In the Blood

by April Henry

In this thrilling mystery by New York Times bestselling author April Henry, Tessa takes a DNA test to try to find her biological parents, unknowingly putting herself in the sights of a serial killer known as the Portland Phantom.

Adopted as a newborn, Tessa has always wondered who her biological parents are. After turning 18, 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 is the link they’ve been waiting for.

April Henry delivers a twisty tour-de-force about the families who choose us—and the ones we’re born into. Biology doesn't have to be one's destiny.

Genres: Young Adult, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Family

304 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2026

About the author

I 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.

Reviews

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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...

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle]

I 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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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?

[karasbookblogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!!

[Danielle Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

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...

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[MSabatiniReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Book Group for providing me with access to an ARC of "In the Blood" by April Henry in exchange for an honest review.

In April Henry's latest young adult novel, this one more geared towards upper teens (high school versus middle school), Tessa, who just turned 18 is given a DNA home test kit by her best friend. Adopted at a young age age after being dumped outside a fire station as a newborn, Tessa has always been curious about who her bio parents are. Her adoptive family is wonderful and she even has a little sister, Phoebe who is 11, but Tessa has always felt different and wants answers that she thinks her bio parents could give her. She submits her DNA and low and behold, the results do give Tessa some answers, a lot of questions, and links her to something much bigger than she could have ever imagined - a Portland serial killer. Suspenseful, action-packed, and sure to attract suspense and mystery readers as well as those who are interested in DNA kits and potential side-effects.

As a long-time fan of the author I had higher hopes for this book. A suggested secondary purchase for high school and public library collections or where other April Henry books are popular. Due to mature themes and the more intense mystery suspense that reads like an adult novel, I would not suggest for middle school library collections. "In the Blood" was not her best work and readers must be willing to suspend belief in some of the ridiculous scenarios and very dated, sexist, and stereotypical/trope-ish phrases used by the serial killer to describe his victims (hello victim blaming, sexist, misogynist middle aged white dude)... Potentially some of the phrases used were changed in the final edit, but if not, I would suggest skipping this one and going back to any one of Henry's previous titles, which all take readers on an adventure filled romp through the woods, a kidnapping, or other similarly life-defying scenarios.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if the killer everyone thought was gone… never actually stopped?

Fans of true crime, mysteries, and thrillers-- In the Blood by April Henry will have you completely hooked and second-guessing everything. The Portland Phantom, responsible for a string of murders over the past fifteen-plus years, is back… or is it a copycat? With no DNA evidence and no clear suspect, the case seems impossible-- until one chilling discovery reopens the investigation.

Told through three perspectives —Tessa, an adopted eighteen-year-old searching for answers about her biological family; Keisha, a determined detective eager to prove herself; and Quentin, a seemingly ordinary man hiding dark secrets —this story masterfully weaves multiple viewpoints to build tension and suspense.

When Keisha responds to a welfare check and uncovers a disturbing connection to a past victim, a task force is formed to track down the Portland Phantom before they strike again. Meanwhile, Tessa’s decision to take a DNA test —sparked by curiosity and biology class —leads her down a path she never could have anticipated.

This novel was a nonstop ride from beginning to end. The pacing was fast, the characters are gripping, and the alternative perspectives give readers a front-row seat to the unraveling mystery. I especially loved the subplots and how each character brought something unique to the story, adding depth and complexity to the plot.


With twists you won’t see coming, and themes of family, identity, truth, and love, In the Blood is my favorite April Henry book yet-- and one I could not put down! A must-read for thriller lovers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Readers for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Erin Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Blood
by April Henry
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for the ARC.

In the Blood is a fast, high concept thriller that leans into a genuinely unsettling premise. A DNA test leading straight to a serial killer is the kind of hook that carries the book from the start, and April Henry knows how to keep things moving once it gets going.

The pacing is the biggest strength here. Short chapters, multiple perspectives, and constant forward momentum make this an easy book to fly through. The alternating viewpoints, especially between Tessa, the investigator, and the killer, add tension and give the story a broader scope than a single perspective would allow.

The concept itself is effective. The idea that something as simple as a genealogy test could expose a connection to something dangerous feels just grounded enough to work. The forensic and investigative elements add a layer of realism without getting bogged down in detail.
That said, it does require some suspension of disbelief. Certain plot points stretch credibility, and the characters, particularly Tessa, can feel a bit underdeveloped at times. The inclusion of the killer’s perspective adds tension, but it also leans into familiar tropes that may not work for everyone.

What the book does well is deliver a clean, suspenseful story without relying on graphic content. It keeps things tense without being overwhelming, which makes it accessible to a younger YA audience while still engaging enough for older readers looking for something quick.
A solid, fast paced thriller with a strong premise, even if it does not fully escape genre conventions.

3.5 stars.

[Macy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd first like to say, what an interesting idea for a story. I love thrillers and this premise caught my attention instantly.
A teenage girl tests her DNA on her 18th birthday in the hope of finding her biological parents. Instead, she finds out her father is a serial killer who has been killing for 15 years! The story shares POVs from Tessa, the detective, and the serial killer (her father).

Some things I liked about this book:
1. It's very JF or YA. There isn't anything inappropriate in it - which I appreciate BIG time.
2. The plot was interesting and was suspenseful, especially since it was from multiple POVs.
3. The resolution fit the age group. There was a clear ending that closed all conflict.

Some critiques:
1. At some areas, there were way too many details. (There's a spoiler coming). For example, while the detective and Tessa's 2 friends are following Tessa's location to find her (which is an intense, fast paced scene), the detective says, we might not catch them even though I'm going 80 mph and the speed limit is 50. The boy does quick math in his head and tells her exactly how many minutes it'll take for them to catch her due to speed, etc. It just didn't feel like a necessary moment. Meanwhile, there are many scenes that are like, "They hung out and read articles on the Phantom for hours." And that's it.
2. There are several plot holes - like a cop would never share information about a case that wasn't closed to a bunch of kids or to a newspaper.

Overall, I think high school kids would like to read it if they liked any of April Henry's other books.

[HF · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am adopted.

I was hoping this book would delve into the nuances surrounding adoption instead of regurgitating the same tired narrative that biological connection outweighs everything else (looking at you The Reappearance of Rachel Price). I guess there's an attempt at that here, but it was hard for me to enjoy it because Tessa doesn't even feel like the main character in her own story? There are 3 POVs in this book, 2 of which are adults, something I've never encountered in a YA novel. I can see the appeal of Quentin having his own POV, but the cop's POV felt completely unnecessary and just took away page time from Tessa and and learning more about her adoptive family. Tessa's conflicting feelings would've been more impactful had she gotten more interactions with her parents and especially her little sister. Without that added context, everything felt too distant.

As for Quentin, he obviously sucks, but that's intentional so I don't mind that. What I do mind, however, is that I felt like way more care went into his characterization and backstory compared to Tessa. The strongest parts of this book are the flashbacks about Tessa's biological mom and her relationship with Quentin. Would've been nice to stay focused on Tessa and maybe small snippets of her birthmother's life instead of sidelining her to keep the focus on the serial killer, when Tessa being adopted is the whole reason this story exists. Just felt like adoption was used more as a plot device instead of offering any insightful commentary, which I'm not a huge fan of.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tessa is a high school senior who takes a DNA test in search of her birth parents who left her at a fire station the day she was born. With her best friend, El and her lab partner, Victor, she starts to map out her family tree, including her mother, who escaped a religious cult and her father, who may hold a connection to the notorious serial killer, the Portland Phantom.

The story alternates through three point of views: Tessa, Keisha, a police officer on the Portland Phantom task force, and the Portland Phantom.

I enjoyed the different perspectives and Tessa’s high school friendships and Keisha’s experience being a younger cop trying to advance in a workplace where she wasn’t taken seriously. I wish we got more scenes of Tessa in school with her friends doing normal teenager activities.

I wasn’t crazy about the Portland Phantom’s POV. The fact that he was identified by name and we read his thought process and justifications for his actions made him less menacing and scary. I think Tessa learning about him through notes or newspaper articles or documentary clips would have kept the tension. His POV was giving loser incel vibes and I couldn’t take him seriously.

I did also roll my eyes at the AI explanation. It felt like the author needed an excuse to justify this interaction and AI is a large enough catch-all to explain the situation.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

IN THE BLOOD by April Henry (May 12, 2026)

Thank you Netgalley and LBBYR for the earc

When Tessa turns 18, she uses a DNA test to try and figure out who are biological parents are. With help from her friends, she begins building a family tree that ends in a dead end. She learns who her mother is, but her father remains unknown. When the police show up, Tessa learns that her DNA matches that of someone in their system---her father is the Portland Phantom.
IN THE BLOOD is a YA thriller with a bit of m*rder scattered throughout. This is very found-family focused---even though Tessa wants to know who her bio family is. It's also heartbreaking, especially as Tessa unravels her past, her parents' past.
A few things that I love about Henry's books are how fast-paced they are, how the chapters aren't too drawn out, and how sometimes we get the "whodunits" point of view. IN THE BLOOD is no exception. This is a fast-paced read with a lot of science-y/ancestry bits. It was quite interesting learning these things, and it really put into perspective how things connect and whatnot.
IN THE BLOOD isn't extremely high-stakes, but once it gets to a certain spot, the stakes had never been higher. (I love when things amp up). This is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that offers multiple pov's, drama, and true crime. What's not to love?

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and EdelweissPlus for access to this DRC for review. All opinions are my own.

I'm a middle school librarian. April Henry has LONG been a mainstay for our readers-they enjoy many of her titles and I've always thought they were a good bridge to middle school and early YA mystery/thriller titles. She is able to write mystery books that are more "gritty" than the things they have read in elementary school without putting in sex, language, or super graphic violence.

This book still fits all of those things, and I will be purchasing it for the library, but it wasn't as solid as some of her other titles. I'm guessing part of my hesitation (given the audience I am purchasing books for) is how scientific some of it got when discussing DNA. Tessa, the main character, is trying to find her biological parents and using one of those through the mail DNA / Ancestry kits. After getting her results, there is a lot of discussion amongst the characters about how to read the numbers and what they mean for relation. It gets kind of boring and I think some of my readers will want to gloss over it.

Overall, this is still a solid read and a definite recommendation for middle school collections.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Blood by April Henry

This one is such a chilling, fast paced thriller that takes something as simple as a DNA test and turns it into a full blown nightmare. Tessa just wants to find her biological parents… but instead, she accidentally connects herself to a serial killer who has been hiding in plain sight for years.

What makes this story stand out is how personal the danger feels. This is not just solving a mystery… this is her blood, her family, her past. And watching that realization unfold was my favorite part. The tension builds as the truth gets closer and closer, and knowing the killer is also circling her at the same time? Absolutely terrifying.

🖤 Tropes & Vibes

🧬 DNA test gone wrong
🔪 serial killer hunting his own bloodline
🕵️‍♀️ multiple POV including killer perspective
🖤 identity and family secrets
⚡ fast paced high stakes tension
👀 cat and mouse energy
💔 found family vs biological truth
📖 short chapters that keep you hooked

📚 Read this if you like…

🔪 thrillers that feel realistic and possible
🧬 stories about identity and hidden pasts
👀 being inside the killer’s head
⚡ quick, addictive reads you can’t put down
🕵️‍♀️ solving the mystery alongside the characters

#AprilHenry #ThrillerReads #YAMystery #BookstagramReads #SuspenseBooks

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa has always known she was adopted. But she could never guess the secrets that would be revealed when she completes a DNA registry kit she receives from her best friend for her 18th birthday.

Keisha is determined to help solve the Portland Phantom serial killer case, especially when she is the one to discover the body of his latest victim. Can she be the one to finally crack the case after 15 years?

Quentin has been very careful over the years to escape capture. Will his next murder as the Portland Phantom be the last?

All three characters' perspectives weave together into an engaging murder mystery. This one definitely felt more YA than some of Henry's other works, and there are definitely some content warnings that I would give in terms of middle school readers, who often still flock to April Henry's works. These include an adult/teen relationship (including grooming), a teen pregnancy, and a church depicted as a cult. None of this content is super descriptive on page, but it is clearly there and feels more YA. I also think there is a lot of discussion of DNA and the science behind genetics, which may discourage some reluctant readers.

I read an ARC from NetGalley.

[Annabelle (Taylor’s Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Review of an arc received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

The summary of this book immediately sucked me in - I knew I had to read this book. It was quite entertaining trying to figure out who the Portland Phantom was and seeing Tessa discover the identities of her biological parents. This was a spin of mystery and crime; I also enjoyed reading about biology in this novel. It just made the concept of using DNA to trace ancestry roots all the more interesting.

I'm giving this book 3 stars because:

- I feel like there wasn't much character development or details about the characters.
- Not much background introduction on the characters - the story is quite fast-paced and it just jumps straight into it on page 1.
- The transitions between the different characters were a bit choppy, and it was difficult to keep track of who-was-who.

What I loved:

- The characters (mainly Tessa and the Portland Phantom)!
- The plot!!!
- The use of DNA in this novel (like I said earlier in the review above).
- How there was more to the story (we don't immediately discover who her biological parents are, and there are some predictions/guesses based on percentages of DNA).

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three "Nature or Nurture" stars for this DNA-based thriller from April Henry.

It has been a few years since I read a book by this author. This Portland-based story is told by three narrators:

👧Tessa Lundgren - she has just turned eighteen and a friend gives her a DNA test so she can start a search for the birth parents who gave her up for adoption. April Henry uses her test results to help us learn some really interesting things about those sites. We also learn that strawberries are a good choice for extracting and examining DNA strings. They have four X the genomes that humans have.

👩‍🦱 Keisha Washington - a 22-year-old police officer who finds herself immersed in a hunt for the notorious Portland Phantom. She joins a task force and gives us an inside look at the law enforcement procedures being used to catch a dangerous criminal before he kills again.

🦹‍♂️Quentin Sinclair - hiding in plain sight like a wolf in sheep's clothing. This guy has evaded capture for nearly two decades. Will one DNA test be the break that the police need? Will Tessa meet her birth father? What happened to her birth mother?

Thank you to Christy Ottaviano Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mrs. Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa has lived a good life, but she doesn’t know who her biological parents are. She was left at a fire station as a newborn and adopted soon after. She has just turned 18 and decides to take an at-home DNA test that she anticipates will give her some answers. Although she does find out some things about her mother’s family, no one has spoken to her since the day she ran away, and her father is a complete mystery. Soon after her test results come in, she is contacted by the Portland police because it appears that she is related to the Portland Phantom, a serial killer who has spanned fifteen years. What is Tessa’s origin story? Will the Portland Phantom be caught?

In the Blood is a stand-alone mystery that was an interesting read with the advancements in forensic science and AI. I normally think of Henry’s books starting with a dead girl, and this one was a different format. I enjoyed the different points of view (Tessa, the detective, and the serial killer), and these views give the reader a deeper understanding of the events. In the Blood was a quick read and kept me invested until the end.

[Savanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of April Henry books over the years, and this is one I really enjoyed! It’s very fast paced and easy to get into, the writing definitely reads YA and for those more in that bracket, I think they will love this. The plot of a DNA test linking our main character Tessa to a serial killer in some way or another was very fascinating and I kept wanting to read to figure out what the connection was exactly. Uncovering the past and truth of her biological parents was sad and then seeing what came later was also very tragic. The ending was full of action and our female detective POV working alongside Tessa’s friends to come together in time to stop something even worse from happening. The ending was a bit abrupt but did tie together the loose ends, and we got a fun little tidbit of what is coming next for Tessa after everything she endured. I did also love the little graphics of dialogue from a tv show about the Phantom that were added at the end of some chapters.

I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to April Henry for this novel!

[Gina Malanga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by this author, and I really do enjoy her books. I think she builds a good story, and gives lots of red herrings that can throw the reader off as to who is actually guilty and what’s actually happening in the story. In this particular story we have our main character who knows that she is adopted, but doesn’t know anything about her biological parents. On her 18th birthday, her friend gives us her ancestry kit so that she can start researching who her birth parents are. However, what she finds out is nothing like the happy story she thought she was going to get. We learn that her biological dad might have some very big secrets to hide. The author does get into some overly technical details about hiding crimes that I do think sometimes gets a little bit weighty for the reader. But the varying viewpoints is super interesting to be able to track what’s happening and how everybody feels about it. Overall, a really good read. I actually just read it in a day and a half and I think my students will really like it.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new YA serial killer thriller from the best in the game.
🩸
After turning eighteen, Tessa finally takes a DNA test in hopes of discovering the identity of the biological parents she’s always wondered about. But as she and her friends begin tracing her family history, they uncover more questions than answers. When police reveal that Tessa’s DNA may be connected to an unidentified serial killer known as the Portland Phantom, her search for family turns into a chilling investigation that could expose a deadly secret.
🩸
This one pulled me in right away with its premise. The idea of a DNA test uncovering something far darker than a family tree makes for such a compelling mystery, and the tension builds as Tessa gets closer to the truth. It’s the kind of thriller that will keep readers guessing while exploring questions of identity and belonging. Definitely one to watch for when it releases on May 12.

CW: death, murder, violence, adoption, religious bigotry

Took too long to get into it for some reason for me.

[Susan Lefman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told from the intersecting viewpoints of 18-year-old Tessa, law enforcement officer Keisha, and Quentin, a local murderer, In the Blood explores the complex relationships between family and crime.

For Tessa, who is adopted, an unexpected DNA kit from her best friend offers a chance to uncover her origins. After an argument with her parents, she mails the kit and anxiously waits for the results with her friends, Victor and El.

Separately, Officer Keisha finds a deceased woman named Alida during a wellness check; a driver’s license of a victim of the "Portland Phantom" is resting on her chest. Keisha is determined to catch the Phantom and help Alida’s family find her killer.

The third viewpoint follows security guard Quentin, a local murderer who closely studies his victims' daily habits before deciding who needs to pay for their sins.

Readers follow these threads to make the connections between the three and solve the murders alongside Keisha. Written in true April Henry fashion, the story will keep readers hooked from the beginning to the end.

[Michelle Eisele · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know all the cliche things people say about thrillers? Compulsively readable. Unputdownable. This book hits those marks. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop.

Tessa is a newly turned 18 year old who has known her whole life she's adopted. Like I imagine many adoptees, she is curious about her birth parents and why they gave her up. She takes a DNA test and this sets off a chain of events no one could have ever predicted. Like, ever.

This book also follows Kiesha, who is a rookie cop that seems determined to make a difference in her community. Kiesha is determined to find the elusive Portland Phantom who has been terrorizing her town for years. There are very few leads.

Quinten is...well, I won't spoil it. He's interesting.

Parents and School Librarians: I am currently both! I'm the parent of two teenagers and a HS librarian. This book has little to no cursing (I want to say none, but can't remember for sure) and zero sex. There's a crush between two characters and that's the most romance that's there. It's a twisty and very clean read.

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting thriller! I read this in one sitting! I liked how this book had 3 POVs ; Tessa’s: an 18 years old trying to find her biological parents, Keisha’s, the police officer on the trail of the Portland Phantom and Quentin’s, the Portland Phantom. But because of the 3 POVs, there wasn’t a lot of suspense at the beginning, since the blurb of the book does tell a big part of what is going to happen. Nevertheless, towards the end, there’s more shocking revelations, so it’s worth reading until the end! It’s a nice short thriller but it does pack a punch. I liked how profound the author went into the psychology of the serial killer. You can’t help but feel disgusted by what he’s doing and his justification of the murders. I’d recommend this book for readers, including young adults who like fast paced thrillers !

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Anna J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa has always known she has been adopted as an infant. She knows that she abandoned at a fire station. She has always been curious as to who her biological parents were and why they gave her up. She has fantasies of them being rich, famous.

Now, Tessa is turning 18 her best friend gives her a DNA test in hopes of finding out about her birth family. Tessa's friends help her start to build her family tree.

What she discovers leads her to a religious cult and that her birth mother was a young child. The twist keep coming as she discovers who her father is and it puts her and her friends in harms way.

I liked how in school she was learning about DNA and how it helped her find her parents. The author did a great job of showing what it means to be a family one may be blood but others you choose. I liked the multiple points of views-Tessa, Detective and the killer just kept you on edge.

Thank you @theNOVL for gifted copy.