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Finding the Vein
Isaac knew Heritage Camp would be different this year: he was different. While he had accepted who he was, he wasn't sure how his peers would feel. What he didn't expect was having to investigate the sudden death of his camp counselor.
Sergeant Mikie O'Malley is called to work on the case, but she finds herself distracted by the fact that the victim was adopted, reminding her of a recent inheritance that has her questioning what family really means.
Located outside of Portland, Oregon, Heritage Camp is a summer retreat for adopted international children where adoptees can explore their identities and bond over their shared experiences. When camp counselor Paul goes into fatal anaphylactic shock one evening, everyone believes it to be a tragic accident. But Sergeant Mikie, a former ER nurse, and her new partner Detective Wu aren't so easily convinced. Rumors spread quickly through the camp―everyone is a suspect. Isaac and his new friends share their grief and theories about what really happened, bringing shocking evidence to light. As the detectives and campers each conduct investigations into Paul's death, Heritage Camp's own secrets start to unravel. They soon discover something much more sinister than they ever expected.
Sergeant Mikie O'Malley is called to work on the case, but she finds herself distracted by the fact that the victim was adopted, reminding her of a recent inheritance that has her questioning what family really means.
Located outside of Portland, Oregon, Heritage Camp is a summer retreat for adopted international children where adoptees can explore their identities and bond over their shared experiences. When camp counselor Paul goes into fatal anaphylactic shock one evening, everyone believes it to be a tragic accident. But Sergeant Mikie, a former ER nurse, and her new partner Detective Wu aren't so easily convinced. Rumors spread quickly through the camp―everyone is a suspect. Isaac and his new friends share their grief and theories about what really happened, bringing shocking evidence to light. As the detectives and campers each conduct investigations into Paul's death, Heritage Camp's own secrets start to unravel. They soon discover something much more sinister than they ever expected.
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2021
8 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 1, 2021
The amount of natural, un-performative representation in this book is excellent, and I enjoyed the book overall--sped through it, in fact.
Though the ending and function of a few characters left something to be desired at times, I never found myself wishing that the book would just be OVER; it held my attention, and I was interested to see how the author planned to navigate her plot. I was also fond of the central narrator, who felt genuine and likable. Solid 3 stars.
Though the ending and function of a few characters left something to be desired at times, I never found myself wishing that the book would just be OVER; it held my attention, and I was interested to see how the author planned to navigate her plot. I was also fond of the central narrator, who felt genuine and likable. Solid 3 stars.
May 31, 2021
I sat in my hammock at my campsite and consumed Finding the Vein cover to cover. I was absolutely hooked and it was such a pleasure to read, I couldn't stop turning the page.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
June 13, 2021
I'm gonna be honest- I was hesitant at first. I picked up the book after seeing Jennifer at an author event, as I thought to give it a try. It seemed off at first, specifically in terms of dialogue. I don't know how else to phrase this other then, as a teenager, a lot of the dialogue coming from the teenage characters was obviously written by someone who was not a teenager themself. At times, the dialogue seemed very... choppy, as in almost forced and unnatural. I also found Isaac's emails to his counselor not adding much to the story (this is kind of funny because the author mentioned that there were more emails that she eventually incorporated it into the story, which I'm glad she did). I didn't mind them, but found most of them unnecessary.
I know that this sounds like a lot of criticism, but luckily most of these issues were only noticeable at the beginning. Once you get into the story a bit, the characters and their dialogue become more fluid. And can I just say how perfect of a setting this is for a murder mystery? As someone who has been born and raised in Oregon, as well as gone to summer camp here, I can say that there is something every so slightly eery about this place. The story is well placed.
When I began the book and noticed how short the chapters are, I was trying to decide if this was a good or bad thing, but it ended up being one of the book's strong suits. With most of the chapters being between 4 to 8 pages, it broke the book into small chunks that allowed you to digest the book very quickly. The book was compelling and I never got bored of it, the changing perspectives between the two detective groups contributed to this.
While I can't speak on behalf of POC individuals, in terms of the other forms of representation, it didn't come off as tokenizing. I want to specifically talk about the queerness. While it was never said outright, the trans representation was there- I'm just surprised I didn't notice it earlier. I won't spoil it, but it was revealed at the end, and I found it nice. It didn't seem as though it was just thrown in there just to have it in there. While it was an important part of the character, it wasn't the defining thing about them. I didn't related to their character much until that detail was revealed, then I reflected back on the story and realized that their experience is quite similar to mine. Neat.
This isn't an absolutely amazing, spectacular book, but an enjoyable one that Jennifer should definitely be proud of, especially it being her first book. Will be checking back occasionally to see if she's come up with anything new.
I know that this sounds like a lot of criticism, but luckily most of these issues were only noticeable at the beginning. Once you get into the story a bit, the characters and their dialogue become more fluid. And can I just say how perfect of a setting this is for a murder mystery? As someone who has been born and raised in Oregon, as well as gone to summer camp here, I can say that there is something every so slightly eery about this place. The story is well placed.
When I began the book and noticed how short the chapters are, I was trying to decide if this was a good or bad thing, but it ended up being one of the book's strong suits. With most of the chapters being between 4 to 8 pages, it broke the book into small chunks that allowed you to digest the book very quickly. The book was compelling and I never got bored of it, the changing perspectives between the two detective groups contributed to this.
While I can't speak on behalf of POC individuals, in terms of the other forms of representation, it didn't come off as tokenizing. I want to specifically talk about the queerness. While it was never said outright, the trans representation was there- I'm just surprised I didn't notice it earlier. I won't spoil it, but it was revealed at the end, and I found it nice. It didn't seem as though it was just thrown in there just to have it in there. While it was an important part of the character, it wasn't the defining thing about them. I didn't related to their character much until that detail was revealed, then I reflected back on the story and realized that their experience is quite similar to mine. Neat.
This isn't an absolutely amazing, spectacular book, but an enjoyable one that Jennifer should definitely be proud of, especially it being her first book. Will be checking back occasionally to see if she's come up with anything new.
December 3, 2020
I've been waiting for this to be on Goodreads so I can mark it as read! I really enjoyed this, although I did have to suspend some belief at the end. It's a mystery so I will only say that normally I would NEVER read a book about kid campers but I'm glad I read this one. The premise was interesting and the characters unique.
Also shoutout to indie presses everywhere. As Penguin Random House continues their slow takeover of big publishing, I will have to look even harder to find independently published authors. Not that I don't love a good blockbuster or midlist title from one of the Big Four! But there's something to be said for finding a book worth reading that didn't have the benefit of marketing dollars to propel it to my attention.
Also shoutout to indie presses everywhere. As Penguin Random House continues their slow takeover of big publishing, I will have to look even harder to find independently published authors. Not that I don't love a good blockbuster or midlist title from one of the Big Four! But there's something to be said for finding a book worth reading that didn't have the benefit of marketing dollars to propel it to my attention.
April 28, 2021
If I could have read this in one sitting, I would have. Truly a gripping mystery. At first I thought there might be too many threads but I was wrong! I loved most of the characters but Hal is a new personal favorite.
March 27, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this reading, particularly because I liked the characters a LOT. And I must say, I'm really curious about Hal's background and wouldn't mind reading more about him. Or about Mikie, if I'm going to be honest :P
The mystery was really good and engaging, but so were the secondary storylines and the deepening of what parenting is about. Because the underlying theme in this book is parenting and identity. And while we are at it, I loved how Isaac's story evolves through the book, and how, when we found why he was so afraid, it comes as a surprise, yes, but one that, at least I, felt a bit slow for no foreseeing it :P
All in all, a great story from an author that is new to me. Yay for new, worthy authors!
The mystery was really good and engaging, but so were the secondary storylines and the deepening of what parenting is about. Because the underlying theme in this book is parenting and identity. And while we are at it, I loved how Isaac's story evolves through the book, and how, when we found why he was so afraid, it comes as a surprise, yes, but one that, at least I, felt a bit slow for no foreseeing it :P
All in all, a great story from an author that is new to me. Yay for new, worthy authors!
January 21, 2021
A seriously enjoyable coming of age\who done it murder mystery set at summer camp. The author somehow jams this book with topics including adoption, gender identity, sexual-orientation, drugs, differing abilities, and more, in a summer that Heritage Campers will never forget. Loved the characters who work to figure out who did the crime, all while also discovering themselves. The only thing that was odd for me at times was the writing style which didn't have a flow that I was looking for, and I stumbled at times to really see the scene at hand.
December 6, 2021
Finding the Vein is a thriller that keeps you guessing until the last minute. Jennifer Hanlon Wilde leaves no stone unturned; every suggestive element of the plot leads up to the stunning finale. As a mystery/thriller fan, I enjoyed each twist and turn, especially the false leads that build the anticipation as the stakes rise. Wilde’s characters, though, were what pushed this from an enjoyable read to a memorable adventure that I will revisit again and again. You really get to know these characters as you explore their stories and uncover how the tragedy and mystery they are faced with brings out their own demons to grapple with.
Wilde’s focus on adoptees and issues surrounding international adoption added a layer of originality to this gripping novel, taking it beyond the realm of your typical “who dun it” mystery. The way that Wilde weaves the parallel plotlines of the police investigation and the informal investigation that the campers at Heritage conduct help the novel appeal to both teenage audiences as well as adult audiences, a difficult gap to bridge.
Wilde’s representation of a trans character added an additional element to the story and I wish it had been on the page more clearly. In the wake of the big reveal (who killed Paul Anderson), Isaac’s reveal and resolution seem a little rushed. His identity is an important part of the narrative, and it’s something he struggles with directly and indirectly throughout the events of the plot. A trans character is, of course, not obligated to come out to the audience any more than they are obligated to come out to other characters in the novel. But the way that Isaac’s past is characterized makes it seem like he’s done something he’s ashamed of, which makes the reveal at the end feel a little half-hearted. It would have been interesting to see a more complete resolution.
Overall, this is a breathtaking novel that goes far beyond the thriller genre to address deep issues of identity formation and real-world issues of international adoption and what it means to be a family. While I think the LGBTQ+ representation could have come out more clearly on the page, I hope other mystery/thriller authors will follow Wilde’s example so that we can continue to strive for a place where this representation is ubiquitous throughout the genre, rather than a unique addition.
Wilde’s focus on adoptees and issues surrounding international adoption added a layer of originality to this gripping novel, taking it beyond the realm of your typical “who dun it” mystery. The way that Wilde weaves the parallel plotlines of the police investigation and the informal investigation that the campers at Heritage conduct help the novel appeal to both teenage audiences as well as adult audiences, a difficult gap to bridge.
Wilde’s representation of a trans character added an additional element to the story and I wish it had been on the page more clearly. In the wake of the big reveal (who killed Paul Anderson), Isaac’s reveal and resolution seem a little rushed. His identity is an important part of the narrative, and it’s something he struggles with directly and indirectly throughout the events of the plot. A trans character is, of course, not obligated to come out to the audience any more than they are obligated to come out to other characters in the novel. But the way that Isaac’s past is characterized makes it seem like he’s done something he’s ashamed of, which makes the reveal at the end feel a little half-hearted. It would have been interesting to see a more complete resolution.
Overall, this is a breathtaking novel that goes far beyond the thriller genre to address deep issues of identity formation and real-world issues of international adoption and what it means to be a family. While I think the LGBTQ+ representation could have come out more clearly on the page, I hope other mystery/thriller authors will follow Wilde’s example so that we can continue to strive for a place where this representation is ubiquitous throughout the genre, rather than a unique addition.
June 18, 2021
(I received a free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program)
As an Oregonian (and indeed, someone who lives in one of the small towns mentioned in the book!), I think was primed to enjoy this book just for the setting and the (mostly accurate) local references. It was a really fun backdrop for the story and all the better for me because I could vividly imagine it since it's just out my front door. The mystery totally kept me guessing and turning pages - I devoured this book in just a couple of quick sittings because it was so enjoyable. I really enjoyed all of the characters and like that although the book was focusing on a diverse cast of characters, it didn't make a meal out of their so-called differences. Instead, it just matter-of-factly presented the characters for who they were. Although I found the ending to be enjoyable for it's twists and turns, it was wrapped up a bit too neatly and with some things that required a bit of suspension of disbelief That said, I don't think that's much different than a lot of mystery/thriller novels with similarly tidy endings and the payoff for unraveling the mysteries was totally worth it. I would love to see these characters again in future novels!
As an Oregonian (and indeed, someone who lives in one of the small towns mentioned in the book!), I think was primed to enjoy this book just for the setting and the (mostly accurate) local references. It was a really fun backdrop for the story and all the better for me because I could vividly imagine it since it's just out my front door. The mystery totally kept me guessing and turning pages - I devoured this book in just a couple of quick sittings because it was so enjoyable. I really enjoyed all of the characters and like that although the book was focusing on a diverse cast of characters, it didn't make a meal out of their so-called differences. Instead, it just matter-of-factly presented the characters for who they were. Although I found the ending to be enjoyable for it's twists and turns, it was wrapped up a bit too neatly and with some things that required a bit of suspension of disbelief That said, I don't think that's much different than a lot of mystery/thriller novels with similarly tidy endings and the payoff for unraveling the mysteries was totally worth it. I would love to see these characters again in future novels!
June 6, 2021
There is something so genuine and personal about this novel. I feel as if this story is important and needs to be told. Not much is out there that talks about the struggles of adopted children, their biological parents, and the way the adoption process can sometimes be romanticized when in reality it’s riddled with systematic issues. And while the characters all stem from the clutches of this flawed system, that is not what this story about.
It’s about a death at Camp Heritage. And as the story unwinds, it seems to appear less like an accident. As detectives get involved and the kids at camp follow the trail deeper, revelations will come that’ll uproot the entire meaning of Camp Heritage.
But Finding the Vein is a mystery at its core. The book follows both a detective, who is keen on fowl play, and Isaac, a kid trying to make sense out of his social circle while the rest of camp spirals into gossip and drama. There is great detective work here, interesting forensics, complemented with an eye for medical subtlety.
I had so much fun reading this story. Kept me guessing all the way. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or saddened because sometimes love will do strange things to a person. But could it persuade someone to kill? Well, that you’ll need to find out for yourself.
It’s about a death at Camp Heritage. And as the story unwinds, it seems to appear less like an accident. As detectives get involved and the kids at camp follow the trail deeper, revelations will come that’ll uproot the entire meaning of Camp Heritage.
But Finding the Vein is a mystery at its core. The book follows both a detective, who is keen on fowl play, and Isaac, a kid trying to make sense out of his social circle while the rest of camp spirals into gossip and drama. There is great detective work here, interesting forensics, complemented with an eye for medical subtlety.
I had so much fun reading this story. Kept me guessing all the way. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or saddened because sometimes love will do strange things to a person. But could it persuade someone to kill? Well, that you’ll need to find out for yourself.
June 26, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Identity was handled with so much grace, and I thought that the whodunnit elements were so much fun. Particularly loved how the disparate pieces all came together in the end, down to the smallest details.
August 2, 2021
I loved the book.
It was nice reading the story from different perspectives, the denouement was good and I was very glad I got to know Isaacs secret at last.
Some things I did not notice, but my partner did: using the name 'Hal' for the computerkid and the meaning of the title.
This seems to be a debut.
Dear Jennifer: I want more!
It was nice reading the story from different perspectives, the denouement was good and I was very glad I got to know Isaacs secret at last.
Some things I did not notice, but my partner did: using the name 'Hal' for the computerkid and the meaning of the title.
This seems to be a debut.
Dear Jennifer: I want more!
February 18, 2021
“What she sensed there was intangible, unprovable, and worthless to the DA: the will to murder, which lingered like a wisp of smoke, the stink of it in the air.”
I read this book in one sitting - it's that good. I found myself connecting with the characters, particularly Isaac, as the mystery at Heritage Camp begins to unravel itself. I've always been a fan of mysteries and find myself drawn to reading books like this one, but this mystery stands out because of its LGBTQ+ themes and the setting of an international adoption camp. While I, myself, have not experienced adoption, it wasn't hard to find myself relating to and deeply caring for the characters and their struggles. If you love mystery, this is definitely your next read.
I read this book in one sitting - it's that good. I found myself connecting with the characters, particularly Isaac, as the mystery at Heritage Camp begins to unravel itself. I've always been a fan of mysteries and find myself drawn to reading books like this one, but this mystery stands out because of its LGBTQ+ themes and the setting of an international adoption camp. While I, myself, have not experienced adoption, it wasn't hard to find myself relating to and deeply caring for the characters and their struggles. If you love mystery, this is definitely your next read.
May 22, 2021
Finding the Vein is a young adult murder mystery set at a picturesque Oregon summer camp for international adoptees. The story starts with a fatal allergy attack, and everyone at the camp quickly becomes a suspect. The action is limited to the typical investigative thriller. There are no explosions or car chases, and justice is delivered murky and a bit lukewarm. However, the pacing is fast, and the characterization of the campers is dynamic and diverse. Ooligan Press, the publishing imprint, was created to highlight the natural and cultural diversity of the Pacific Northwest, and Finding the Vein is an excellent addition to its catalog.
March 1, 2021
Finding the Vein is a character-driven, gripping mystery featuring two central perspectives, Isaac and Mikie, a teenager and a police sergeant respectively. The novel is set at Heritage Camp, a summer camp for adoptees, in the woods outside of Portland, Oregon. When Paul, a favorite camp counselor, goes into fatal anaphylactic shock at a social dance, most folks assume it was an accident, but the protagonists aren't convinced. With help from their peers/colleagues, they each investigate the death, ultimately unearthing long-kept secrets buried in the camp's history.
Readers get to know Isaac pretty quickly through his letters to his therapist and parents. Some of the secondary characters are quickly developed too, through Isaac's perspective. The character Hal, a sunglass-wearing, national judo champion, superhacker, walking thesaurus is my favorite! He's quirky and complex, and he helps Isaac follow the clues from within Heritage and connect the clues to Mikie. Mikie is a detective who used to be an ER nurse, and she uses her experience to follow the clues.
International adoption, prosthesis, racial identity, diabetes, therapy, body image, drug use, sexuality, gender identity, and murder are some of the topics readers encounter on our path to learning the truth. Hanlon Wilde approaches these with genuine candor and respect to the characters, but also to the mystery.
I recommend this novel to anyone who loves reading compelling detective-murder-mysteries, and to anyone who loves reading coming of age stories that put off major summer vibes.
Readers get to know Isaac pretty quickly through his letters to his therapist and parents. Some of the secondary characters are quickly developed too, through Isaac's perspective. The character Hal, a sunglass-wearing, national judo champion, superhacker, walking thesaurus is my favorite! He's quirky and complex, and he helps Isaac follow the clues from within Heritage and connect the clues to Mikie. Mikie is a detective who used to be an ER nurse, and she uses her experience to follow the clues.
International adoption, prosthesis, racial identity, diabetes, therapy, body image, drug use, sexuality, gender identity, and murder are some of the topics readers encounter on our path to learning the truth. Hanlon Wilde approaches these with genuine candor and respect to the characters, but also to the mystery.
I recommend this novel to anyone who loves reading compelling detective-murder-mysteries, and to anyone who loves reading coming of age stories that put off major summer vibes.
January 4, 2022
I feel the author tried to do too much with this story and that it didn't quite come together. At the center of the plot line is the death of a popular, well-liked camp counselor named Paul. His death appears to be from anaphylaxis, but an autopsy reveals the potential of another cause which leads Detectives Mikie and Wu to the conclusion that it was a homicide. There were many implausible things that occurred in this story. The first is that Detective Mikie was a former ER nurse. The 2nd was that a central character had a twin and a biological mom he didn't know about. The third, that a camp resident was a genius hacker and able to convince detectives to let him wear a wire to gain evidence against a murderer. Intertwined in this homicide tale was a scheme of drug-dealing/blackmail and international adoption (baby stealing) scams. Really, just too much. The biggest disappointment was the way the author handled the inclusion of a transgendered character. Hints were dropped throughout the entire story leading the reader to think there would be some kind of big AHA reveal that somehow tied into the main plot, but it never happened. This story would have benefitted from better editing to improve the storytelling arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. The plot was engaging and moved quickly, so I was constantly wanting to know what happened next. It was easy to become emotionally invested in the characters and their struggles, and I wanted Isaac and his friends to succeed and stay safe as they investigated what turned into (no spoilers!) a mystery much larger than anyone previously thought. Finding the Vein told a good story without being too predictable, and I had fun trying to solve the mystery along with the characters.
The author touched on many themes surrounding LGBTQ+, murder, friendship, adoption, drugs, and more without it being overwhelming, and these topics were explored seriously and well despite the book's young adult elements, which can sometimes lead to sugarcoating certain topics.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced mystery with well-developed characters they can connect with!
The author touched on many themes surrounding LGBTQ+, murder, friendship, adoption, drugs, and more without it being overwhelming, and these topics were explored seriously and well despite the book's young adult elements, which can sometimes lead to sugarcoating certain topics.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced mystery with well-developed characters they can connect with!
March 2, 2021
Mystery/suspense-filled novels are not something I normally read, but this one has something for everyone. I am a romance reader, so the relationships between the characters and whether I can connect with them is huge for me. I connected with Isaac the best, his spirit, curiosity, and his connection with Hal, Ty, and some of the other characters. One of my favorite Isaac moments:
"Okay." His relief was enormous, bigger than trees, bigger than sequoias even. They sat quietly for a few minutes. He moved his hand to hers, and they sat touching that way, looking at the water until it was time to go."
Such an intimate moment. If you love mystery and even if you don't, Finding the Vein should be on your list.
"Okay." His relief was enormous, bigger than trees, bigger than sequoias even. They sat quietly for a few minutes. He moved his hand to hers, and they sat touching that way, looking at the water until it was time to go."
Such an intimate moment. If you love mystery and even if you don't, Finding the Vein should be on your list.
March 4, 2021
This book, “Finding the Vein,” is incredible!! I love how the story flows. It's not gripping my interest at first, but it's starting to keep my eyes and heart open and read every bit of it!
I am not convinced with one of the charater's computer skills. Maybe he's too young, and the project presented is unbelievable—for me. The reason for the killer is not enough for me. I'm not yet a mother, so I can't understand and feel the depth of it.
If you are interested in moving cases with the intensity of adoptees life, in and out; good and evil, on all sides—read this.
P.S.
It took so long for me to finish this because I started reading during the month of my wedding's busy days. It's not because of the story.
Thank you, LT, for choosing me to read this for free!
I am not convinced with one of the charater's computer skills. Maybe he's too young, and the project presented is unbelievable—for me. The reason for the killer is not enough for me. I'm not yet a mother, so I can't understand and feel the depth of it.
If you are interested in moving cases with the intensity of adoptees life, in and out; good and evil, on all sides—read this.
P.S.
It took so long for me to finish this because I started reading during the month of my wedding's busy days. It's not because of the story.
Thank you, LT, for choosing me to read this for free!
August 24, 2021
This one ticks all the boxes: murder mystery, diverse characters, quirky best friend (seriously, Hal is my new fave), and a fun twist.
I love the representation (adoptees, Asians, LGBTQ+, differently abled) and the setting (I'm a sucker for summer camp stories). The author has done a great job of capturing the spirit of the PNW as well as creating round, interesting characters. The hints and clues are plunked in just the right places to keep you reading and guessing until the end.
Many thanks to the publisher and LibraryThing for the ARC.
I love the representation (adoptees, Asians, LGBTQ+, differently abled) and the setting (I'm a sucker for summer camp stories). The author has done a great job of capturing the spirit of the PNW as well as creating round, interesting characters. The hints and clues are plunked in just the right places to keep you reading and guessing until the end.
Many thanks to the publisher and LibraryThing for the ARC.
September 25, 2022
Read this while sick this week. Really enjoyed it. Some great plot twists. My wife is a nurse, we live in Portland, our kids go to camps near the Sandy River, and I picked this up in the Multnomah library on a whim… pretty much the exact target audience. Highly recommend!
April 14, 2021
Let me start with that I had mechanical troubles with this e-book and the actual physical part of reading it frustrated me - it shouldn't color my review but unfortunately probably will. This mystery taking place at a international adoptee summer camp showcased the initiative of a couple of campers to determine if the death of one of the counselors was suicide or murder. It was neat to see the teens tackling a project, solving the mystery, how they discovered the clues, and what they did with them, etc. I felt that character development was somewhat uneven with some of the characters being being so undeveloped that they almost weren't there (a couple of the campers in the cabin) and others developed as if they weren't quite real. A primary character, Hal, seemed to be interesting but all he did was work on the computer and there seemed to be so much more to him that it would have been nice to get to know him more. The main character, Issac, read with a sort of false note and seemed way too concerned with how he looked for a teenaged boy. There also seemed to be a lot of foreshadowing that didn't seem to really go anywhere - just hints at secrets and stuff that characters didn't want others to know or were afraid someone would find out, that were either never resolved or resolved in a low key almost off hand manner. OK, now for the good things about the book. The location was well described with just enough detail to be able to picture what was happening without being heavy and intrusive in the story - I felt I was there. The pacing was good and tension built to the conclusion and as the book raced towards the end you were pulled along with it in an "I can't put this down manner." The book brought to light some of the things international adoptees have to cope with and other concerns that are unique to that population as well as some of the less savory elements related. There were several other stories hinted at throughout that could be novels in their own right. Overall a good book and one I don't regret reading.
December 18, 2021
I feel like this story has some good bones. I requested this book for review from LibraryThing because of the summary. I really enjoyed the different representations in this story. It was a fresh perspective. There weren’t any lulls and it was a pretty fast read.
But I found myself disconnected from the characters from the very beginning. I feel like we jumped right into dialogue pretty quickly and the mood of the story was lost for me. The characters in the book felt one-dimensional at times. I wanted them to be fleshed out some more, know more about them.
Other times I felt that I was reading two books at the same time. You had the adults perspective and the kids perspective. This made the book feel disjointed at times. I think this book would have been better if had just been written thru the lens of the kids alone or the adults.
Towards the end, the story felt rushed. There were a lot of “secrets” that were quickly mentioned but not fully explored or brought up again.
For example, Isaac’s difference (mentioned in the book summary) isn’t stated until the very end of the book, and only to one person & another camper who has discovered his secret. You as the reader will probably figure it out sooner.
There is this trope that I have seen in a lot of movies, shows & books, where the “kids” are smarter than the adults. This shows up in this book, and it had my eyes rolling at times. As well, as Isaac being at the right place and at the right time, which happened when the adults (police/suspect) were talking about the “important” things.
This happened quite often. Once or twice … I would not have batted an eye but three times and more… why??
Forgetting, every eye-roll and annoyance this story may have given me, I did overall enjoy this read. It was a mystery and the plot points intrigued me enough to want to know who the killer was…till the very end.
Plus it gave me some food for thought on adoptions especially the international kind.
But I found myself disconnected from the characters from the very beginning. I feel like we jumped right into dialogue pretty quickly and the mood of the story was lost for me. The characters in the book felt one-dimensional at times. I wanted them to be fleshed out some more, know more about them.
Other times I felt that I was reading two books at the same time. You had the adults perspective and the kids perspective. This made the book feel disjointed at times. I think this book would have been better if had just been written thru the lens of the kids alone or the adults.
Towards the end, the story felt rushed. There were a lot of “secrets” that were quickly mentioned but not fully explored or brought up again.
For example, Isaac’s difference (mentioned in the book summary) isn’t stated until the very end of the book, and only to one person & another camper who has discovered his secret. You as the reader will probably figure it out sooner.
There is this trope that I have seen in a lot of movies, shows & books, where the “kids” are smarter than the adults. This shows up in this book, and it had my eyes rolling at times. As well, as Isaac being at the right place and at the right time, which happened when the adults (police/suspect) were talking about the “important” things.
This happened quite often. Once or twice … I would not have batted an eye but three times and more… why??
Forgetting, every eye-roll and annoyance this story may have given me, I did overall enjoy this read. It was a mystery and the plot points intrigued me enough to want to know who the killer was…till the very end.
Plus it gave me some food for thought on adoptions especially the international kind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2022
I picked up this book because I like mystery novels and the premise seemed interesting. After finishing it I can safely say I am not disappointed, but there are definitely some aspects about it that I think could have been handled differently. Specifically, the beginning of the novel, which can be misleading in a way, as it heavily emphasizes the young characters and their interactions in a way that seems more fitting for a YA novel, while not being one. This contrasts with the way these characters interact or their dialogues, which feels forced at times. I knew that because the setting was a camp it would heavily emphasize the teenagers and the relationships between them, but at times it felt like it distracted from the murder mystery, which, again, takes a while to kick off.
Nevertheless, once it does start, it quickly gains traction and becomes very engaging. I really liked the twists and revelations, and I feel that using the perspective of the amateur investigators (the camp attendees) for some of them was very interesting. The novel is very well paced after that initial section and has very clever use of misdirection with callbacks to the beginning of the book that make the ending have a lasting impact. I really like the direction were it went, and without giving out spoilers, I like the darker implications hidden behind the mystery that only start peering out little by little. It makes it so once you get to that point, it is very hard to put the book down. Still, once again, the back and forth between the campers and the detectives seems to favor the teenagers, specially at the end in relation to Hal, in way that seemed unrealistic to me. I definitely enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to anyone who likes mystery novels, but particularly to those who enjoy (or don’t mind) a young cast of characters in such a setting.
Nevertheless, once it does start, it quickly gains traction and becomes very engaging. I really liked the twists and revelations, and I feel that using the perspective of the amateur investigators (the camp attendees) for some of them was very interesting. The novel is very well paced after that initial section and has very clever use of misdirection with callbacks to the beginning of the book that make the ending have a lasting impact. I really like the direction were it went, and without giving out spoilers, I like the darker implications hidden behind the mystery that only start peering out little by little. It makes it so once you get to that point, it is very hard to put the book down. Still, once again, the back and forth between the campers and the detectives seems to favor the teenagers, specially at the end in relation to Hal, in way that seemed unrealistic to me. I definitely enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to anyone who likes mystery novels, but particularly to those who enjoy (or don’t mind) a young cast of characters in such a setting.
August 11, 2022
I’m always in the mood for a good mystery or thriller and, since the summer heat simply refuses to let me pretend it’s fall, one set at a summer camp seemed like the perfect way to accept my fate of warmer days for now. Lately it seems that I’ve been seeing my friends and family in book characters and this one fell right into that category. There’s something about Isaac that reminds me of my brother. Maybe it’s his relatable girl issues and past filled with bullies… but the relatability of this novel didn’t end there! The summer camp, including the no kiss rule, reminded me of my own time at camp, which is a testament to Hanlon Wilde’s writing. Wilde’s characters create a perfect cast to follow and her sense of place throughout immersed me, as I listened to it on text to voice putting myself in the shoes of Isaac and Mikie as they solve the mystery, because what’s summer without some murder?
May 17, 2023
I picked this up because it was tagged as murder mystery, summer camp, and lgbtqia - and I was not disappointed in those descriptions. The writing was strong and knowledgeable about medicine, adoption, and investigation.
There is a lot of representation in the story that is woven smoothly into the story which I loved. A large focus on the story - particularly towards the end - is how unethical international adoption can be and how there is a blind eye to some harmful practices surrounding it. After putting the story down, I find myself reevaluating some of the things I had thought I'd known.
The pacing lulled a little in the middle for me but picked up towards the end. Some of the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic for the ages of the characters, and there were parts of the story that were unnecessary. Also, the pov jumped around primarily between Mikie and Isaac, but there were moments or chapters that were outside of those pov's which could have been left out.
There is a lot of representation in the story that is woven smoothly into the story which I loved. A large focus on the story - particularly towards the end - is how unethical international adoption can be and how there is a blind eye to some harmful practices surrounding it. After putting the story down, I find myself reevaluating some of the things I had thought I'd known.
The pacing lulled a little in the middle for me but picked up towards the end. Some of the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic for the ages of the characters, and there were parts of the story that were unnecessary. Also, the pov jumped around primarily between Mikie and Isaac, but there were moments or chapters that were outside of those pov's which could have been left out.
August 27, 2021
I don't normally read novels in the mystery genre, but I'm so glad I read this one. It had a whole array of lovable characters, one of my favorites was Isaac. His awkwardness and his efforts to blend into the crowd during his days at camp were so relatable, and it was great to see him find his confidence through his friendship with Hal and Daniel. A very believable and wholesome friendship I might add.
At the heart of this book was an elaborate murder mystery that kept surprising me again and again. The plot progression feels natural as you are given more hints about whodunnit and discover who the campers are behind first appearances, even the sides they want to stay hidden.
If anyone is looking for a mystery to binge read or help to get out of a reader's block, I highly recommend this book.
I was given an ARC by LibraryThing through a promotional competition.
At the heart of this book was an elaborate murder mystery that kept surprising me again and again. The plot progression feels natural as you are given more hints about whodunnit and discover who the campers are behind first appearances, even the sides they want to stay hidden.
If anyone is looking for a mystery to binge read or help to get out of a reader's block, I highly recommend this book.
I was given an ARC by LibraryThing through a promotional competition.
May 31, 2022
Thus was another ARC I had received. At this point I no longer think I can say not a typical genre read by me as I've been expanding my reads a lot lately. With that being said thus was a fast enjoyable read. The plot was solid with plenty of twists and turns which is to be expected from this genre. The character development was solidly done in such a short read as well. Pace was decent a long the way. I'd probably place this more into the Young Adult category simply because the number of young adult or teens out weighs the few adults followed.
I wasn't a big fan of the final twist at the very end as it didn't seem necessary and felt kind of forced. But that is certainly just my opinion.
Overall I'm happy to have read this book and it continues to give me further confidence to keep trying new reads,
I wasn't a big fan of the final twist at the very end as it didn't seem necessary and felt kind of forced. But that is certainly just my opinion.
Overall I'm happy to have read this book and it continues to give me further confidence to keep trying new reads,
June 5, 2022
I've been meaning to read more in the mystery genre lately and Finding The Vein was a great re-introduction. The book's premise is unique and refreshing as it takes place at a summer camp for adoptees and manages the subject of adoption (its controversies and shortcomings) really well alongside an exciting murder mystery. I also enjoy it when the murder weapon or method is so subtle and clever. My one gripe with this story was that I didn't feel that the letters the MC wrote to his therapist in the beginning were strictly necessary and that they dragged the pacing slightly. However, after the first fourth or so the story really picks up and I had a hard time putting it down. The thoughtful, and yet very simple approach to diverse representation in this title was also lovely to see.
June 6, 2022
This was a rather quick read––once I started, I couldn't stop. I was looking for a short mystery to read between books, and this definitely fit the bill! I liked the setting quite a lot, as it definitely brought me back to my old camp days. I always thought that camps were such a good setting for mysteries, so this was right up my alley! The story flowed easily, and once it hit the ground running, it never stopped. The narrator was likeable and had a good voice to funnel the story through. It was interesting the entire time, from the bigger main plot, down to the subplots (gotta love a good subplot!). This would be a good book to bring to the beach or sit on your front porch and read on a sunny day.
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