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In the Blood
In this heart-pounding YA thriller, when an adopted teen takes a DNA test to find her biological parents, she unwittingly puts herself in the crosshairs of a serial killer.
Adopted as a newborn, Tessa has always wondered who her biological parents are. After turning eighteen, she takes a DNA test in hopes of finding the answers. With best friend El and lab partner Victor, Tessa uses the results to start building her family tree. But they find more dead ends than answers. Her biological mother, who was raised in a religious cult, has cut all ties with her controlling family. And her biological father remains a complete mystery, at least until the police show up. For fifteen years, they’ve been trying to identify a serial killer known as the Portland Phantom. Tessa may be the link they’ve been waiting for.
April Henry delivers a twisty thriller about the families who choose us―and the ones we’re born into. Biology does not have to dictate one’s destiny.
And don’t miss these other chilling thrillers from April Henry
Stay Dead
Girl Forgotten
Two Truths and a Lie
When We Go Missing
Adopted as a newborn, Tessa has always wondered who her biological parents are. After turning eighteen, she takes a DNA test in hopes of finding the answers. With best friend El and lab partner Victor, Tessa uses the results to start building her family tree. But they find more dead ends than answers. Her biological mother, who was raised in a religious cult, has cut all ties with her controlling family. And her biological father remains a complete mystery, at least until the police show up. For fifteen years, they’ve been trying to identify a serial killer known as the Portland Phantom. Tessa may be the link they’ve been waiting for.
April Henry delivers a twisty thriller about the families who choose us―and the ones we’re born into. Biology does not have to dictate one’s destiny.
And don’t miss these other chilling thrillers from April Henry
Stay Dead
Girl Forgotten
Two Truths and a Lie
When We Go Missing
293 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
April Henry
34 books3,506 followersI write mysteries and thrillers. I live in Portland, Oregon with my family.
If you've read one of my books, I would love to hear from you. Hearing from readers makes me eager to keep writing.
When I was 12, I sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children's magazine.
My dream of writing went dormant until I was in my 30s, working at a corporate job, and started writing books on the side. Those first few years are now thankfully a blur. Now I'm very lucky to make a living doing what I love. I have written31 novels for adults and teens, with more on the way. My books have been on the New York Times bestseller list, translated into twelve languages, and won the Edgar, Anthony, and Oregon Book awards.
If you've read one of my books, I would love to hear from you. Hearing from readers makes me eager to keep writing.
When I was 12, I sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children's magazine.
My dream of writing went dormant until I was in my 30s, working at a corporate job, and started writing books on the side. Those first few years are now thankfully a blur. Now I'm very lucky to make a living doing what I love. I have written31 novels for adults and teens, with more on the way. My books have been on the New York Times bestseller list, translated into twelve languages, and won the Edgar, Anthony, and Oregon Book awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
September 25, 2026
Strong start but started to bleh for me after my latest status update and skimmed the end to see how it ended.
Not a terrible book, just a miss for me, I rated the parts I read and enjoyed.
Not a terrible book, just a miss for me, I rated the parts I read and enjoyed.
May 22, 2026
“Tessa longed to see herself in another person. To have a connection down to her sinews and bones.”
A touching yet suspenseful read—I finished it quickly! Tessa, who was adopted when she was a baby, has just turned eighteen and decides now is the time to look for her biological parents. She submits her DNA to an ancestry site and finds some answers but even more questions when the FBI shows up and explains her DNA matches the Portland Phantom—a serial killer still at large.
Multiple perspectives, including Tessa and the Phantom, along with mixed media excerpts and the short punchy chapters kept the pace steady and pages flipping! APRIL HENRY does a magnificent job of detailing both how DNA is used in criminal investigations and genealogy. It was fascinating, informative, and easily accessible. Tessa is entirely relatable in her yearning of wanting to know where she came from. The feelings and concerns of adoptees are handled with realism and care as Tessa struggles with how much of oneself is nature versus nurture—blood relations don't necessarily mean family. I was locked into her plight, as well as the hunt for the murderer—whose point of view was a chilling counterpoint.
Crime fiction fans who like science and forensics and an insidious game of cat-and-mouse, mixed with a thoughtful coming-of-age tale, will enjoy IN THE BLOOD!
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Thank you to Novel Suspects and Christy Ottaviano Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
A touching yet suspenseful read—I finished it quickly! Tessa, who was adopted when she was a baby, has just turned eighteen and decides now is the time to look for her biological parents. She submits her DNA to an ancestry site and finds some answers but even more questions when the FBI shows up and explains her DNA matches the Portland Phantom—a serial killer still at large.
Multiple perspectives, including Tessa and the Phantom, along with mixed media excerpts and the short punchy chapters kept the pace steady and pages flipping! APRIL HENRY does a magnificent job of detailing both how DNA is used in criminal investigations and genealogy. It was fascinating, informative, and easily accessible. Tessa is entirely relatable in her yearning of wanting to know where she came from. The feelings and concerns of adoptees are handled with realism and care as Tessa struggles with how much of oneself is nature versus nurture—blood relations don't necessarily mean family. I was locked into her plight, as well as the hunt for the murderer—whose point of view was a chilling counterpoint.
Crime fiction fans who like science and forensics and an insidious game of cat-and-mouse, mixed with a thoughtful coming-of-age tale, will enjoy IN THE BLOOD!
____
Thank you to Novel Suspects and Christy Ottaviano Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had such an interesting premise and it definitely delivered as a fast, engaging read.
Tessa, who was adopted as a baby, decides to take a DNA test on her 18th birthday to learn more about her biological family… and somehow ends up connected to a serial killer case that’s been open for years. And exactly when the killer strikes again.
Yep, that escalated quickly ...
I really liked the investigation aspect, especially seeing Tessa, El, and Victor dig into her background and try to piece things together. Of course, being teenagers, they also get themselves into trouble along the way, which honestly felt pretty realistic.
The cult angle was also a nice addition and made the story more interesting.
One thing I did struggle with a bit was the detective. She’s supposed to be very smart and accomplished, but some of her decisions felt questionable, especially sharing details of an active investigation with a group of teens.
I also liked how AI was used toward the end of the book. If it makes even one teen question what they see online, then it definitely did its job.
Overall, this is a very bingeable YA thriller. I can easily see my 16–18yo self reading this in one sitting and talking about it nonstop for a few weeks. I kind of did the same now, went right to my husband to tell him this and that. :D
⭐ 4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
Tessa, who was adopted as a baby, decides to take a DNA test on her 18th birthday to learn more about her biological family… and somehow ends up connected to a serial killer case that’s been open for years. And exactly when the killer strikes again.
Yep, that escalated quickly ...
I really liked the investigation aspect, especially seeing Tessa, El, and Victor dig into her background and try to piece things together. Of course, being teenagers, they also get themselves into trouble along the way, which honestly felt pretty realistic.
The cult angle was also a nice addition and made the story more interesting.
One thing I did struggle with a bit was the detective. She’s supposed to be very smart and accomplished, but some of her decisions felt questionable, especially sharing details of an active investigation with a group of teens.
I also liked how AI was used toward the end of the book. If it makes even one teen question what they see online, then it definitely did its job.
Overall, this is a very bingeable YA thriller. I can easily see my 16–18yo self reading this in one sitting and talking about it nonstop for a few weeks. I kind of did the same now, went right to my husband to tell him this and that. :D
⭐ 4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
April 29, 2026
A YA thriller that teaches you something and keeps you hooked? Yes please.
I’m grateful to have received a complimentary eARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
4.25⭐️
I really enjoyed this one. It felt layered, engaging, and even a bit educational in the best way. While the science elements might not be for everyone, I personally loved how they were woven into the story. They felt relevant to the plot, clearly explained for a younger audience, and never overwhelming to the point of pulling focus from the thriller itself.
The story follows three points of view: Tessa, the teen FMC; Kiera, the first officer on the scene of the initial murder; and Quentin, the serial killer. I love knowing who the killer is from the start—it adds a different kind of tension, letting you watch everything unfold from multiple angles rather than just guessing.
And the science! One standout moment was the class extracting DNA from a strawberry—a classic school experiment. It was accurate, accessible, and such a smart way to bridge classroom learning with real-world application in the story. It added an extra layer of depth that makes this perfect for teen readers, but honestly, it’s just as enjoyable for adults who read YA.
Another detail I really appreciated: each chapter included a bolded word. It felt like a subtle puzzle, adding an extra layer of meaning and making me think more about how each concept tied into what was happening.
I highly recommend this one. It’s entertaining, well-written, and everything comes together in a really satisfying way. The teen perspective keeps it fast-paced and authentic while still delivering a story that can resonate beyond its target audience.
I’m grateful to have received a complimentary eARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
4.25⭐️
I really enjoyed this one. It felt layered, engaging, and even a bit educational in the best way. While the science elements might not be for everyone, I personally loved how they were woven into the story. They felt relevant to the plot, clearly explained for a younger audience, and never overwhelming to the point of pulling focus from the thriller itself.
The story follows three points of view: Tessa, the teen FMC; Kiera, the first officer on the scene of the initial murder; and Quentin, the serial killer. I love knowing who the killer is from the start—it adds a different kind of tension, letting you watch everything unfold from multiple angles rather than just guessing.
And the science! One standout moment was the class extracting DNA from a strawberry—a classic school experiment. It was accurate, accessible, and such a smart way to bridge classroom learning with real-world application in the story. It added an extra layer of depth that makes this perfect for teen readers, but honestly, it’s just as enjoyable for adults who read YA.
Another detail I really appreciated: each chapter included a bolded word. It felt like a subtle puzzle, adding an extra layer of meaning and making me think more about how each concept tied into what was happening.
I highly recommend this one. It’s entertaining, well-written, and everything comes together in a really satisfying way. The teen perspective keeps it fast-paced and authentic while still delivering a story that can resonate beyond its target audience.
June 1, 2026
Obsessed isn't exactly the right word, but I have a peaked interest in all things genetic genealogy, mostly what happens when people get unexpected results (sociologist by day). I'm sure that's why the algorithms pushed this my way, despite that I don't typically read YA. This was pretty good. All my problems with it have to do with it being YA, which are not really problems at all. I had to keep reminding my old, cynical self that a teenager probably would make those decisions, but it tossed me out of the narrative. The science parts are great. It was just the mystery/thriller parts that were too YA for me.
May 14, 2026
IN THE BLOOD is my favorite April Henry novel.
Tessa is such a sympathetic main character. When her BFF gives Tessa a DNA kit hoping to find information on her biological parents, she waits the two weeks until she’s eighteen, the age requirement at Ancestry. Most teens would have just fudged the date, even if they weren’t close to the age of majority. Tessa is a rule follower. Her lab partner uses his expertise in the science and math or DNA, added to her BFF’s knowledge of building family trees and together they connect the puzzle pieces. What the trio doesn’t anticipate is the police showing up on her doorstep announcing her bio-father’s DNA matches a serial killer.
I love plots involving DNA and genealogy. Henry added snippets from a Lifetime TV documentary about the killer and points of view from a detective and the murderer to give IN THE BLOOD even more depth.
The audiobook narrator did an okay job with Tessa’s sections, but was miscast with the other sections.
Tessa is such a sympathetic main character. When her BFF gives Tessa a DNA kit hoping to find information on her biological parents, she waits the two weeks until she’s eighteen, the age requirement at Ancestry. Most teens would have just fudged the date, even if they weren’t close to the age of majority. Tessa is a rule follower. Her lab partner uses his expertise in the science and math or DNA, added to her BFF’s knowledge of building family trees and together they connect the puzzle pieces. What the trio doesn’t anticipate is the police showing up on her doorstep announcing her bio-father’s DNA matches a serial killer.
I love plots involving DNA and genealogy. Henry added snippets from a Lifetime TV documentary about the killer and points of view from a detective and the murderer to give IN THE BLOOD even more depth.
The audiobook narrator did an okay job with Tessa’s sections, but was miscast with the other sections.
May 4, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5⭐️’s rounded up - I wasn’t expecting to fly through this book, but it was hard to put down! It was a unique thriller with multiple perspectives - I really enjoyed it.
4.5⭐️’s rounded up - I wasn’t expecting to fly through this book, but it was hard to put down! It was a unique thriller with multiple perspectives - I really enjoyed it.
June 25, 2026
I got totally sucked in to this serial killer mystery, and I think that teen readers will be, too. With the popularity of true crime, this book dovetails perfectly. It's about an adopted (as a baby) 18-year old who gets her DNA tested to learn more about her birth parents. And wow, the news is not good! It turns out she is the daughter of a Portland area serial killer, and she and her friends almost become his next victims.
The themes are a bit heavy and serious, but the plot moves quickly and we get a (mostly) happy ending. My favorite thing about April Henry books, though, is knowing that this author does her research about every single thing she writes in her book. So if you're reading about how to find out if a body is buried under a football stadium, for instance, you know that Henry has talked to experts about it. So you don't ever have to wonder, "could that really happen?!".
The themes are a bit heavy and serious, but the plot moves quickly and we get a (mostly) happy ending. My favorite thing about April Henry books, though, is knowing that this author does her research about every single thing she writes in her book. So if you're reading about how to find out if a body is buried under a football stadium, for instance, you know that Henry has talked to experts about it. So you don't ever have to wonder, "could that really happen?!".
Read
January 14, 2026I couldn't put down this book and I was "afraid" what would happen next, but I couldn't put it down!
It's perfect for high school readers who love a good mystery. April Henry is very good at keeping readers on the edge of their seat throughout the whole book.
A must-have addition for all libraries!
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I can see this book being using in high school classes mainly for the ending and the use of AI to deceive someone. Showing how AI can be used to create false pictures and videos of someone. This would be a great discussion in high school classrooms of the legality and effectiveness. How can you tell an image of video is real? How can you trust what is online?
It's perfect for high school readers who love a good mystery. April Henry is very good at keeping readers on the edge of their seat throughout the whole book.
A must-have addition for all libraries!
Possible Spoiler Alert-
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Possible Spoiler Alert-
I can see this book being using in high school classes mainly for the ending and the use of AI to deceive someone. Showing how AI can be used to create false pictures and videos of someone. This would be a great discussion in high school classrooms of the legality and effectiveness. How can you tell an image of video is real? How can you trust what is online?
June 25, 2026
I listened to this teen thriller and had a hard time putting it down!
Lots to love here:
-fast-paced excitement that felt grounded from the beginning
-lots of twists and reveals
-emotional depth and delicate topics handled with sensitivity and nuance (specifically here adoption, domestic abuse, living in/leaving a cult, and online predators)
-strong friendship and family ties beautifully executed
-author's note was top notch!
I wished there were a few less coincidences and a few places where it seemed like the investigators were sharing too many details with people who were involved in the case, made it a little hard for me to fully suspend disbelief. Also I would have preferred not to have one of the POVs; I get why it was done, but I think it could have been stronger without it!
Compelling, twisty, and with remarkable depth, this is a great serial killer story for teens.
Lots to love here:
-fast-paced excitement that felt grounded from the beginning
-lots of twists and reveals
-emotional depth and delicate topics handled with sensitivity and nuance (specifically here adoption, domestic abuse, living in/leaving a cult, and online predators)
-strong friendship and family ties beautifully executed
-author's note was top notch!
I wished there were a few less coincidences and a few places where it seemed like the investigators were sharing too many details with people who were involved in the case, made it a little hard for me to fully suspend disbelief. Also I would have preferred not to have one of the POVs; I get why it was done, but I think it could have been stronger without it!
Compelling, twisty, and with remarkable depth, this is a great serial killer story for teens.
May 4, 2026
As someone that grew up reading April Henry's books, this was such a nostalgic read for me. This was such an interesting, fast paced, and bingeable YA thriller read. My favorite parts were the investigation and cult aspects of the book. It was nice to read the POV's of different characters for this story because you really got to be in their mind and know why and how they do what they do, even the killers. For example, I really liked seeing the aspect of Keisha and the other detectives while they investigated and be in their mind because you got to see how they saw and examined things to unfold the story in their eyes on what happened. When I got to the cult part and Jared talking about how things really were/are in the family/cult aspect, it made me really enjoy it because I was not expecting that to be mixed into this book. Overall, the story was suspenseful and tense, but not anything crazy to overwhelm you or make you extremely shocked by a crazy twist at the end. Now I want to go back and reread her other books that I remember reading in high school!!!
June 28, 2026
3.3/5
This is told in alternating chapters between an adopted teen, a serial killer, and a cop trying to catch him. I think it was just okay, a little more edgy than a traditional ya mystery/thriller. Probably a book to read before you try out A Good Girl's Guide to Murder or The Naturals series.
This is told in alternating chapters between an adopted teen, a serial killer, and a cop trying to catch him. I think it was just okay, a little more edgy than a traditional ya mystery/thriller. Probably a book to read before you try out A Good Girl's Guide to Murder or The Naturals series.
August 24, 2026
Probably a four star, but rounded up. A girl looking for her biological parents gets more than she bargained for: a teen mom from a cult and a serial killer for a father.
Read by Tessa Netting. #booksin26
Read by Tessa Netting. #booksin26
July 17, 2026
It’s interesting with a good plot but all the characters felt very one dimensional.
July 20, 2026
I enjoyed this one. It was a quick, easy listen that kept me entertained.
Audiobook:
Narrator(s): Tessa Netting
1.75x
Audiobook:
Narrator(s): Tessa Netting
1.75x
October 8, 2026
First non-full star on goodreads, 3.25: good enough to keep reading, not written in a style or having the subtlety I prefer in books :)
July 14, 2026
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
In the Blood by April Henry is a YA thriller that blends DNA genealogy, adoption identity struggles, and serial-killer suspense into a fast-paced, thought-provoking read. There is 3 key characters: Tessa Lundgren, Officer Keisha Washington, and the serial killer known as the Portland Phantom. Tessa Lundgren, a high school senior in Portland, Oregon, has always felt out of place in her loving adoptive family—her brown hair and eyes stand out against their blonde, blue-eyed looks.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
In the Blood by April Henry is a YA thriller that blends DNA genealogy, adoption identity struggles, and serial-killer suspense into a fast-paced, thought-provoking read. There is 3 key characters: Tessa Lundgren, Officer Keisha Washington, and the serial killer known as the Portland Phantom. Tessa Lundgren, a high school senior in Portland, Oregon, has always felt out of place in her loving adoptive family—her brown hair and eyes stand out against their blonde, blue-eyed looks.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
May 26, 2026
A thrilling read filled with suspense and intrigue. I loves the POV of the killer, the daughter, and the young cop. Kept the pages turning. I couldn’t put it down.
May 7, 2026
4.5⭐️
One of my favorite reads!
One of my favorite reads!
June 29, 2026
Okay, it feels like a crime against nature to give an April Henry book two stars, but honestly I do not know what she was going for here. It felt like a chore to get through this one. First of all, the premise is actaully intriguing which drew me in, so it has that going for it, but once you get to actually reading it you wonder where the plot actually went. Normally, I am a big fan of the switched perspectives, but with the Portland Phantom's wife being casually mentioned then never being brought up again, there was a huge missed opportunity to give her more attention in the story. I think that for her to have a perspective since her husband is a serial killer only makes sense. The main focus of the story is 18 year old Tessa, who was adopted as a baby because she was left at a fire station. For her birthday, her best friend gives her a DNA kit. When she takes the test, police are notified because she shares DNA with the who they believe to be a serial killer in the area, the Portland Phantom. There is a cop, Keisha, who can be claimed as a main character as well who follows the case. For YA, this seems farfetched. I am all for inclusion, but there was some serious push for characters and situations to be over the top political, which added absolutely nothing to the story. I find it hard to believe any teens could relate to this story; other than the adoptive part. There were so many plot points started that went nowhere, and you surely would expect them to. Back the point of the Portland Phantom, it was so confusing what his motives were, and on top of that when it tried to be explained I was even more confused. Him being married was included for four pages at most, there should have been background to this. Also, a twenty-something having a sexual relationship with a 14 year old? What type of YA book is this? The ending was completely rushed and also made no sense, which unfortunately seems to be a common theme here. I didn't get how the Phantom spent all these years trying to stay a...you know, Phantom, only to reveal his identity at a high school sports game. The interview with Tessa at the end was also out of place, then we learn in the last two pages there is being a book written about her situation? The fact that Ruth was buried in the schools construction site was also very random and not explained at the proper time. Overall, loose ends are everywhere in this story. Save your time and read more of her older stories.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love April Henry thrillers and this one did not disappoint.
When Tessa submits her DNA to an ancestry site to try to find her biological parents, she gets more than she bargained for.
I didn't want to put this book down, and read it in a day. Short chapters and multiple POVs kept me turning the pages.
This is great for high schoolers or readers who prefer less gore in their thrillers.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
When Tessa submits her DNA to an ancestry site to try to find her biological parents, she gets more than she bargained for.
I didn't want to put this book down, and read it in a day. Short chapters and multiple POVs kept me turning the pages.
This is great for high schoolers or readers who prefer less gore in their thrillers.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
February 9, 2026
In the Blood is a great thrill ride of a book. On Tessa's 18th birthday her best friend gifts her a DNA kit so she can learn about her biological parents after being adopted when she was an infant. Only learning more about her past could have a major impact on her future.
I absolutely loved this one. It is told through 3 different POVs and each adds a different layer to the story. Another home run for April Henry.
I absolutely loved this one. It is told through 3 different POVs and each adds a different layer to the story. Another home run for April Henry.
April 9, 2026
I was a giveaway winner and really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I probably would’ve given it 4.5 stars if I was able to give it half stars just because I only give books 5 stars if I can’t put them down. However, this book got me to round up because it was so good. I liked the way it used three POVs. This really helped develop the story and had me asking questions the whole time. Excellent mystery book, highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Tessa Lundgren has always known she was left at a fire station right after her birth and adopted, and is happy with her parents, but when she turns 18, her best friend El gives her a DNA test. The two had always thought about who Tessa's biological parents might have been, so Tessa does eventually send off the test. She's busy at school, and starts hanging out with her lab partner, Victor. In alternating chapters, we also hear the point of view of Keisha, a police officer who is sent to do a welfare check on a young woman named Alida and finds her murdered. She starts to delve into the fifteen years history of a killer called the Portland Phantom who is scrupulous about leaving no traces, but who does leave gruesome "calling cards" of mementos from previous victims. There is only one sample of DNA from one of his killings, taken from underneath the fingernails of the victim. We also see Quentin Sinclair, who is committing the murders, and get a look at the warped psychology behind his actions. While her parents are generally supportive of her, Tessa has noticed that they seem very stressed, and worry that they will divorce, leaving her and her younger sister Phoebe, their biological child, in a stressful situation. When she gets her DNA match back, she locates a woman who is probably a cousin of her mother. Audrey meets up with Tessa, El, and Victor, and seems to think that her cousin Gina might be Tessa's mother. Gina is involved in a cult-like religious group called the Reapers, and does talk to Tessa. It seems that her daughter Ruth might be Tessa's mother, but she ran away from home around the time that Tessa was born. Since she was raised in such a strict environment, Tessa is at a loss as to who her father might have been. She talks to Ruth's brother Jared, who gives her Ruth's diary. There's still not a lot of information. There has been yet another murder, and Keisha, who is still involved in the investigation, gets an alert about Tessa's DNA test. Suspicion falls on Tessa's father, until the detectives talk to Tessa and find out that she is adopted. We see Quentin setting up his next murder, and learn about Ruth's affair with him from his perspective. Tessa is upset to learn that her father might be the Portland Phantom, but when Quentin finds out he has a daughter, the situation becomes dangerous for all involved. Will Tessa find her father, or will she become his next victim?
My students are enthralled by true crime podcasts and documentaries like the one in the book that details the investigation into the Portland Phantom and is quoted between chapters. Henry's When We Go Missing has been extremely popular with my students, and this book is even better!
I've never been a fan of true crime stories, but Henry writes such incredible mysteries that I was drawn right in. There are a lot of twists and turns that I don't want to ruin. Seeing the story unfold from three different perspectives didn't sound that appealing to me at first, but ended up being absolutely fascinating, and added a huge amount of tension to the story! The research behind the science of DNA and the way that crime scenes are investigated is very evident, and I would NEVER want to get on Henry's bad side. If anyone could pull off the perfect crime, I think it could be her!
The best part of this was that even though the murders are grisly and Quentin is clearly deranged, there are no details that make this inappropriate for middle school readers. Even Ruth's pregnancy is framed in a very factual way with no particulars. Showing Quentin's thought process can't have been easy, but we see his wife, Melanie and her Precious Moments figurines, and also Quentin's creepy storage unit with the relics from his victims. This is top notch writing, since it is suspenseful without having to resort to gruesome descriptions, profanity, or more mature language.
There's plenty of suspense, and the end of the book is fraught with danger. I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to say that Tessa survives, and ends up writing a book about her experience, since throughout the story she has talked about wanting to write. After all of the tension of the book, it is good to have a happy ending; even Tessa's parents problems are revealed as being a health issues with the father.
Something about the cover reminded me of Lois Duncan or Joan Lowery Nixon books from the 1990s, in absolutely the best way. There's always been a middle grade and young adult interest in true crime and murder, but they are hard topics to write about for this age group. Henry knocks it out of the park every single time with her books, and just keeps getting better and better. I will buy at least three copies of this newest title, which my students have been asking about already in January 2026.
Also, I hadn't known that the murder case of Lois Duncan's daughter was solved in 2021. Sadly, the author died in 2016.
https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/loi...
Tessa Lundgren has always known she was left at a fire station right after her birth and adopted, and is happy with her parents, but when she turns 18, her best friend El gives her a DNA test. The two had always thought about who Tessa's biological parents might have been, so Tessa does eventually send off the test. She's busy at school, and starts hanging out with her lab partner, Victor. In alternating chapters, we also hear the point of view of Keisha, a police officer who is sent to do a welfare check on a young woman named Alida and finds her murdered. She starts to delve into the fifteen years history of a killer called the Portland Phantom who is scrupulous about leaving no traces, but who does leave gruesome "calling cards" of mementos from previous victims. There is only one sample of DNA from one of his killings, taken from underneath the fingernails of the victim. We also see Quentin Sinclair, who is committing the murders, and get a look at the warped psychology behind his actions. While her parents are generally supportive of her, Tessa has noticed that they seem very stressed, and worry that they will divorce, leaving her and her younger sister Phoebe, their biological child, in a stressful situation. When she gets her DNA match back, she locates a woman who is probably a cousin of her mother. Audrey meets up with Tessa, El, and Victor, and seems to think that her cousin Gina might be Tessa's mother. Gina is involved in a cult-like religious group called the Reapers, and does talk to Tessa. It seems that her daughter Ruth might be Tessa's mother, but she ran away from home around the time that Tessa was born. Since she was raised in such a strict environment, Tessa is at a loss as to who her father might have been. She talks to Ruth's brother Jared, who gives her Ruth's diary. There's still not a lot of information. There has been yet another murder, and Keisha, who is still involved in the investigation, gets an alert about Tessa's DNA test. Suspicion falls on Tessa's father, until the detectives talk to Tessa and find out that she is adopted. We see Quentin setting up his next murder, and learn about Ruth's affair with him from his perspective. Tessa is upset to learn that her father might be the Portland Phantom, but when Quentin finds out he has a daughter, the situation becomes dangerous for all involved. Will Tessa find her father, or will she become his next victim?
My students are enthralled by true crime podcasts and documentaries like the one in the book that details the investigation into the Portland Phantom and is quoted between chapters. Henry's When We Go Missing has been extremely popular with my students, and this book is even better!
I've never been a fan of true crime stories, but Henry writes such incredible mysteries that I was drawn right in. There are a lot of twists and turns that I don't want to ruin. Seeing the story unfold from three different perspectives didn't sound that appealing to me at first, but ended up being absolutely fascinating, and added a huge amount of tension to the story! The research behind the science of DNA and the way that crime scenes are investigated is very evident, and I would NEVER want to get on Henry's bad side. If anyone could pull off the perfect crime, I think it could be her!
The best part of this was that even though the murders are grisly and Quentin is clearly deranged, there are no details that make this inappropriate for middle school readers. Even Ruth's pregnancy is framed in a very factual way with no particulars. Showing Quentin's thought process can't have been easy, but we see his wife, Melanie and her Precious Moments figurines, and also Quentin's creepy storage unit with the relics from his victims. This is top notch writing, since it is suspenseful without having to resort to gruesome descriptions, profanity, or more mature language.
There's plenty of suspense, and the end of the book is fraught with danger. I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to say that Tessa survives, and ends up writing a book about her experience, since throughout the story she has talked about wanting to write. After all of the tension of the book, it is good to have a happy ending; even Tessa's parents problems are revealed as being a health issues with the father.
Something about the cover reminded me of Lois Duncan or Joan Lowery Nixon books from the 1990s, in absolutely the best way. There's always been a middle grade and young adult interest in true crime and murder, but they are hard topics to write about for this age group. Henry knocks it out of the park every single time with her books, and just keeps getting better and better. I will buy at least three copies of this newest title, which my students have been asking about already in January 2026.
Also, I hadn't known that the murder case of Lois Duncan's daughter was solved in 2021. Sadly, the author died in 2016.
https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/loi...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Christy Ottaviano Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April Henry delivers another fast-paced young adult thriller in “In the Blood,” a suspenseful story that combines true crime elements and family secrets as well as the unsettling consequences of discovering one’s identity. With multiple perspectives, a gripping premise, and plenty of twists, the book is an engaging read for younger teens and fans of realistic crime fiction. Like all April Henry books, this one will do great in middle/high school libraries, though readers may want to be aware that 2 adult perspectives are provided in addition to the teen’s perspective: a young police officer’s perspective and the serial killer’s perspective.
The story follows Tessa Lundgren, an adopted teenager who has always been curious about her biological parents. When her best friend gives her a DNA test for her eighteenth birthday, Tessa hopes to learn more about where she came from. Instead, her search uncovers a shocking connection to the Portland Phantom, a notorious serial killer who has evaded capture for years. As Tessa investigates her past, the novel unfolds through three alternating perspectives: Tessa, the killer Quentin Sinclair, and Keisha, the young police officer investigating the murders, which creates a tense and layered narrative.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its structure. The shifting viewpoints heighten suspense and offer insight into the investigation, the killer’s disturbing psychology, and Tessa’s emotional journey. Seeing events through the detective’s eyes adds urgency, while the killer’s perspective provides an unsettling look into his motivations. The inclusion of true crime–style details, such as DNA testing, forensic investigation, and documentary-style excerpts, makes the story feel realistic and especially appealing to those interested in true crime podcasts and mysteries.
The premise itself is compelling and relatable: the idea that a simple genealogy test could reveal life-changing secrets. Tessa’s desire to learn about her birth family is understandable, and her discovery that her father may be a serial killer is both heartbreaking and terrifying. Her search for answers, combined with the killer’s growing interest in the daughter he never knew existed, drives the story toward a high-stakes and action-filled conclusion where the killer’s ego ultimately leads to his downfall.
Henry’s writing is accessible and suspenseful without relying on graphic content. Although the story involves murder, grooming, and mature themes such as cults and family trauma, the violence remains implied rather than explicit, making it appropriate for middle school and high school readers. The fast pacing and relatively short length make the book easy to read quickly, and the emotional resolution provides a satisfying ending in which loose ends are tied up and Tessa finds closure.
Tessa’s thoughts and actions are somewhat immature in times, which can make the story feel more suited to younger teens than older young adult readers. The focus on multiple adult perspectives, particularly the detective’s, sometimes reduces the time spent developing Tessa herself and her relationships with friends/family. I also recommend going into this story blind so that the summary doesn’t reveal Tessa’s parentage as Tessa herself doesn’t learn the truth until over halfway through the book.
Overall, “In the Blood” succeeds as a gripping and accessible thriller. The story’s quick pace, intriguing premise, and intense final act will definitely help engage readers. With its combination of emotional stakes, investigative detail, and shocking revelations, the book showcases April Henry’s talent for crafting engaging mysteries that keep readers turning pages. This is an entertaining and suspenseful addition to April Henry’s body of work; it’s ideal for younger YA readers or anyone looking for a quick, high-stakes mystery about identity, family, and the dangers hidden in the past.
April Henry delivers another fast-paced young adult thriller in “In the Blood,” a suspenseful story that combines true crime elements and family secrets as well as the unsettling consequences of discovering one’s identity. With multiple perspectives, a gripping premise, and plenty of twists, the book is an engaging read for younger teens and fans of realistic crime fiction. Like all April Henry books, this one will do great in middle/high school libraries, though readers may want to be aware that 2 adult perspectives are provided in addition to the teen’s perspective: a young police officer’s perspective and the serial killer’s perspective.
The story follows Tessa Lundgren, an adopted teenager who has always been curious about her biological parents. When her best friend gives her a DNA test for her eighteenth birthday, Tessa hopes to learn more about where she came from. Instead, her search uncovers a shocking connection to the Portland Phantom, a notorious serial killer who has evaded capture for years. As Tessa investigates her past, the novel unfolds through three alternating perspectives: Tessa, the killer Quentin Sinclair, and Keisha, the young police officer investigating the murders, which creates a tense and layered narrative.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its structure. The shifting viewpoints heighten suspense and offer insight into the investigation, the killer’s disturbing psychology, and Tessa’s emotional journey. Seeing events through the detective’s eyes adds urgency, while the killer’s perspective provides an unsettling look into his motivations. The inclusion of true crime–style details, such as DNA testing, forensic investigation, and documentary-style excerpts, makes the story feel realistic and especially appealing to those interested in true crime podcasts and mysteries.
The premise itself is compelling and relatable: the idea that a simple genealogy test could reveal life-changing secrets. Tessa’s desire to learn about her birth family is understandable, and her discovery that her father may be a serial killer is both heartbreaking and terrifying. Her search for answers, combined with the killer’s growing interest in the daughter he never knew existed, drives the story toward a high-stakes and action-filled conclusion where the killer’s ego ultimately leads to his downfall.
Henry’s writing is accessible and suspenseful without relying on graphic content. Although the story involves murder, grooming, and mature themes such as cults and family trauma, the violence remains implied rather than explicit, making it appropriate for middle school and high school readers. The fast pacing and relatively short length make the book easy to read quickly, and the emotional resolution provides a satisfying ending in which loose ends are tied up and Tessa finds closure.
Tessa’s thoughts and actions are somewhat immature in times, which can make the story feel more suited to younger teens than older young adult readers. The focus on multiple adult perspectives, particularly the detective’s, sometimes reduces the time spent developing Tessa herself and her relationships with friends/family. I also recommend going into this story blind so that the summary doesn’t reveal Tessa’s parentage as Tessa herself doesn’t learn the truth until over halfway through the book.
Overall, “In the Blood” succeeds as a gripping and accessible thriller. The story’s quick pace, intriguing premise, and intense final act will definitely help engage readers. With its combination of emotional stakes, investigative detail, and shocking revelations, the book showcases April Henry’s talent for crafting engaging mysteries that keep readers turning pages. This is an entertaining and suspenseful addition to April Henry’s body of work; it’s ideal for younger YA readers or anyone looking for a quick, high-stakes mystery about identity, family, and the dangers hidden in the past.
July 13, 2026
Tessa Lundgren was left at a firehouse as a baby. She was quickly adopted by a loving family, with great parents and an adorable little sister Phoebe. But she and her best friend El have come up with so many dreams about who her real parents are, so when El gives her an ancestry DNA kit for her 18th birthday, Tessa decides to do it.
Keisha Washington is a young detective in Portland. When she does a wellness check on a young woman who hasn't checked in with her mother for a while, she uncovers the latest of the Portland Phantom's victims. She wants in on this unsolved serial killer case, but who would accept a new police officer on such an important case?
When Tessa's DNA is entered into a new ancestry site in hopes of finding her parents after the first only turned up a distant cousin, the police are very excited. She is their first break in the Portland Phantom case, sharing half his DNA. And Tessa's search for her birth parents suddenly takes a very dark turn.
This was definitely a gripping read. I had trouble putting it down. Henry obviously did her research for this one with how DNA matching works, how it can be helpful to adoptees, how it can be helpful for police, and ways it can be misleading. Tessa has her good friend El and a lab partner at school, Victor, along with her for this wild ride. There's something going on with her adoptive parents that's distracting them but not what Tessa thinks. Some of the book is written from Quentin, the serial killer's perspective, some of it is written from Tessa's perspective, and some of it from Keisha's perspective. Between the 3 readers get a pretty full picture of everything that's going on, but watching how they put things together and the fallout of that is what's tense. Recommended to thriller fans who can handle the content.
Notes on content:
Language: A handful of minor swears, and a couple moderate swears.
Sexual content: There are no sex scenes. Tessa's parents' story involves a naive teen girl being lured into sexual encounters by an adult man. (No details about those, but she does get pregnant.) It is mentioned he moves on to others when she draws away, no details.
Violence: The serial killer strangles his victims. There's an attempted killing by arson, and someone is forced to shoot someone else (nonfatally).
Ethnic diversity: Tessa and Quentin are white American, Keisha is Black American, Victor is Hispanic American
LGBTQ+ content: 1 of the Phantom's victims was lesbian, her former roommate was bisexual, 1 victim was a trans woman, a background character is a gay man with a husband.
Other: Some of Tessa's biological family is in a cult that is very strict, can be physically abusive and emotionally abusive (they also misuse the Bible to their own ends). Keisha deals with a bit of racism and sexism as a female and Black cop. The serial killer works as a safety officer for a college and is a liason for the police who abuses his power and punishes those he thinks are deviant. One character is xenophobic. A character went through chemo as a child and was told they would be infertile as an adult. Someone is falsely accused because they donated bone marrow. Some college age drinking and partying depicted. Tessa has to wrestle with nature vs nurture and if DNA determines who she is more or less than her character and own choices. There's a kidnapping.
Keisha Washington is a young detective in Portland. When she does a wellness check on a young woman who hasn't checked in with her mother for a while, she uncovers the latest of the Portland Phantom's victims. She wants in on this unsolved serial killer case, but who would accept a new police officer on such an important case?
When Tessa's DNA is entered into a new ancestry site in hopes of finding her parents after the first only turned up a distant cousin, the police are very excited. She is their first break in the Portland Phantom case, sharing half his DNA. And Tessa's search for her birth parents suddenly takes a very dark turn.
This was definitely a gripping read. I had trouble putting it down. Henry obviously did her research for this one with how DNA matching works, how it can be helpful to adoptees, how it can be helpful for police, and ways it can be misleading. Tessa has her good friend El and a lab partner at school, Victor, along with her for this wild ride. There's something going on with her adoptive parents that's distracting them but not what Tessa thinks. Some of the book is written from Quentin, the serial killer's perspective, some of it is written from Tessa's perspective, and some of it from Keisha's perspective. Between the 3 readers get a pretty full picture of everything that's going on, but watching how they put things together and the fallout of that is what's tense. Recommended to thriller fans who can handle the content.
Notes on content:
Language: A handful of minor swears, and a couple moderate swears.
Sexual content: There are no sex scenes. Tessa's parents' story involves a naive teen girl being lured into sexual encounters by an adult man. (No details about those, but she does get pregnant.) It is mentioned he moves on to others when she draws away, no details.
Violence: The serial killer strangles his victims. There's an attempted killing by arson, and someone is forced to shoot someone else (nonfatally).
Ethnic diversity: Tessa and Quentin are white American, Keisha is Black American, Victor is Hispanic American
LGBTQ+ content: 1 of the Phantom's victims was lesbian, her former roommate was bisexual, 1 victim was a trans woman, a background character is a gay man with a husband.
Other: Some of Tessa's biological family is in a cult that is very strict, can be physically abusive and emotionally abusive (they also misuse the Bible to their own ends). Keisha deals with a bit of racism and sexism as a female and Black cop. The serial killer works as a safety officer for a college and is a liason for the police who abuses his power and punishes those he thinks are deviant. One character is xenophobic. A character went through chemo as a child and was told they would be infertile as an adult. Someone is falsely accused because they donated bone marrow. Some college age drinking and partying depicted. Tessa has to wrestle with nature vs nurture and if DNA determines who she is more or less than her character and own choices. There's a kidnapping.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to School Library Journal for allowing me to read and review this!
April Henry at her best; this book is great for those who are young adults into a more realistic crime/thriller that is fast paced. I would recommend this book for mature middle grade students, or high school students as there are mentions of grooming, cults, homophobia, racism, matured language, violence, and murder. Situations in this novel are more mature for some young teens, but not gory or unrealistic. Definitely a closed-door book with implications of sex.
About the book with no spoilers:
Tessa is given a DNA testing kit for her eighteenth birthday by her best friend during their senior year of high school, El, as Tessa has always been curious about her biological parents since she was adopted as a newborn. She always stuck out at home with her little sister, Phoebe, as her parents weren’t ever expecting their own child, hence Tessa’s adoption.
In her hometown of Portland, Oregon, over the span of sixteen years, the Portland Phantom has been on a string of murders killing young women where the Phantom leaves clues and “trophies” at each crime scene where he has yet to be identified after seven murders over this time frame. Two murders in the span of six weeks raises a huge red flag, and a DNA match leads back to Tessa at a 49.9% where she learns that her research about her biological parents turns to be the biggest lead for these serial killings since they began.
This book is told in three different points of view: Tessa’s, the Portland Phantom, and the lead detective in the case, Keisha. The pace is pretty fast depending on your reading ability which can easily be read within the span of one whole day as the book is no longer than 250 pages, I’m sure depending on formatting and editing upon its final publication.
I do give this novel four stars because I felt as if there was a chunk of information in the story that was skipped. Parts of the research and events in the story were skipped and in the beginning of some chapters, it was touched on enough to understand, but still would have been interesting to have reactions from characters as events unfolded. I would definitely recommend this book, along with other April Henry books, if you are freshly interested and looking for young adult crime/thriller reads!
April Henry at her best; this book is great for those who are young adults into a more realistic crime/thriller that is fast paced. I would recommend this book for mature middle grade students, or high school students as there are mentions of grooming, cults, homophobia, racism, matured language, violence, and murder. Situations in this novel are more mature for some young teens, but not gory or unrealistic. Definitely a closed-door book with implications of sex.
About the book with no spoilers:
Tessa is given a DNA testing kit for her eighteenth birthday by her best friend during their senior year of high school, El, as Tessa has always been curious about her biological parents since she was adopted as a newborn. She always stuck out at home with her little sister, Phoebe, as her parents weren’t ever expecting their own child, hence Tessa’s adoption.
In her hometown of Portland, Oregon, over the span of sixteen years, the Portland Phantom has been on a string of murders killing young women where the Phantom leaves clues and “trophies” at each crime scene where he has yet to be identified after seven murders over this time frame. Two murders in the span of six weeks raises a huge red flag, and a DNA match leads back to Tessa at a 49.9% where she learns that her research about her biological parents turns to be the biggest lead for these serial killings since they began.
This book is told in three different points of view: Tessa’s, the Portland Phantom, and the lead detective in the case, Keisha. The pace is pretty fast depending on your reading ability which can easily be read within the span of one whole day as the book is no longer than 250 pages, I’m sure depending on formatting and editing upon its final publication.
I do give this novel four stars because I felt as if there was a chunk of information in the story that was skipped. Parts of the research and events in the story were skipped and in the beginning of some chapters, it was touched on enough to understand, but still would have been interesting to have reactions from characters as events unfolded. I would definitely recommend this book, along with other April Henry books, if you are freshly interested and looking for young adult crime/thriller reads!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It all started with a home DNA test and led to a mysterious religious cult and the unmasking of a serial killer. I loved it.
The primary character of the story is Tessa, who turns 18 at the start of the school year. She is adopted after having been left at a fire station right after birth, and she has always wondered about her birth family and whether she would have fit in better with them than her adoptive family. Her best friend, El, gives her a home DNA test that you send in and find out about your genealogy. Tessa is learning about DNA in Science class, which is a fascinating framework for the story and explains many of the scientific aspects in a way that is both fascinating and easy to understand. I was particularly taken with the scene where they extracted DNA from strawberries. Victor, Tessa’s lab partner, and El help her track down a family member indicated by the test, and from there, they find a connection to a strict religious cult.
Keisha's storyline involves a serial killer. She is on the task force to find him. It’s interesting to see how the two storylines intersect, while using the science, and leading to some very exciting scenes at the climax of the story. I really liked that Keisha always kept the victims as her priority, even as she hunted their killer. Her kindness to a victim’s mother and her humanity elevate her storyline from being a standard police procedural.
There are also POV chapters from the killer, which I didn’t find as compelling, but they were very well written. They also contained vital information for readers trying to figure out the keys to the mystery.
In all, this was a very good read. Tessa is a very realistic character, with doubts and moods appropriate to a teenager, even an older teen. The subplot about her adoptive father adds some texture, and the reminder that it’s not all about Tessa. Keisha is a great character, with a level of humanity and empathy that really shines through. I liked El and Victor and the will they/won’t they between Tessa and him, which never crossed any lines but leavened the story. This is a mystery, not a romance. A very good mystery indeed, engaging the reader with science. There are some sensitive topics (teen pregnancy and religious abuse being the two biggies) and there is murder, so this book is probably more appropriate for slightly older teens. Five stars.
#netgalley
The primary character of the story is Tessa, who turns 18 at the start of the school year. She is adopted after having been left at a fire station right after birth, and she has always wondered about her birth family and whether she would have fit in better with them than her adoptive family. Her best friend, El, gives her a home DNA test that you send in and find out about your genealogy. Tessa is learning about DNA in Science class, which is a fascinating framework for the story and explains many of the scientific aspects in a way that is both fascinating and easy to understand. I was particularly taken with the scene where they extracted DNA from strawberries. Victor, Tessa’s lab partner, and El help her track down a family member indicated by the test, and from there, they find a connection to a strict religious cult.
Keisha's storyline involves a serial killer. She is on the task force to find him. It’s interesting to see how the two storylines intersect, while using the science, and leading to some very exciting scenes at the climax of the story. I really liked that Keisha always kept the victims as her priority, even as she hunted their killer. Her kindness to a victim’s mother and her humanity elevate her storyline from being a standard police procedural.
There are also POV chapters from the killer, which I didn’t find as compelling, but they were very well written. They also contained vital information for readers trying to figure out the keys to the mystery.
In all, this was a very good read. Tessa is a very realistic character, with doubts and moods appropriate to a teenager, even an older teen. The subplot about her adoptive father adds some texture, and the reminder that it’s not all about Tessa. Keisha is a great character, with a level of humanity and empathy that really shines through. I liked El and Victor and the will they/won’t they between Tessa and him, which never crossed any lines but leavened the story. This is a mystery, not a romance. A very good mystery indeed, engaging the reader with science. There are some sensitive topics (teen pregnancy and religious abuse being the two biggies) and there is murder, so this book is probably more appropriate for slightly older teens. Five stars.
#netgalley
June 16, 2026
A riveting thriller written from the perspectives of an 18 year old adoptee, a police officer and the serial killer at large that incorporates adoption, ancestry searches using DNA along with murder, stalking and even a bit of life in a cult.
When Tessa receives a DNA ancestry kit from her best friend El as a gift for her 18th birthday, they have no idea the path the results will take them. Joined by new friend Victor who happens to be a math whiz and totally gets all the familial connections they are studying in Biology, the trio set out to find Tessa’s birth parents. Seemingly unrelated to Tessa (unless the book’s summary has been read), police woman Keisha discovers the latest victim of a killer dubbed the Portland Phantom, and the 3rd perspective is the killer himself. Author April Henry does an excellent job not only developing the main and supporting characters personalities and motivations but gradually connecting them all and dropping all manner of science, detective work, family drama into the mix. Background on the previous victims are added by using a textual summary of a Lifetime documentary on the terror wreaked by the Phantom. Key to the Tessa character is her conflicted feelings about searching for her biological parents when she loves and is loved by her adoptive parents and younger sister and Henry seems to have nailed the experiences of many who have been adopted.
Excellent choice for readers in grades 8 and up.
*Profanity: almost zero and the two noted were up the minor variety
*Violence: The Phantom’s strangulation killings are noted in a fairly clinical way without gore or graphic detail.
*Sexual content: The Phantom targets young women who do not behave in a way that he deems decent and their tendencies to reveal “too much” skin, dance provocatively, or have sex/make out with partners but any sex is of the closed door variety and is only stated, not described.
*Representation: Tessa and El are likely Caucasian, Victor is Hispanic and bilingual, Keisha is mixed race Black/Caucasian,
*LBGTQ+: When Tessa visits her newly discovered uncle for the first time, he is living with his boyfriend and shares that his homosexuality was part of the reason he was turned out of his church; one of the Phantom’s victims was female trans and another was killed because she was bisexual.
When Tessa receives a DNA ancestry kit from her best friend El as a gift for her 18th birthday, they have no idea the path the results will take them. Joined by new friend Victor who happens to be a math whiz and totally gets all the familial connections they are studying in Biology, the trio set out to find Tessa’s birth parents. Seemingly unrelated to Tessa (unless the book’s summary has been read), police woman Keisha discovers the latest victim of a killer dubbed the Portland Phantom, and the 3rd perspective is the killer himself. Author April Henry does an excellent job not only developing the main and supporting characters personalities and motivations but gradually connecting them all and dropping all manner of science, detective work, family drama into the mix. Background on the previous victims are added by using a textual summary of a Lifetime documentary on the terror wreaked by the Phantom. Key to the Tessa character is her conflicted feelings about searching for her biological parents when she loves and is loved by her adoptive parents and younger sister and Henry seems to have nailed the experiences of many who have been adopted.
Excellent choice for readers in grades 8 and up.
*Profanity: almost zero and the two noted were up the minor variety
*Violence: The Phantom’s strangulation killings are noted in a fairly clinical way without gore or graphic detail.
*Sexual content: The Phantom targets young women who do not behave in a way that he deems decent and their tendencies to reveal “too much” skin, dance provocatively, or have sex/make out with partners but any sex is of the closed door variety and is only stated, not described.
*Representation: Tessa and El are likely Caucasian, Victor is Hispanic and bilingual, Keisha is mixed race Black/Caucasian,
*LBGTQ+: When Tessa visits her newly discovered uncle for the first time, he is living with his boyfriend and shares that his homosexuality was part of the reason he was turned out of his church; one of the Phantom’s victims was female trans and another was killed because she was bisexual.
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