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Set You Free
The mayor’s six-year-old son, Ben Carter, is missing—and Lauren’s brother, Tom, is the main suspect. Lauren knows her brother would never harm anyone, but the police don’t agree. Ben’s stepbrother doesn’t agree. The mayor certainly doesn’t agree. To some people in Resurrection Falls, Tom is the freak who, rumor has it, once tried to lure a kid into the woods.
But if Tom is innocent, why was he lurking around outside the mayor’s house the night Ben disappeared? And why has he also vanished? After teaming up with Tom’s friend, Grady, a computer enthusiast and part-time hacker, Lauren decides that rather than try to prove Tom’s innocence, they should simply give the police some more options. Because everyone, even the mayor’s apparently perfect family, has secrets.
But if Tom is innocent, why was he lurking around outside the mayor’s house the night Ben disappeared? And why has he also vanished? After teaming up with Tom’s friend, Grady, a computer enthusiast and part-time hacker, Lauren decides that rather than try to prove Tom’s innocence, they should simply give the police some more options. Because everyone, even the mayor’s apparently perfect family, has secrets.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2015
51 people are currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Ross
14 books36 followersJeff Ross is an award-winning author of thirteen novels for young adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 19, 2018
Set You Free was really good. The plot wasn't at all what I was expecting and I liked how it wasn't obvious what was going on. I liked the characters and their actions felt believable. One thing I didn't like was the language.
All in all, I enjoyed this read and am glad I read it.
All in all, I enjoyed this read and am glad I read it.
August 31, 2018
This was a very engrossing book that had me hooked pretty early on. I didn't see the full ending coming at all and was actually kind of surprised by all of it. If you are looking for a mystery that doesn't take too long to read, you should give this one a try.
June 29, 2020
SET YOU FREE is a fast read. Mystery surrounds the disappearance of a six-year-old boy and the police suspects an introvert teen kidnapped him, yet there's really nothing solid pointing to anyone. I loved how the mystery unfolds in this story and mostly, the ending. I did not see that coming at all. It kind of came out of the blue, no little hints were given or perhaps I missed them. Nevertheless, SET YOU FREE entertained me from start to finish.
On a curious note, I hadn't heard of Orca Books, a small Canadian press, but am glad this book landed at my local library.
On a curious note, I hadn't heard of Orca Books, a small Canadian press, but am glad this book landed at my local library.
February 11, 2021
This was unexpectedly awesome. I loved it. It is fast paced and full of surprises. I picked up on hints, but didn't put the whole story together. I came across this book quite by accident and am so glad I did. Loved it!
November 19, 2015
Seventeen year old Lauren is having a bad day; not only does she wake up with a hangover, she also finds out that a young boy she babysits is missing. Ben is no ordinary boy, he is the son of Mayor Jack Carter and as such his disappearance soon becomes big news. With Detective Evans breathing down her neck, Lauren embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth and clear the name of her brother who is the main suspect. What happened to Ben? Did he run away or was he kidnapped? And if so, who could have taken him?
Could it be Ben's step siblings JJ and Stephanie?
Could it be the Mayor himself?
Is the culprit the mysterious guy who suddenly appeared one night to save Lauren?
Or worse, could her brother, Tom, actually be guilty?
I really like the character of Lauren, she is a strong and brilliant protagonist. As the story unfolds we find out that she used to be a quiet and studious girl, but she started partying and drinking due to problems at home. She is tough but she has a soft spot for the people she loves and she will do whatever she can to protect them. I also like Grady, Tom's friend who helps Lauren uncover the truth. He is a techie and a skilled hacker, and he saves Lauren on more than one occasion. I like the dynamic between them as well; it's evident that there is a blossoming attraction, although we don't fully see where it leads to.
This book reminds us about the love of family, that appearances can be deceiving and that sometimes a person's reputation isn't always reliable.
This was a quick read; the whole story unfolds in seven days and is told from the point of view of Lauren. It's a fast-paced whodunit that will keep you guessing until the end. That's what I really liked about this book - the plot twist. I honestly didn't see that coming! I think the author's writing style, straightforward and conversational, suits the story. There were some points though that was left unanswered, but I will refrain from mentioning it as I don't want to spoil the story.
I noticed that in the synopsis Ben is described as 6 years old, but in the story it's mentioned that he's five (pg. 14: "I know that stuff, he's five, weighs sixty-five pounds.")
I received an advance reading copy/uncorrected proof of Set You Free through LibraryThing. It's the first book by author Jeff Ross that I've read and I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. The book comes out on October 13.
Could it be Ben's step siblings JJ and Stephanie?
Could it be the Mayor himself?
Is the culprit the mysterious guy who suddenly appeared one night to save Lauren?
Or worse, could her brother, Tom, actually be guilty?
I really like the character of Lauren, she is a strong and brilliant protagonist. As the story unfolds we find out that she used to be a quiet and studious girl, but she started partying and drinking due to problems at home. She is tough but she has a soft spot for the people she loves and she will do whatever she can to protect them. I also like Grady, Tom's friend who helps Lauren uncover the truth. He is a techie and a skilled hacker, and he saves Lauren on more than one occasion. I like the dynamic between them as well; it's evident that there is a blossoming attraction, although we don't fully see where it leads to.
This book reminds us about the love of family, that appearances can be deceiving and that sometimes a person's reputation isn't always reliable.
This was a quick read; the whole story unfolds in seven days and is told from the point of view of Lauren. It's a fast-paced whodunit that will keep you guessing until the end. That's what I really liked about this book - the plot twist. I honestly didn't see that coming! I think the author's writing style, straightforward and conversational, suits the story. There were some points though that was left unanswered, but I will refrain from mentioning it as I don't want to spoil the story.
I noticed that in the synopsis Ben is described as 6 years old, but in the story it's mentioned that he's five (pg. 14: "I know that stuff, he's five, weighs sixty-five pounds.")
I received an advance reading copy/uncorrected proof of Set You Free through LibraryThing. It's the first book by author Jeff Ross that I've read and I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. The book comes out on October 13.
November 23, 2016
I bought two Jeff Ross books at a recent book launch at Chapters. Although the books are young adult books, Jeff mentioned that this particular book might be for a slightly older audience than an 11 year old... So I proceeded to read the book myself to make sure that it is appropriate for my child.
I found the book to be quite enjoyable, and found myself getting into the mystery even though I am not the target audience for the book. It is well written and fast-paced. I did find that the ending wrapped up a little too quickly - before I knew it, it was over. But it definitely maintained my interest the whole way through.
I will recommend this book to my daughter. The only part that I found slightly inappropriate for her is that the book opens with the main character waking up hung over after partying too much the night before. Regardless, the main character is actually a very nice, sweet, lovely girl with a remarkable character. So I've told my daughter to go ahead and read it, but we've already discussed why it's not cool to drink to impress other people. And after she reads the book, I will definitely talk to her about getting help from adults instead of doing dangerous things alone!
I found the book to be quite enjoyable, and found myself getting into the mystery even though I am not the target audience for the book. It is well written and fast-paced. I did find that the ending wrapped up a little too quickly - before I knew it, it was over. But it definitely maintained my interest the whole way through.
I will recommend this book to my daughter. The only part that I found slightly inappropriate for her is that the book opens with the main character waking up hung over after partying too much the night before. Regardless, the main character is actually a very nice, sweet, lovely girl with a remarkable character. So I've told my daughter to go ahead and read it, but we've already discussed why it's not cool to drink to impress other people. And after she reads the book, I will definitely talk to her about getting help from adults instead of doing dangerous things alone!
April 29, 2019
This book was definitely a thriller, the author made sure to keep this novel interesting. Set You Free by Jeff Ross is a novel about a missing kid named Ben Carter who is the mayor's son. He disappeared in the middle of the night and no one knows where he went or how he went missing. The main character is Lauren, she is questioned by a detective who believes her brother, Tom had something to do with the disappearance of Ben. Tom was considered as a main suspect because he had a past of luring kids into the woods. No one knows where Tom is at either, he went missing too. But Lauren and Grady, who is Tom's best friend team up to prove his innocence and try to come up with more possible suspects.
I enjoyed reading this book. It had an unexpected plot twist at the end but overall it was good. I also really liked the involvement of mystery throughout the book. I gave this book four stars because each time I read, it gave me curiosity on who might of actually taken Ben. It made me want to keep on reading.
I enjoyed reading this book. It had an unexpected plot twist at the end but overall it was good. I also really liked the involvement of mystery throughout the book. I gave this book four stars because each time I read, it gave me curiosity on who might of actually taken Ben. It made me want to keep on reading.
December 14, 2022
to say i flew through this is an understatement!
this book was very intriguing and had me on the edge of my seat until the end (which doesn't happen often). i really liked the plot line and the plot twist threw me off! i would highly recommend this book if you just need a quick read with a solid plot!!
this book was very intriguing and had me on the edge of my seat until the end (which doesn't happen often). i really liked the plot line and the plot twist threw me off! i would highly recommend this book if you just need a quick read with a solid plot!!
December 10, 2021
A little confusing but good
March 17, 2018
Things I liked:
-the main character, Lauren. She was a solid character with clear emotions. I didn't feel like she acted 17 the whole time. There were moments of being a teenager, but a lot of the time she acted older. Not a huge deal.
-the extremely irritating half siblings of the missing boy. They were clearly meant to be annoying and frustrating. It worked. Whenever I was reading about them I want to yell at them (and maybe slap them a time or two).
-the engaging writing. Once I started reading it I couldn't find a "good stopping point." It kept raising new questions after old ones were answered. Very intriguing.
-the ending. (Don't want to spoil it.) it surprised me.
What I didn't like was a part at the end. It was a little too convenient. It felt like the author didn't know how to save his characters so he tossed in a really out of the blue character that helped save the day...
-the main character, Lauren. She was a solid character with clear emotions. I didn't feel like she acted 17 the whole time. There were moments of being a teenager, but a lot of the time she acted older. Not a huge deal.
-the extremely irritating half siblings of the missing boy. They were clearly meant to be annoying and frustrating. It worked. Whenever I was reading about them I want to yell at them (and maybe slap them a time or two).
-the engaging writing. Once I started reading it I couldn't find a "good stopping point." It kept raising new questions after old ones were answered. Very intriguing.
-the ending. (Don't want to spoil it.) it surprised me.
What I didn't like was a part at the end. It was a little too convenient. It felt like the author didn't know how to save his characters so he tossed in a really out of the blue character that helped save the day...
April 12, 2021
Set You Free, is about a six year old boy who went missing and the main suspect is Lauren’s brother. Ben’s disappearance is huge because he’s the Mayor’s son. The night he went missing, Lauren’s brother was caught outside the house he is, making him the main suspect. Lauren herself knows her brother wouldn’t do such thing, mainly because he’s introverted. Throughout the book we find out more about other characters who are also considered suspects. Throughout many days Lauren and detective Evans search for clues to find Ben and the kidnapper.
It’s a fast paced book and it’s very thrilling to read. There was a lot of suspense getting build throughout the book to know who done it. The characters are well explained and make this book good. I would recommend this book for someone who loves thriller. It’s a good and solid book.
It’s a fast paced book and it’s very thrilling to read. There was a lot of suspense getting build throughout the book to know who done it. The characters are well explained and make this book good. I would recommend this book for someone who loves thriller. It’s a good and solid book.
June 26, 2020
I so enjoyed this book! It's the first time I've read this author, but right away, I was hooked. And, for what I would think is a teen read, it was captivating right from the start.
It's a story about a missing boy (Ben), a mayor's son, & the babysitter's brother (Tom) is blamed because he is weird, awkward, big, etc. The mayor's other son right away tries to condemn him & make the sitter's (Lauren's) life uncomfortable. Unfortunately, no one knows where Tom is so it does look a bit suspicious. But, Lauren sets out to find the truth.
And, wow! One would never suspect the truth or the twists & turns Lauren needs to follow in order to set the truth free.
It's a story about a missing boy (Ben), a mayor's son, & the babysitter's brother (Tom) is blamed because he is weird, awkward, big, etc. The mayor's other son right away tries to condemn him & make the sitter's (Lauren's) life uncomfortable. Unfortunately, no one knows where Tom is so it does look a bit suspicious. But, Lauren sets out to find the truth.
And, wow! One would never suspect the truth or the twists & turns Lauren needs to follow in order to set the truth free.
April 5, 2021
This is a fast paced read with an unpredictable ending. I’d like to say I’m pretty good at picking up small clues when reading M/T genre and I honestly didn’t see the end coming which was great.
- the characters were well developed but I wish we got more from grady & his life/backstory.
- I also think in the last chapters, it would have been beneficial for the reader to have some flashback scenes rather than having lauren explain what happened.
- I love the writing and I honestly appreciated how other elements were weaved into the story - this really focuses on family.
I’d definitely recommend reading it you’re looking for a new YA thriller.
- the characters were well developed but I wish we got more from grady & his life/backstory.
- I also think in the last chapters, it would have been beneficial for the reader to have some flashback scenes rather than having lauren explain what happened.
- I love the writing and I honestly appreciated how other elements were weaved into the story - this really focuses on family.
I’d definitely recommend reading it you’re looking for a new YA thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
I thought this was just a book about a kid gone missing and sister trying to prove her brother's innocence. Boy was I wrong!
I am so glad I didn't pass on this book. I was interested right away. Maybe because I tend to children myself but knowing the main character cared for a child, I understood(or at least thought I did) her need to find Ben and her brother.
What I wasn't expecting was the twist in the final chapters! The twist was never made obvious, at least to me it wasn't. I usually can catch twist but this one I didn't!
I am so glad I didn't pass on this book. I was interested right away. Maybe because I tend to children myself but knowing the main character cared for a child, I understood(or at least thought I did) her need to find Ben and her brother.
What I wasn't expecting was the twist in the final chapters! The twist was never made obvious, at least to me it wasn't. I usually can catch twist but this one I didn't!
February 14, 2017
I thought the book was really good. You always were convinced that you knew who the kidnapper was but then something happened and you were completely wrong. Because of the way it ended i was the point of view was written a little differently because when i i found out what happened it took a second to understand because if they way you've been reading it. Even though i hate not knowing what's happening this book wasn't too bad because i always was 100% sure that i knew what was happening.
February 18, 2018
A surprise ending that I actually didn’t see coming
This is not a spoiler
I was a bit like “ohhhh” at the end. Glad I read the book. Finishing it made up for the predictable and slow beginning. This as actually well done in my opinion. Not quite 5-star well done, but a decent read. I did feel disconnected from the characters which wasn’t the point of the book. The story of where’s Ben really is the premise of the book.
This is not a spoiler
I was a bit like “ohhhh” at the end. Glad I read the book. Finishing it made up for the predictable and slow beginning. This as actually well done in my opinion. Not quite 5-star well done, but a decent read. I did feel disconnected from the characters which wasn’t the point of the book. The story of where’s Ben really is the premise of the book.
May 21, 2025
I really liked the writing style of this book and I thought the story was really interesting and the mystery actually surprised me!! There are a few cringe aspects of the book (really dated references, problematic lines about different body types, and the treating weed like it’s cocaine of it all) but overall I thought it was really decent and pretty good at points! I would’ve liked more development of the characters/end conflict but it’s a solid mystery story.
February 3, 2021
This was a super quick read. I think the author's writing style, straightforward and conversational, suits the story well, especially given the ages of the main characters. The plot twist definitely caught me off-guard but it did seem rushed at the end. Also, Detective Evans was such a detestable character that she felt like an over-the-top villain when she wasn't technically even the villain.
December 31, 2022
WOW! I was not expecting the absolute plot twist that was this book. As I was reading I was completely clueless as to what happened to Ben or where the book was going to go with his disappearance. I have to say I absolutely loved how the ending came together and I promise you it will leave you shocked.
September 4, 2020
While this was a bit slow to start an hook me, I definitely didn’t see the end coming at all, which I always love. I hovered between 3 and 4 stars, going with 4 because I’m a sucker for a good mystery that tricks me.
January 19, 2024
Rating: 7.5/10
I’m actually really surprised with this book! I really enjoyed it, really liked the mystery/plot twists/and outcome tbh. I thought it was gonna be really predictable but it ended up not being (for me anyway). I’d definitely recommend it!
I’m actually really surprised with this book! I really enjoyed it, really liked the mystery/plot twists/and outcome tbh. I thought it was gonna be really predictable but it ended up not being (for me anyway). I’d definitely recommend it!
September 10, 2017
thing is it was awesome my frined said i wont like but guys and gals it was amazing it was almost real
May 26, 2018
Fine for YA/beach read. Mostly plot driven, weak character development.
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June 4, 2019loved it
June 16, 2019
When a young boy disappears from home the entire police force searches for him, mostly asking questions of a 17 year old babysitter. The plot is unbelievable, but I enjoyed it.
June 21, 2020
I thought it was good. I really liked the ending but felt it was a little rushed.
June 24, 2020
really liked this
June 28, 2020
A solid enough story didn’t really save this character arc since I was left with many questions at the end.
July 4, 2020
A quick read that kept my interest. Not outstanding, but overall a fine book.
July 19, 2020
It was pretty good. It wasn't great or bad. just pretty good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews