What do you think?
Rate this book
Desert Crossing
14-year-old Lucy is taking a road trip with her older brother, Jamie, and his friend, Kit. But during a blinding rainstorm, their car hits something. At first they think it's an animal - until they discover the body of a girl. What happens when three teenagers can no longer pretend innocence?
276 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2006
20 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Elise Broach
33 books148 followersElise Broach is the New York Times bestselling author of children's books including Masterpiece, Shakespeare's Secret, Desert Crossing, Missing on Superstition Mountain (the first book in the Superstition Mountain Trilogy) as well as several picture books. Her books have been selected as ALA notable books, Junior Library Guild selections, a Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book, a New York Public Library Best Book for the Teenage, an IRA Teacher's Choice, an E.B. White Read Aloud Award, and nominated for an Edgar Award, among other distinctions. Ms. Broach holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in history from Yale University. She was born in Georgia and lives in the woods of rural Connecticut, walking distance from three farms, a library, a post office and two country stores.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/eliseb...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/eliseb...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
October 13, 2020
To be honest, I expected a little more from the book... 🙄
July 22, 2011
I thought book was going to be a survival story and got a mystery combined with romance instead. I was a bit put off by the device the author used to remove the older brother from the story so the other boy and his younger sister could develop a relationship and try to solve a murder. I mean, is it me, or is a 30-40 something year old woman having a sexual affair with a just turned 18 year old boy who the police left in her custody after he supposedly hit a teen on the road while drinking....well, a bit creepy? I also found the way the kids put themselves into danger by breaking into a killer's house hard to read. I also found the relationship between the girl and the brother's friend odd...he wants to kiss her and stuff but hey when we go back to school no one can know about this....yuck.
I save one starts for books that are WRETCHED so this got two as it does have some suspense and a ploy that keeps you reading even if you don't like what's happening.
I save one starts for books that are WRETCHED so this got two as it does have some suspense and a ploy that keeps you reading even if you don't like what's happening.
June 24, 2014
This book was amazing!
I can't stop reading it!
I have literally read it 3+ times and am now reading it again.
I love the plot and the characters.
I can't stop reading it!
I have literally read it 3+ times and am now reading it again.
I love the plot and the characters.
May 29, 2009
After u read the first two chapters u begin to wonder how this book made it out of the editing room.
November 13, 2020
¿Cómo un viaje tranquilo en carretera pueden cambiar tu vida de un momento a otro? ¿Cómo una sola situación hará que te enfrentes por primera vez como un adulto responsable?. Es así, como Lucy, Jamie y Kirk se ven enfrentados a un accidente en el desierto, encontrando el cadáver de una chica, mientras iban de viaje a Phoenix para encontrarse con su padre. Sin embargo, esta situación les cambian completamente el panorama, sin embargo Lucy es observadora, definiendo de manera perfecta cada uno de los personajes, sus actos y los paisajes y hay algo en ella que no la tranquiliza, lo que hace que emprenda un viaje de descubrimiento, búsqueda de pistas, amores y muchas cosas más. Una historia breve, pocos personajes y un desierto que se comporta como uno más.
July 12, 2018
Una historia muy entretenida que me enganchó desde el principio.
November 26, 2018
I read it a few years ago and I think it was a good book! I still remember a lot of parts from the book, which is a good sign I guess
June 15, 2022
«Uno podía pasarse meses y meses con una persona sin aprender nada de ella comparado con lo que averigua en unos minutos con una sola historia»
Un libro breve y adictivo.
La idea de un roadtrip por el desierto, que se ve trucando por nada menos que un cadáver en la carretera, me conquistó. La ejecución no tanto. El misterio me dejó mucho que desear, pero lo disfruté de todas maneras.
Se lee de una sentada.
Un libro breve y adictivo.
La idea de un roadtrip por el desierto, que se ve trucando por nada menos que un cadáver en la carretera, me conquistó. La ejecución no tanto. El misterio me dejó mucho que desear, pero lo disfruté de todas maneras.
Se lee de una sentada.
December 22, 2024
This book really stood out to me. I have read it multiple times now and I never got bored of it. The storyline is so good! It’s as if I were with them progressing through the book. The chemistry between Lucy and Kit got me butterflies each time I read this book.
This book is about 3 teens who are on their way to their dad’s house (Kit tags along, because his parents are on vacation) during spring break. Dusk falls and it starts to rain dogs and cats. And as they’re driving they feel a bump. One of them sees a dog slumping away but they go back and check what they hit precisely and how they can help. They start driving back, only to see a girl by the side of the road, lying down and she’s dead. The three teens are in shock and Jamie calls for help at a nearby house. The police comes over and the investigation starts. All this while Jamie, Lucy and Kit stay at the woman’s house. The woman is around her forties and single and she had an affair with Jamie who just had turned 18, it was a bit odd. As Lucy and Kit decide to find the murderer of the girl themselves, they break into his home and find evidence of him being the culprit. Kit and Lucy start to like each other, but they won’t start anything because of the school they attend to. That was a big yikes.
This book is about 3 teens who are on their way to their dad’s house (Kit tags along, because his parents are on vacation) during spring break. Dusk falls and it starts to rain dogs and cats. And as they’re driving they feel a bump. One of them sees a dog slumping away but they go back and check what they hit precisely and how they can help. They start driving back, only to see a girl by the side of the road, lying down and she’s dead. The three teens are in shock and Jamie calls for help at a nearby house. The police comes over and the investigation starts. All this while Jamie, Lucy and Kit stay at the woman’s house. The woman is around her forties and single and she had an affair with Jamie who just had turned 18, it was a bit odd. As Lucy and Kit decide to find the murderer of the girl themselves, they break into his home and find evidence of him being the culprit. Kit and Lucy start to like each other, but they won’t start anything because of the school they attend to. That was a big yikes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2015
This was a reread for me. I read it in 2007 for the first time and I remember really loving it! Reading it again in 2015 I can still see why I liked it. It is quite short and really fast paced. The mystery factor in this book is definitely what keeps you going, turning the pages as fast as you can. I loved the romance aspect of this book (both of them), and while the ending wasn't perfect, that's kind of what made it great. Because love is never perfect. Some of the aspects of the story are a little far fetched, and Lucy could probably have been a bit of a stronger character, but all in all it was an enjoyable quick read and I'm glad I gave it another go
July 10, 2013
On découvre ce roman surtout pour son ambiance, pour sa tension psychologique et pour ses personnages qui se révèlent forts et fragiles à mesure que l'histoire avance... J'ai une préférence pour toute la première moitié du livre, la deuxième partie est plus convenue (mais c'est aussi là que se construit l'enquête).
February 21, 2019
Really enjoyed this book! Couldn't put it down and found that I had finished it in less than 24 hours. I found the storyline to be mysterious without being outrageous and unrealistic. An easy read with a good story line
July 9, 2021
This novel was definitely a page turner! I read it in just one day. I love the eerie setting of the desert and the raw emotions of the characters. Some elements of the mystery reminded me of Nancy Drew and Criminal Minds which was very nostalgic and exciting.
September 21, 2016
J'ai vraiment bien aimé ce livre, une histoire très sympa et des personnages attachants. Mais sans plus : je n'ai pas ressenti grand chose. Une lecture sympathique ! :)
July 31, 2024
I read this book repeatedly as a teenager and loved it. It was my favourite book. Then I didn't read it for several years, so thought I'd give it another shot at nearly 25 to see if I still enjoyed it. I went on holiday this week and felt this was the perfect time.
Overall, I still really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. I devoured it on the plane. While Elise Broach is not a particularly well-known author, there's a certain underappreciated beauty in how she weaves words when describing the landscapes. I think her words perfectly capture the stillness and loneliness of the desert, and the people who live in it. Every description of each character meant I could really picture them.
However, this book is not without flaws. Many reviewers have issues over the age-gap romance between Beth, a woman in her late 30s (which is repeatedly portrayed as 'old' in the book by both the teenage protagonist and the author herself, which seems juvenile) and Jamie, a freshly-18-year-old. Yes, this is problematic, but ultimately they are both consenting adults and it is wholly legal, however 'icky' it might be.
The larger problem, in my view, is the romance between Lucy and Kit. At times, it is enticing, and Lucy's perception of Kit is beautifully written. The kissing scenes are detailed without being exaggerated and nauseating. But at other times, it is infuriating. Firstly, Kit is just months shy of being 18, and Lucy is 14 (and not referred to as almost 15). Kit even says to Lucy, when she is upset about them, "did you really think I'd date a freshman?" This shows that Kit acknowledges it is wrong. The age gap between Beth and Jamie, which bothers Lucy so prominently, is at least consensual between to adults. Kit performs numerous 'chick tricks', as he calls them, on the young and innocent Lucy who's only ever had one kiss before. He also fragrantly cheats on his girlfriend, and when Lucy rightly accuses him of using her, he fires back at her for using him to drive her across the country. Kit plays a dangerous game by taking advantage of a traumatised child, his best friend's sister, and doesn't think of the consequences. It is only at the end of the novel that Kit finally appreciates the impact he is having on Lucy, and subsequently the impact she has had on him. It is the first tender interaction between them, and ends on a realistic note - they don't end up together. But they acknowledge the feelings and confusion they have, and it ends settled between them. There's an understanding, however ambiguous for us readers that may be. It's just a shame that the journey there is littered with inappropriate moments, and while Kit does always act for Lucy and keep her physically safe, he also emotionally damages her. He leads her on and uses her for his own amusement, because it's fun and harmless, while telling his girlfriend in secretive phone calls that he loves her. His treatment of Lucy, and his subsequent presentation as the brooding love interest, is questionable. But maybe the most dimensional, realistic character of them all. Kit is, however confusingly, layered.
Additionally, throughout the novel, you'd be guilty of thinking Lucy is older and mature at times while young and infantile at others. She makes wise, astute, considered observations of Kit and his significance in her life, and of Beth's both hindrance and importance to Jamie, while being dangerously naive about the situation with the killer. She is the most underdeveloped character of them all, and that is troublesome when she's your protagonist and you're meant to see the world like she does.
Jamie is a small fixture in the story. The relationship was Beth is always implied rather than explained in detail. We never know his perspective, only Beth's (which is still short). They have an intriguing side story that is never fully explored.
But, there is something that draws you in about this story. The presentation of the scenery, of the character connections, of the small-town people and the desolate setting, and seeing it all through Lucy's artistic eyes are intriguing. I do think it's worth a read. But the ending is polarising. While I like the vagueness as it is realistic, I can see why it frustrates people.
Do I love it as much as I did at 12, 15, 17? No, I don't think I do. My own perception, now that of an adult, has shifted. But it is still an engaging read. Just maybe not for the same reasons it was when I was younger.
Overall, I still really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. I devoured it on the plane. While Elise Broach is not a particularly well-known author, there's a certain underappreciated beauty in how she weaves words when describing the landscapes. I think her words perfectly capture the stillness and loneliness of the desert, and the people who live in it. Every description of each character meant I could really picture them.
However, this book is not without flaws. Many reviewers have issues over the age-gap romance between Beth, a woman in her late 30s (which is repeatedly portrayed as 'old' in the book by both the teenage protagonist and the author herself, which seems juvenile) and Jamie, a freshly-18-year-old. Yes, this is problematic, but ultimately they are both consenting adults and it is wholly legal, however 'icky' it might be.
The larger problem, in my view, is the romance between Lucy and Kit. At times, it is enticing, and Lucy's perception of Kit is beautifully written. The kissing scenes are detailed without being exaggerated and nauseating. But at other times, it is infuriating. Firstly, Kit is just months shy of being 18, and Lucy is 14 (and not referred to as almost 15). Kit even says to Lucy, when she is upset about them, "did you really think I'd date a freshman?" This shows that Kit acknowledges it is wrong. The age gap between Beth and Jamie, which bothers Lucy so prominently, is at least consensual between to adults. Kit performs numerous 'chick tricks', as he calls them, on the young and innocent Lucy who's only ever had one kiss before. He also fragrantly cheats on his girlfriend, and when Lucy rightly accuses him of using her, he fires back at her for using him to drive her across the country. Kit plays a dangerous game by taking advantage of a traumatised child, his best friend's sister, and doesn't think of the consequences. It is only at the end of the novel that Kit finally appreciates the impact he is having on Lucy, and subsequently the impact she has had on him. It is the first tender interaction between them, and ends on a realistic note - they don't end up together. But they acknowledge the feelings and confusion they have, and it ends settled between them. There's an understanding, however ambiguous for us readers that may be. It's just a shame that the journey there is littered with inappropriate moments, and while Kit does always act for Lucy and keep her physically safe, he also emotionally damages her. He leads her on and uses her for his own amusement, because it's fun and harmless, while telling his girlfriend in secretive phone calls that he loves her. His treatment of Lucy, and his subsequent presentation as the brooding love interest, is questionable. But maybe the most dimensional, realistic character of them all. Kit is, however confusingly, layered.
Additionally, throughout the novel, you'd be guilty of thinking Lucy is older and mature at times while young and infantile at others. She makes wise, astute, considered observations of Kit and his significance in her life, and of Beth's both hindrance and importance to Jamie, while being dangerously naive about the situation with the killer. She is the most underdeveloped character of them all, and that is troublesome when she's your protagonist and you're meant to see the world like she does.
Jamie is a small fixture in the story. The relationship was Beth is always implied rather than explained in detail. We never know his perspective, only Beth's (which is still short). They have an intriguing side story that is never fully explored.
But, there is something that draws you in about this story. The presentation of the scenery, of the character connections, of the small-town people and the desolate setting, and seeing it all through Lucy's artistic eyes are intriguing. I do think it's worth a read. But the ending is polarising. While I like the vagueness as it is realistic, I can see why it frustrates people.
Do I love it as much as I did at 12, 15, 17? No, I don't think I do. My own perception, now that of an adult, has shifted. But it is still an engaging read. Just maybe not for the same reasons it was when I was younger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
“Desert Crossing” by Elise Broach has an intriguing setting because most ‘Thriller’ books are set in environments such as a bustling city. This book is different as it is set in the middle of the New Mexico Desert. Deserts are typically open and desolate, which is a good setting for this book as thriller books often follow a tragedy. Having a vast environment helps capture a sense of dread and guilt. This is also strengthened by the fact that this book starts at night when it is raining, a time often used to create fear and danger. From the dark setting we learn, even from the start, that the book is going to involve danger, fear, and death.
“It was like being underwater, streaking through an ocean, dark and black.”
This line falls just before the start of the rising action. In this case, it was finding a dead body on the road. Again, this helps link the desert to fear and death. To sum it up, this book created a dangerous scene.
“It was like being underwater, streaking through an ocean, dark and black.”
This line falls just before the start of the rising action. In this case, it was finding a dead body on the road. Again, this helps link the desert to fear and death. To sum it up, this book created a dangerous scene.
July 22, 2020
“I’m not going to assume anything. Not since someone is dead.”- Elise Broach
“Is okay to do one stupid thing? Not Because you don’t know better but because you. and you can’t stop yourself. One mistake. One terrible,wonderful mistake. Is that okay? Are people allowed that?” It depends on what it is. It depends on who gets hurt.”- Elise Broach
This book was so good. It was a thriller mystery romance all rolled up into one. It was up and down like a roller coaster and I loved every minute of it. I highly enjoyed it the only reason it didn’t have a full 5 star was the main character was a bit whiny and the love interest of the bother was quite a few years older than him and it made me uncomfortable.
“Is okay to do one stupid thing? Not Because you don’t know better but because you. and you can’t stop yourself. One mistake. One terrible,wonderful mistake. Is that okay? Are people allowed that?” It depends on what it is. It depends on who gets hurt.”- Elise Broach
This book was so good. It was a thriller mystery romance all rolled up into one. It was up and down like a roller coaster and I loved every minute of it. I highly enjoyed it the only reason it didn’t have a full 5 star was the main character was a bit whiny and the love interest of the bother was quite a few years older than him and it made me uncomfortable.
December 31, 2021
Cuando vi la reseña de este libro me imaginé algo distinto, una historia llena de personajes complejos los cuales reflexionarán sobre la vida, la muerte, sus amistades, su familia, sus proyectos, si mismos, estarían repletos de cambios bruscos en su personalidad, en su actuar, nos presentarían los conflictos y contradicciones. Pero no, era un simple thriller, los que siempre los encuentro vacíos y carente de emociones, donde lo único relevante aparte del cadáver son las relaciones amorosas que no van a llegar a ningún lado, porque literalmente terminan al final del verano.
Como dije un simple thriller, un libro que probablemente olvidaré de lo poco trascendente que será.
Como dije un simple thriller, un libro que probablemente olvidaré de lo poco trascendente que será.
Read
July 10, 2022"Estamos rodeados de tanta fealdad (...) carreteras (...) en la naturaleza nada es así, nada es tan feo como eso".
"Me preguntaba si uno podría enamorarse de la imagen que otros tienen de él; de una especie de reflejo de sí mismo".
"En una larga vida entera, ¿se podría aceptar que una persona cometiera un error? // No ha sido un error".
Lo que nos hace descubrir a los adultos es comprobar que no existen las reglas, que en realidad no hay ninguna barrera, que el mundo es tan, tan grande, infinito y que necesitamos inventarlos los diques para no ahogarnos.
Por otro lado me ha gustado comprobar que el misterio es una excusa: lo inmóvil que mueve lo estancado.
"Me preguntaba si uno podría enamorarse de la imagen que otros tienen de él; de una especie de reflejo de sí mismo".
"En una larga vida entera, ¿se podría aceptar que una persona cometiera un error? // No ha sido un error".
Lo que nos hace descubrir a los adultos es comprobar que no existen las reglas, que en realidad no hay ninguna barrera, que el mundo es tan, tan grande, infinito y que necesitamos inventarlos los diques para no ahogarnos.
Por otro lado me ha gustado comprobar que el misterio es una excusa: lo inmóvil que mueve lo estancado.
May 7, 2018
[3'5]
Me he leído el libro en una sentada, básicamente. Es cierto que es corto, pero no he podido evitarlo porque me ha enganchado un montón.
Un libro sencillo, entretenido, donde se ven las diferencias de edad entre los personajes y la forma en la que estos pueden sentir o percibir las relaciones entre ellos.
Si bien no ha habido mucha acción y se han repetido conversaciones, eso le ha dado cotidianeidad a la historia, lo cual también me ha gustado.
Me he leído el libro en una sentada, básicamente. Es cierto que es corto, pero no he podido evitarlo porque me ha enganchado un montón.
Un libro sencillo, entretenido, donde se ven las diferencias de edad entre los personajes y la forma en la que estos pueden sentir o percibir las relaciones entre ellos.
Si bien no ha habido mucha acción y se han repetido conversaciones, eso le ha dado cotidianeidad a la historia, lo cual también me ha gustado.
February 4, 2019
Lucy is samen met haar broer Jamie en zijn beste vriend Kit op weg naar haar vader om daar vakantie te vieren als ze iets aanrijden. ze rijden terug en zien het lichaam van een meisje liggen. ze halen de politie erbij en moeten daar blijven. ze kunnen bij iemand logeren maar dit alles veranderd hun leven. een spannend boek waar een aantal wendingen zaten die ik niet verwacht had. hij was spannend maar ook wel een beetje grappig en er zat ook romantiek in. erg genoten van dit boek.
December 21, 2017
El libro supo llevar bastante bien una trama central con pequeñas historias alrededor sin salirse o verse tan forzado, no creo q a todo mundo le guste por ciertas actitudes de los personajes, pero yo lo disfrute bastante y lo termine muy rápido no solo por lo corto, sino también por la necesidad de querer saber más y más del misterio. 🤓
February 1, 2018
Tbh I am dissapointed. Its just that IT seemed so interesting, and I have to admit I couldnt tear awayb my eyes, but at the end it was just another story. Maybe Its becase I had so many expectations and at the end it was an OK story. I didnt love it, nor hate it, its just a fast reading story. I was expecting more.
February 11, 2022
Me gustaron los dos primeros capítulos y el final. Quedaron algunos eventos sin terminar. El villano fue el peor que he leído hasta el momento (aunque me gustaría leer mas a la autora). Me gusto como describía el desierto como elemento de esta obra de "terror".
No tengo mas que decir
No tengo mas que decir
September 6, 2022
probablemente de los mejores libros que me he leído en mucho tiempo la verdad lo leí para clase y desde entonces me lo he leído cada poco, es un libro genial la verdad no tengo mucho más que decir simplemente un libro impresionante
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
The mystery took a back seat to the disturbing relationship between the 40 year old woman and the teen boy. Ew. Very weird that not one parent was concerned enough to come help. The mystery was solved in one day by a girl with a bracelet as her only lead. Jinkies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2017
Une lecture légère et estivale. Ce genre de livre qui fait du bien, qui nous tient en haleine mais qui ne nous marquera pas à vie. Bref, un livre à lire sur une plage au soleil! :)
Read
October 24, 2019I've found the book I read when I was 12 .....
December 29, 2019
Libro juvenil, fácil de leer y entretenido
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews