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About The Book

It's the era of peace and love in the 1960s, but nothing is peaceful in Caroline's life. Since her beautiful older sister disappeared, fifteen-year-old Caroline might as well have disappeared too. She's invisible to her parents, who can't stop blaming each other. The police keep following up on leads even Caroline knows are foolish. The only one who seems to care about her is Tony, her sister's older boyfriend, who soothes Caroline's desperate heart every time he turns his magical blue eyes on her. Tony is convinced that the answer to Jess's disappearance is in California, the land of endless summer, among the street culture of runaways and flower children. Come with me, Tony says to Caroline, and we'll find her together. Tony is so loving, and all he cares about is bringing Jess home. And so Caroline follows, and closes a door behind her that may never open again, in a heartfelt thriller that never lets up.

About The Author

Emily Ross is the author of the International Thriller Writers Thriller Awards finalist, Half in Love with Death.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (December 16, 2015)
  • Length: 224 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781440589034
  • Ages: 14 - 18

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Raves and Reviews

Named a 'Book to Watch For' by BookRiot

"The 60s setting is a great backdrop for this psychological thriller.... The final reveal is chilling. Mesmerizing coming of age psychological thriller where readers wonder what is real and what is a lie." --YA Books Central

"This story will grab teen's attention. Ross succeeds brilliantly in conveying the confusion, passion, trepidation, fearlessness, and terror that every 15-year-old can relate to. Fans of Lois Duncan will appreciate the gentle spine tingles offered here. The power and beauty of the prose make this novel a standout." --School Library Journal

"The plot goes by very fast, and...it's enjoyable...the book is put together well. The mystery of Jess is definitely one compelling story. The villain is definitely disturbing, and his traits are subtle in nature. And the ending. My. It's chilling. Entertaining story/mystery." --YA Books Central

"Half in Love with Death captivated me beyond the last page, leaving me with so many thoughts and praises for this fantastic story.... A haunting novel with elements of mystery and romance. The characters are extremely well-developed, which makes the mystery even more difficult to solve.... Chilling and enthralling." --TeenReads.com

"Half in Love with Death paints a beautifully disturbing picture of a fairly typical 1960s family. The juxtaposition of such a sweet, innocent, naive girl against the potential horrors of what happened to her sister is a theme that has been skillfully threaded throughout the book. Half in Love with Death sneaks up on you.... It pulls you in with its beautiful prose, only to set you up for a thriller so true to life it will make you question how well you truly know your neighbors." --Hypable

"An incredible debut by Emily Ross. The book’s characters were gripping and intense, the ‘60s setting was gorgeously written, and the suspense kept me up late into the night, my heart racing, almost afraid to turn the pages."

– YA Interrobang

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