Genre: Mystery
Bel is an eighteen year old girl who was raised by her father when her mother disappeared suddenly sixteen years ago. Rachel Price’s disappearance captured local news for years because she was last seen with Bel, who was found in a running car alone in her car seat on the side of the road. Bel’s father was tried for the crime, but found not guilty and Bel was hoping to put all of the pain behind her. However, when they are approached about a documentary on her mother’s disappearance she only agrees because her father seems to think it’s a good idea. As they start shooting the documentary, though, she starts to have misgivings. Before she can decide if she wants to continue, Rachel shows up still wearing the clothes she disappeared in 16 years ago. Bel isn’t sure exactly why but something about her mother’s story about getting kidnapped and held against her will only to escape now after all this time seems farfetched and the facts don’t always line up. Her father’s reaction to her mother’s reappearance seems odd as well. Her mother moves back in with them and attempts to form a relationship with her and her cousin, Carter. Bel finds it difficult to connect with her mother after all these years, but Carter thinks Rachel is amazing and doesn’t understand why Bel isn’t overjoyed to have her back. Can Bel find out the truth behind Rachel’s disappearance? Will she be able to handle the truth?
This mystery story is engaging right from the beginning, but the ending will really thrill mystery lovers. Rachel’s disappearance and reappearance leave so many questions that it takes awhile to unravel it all, but the journey is totally worth it when it all comes spilling out. The backdrop of the documentary is also a great way to show how the outside world is viewing this incredible story. The characters are also really well depicted to help shape the actions in the story and why each character had certain motivations. The premise is very interesting, but the ending is what readers will be talking about. Highly recommended for mystery readers.
Young Adult Book Reviews 