I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Published by Henry Holt & Company on August 24, 2021
Genres: YA Mystery
Pages: 272
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Format: E-galley
My Rating:

Goodreads
Synopsis:
After a bestselling fantasy writer disappears, only his biggest fan believes he’s in danger. Instead of re-reading his books, she must venture into the real world to uncover the truth in this fast-paced mystery by New York Times-bestselling author April Henry. For readers of Courtney Summers and Karen McManus.
Bridget is RM Haldon’s biggest fan. She and her mom sought refuge in Haldron’s epic fantasy series Swords and Shadows while her mom was losing her battle with cancer. When Bridget met Haldon at one of his rare book signings, she impressed the author with her encyclopedic knowledge of the fantasy world he’d created. Bridget has been working for him ever since as he attempts to write the final book in his blockbuster sword and sorcery series. But Haldon has gone missing, and Bridget is the only person who seems concerned. Can Bridget piece together Haldon’s cryptic clues and save him before it’s too late?
Master mystery-writer April Henry weaves another heart-stopping young adult thriller in this story that seamlessly blends suspense with an exploration of fan culture.
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My Review:
I’ve heard a lot about April Henry, but this is my first book by her. And it was a good one! I loved the whole idea of an author somewhat modeled after the author of Game of Thrones. An author that fans are waiting for that next book in the series and getting so frustrated on not getting it. Not to mention how the tv series is stuck and in real life it had to go on without the last book. But this story also took on a bit of the feel of the book Misery by Stephen King. In several ways. First, you know kidnapping the author to get him to write a book. Then the typewriter part as well.
I do have to say that I kind of felt when I’d originally read the synopsis that there would be more of the story where Bridget knew Haldron was missing and that she would be searching for him longer. While that part of the story was pretty good, it felt a little short, or maybe rushed to me, based on how I’d assumed from the blurb the story would go.
Really though this was a good book, and I will definitely be recommending it for my own students to read.
About the Author:

April Henry is the New York Times bestselling author of many acclaimed mysteries for adults and young adults, including the YA novels Girl, Stolen; The Girl I Used to Be, which was nominated for an Edgar Award; The Night She Disappeared; and Body in the Woods and Blood Will Tell, Books One and Two in the Point Last Seen series. She lives in Oregon.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
Giveaway:
Tour-wide giveaway (INT) – Ends September 2nd
- Print copy of Eyes of the Forest
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Good review, Lisa! It sounds like an interesting book.
BTW, I read your “About” page and enjoyed the photos of you with favorite authors so this book was right up your alley! I also enjoyed hearing you have mini dauchshunds. My son has a mini dauchshund and he’s such a sweet, funny dog.
Dachshunds are the best! I might be a little bit swayed by the fact that I’ve owned them all my life. But I can’t imagine ever living without one. Thanks for stopping by!
Great review, Lisa! This sounds like a fun mystery!
It definitely was a good read!
I really need to try April Henry. This sounds really good, thanks for sharing?
This was the first one I actually finished, but I’m glad I did, it was worth it.