In the Blood

by April Henry

When an adopted teen takes a DNA test to find her biological parents, she unknowingly 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 including When We Go Missing, Stay Dead, Girl Forgotten, and Two Truths and a Lie.

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

Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[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?

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Edelweiss for allowing me read this early! I really liked the 3 pov’s we had. It’s not your standard thriller where you don’t know who the bad guy is, you get to meet him right away. First you meet Tessa who is about to turn 18 and is adopted so she takes a dna test to find her parents one of which ends up being the Portland Phantom (her dad). Next is Keisha who is a police officer who is trying to help solve the crimes. And lastly Quintin the Portland Phantom. I always enjoy reading the pov of the killer I feel like it makes the book more unsettling and this one definitely did it. I thought the way the book ended was interesting. A good quick thriller with a uniqueish twist, one you will want to finish in one sitting.

[Aish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every April Henry book is a good book and this one did not disappoint! I did, however, feel like this book was missing some of the suspense and action that a lot of the author's other books have, which made it feel a little less gripping than her usual stories. That said, it was still an engaging and well-written read, and I enjoyed the mystery and the way the story slowly unfolded. April Henry always does a great job creating interesting characters and keeping the reader invested, even when the pacing is a bit slower than expected. Overall, it was still a solid read - 4 stars!

Thank you to April Henry, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Christy Ottaviano Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!

[H. Woodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

April Henry has written another winner for YA readers. The premise of this one is so creative, the idea that anyone could discover something completely surprising doing a genealogy DNA test is one readers will relate to. That undiscovered information in our character, Tessa’s, DNA is that her father is the serial killer known as the Portland Phantom. Thank goodness April Henry has set this one in Portland, OR! Her books are always more interesting when she’s writing on her own turf. Teens will love the drama and high stakes ending of this one. I will definitely be getting this for my classroom library!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry is my go-to in recommending thrilling mysteries with twists and turns and curious characters. This one features a serial killer, multiple POVs, a girl who was adopted and at 18 does a DNA test that reveals, throughout the story, the link to the Portland Phantom as well as the sick ways that the Phantom played with the police during the investigation of the murders and how he picked the people he would murder. Of course Tessa's connection pulls her into the orbit in a way that she must turn from a victim of the circumstances to one that can take ahold of the narrative.

Henry's level of detail to murder mysteries are always what draws me in.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Little, Brown and Company for providing the copy of In The Blood by April Henry. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened, so I stayed up way too late to finish this book. I loved the tangled story and the multiple POVs. The characters were well-defined, and I liked how Tessa’s parents had a story of their own, which you don’t always see in YA books. If you don’t read YA thrillers, other than the teen main character, the only thing that felt “too YA” was the last chapter. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Blood is a suspenseful book about a girl, Tessa, who was adopted as an infant doing a DNA test and finding out that her biological father is a serial killer. Told in three points of view: Tessa, the killer and a police woman. The story unfolds as the killer finds out about his daughter and weaves a web of lies trying to draw her into his control. This is a novel for older teens and above. It deals with murder, violent prejudice against sapphic relationships, and an adult/minor relationship.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Erin Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jenifer Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

April Henry strikes again. As she says- she kills people, but only on paper. And boy- she sure kills plenty of people in In the Blood.

Tessa Lundgren is turning 18 and has a decision to make - take a DNA test that could lead to her biological parents or preserve her adopted parents’ feelings. But what starts as a quest to satisfy her curiosity, and a need to know more about herself, becomes a quest to stop one of Portland’s most elusive killers.

[Katy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered April Henry’s books about a year ago and with her new book, she has once again exceeded my expectations. Her book was a great combination of current events, such as the dangers of AI in the hands of those who wish harm on others, as well as thriller and genealogical mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true crime, mystery, and a journey of self discovery and realizing that blood is not the end of the story.

[Randi A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fresh idea - I do wish we got a bit more one Tessa found out (and I do think the description gave way too much away given the action doesn’t start until more than 50% into the book), but I overall enjoyed.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A serial killer who had been murdering young women for eighteen years pops up just when everyone starts feeling comfortable again.

Tessa has always known she was adopted, but she's always been curious about her bio parents. Do when her best friend gives her a DNA kit, she's excited to see what turns up on it.

This one kept me guessing for a bit. I liked how the storylines came together.

[Ani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Christy Ottaviano Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This book was interesting, easy to read, and had multiple perspectives. As a YA story, the book was an enjoyable read but it was a little cheesy and unbelievable at times.

[Ashton Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and for this ARC.
When Tess decides to find out about her biological parents through a DNA test she gets more than she bargains for. I enjoyed this thriller I was looking for more of a twist. I liked the setting of the book as a Portlander myself.

[Clémence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a lot! It's a quick and suspenseful read that was hard to put down.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting thriller. More plot than character development. Got an ARC from Edelweiss