Charlie, Presumed Dead

Gr 9 Up—Presumed dead in an explosion, Charlie Price is being mourned at his funeral in Paris, which is attended by friends and family. Charlie's death is a tragedy—he was young, charming, and full of life. A world traveler, he was also something of a playboy; both Audrey and Lena loved Charlie and thought that they were the only women in his life. When they meet at the funeral, it sets them off on a whirlwind journey around the globe, where they must confront the questions that come up time and time again: did they really know Charlie? Did anyone? And is Charlie, presumed dead, actually gone for good? Travel descriptions and fast-paced writing sprinkled with intrigue and horror spin this story forward at an enjoyable pace. Teen suspense fans will be satisfied with the Gone Girl-esque feeling of the work. The first in a series, the ending may leave some tearing at their hair, but the promise of more books will keep many readers salivating.