The Lying Woods

Gr 9 Up—Owen Foster's mother turns up at his New Orleans boarding school to tell him that his father has embezzled millions from the company that had been the mainstay of his hometown, then disappeared. Now Owen and Maggie are the only ones left to face the suspicions and ire of the townsfolk, many of whom think his mother must have been involved in the theft and wonder if they know where his father is. Owen is torn between wanting to protect her over threats she is receiving and the desire to escape to his only refuge, the pecan orchard where he works after school. This is a mystery that introduces characters slowly, with a thoughtful alternating story line and backstory that allows the plot to maintain its pace. Owen's frustration and actions, along with the people whose futures were destroyed by his father, are understandable and build to a satisfying conclusion.