Contemporary fantasy meets horror and Japanese folklore in Find Him Where You Left Him Dead. I liked this, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. A lot of the book feels on the younger side of YA, though later in the book things get a bit more intense.

Early on, a lot of the horror elements feel pretty campy, but it turns into this fast-paced novel following a potentially deadly game that these friends must complete several years after they left their friend for dead. The characters spend a lot of the novel feeling more like a collection of tropes and attributes than fully fleshed out people. I wasn't entirely bothered by that because of the pace of the book and how much was happening, but it is a weakness. That said, we do get some good representation of biracial characters (one is half-Japanese and struggles with feeling not enough for both sides of his heritage- something the author might share as well), and we have queer characters including an ace girl, which is cool!

I do think there is a glaring plot hole in the setup of this book- if their friend went missing and they said they were at the coffeeshop all day, people would definitely interview witnesses and find out they lied. But again, to a certain extent that all feels like a means to an end which is this game in a sort of pocket universe with Japanese folklore come to life. Yeah it doesn't all make sense, but I don't know how much it matters for the story we're getting. It would have been nice to get some attempt at verisimilitude though.

If you aren't familiar with it, Japanese folklore can be creepy as hell and this draws on all of that. I liked the way it managed that integration and I think this would make for a good starter horror novel for a teen. Not a perfect book. but a solid choice and one I had a reasonably good time with. I don't feel like the cover gives the right vibes though. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Simmons, Kristen, Find Him Where You Left Him Dead. 9hrs 45 mins. Macmillan Audio, 2023.
Four years ago, Dax, Emerson, Ian, Madeline, and Owen started a card game by the river. They never finished it, forced to leave Ian behind to die. Since then, the group has become estranged from each other. When a mysterious mythical being forces them to resume the card game, they reenter the world of Maido. There they must face nightmarish horrors and retrieve seven pieces of the empress’ stone body to rescue Ian and end the game. Will they succeed?

Narrators, Cia Court, and Paul Dateh’s unique intonations make the characters easy to distinguish. The narrators’ pacings fit well with the author and help draw the listener into the story. The plot is well-written, harrowing, and full of twists and turns. Characters’ perspectives are dynamic, engaging, and believable. The world building is well-done, and the characters are diverse. Listeners who like Jumanji, horror stories, mythology, and adventure will want to pick this one up. 4 stars, grade 8 and up.

I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it didn’t hit for me. I think it’s a little too short to give the story the full attention it deserved. The plot isn’t super unique, but the use of yokai and Japanese mythology brings a unique perspective. I felt like maybe this felt more like an upper middle grade low YA book even though it’s being pitched as horror. I felt like some of the humor was a little juvenile.

I think this book will have its readers, but sadly that’s not me.

The narrators were good and the audiobook was produced well.

a gripping and chilling young adult novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, supernatural elements, and complex relationships. And will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The author weaves an intricate tale that combines elements of horror, suspense, and friendship. The pacing is fast-paced, making it difficult to put the book down. The vivid descriptions bring the eerie hellscape to life, immersing readers in a world more terrifying than any folklore. The characters are well-developed and undergo significant growth throughout the story. Their complex relationships and individual struggles add depth to the narrative, making it relatable and engaging. As the challenges escalate, the survivors are forced to confront their darkest secrets and make difficult choices, testing the strength of their bond.

Narrated by Cia Court and Paul Dateh, the audiobook version of the novel enhances the atmospheric and suspenseful elements of the story. Both narrators deliver compelling performances, capturing the essence of each character and immersing listeners in the mysterious world created by Simmons.