LEAVE NO TRACE

Ten years ago, Lucas Blackthorn and his dad Josiah went on a camping trip and were never seen again. That is, until Lucas suddenly shows up, now a far cry from the sweet-faced nine-year-old on the Missing posters. Semi-feral, non-communicative and violent, he is locked up in Congdon Psychiatric Institute, where he refuses to talk to anyone – except speech therapist Maya Stark.

It turns out they have things in common – Maya also grew up exploring the Boundary Waters (where the Blackthorns disappeared), she also lost her mother at a young age, and, well, she also spent some time in Congdon as a patient.

Don’t let the title and cover put you off – Mindy’s story is more mystery than thriller. It’s a compelling read. Liesl Robertson