Barbara is missing from her bunk at Camp Emerson. Her parents own the land in the Adirondacks where the camp is situated and also the adjoining large forest preserve. Twelve year old Barbara has never attended the camp before, but has chosen to this year as she couldn't stand to attend her parents yearly bash at their enormous lodge on the estate. There was something very odd about this disappearance, as her brother also disappeared years before Barbara was born. We see this mystery from all angles-the lax counselors, the dismissive parents, the serial killer who just escaped jail, and the police investigator who finds that nothing is adding up. Where is Barbara and who is the God of the Woods?
It is filled with contradictions, first being the name of the lodge-"Self Reliance." As the townspeople point out, the Van Laars never did anything themselves but waved money around to get it done for them. Campfire ghost stories might just have an element of truth. And the survivalist training that the campers must all master may come in real handy.
This was an amazing read. Liz Moore, author of Heft, one of my favorites, had you guessing till the last page. She manages to tie all of the strings together for a very satisfying ending, which will really make you think about it long after the book is finished. Just make sure you can see the forest for the trees!
Reviewed by Donna Ballard
Publication date - July 2, 2024
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