I WILL FIND YOU

A fun annual school tradition takes a terrifying turn when a classmate goes missing.

Gracie can’t wait to spend two nights with her best friend at the seventh grade campout in the Catskill Mountains. Upon her arrival, however, her expectations are dampened by the discovery that one cabin is off-limits for repairs, leaving her in the only coed group, which includes teacher Ms. Becker and classmates Leo, Olivia, and (much to everyone’s chagrin) Nicky, who’s a notorious bully. The first night is uneventful, but the campers awaken to discover that Nicky is missing. The police arrive to investigate, but, each harboring their own secret reasons, the three remaining tween cabin mates launch a high-stakes investigation of their own. In the process, they uncover a scheme none of them could have expected. Chapters alternate between the perspectives of Gracie, Olivia, and Leo as they make discoveries that lead them closer to an answer. Each central character has a distinct and interesting perspective and personality, and although these traits are not mined deeply, they allow for helpful insights into the mystery. Thought-provoking questions about forgiveness, making amends, and the efficacy of consequences and retribution are peppered throughout. Important, complex social issues like poverty and child neglect are addressed, but the resolution feels too simple and ignores some real-world complexities. Main characters are coded white; names signal diversity in the supporting cast.

A thrilling, if overly didactic, mystery.