The summer we forgot A novel

Gr 7 Up--Two summers ago, Darby, Morgan, and their friends left for training as camp counselors but returned with fractured friendships and no memory. Now, when the body of their former teacher and camp trainer is discovered in a marsh, they're determined to work together to unlock their hidden memories and discover the truth of the missing summer. But will the truth be more painful than forgetting? George is an eclectic writer and weaves a mix of psychological thriller, love story, and action-filled money heist. While the book focuses on the perspectives of Darby and Morgan, the five other camp counselors play a major role in this modern-day Scooby-Doo gang. Each character is nuanced and well written, providing perspective on issues relevant to teens. Darby and Morgan are romantically involved, but their relationship does not detract from the action. At times, the unfolding details become confusing with so many characters and plot twists to keep track of, but the story moves relatively quickly and remains engaging. Further, the plot twists and "bad guys" are genuinely surprising, making this a well-rounded drama. The ethnicitie of characters aren't stated. VERDICT Fans of true crime and mysteries akin to Karen M. McManus or E. Lockhart will enjoy this title. A solid addition to any collection.--Kaitlin Malixi

Teens become embroiled in a murder investigation when their science teacher's body is discovered at the camp they all attended. Two summers ago, Darby Wallis and her ex-boyfriend, Morgan Rhodell, broke up after Morgan betrayed her. In the aftermath, their friend group drifted apart. But everything else about that summer is a blank, including all of them having been counselors at Camp Choctawhatchee under the supervision of their former science teacher, who mysteriously disappeared. When his body turns up in the present, the teens enter a nightmare of accusations, interrogations, and blackmail. To clear their names, they must recover their memories, but whom can they trust when seemingly everyone in their picturesque Florida town is keeping secrets? In alternating first-person chapters interspersed with police transcripts, Darby and Morgan reflect on family and each other as they investigate--and try to stay alive. Darby's desire to rebel against her good-girl image and perfectionist parents inspires sympathy, as does Morgan's grief over his mother's death. Unfortunately, a somewhat overstuffed plot risks desensitizing readers to its thrills. One twist requires considerable suspension of disbelief, and a revelation comes too late to have much impact. Most secondary characters are underdeveloped save for a troubled boy with ADHD; even Darby's best friend, who's cued as having some Japanese ancestry, is seldom portrayed as more than a supportive sidekick. Darby and Morgan default to White. Despite an intriguing premise, thrills fizzle against a convoluted plot. (Thriller. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.