Release Date: January 2014Genre: Mystery
Protagonist: Emily Shepherd, high school student
The Story: Although Emily is aware that her father, a former soldier, suffers from PTSD, she firmly believes that he would not harm another person. Emily's beliefs are shaken when her father emerges from the woods near her home with the body of high school student Ashlee Parker in his arms. Suddenly an outcast determined to prove her father's innocence, Emily unwittingly attracts the attention of Emily's boyfriend, Damon, who seems to think Emily should be punished for her father's crime.
Reaction: The mystery behind Ashlee's death drives The Killing Woods, along with Emily's determination to show that her father is a better person than the community is willing to believe. I liked Emily's drive, but somehow the mystery of the novel fell flat. Perhaps there was too much internal dialogue or too many vague references to "the game" that Ashlee played in the woods with Damon and his friends. When the "secret" was revealed, it wasn't as shocking as intended. What worked well? The strange push-pull relationship between Emily and Damon. For some reason, I would have liked to have seen what their interactions were like pre-death.
If You Like... darker mysteries with a romantic undertone, this book may be a nice summer read.
Rating: 2
Teacher Notes: The Killing Woods would be a nice addition to a high school teacher's bookshelf. This is a good high interest, low level book that could be offered to reluctant readers.
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