The Lying Woods

This gripping young adult mystery follows Owen Foster, whose life of privilege is abruptly upended when his father is accused of embezzling millions from their small town's largest employer and then vanishes. Forced to return home, Owen and his mother face the community's anger and increasingly dangerous threats. As Owen tries to piece together his father's past and understand the cryptic note he received, he uncovers a deeper injustice tied to the local woods. The book explores themes of identity, justice, and resilience, making it suitable for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers. Parents should be aware of themes of financial crime, betrayal, and mild peril.

Owen Foster is pulled from his elite New Orleans boarding school when his father's assets are seized and, back in his small town, begins to piece together his father's past despite mounting danger.