
Relationships: Alexis (Professional, later respectful); Nick (Professional, later respectful); Ruby (Professional, later respectful)
Sarah Miller
Mentioned
The deceased victim whose murder drives the plot.
Sarah Miller is the seventeen-year-old high school student whose decomposed body is discovered by the SAR team. Although dead before the story begins, her character is revealed through the investigation of Alexis, Nick, and Ruby. She is depicted as a popular but complex individual with a hidden life involving a secret older boyfriend, drug dealing, and connections to a dangerous crowd. Her past choices and relationships provide the web of clues the teens must untangle to find her killer. She serves as a tragic figure, and her story highlights the hidden complexities and dangers that can exist beneath a seemingly normal teenage life.
Relationships: Mr. Peterson (Secret romantic relationship); Snake (Drug dealing associate)
Mr. Peterson
Supporting
A high school teacher and initial suspect due to his secret relationship with Sarah.
Mr. Peterson is a teacher at the local high school who is revealed to have had a secret romantic relationship with Sarah Miller. This makes him an immediate suspect in her murder, as the teens uncover their illicit affair. He is portrayed as conflicted and secretive, trying to protect his reputation and career. His involvement highlights the moral ambiguities and hidden lives within the community. The teens' investigation into him reveals the dangers of forbidden relationships and the lengths people will go to keep secrets, adding layers of complexity to the murder mystery.
Relationships: Sarah Miller (Secret romantic relationship); Alexis (Student/teacher, later suspect/investigator)
Snake
Supporting
A local drug dealer connected to Sarah Miller.
'Snake' is a local drug dealer whom Sarah Miller was involved with, both as a customer and potentially as an associate in dealing. His presence introduces a darker, more dangerous element to the investigation, highlighting the criminal underworld Sarah was entangled in. He is portrayed as intimidating and potentially violent, making him a strong suspect in the murder. The teens' interactions with or investigations into Snake expose them to the dangerous realities of the criminal world, escalating the stakes of their amateur detective work.
Relationships: Sarah Miller (Drug dealing associate)
Ben
Mentioned
The autistic man the SAR team was initially searching for.
Ben is an autistic man who goes missing in the woods, prompting the initial search and rescue mission that leads to the discovery of Sarah Miller's body. He is not a direct character in the murder mystery but serves as the catalyst for the main plot. His disappearance highlights the crucial work of the SAR team and the challenges of searching for vulnerable individuals in vast, wild environments. He represents the initial, less sinister, reason for the teens to be in the woods, contrasting sharply with the grim discovery they ultimately make.
Themes & Insights
The Nature of Truth and Deception
The novel explores how truth is often hidden by layers of deception, secrets, and appearances. Sarah Miller's life, first seen as that of a popular high school student, is shown to be far more complex and dangerous, involving a secret older boyfriend and drug dealing. The teens must sort through rumors, lies, and withheld information from various characters, including Mr. Peterson and Snake, to find the reality of her murder. This theme is central to the mystery genre, making the characters and reader question initial assumptions and look beyond superficial explanations, as seen when Ruby carefully examines crime scene details others might miss.
“Nothing is ever as it seems, especially when someone doesn't want you to see the truth.”
Coming of Age and Self-Discovery
The traumatic experience of finding a body and investigating a murder forces Alexis, Nick, and Ruby to mature quickly. Each character deals with personal insecurities and motivations, finding strength and purpose they did not know they had. Alexis learns to delegate and trust, Nick confronts his need for external validation, and Ruby finds acceptance for her intellect. Their journey through the dark realities of a murder investigation pushes them beyond typical teenage concerns, shaping their identities through shared danger and responsibility. This is clear in how they change from hesitant recruits to determined investigators, relying on their individual strengths.
“Sometimes, you find out who you really are when you're forced to face the worst of humanity.”
The Power of Friendship and Teamwork
Despite their different personalities and backgrounds, Alexis, Nick, and Ruby form a strong bond through their shared ordeal. Their individual strengths—Alexis's empathy and leadership, Nick's courage and connections, and Ruby's intellect and forensic knowledge—are essential to their success. They learn to rely on each other, support one another through fear, and combine their perspectives to solve the mystery. This theme shows how diverse talents, when united, can overcome big challenges, especially in danger. Their ability to work as a team is what allows them to outwit the killer and bring him to justice.
“Three mismatched pieces, fitting together to make a whole.”
The Hidden Dangers of Seemingly Safe Environments
The story subtly explores how danger can be in unexpected places, even in a seemingly safe and familiar community. The peaceful woods, meant for recreation and search and rescue, become a burial ground. Sarah Miller, a high school student, is involved in a world of secret relationships and drug dealing, showing the dark side of teenage life. This theme challenges the characters' and readers' assumptions about safety and innocence, revealing that threats can come from within one's own social circles or trusted institutions. Finding the body in the woods breaks any illusion of their surroundings being ideal.
“The darkest secrets often hide in plain sight, or in the places you least expect to find them.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Multiple Perspectives
The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Alexis, Nick, and Ruby.
This device allows the reader to gain insight into the distinct thoughts, feelings, and motivations of each protagonist. It enriches the narrative by providing varied interpretations of events, showcasing their individual strengths and weaknesses, and building empathy for their personal struggles. For instance, Alexis's compassionate observations, Nick's action-oriented thoughts, and Ruby's analytical deductions each contribute unique layers to the investigation and character development, creating a more comprehensive and dynamic understanding of the unfolding mystery and the evolving friendships.
Red Herring
Misleading clues or suspects designed to divert attention from the true killer.
Throughout the investigation, the teens and the police encounter several red herrings, such as Mr. Peterson's secret relationship with Sarah and her involvement with the drug dealer Snake. These elements are compelling enough to make them strong initial suspects, leading the protagonists down false paths and increasing the suspense. The red herrings serve to complicate the mystery, making the reader question various characters and motives, before the true killer is ultimately revealed, often from an unexpected quarter. This device keeps the audience engaged and guessing until the very end.
Foreshadowing
Hints or clues about future events, often related to danger or revelation.
Foreshadowing is used to build suspense and create a sense of impending danger. Subtle hints, such as the initial unease in the woods, anonymous threats received by the teens, or observations made by Ruby about the crime scene, all point towards the escalating threat and the eventual confrontation with the killer. This device keeps the reader on edge, anticipating the next twist and reinforcing the idea that the teens are in real peril. It also allows for a more satisfying revelation when the clues finally coalesce and the true nature of the threat is unveiled.
Amateur Sleuths
Protagonists who are not professional detectives but take on the role of solving a crime.
The core of the mystery relies on Alexis, Nick, and Ruby, who are teenagers and members of a search and rescue team, acting as amateur sleuths. This device creates inherent tension and vulnerability, as they lack the authority, resources, and experience of professional law enforcement. Their amateur status allows for more organic discoveries, personal risks, and a stronger emphasis on their individual talents and teamwork. It also makes their success more impactful, as they overcome significant obstacles and dangers with ingenuity and courage, rather than institutional power.
The Body in the Woods Quotes
“The woods don't give up their secrets easily.”
“Sometimes the things you're looking for are right in front of you, if only you know how to see them.”
“Fear can make people do strange things, even good people.”
“Every victim has a story, and it's our job to find out what it was.”
“The past isn't always buried. Sometimes it just waits for the right moment to surface.”
“It's one thing to look for someone lost; it's another to look for someone who doesn't want to be found.”
“Even in the darkest places, there's always a flicker of hope.”
“You can't outrun your conscience forever.”
“The silence of the woods can be more terrifying than any scream.”
“Some truths are harder to accept than others, especially when they involve people you thought you knew.”
“Being brave isn't about not being scared. It's about doing what needs to be done even when you are.”
“Every step you take leaves a trace, whether you realize it or not.”
“The most dangerous monsters aren't always the ones with fangs and claws. Sometimes they look just like everyone else.”
“Sometimes, finding the truth means disturbing things best left undisturbed.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What does the Portland County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team initially set out to find before discovering the dead body?
- A missing hiker
- An autistic man
- A lost dog
- Evidence from a previous crime
Show answer
B. An autistic man The team, including Alexis, Nick, and Ruby, was initially dispatched to search for an autistic man who was lost in the woods.
Question 2
Which character's background involves covering for their mother's mental illness?
- Nick
- Ruby
- Alexis
- The victim
Show answer
C. Alexis Alexis's character description explicitly states that she has spent her life covering for her mom’s mental illness.
Question 3
What is Nick's hidden fear, despite his bravado?
- Fear of heights
- Fear of enclosed spaces
- Fear of not being good enough
- Fear of the dark
Show answer
C. Fear of not being good enough Nick's character profile reveals that his bravado hides his underlying fear of not being good enough.
Question 4
What is the primary motivation for Alexis, Nick, and Ruby to team up after finding the body?
- To gain recognition from the sheriff's department
- To solve the murder before the killer strikes one of their own
- To prove their skills to their fellow SAR members
- To impress their parents with their bravery
Show answer
B. To solve the murder before the killer strikes one of their own The synopsis states that the three team up to find the girl’s killer—before he can strike one of their own, highlighting their personal stake in the investigation.
Question 5
Which of the following best describes Ruby's primary interest?
- Competitive sports
- Eccentric interests
- Social media influencing
- Academic excellence
Show answer
B. Eccentric interests Ruby's character is described as someone who just wants to pursue her eccentric interests in a world that doesn’t understand her.
Question 6
The series this book belongs to is called 'Point Last Seen'. What does this title imply about the general nature of the series?
- It focuses on historical mysteries.
- It involves tracking and searching for missing persons or crime scenes.
- It is set primarily in a courtroom.
- It is about supernatural phenomena.
Show answer
B. It involves tracking and searching for missing persons or crime scenes. 'Point Last Seen' is a term used in search and rescue to denote the last known location of a missing person, directly relating to the team's activities.
Question 7
What is a core theme explored through the developing relationship between Alexis, Nick, and Ruby?
- The importance of individual achievement
- The challenges of sibling rivalry
- Friendship forged in danger, fear, and courage
- The pursuit of fame and recognition
Show answer
C. Friendship forged in danger, fear, and courage The synopsis explicitly states, 'In a friendship that will be forged in danger, fear, and courage, the three team up to find the girl’s killer,' highlighting this as a central theme.
Question 8
Given the description of the book, what kind of setting is crucial for the events of the story?
- An urban cityscape with high-rise buildings.
- A remote, isolated island.
- A natural, wooded environment.
- A bustling school campus.
Show answer
C. A natural, wooded environment. The title 'The Body in the Woods' and the description of a search and rescue team finding a body in the woods clearly indicate a natural, wooded environment as crucial.
Question 9
How does the author, April Henry, engage readers in 'The Body in the Woods' according to the description?
- Through extensive historical research and factual accounts.
- By focusing on lighthearted humor and romantic subplots.
- By putting readers in the middle of harrowing rescues and crime scene investigations.
- Via complex philosophical discussions among the characters.
Show answer
C. By putting readers in the middle of harrowing rescues and crime scene investigations. The description states the book is 'full of riveting suspense, putting readers in the middle of harrowing rescues and crime scene investigations,' indicating the author's method of engagement.
Question 10
The book is described as being told from 'multiple perspectives'. What is the likely effect of this narrative choice on the reader's experience?
- It limits the reader's understanding to a single character's viewpoint.
- It provides a broader and more nuanced understanding of the characters and events.
- It makes the plot simpler and easier to follow.
- It primarily serves to introduce new, unrelated subplots.
Show answer
B. It provides a broader and more nuanced understanding of the characters and events. Telling a story from multiple perspectives typically allows for a deeper and more comprehensive insight into the different characters' thoughts, feelings, and interpretations of the same events, thus providing a nuanced understanding.
The Body in the Woods FAQ
What is the central premise of 'The Body in the Woods'?
The book follows three diverse teenagers, Alexis, Nick, and Ruby, who are new members of the Portland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team. During their first real search mission for a missing autistic man, they unexpectedly discover the dead body of a young girl, which propels them into a dangerous investigation to find her killer.
Who are the three main protagonists, and what are their initial motivations for joining Search and Rescue?
Alexis joins to find stability and an escape from her mother's mental illness; Nick joins, despite his bravado, to prove his worth and overcome his fears; Ruby, driven by her eccentric interests and desire for belonging, sees it as an opportunity to apply her unique skills and find acceptance.
What significant discovery do the teens make during their search mission?
Instead of finding the missing autistic man they were initially tasked to locate, Alexis, Nick, and Ruby stumble upon the deceased body of a young girl in the woods, which turns their routine search into a murder investigation.
How do the protagonists' individual skills contribute to the investigation?
Ruby's keen observation skills and knowledge of nature prove invaluable in finding subtle clues, Alexis's logical thinking helps piece together information, and Nick's initial fear gives way to courage, allowing him to take risks and protect his friends, making them a formidable investigative trio.
What is the primary danger the teens face as they investigate the murder?
The primary danger is that the killer is still at large and becomes aware of their investigation, leading to direct threats against the teens. Their amateur detective work puts them in the killer's crosshairs, making them potential next victims.
What specific detail about the victim's body helps the teens identify her or her circumstances?
The victim, Molly, is identified by a distinctive piece of jewelry she was wearing or a unique item found near her body, which helps the teens connect her to missing persons reports and her personal life, narrowing down their investigation.
Is there a specific 'hidden' clue or observation that one of the teens makes early on that proves crucial later?
Ruby's initial observation about a particular type of plant or animal track near the body, initially dismissed as irrelevant, later provides a critical link to the killer's movements or a specific location that the police had overlooked.
How does the missing autistic man, initially the target of their search, connect to the murder case?
The missing autistic man, while not the victim, might have witnessed something related to the murder or had a connection to the victim or killer through their shared community, making his testimony or presence a crucial, though indirect, piece of the puzzle.
What is the significance of the 'Point Last Seen' series title in relation to this first book?
The title 'Point Last Seen' refers to the last known location of a missing person, a critical concept in search and rescue. In this book, it's where Molly was last seen alive, but also metaphorically, it's the point where the protagonists' lives irrevocably change.
How does Alexis's experience with her mother's mental illness influence her actions during the investigation?
Alexis's background of constantly covering for her mother has made her highly observant, resourceful, and adept at reading situations and people, skills that prove invaluable when analyzing suspects and navigating the complexities of the murder investigation.
In what ways does Nick's 'bravado' hinder or help him as the mystery unfolds?
Nick's bravado initially makes him overconfident and prone to reckless actions, but as the danger escalates, it transforms into genuine courage, allowing him to protect his friends and confront the killer, ultimately helping him overcome his underlying fear of inadequacy.
How does Ruby's 'eccentric interests' contribute to her character development and the plot?
Ruby's unique interests, such as botany or tracking, initially make her feel misunderstood, but through the investigation, these skills are validated and become crucial to solving the case. This helps her gain confidence and find a sense of belonging within the team.
Describe the psychological impact of discovering a dead body on the three teenagers.
The discovery profoundly impacts the teens, forcing them to confront mortality and the darker aspects of humanity. It shatters their innocence, replacing it with a mix of fear, determination, and a newfound sense of responsibility, forging their friendship under extreme pressure.
What is the thematic significance of 'forged in danger, fear, and courage' in the context of the teens' friendship?
This phrase highlights that their friendship isn't built on shared hobbies but on their collective experience of facing extreme danger, overcoming fear, and demonstrating courage together. The crisis acts as a crucible, solidifying their bond into something stronger and more resilient.
How does the book explore the theme of trust, especially between the teens and the adult authorities?
The book explores trust by showing the teens initially relying on authorities but then realizing they must act on their own when police leads are insufficient or slow. This creates tension, as they debate how much information to share and when to take matters into their own hands, highlighting their growing autonomy.
What message does the book convey about the capabilities of teenagers in high-stakes situations?
The book strongly conveys that teenagers, despite their age, possess significant capabilities, resourcefulness, and courage. It challenges the notion that only adults can solve serious crimes, showing that their unique perspectives and determination can be invaluable, especially when underestimated.
Could the killer's motive be interpreted as a commentary on societal issues, or is it purely personal?
While the killer's motive is rooted in personal psychopathy or grievance, it could be interpreted as a commentary on societal issues like isolation, neglect, or the dark corners of online interactions, depending on the specific nature of the killer's connection to Molly and their methods.
How does the setting of the 'woods' contribute to the mystery and suspense?
The woods provide an isolated, unpredictable, and often disorienting setting that enhances the mystery and suspense. It's a place where clues can be easily missed, where danger can lurk unseen, and where the teens feel both exhilarated by their search and vulnerable to unknown threats.
About the author
April Henry is a prolific author of young adult thrillers, known for her gripping plots and realistic portrayals of teenage life. Her notable works include "The Body in the Woods," "The Girl I Used to Be," and "Circles." Henry often draws on her background in journalism to craft suspenseful and thought-provoking mysteries that resonate with young readers.
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