(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Best friends Taylor and Sierra meet a hot guy in a chat room online. Both fall for Jacob's charms, but as usual, the more outgoing and vivacious Sierra overshadows Taylor and wins his attention. Taylor's devastated - Sierra already kissed Callum, Taylor's secret crush, over the summer holidays. Life's not fair, especially when Sierra's around. Moving quickly, Sierra sets up a date with Jacob on Friday after school. She asks Taylor and their friends to cover for her. Even though she's upset, Taylor is still Sierra's best friend and agrees to help. But Sierra abuses the favour and calls to say she's going to spend the night with her date. She doesn't come home all weekend, doesn't answer her phone and nobody's heard from her . . . Taylor is torn. She doesn't want to betray Sierra by telling her parents but at the same time she's concerned for her welfare. Finally, Callum convinces her to tell. The police are called and their worst fears are confirmed when Sierra's body is found miles from Melbourne a week later . . . Devastated, Taylor becomes obsessed with finding Sierra's killer. As clues emerge, Taylor races against time to try and save the predator's next victim.

*3.5 stars*

Let's state from the get-go that this really isn't a "thriller" novel. Sure, it has some suspense, but ultimately it is a story of what happens after a child goes missing - especially those close to the missing person. It is also a tale of the dangers of the Internet - how easy it is for others to get into your life via social media, and other online avenues.

What this book does so well is that it examines the nature of relationships between the Sierra and her friends, as well as the impact her disappearance has on them. Especially Taylor, who had been crushing on Jacob since meeting him online. Then Sierra meets up with the guy - with Taylor covering for her with Sierra's parents - and that's when it goes bad. Taylor is unsure whether to break ranks and tell Sierra's parents what's going on...and then when Sierra's body is found, Taylor is the one who takes it upon herself to find the killer.

It took me a little while to warm to Taylor - and once I did, I was captivated. There were some feelings/emotions that she has to process (which did get a little repetitive) but, overall, she was good. The parents of both girls were in important in this story - but I think Callum could have been a bigger presence.

Would I recommend this? Absolutely - o both adults and teenagers. There is some great stuff in here that applies not to just the plot of the story, but to our every day lives as well.


Paul
ARH