102 pages • 3 hours read
The Body in the Woods: A Point Last Seen Mystery
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Portland, Oregon • Contemporary
2014
YA
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
In The Body in the Woods by April Henry, teens Alexis, Ruby, and Nick, volunteers for Portland's Search and Rescue, discover a dead girl during their first mission. They unravel a series of murders targeting unhoused girls and ultimately confront the killer, Caleb Becker. Alongside solving the crime, they navigate personal challenges and form a deep bond. The book addresses themes of bias, race, privilege, and mental health.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Gritty
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
9,798 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Body in the Woods by April Henry receives mixed reviews. Readers commend its fast-paced plot and the realistic portrayal of teenage volunteers in a search-and-rescue team, providing engaging and relatable characters. However, some criticize predictable elements and inconsistent pacing. Overall, it delivers an intriguing blend of mystery and adventure suitable for young adult readers.
Who Should Read The Body in the Woods?
Fans of fast-paced YA mysteries and thrillers like John Green's Paper Towns and Karen M. McManus's One of Us Is Lying will enjoy The Body in the Woods by April Henry. Readers who appreciate teen sleuth protagonists, suspenseful plotlines, and realistic settings with true crime elements will find this book captivating.
9,798 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nick Walker
Nick Walker
A biracial teenager grappling with the legacy of his father's military service and his own identity, he is part of the SAR team and seeks to embody bravery and honor.
Ruby McClure
Ruby McClure
A highly intelligent and prepared teen with a keen interest in true crime and birding, she is part of the SAR team and uses her skills to help solve mysteries.
Detective Harriman
Detective Harriman
An experienced detective who at first overlooks the SAR teens' insights but eventually learns to value their contributions to investigations.
Caleb Becker
Caleb Becker
Posing as a harmless birder, he is a dangerous individual with a meticulous method for targeting marginalized young women.
Bran Dawson
Bran Dawson
A caring volunteer who provides support and a safe space for Alexis, offering her companionship and understanding during difficult times.
288
Novel • Fiction
Portland, Oregon • Contemporary
2014
YA
12-18 years
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