The Killing Woods

Christopher, Lucy.  The Killing Woods.  Scholastic/Chicken House  2014  359p  $17.99  ISBN 978-0-545-46100-9  hs  Realistic fiction 

E-BN

Emily’s father, who suffers from PTSD, is accused of killing one of her classmates, Ashlee, during a flashback when he returns home carrying the teenager’s body.  The girl had been in the nearby woods that night playing The Game with a group of friends, including her boyfriend Damon, who was too drunk and high to remember what happened when he is questioned the next morning.  Emily is determined to prove that her father did not kill Ashlee, even as the whole town, including her mother, believes otherwise.  The story alternates between Emily’s and Damon’s points of view as they each struggle to come to terms with the tragic event and uncover the truth.  Damon and Ashlee were beginning a sexual relationship when the tragedy occurred, and this is discussed briefly in the parts of the story that are told from Damon’s point of view.    

Summary: Emily’s father, who suffers from PTSD, is accused of killing one of her classmates.  Emily is determined to prove his innocence, even though the whole town, even her mother, believes he did it.

           

PTSD-Fiction, Murder-Fiction                    --Stephanie Pennucci