I love April Henry, and I was super pumped when I got approved for this title on Netgalley! This book was fantastic, and the cover is stunning.

⭐⭐⭐💫

WHEN WE GO MISSING by April Henry
Thank you Netgalley and LittleBrownBooks for the earc (May13)

When Willow finds a camera card with photos of girls on it, she gets a feeling that a crime has taken place. But, the police think otherwise. Willow teams up with Dare, to find homes for the animals, and figure out what happened to the girls. What she finds is unexpected.
I really love April Henry's books. This was no exception, kind of. Don't get me wrong, I liked this book. It was interesting and thrilling, but predictable. I also appreciated the short chapters; however, they seemed to switch pov's abruptly with unfinished thoughts. That was easy to overlook because the pov's added more insight to what was going on. and I liked seeing Willow and Dare come together: figure things out, help each other etc.
This may not have been my favorite book by Henry, but I'll still read anything that Henry writes.

YA mystery. Chapters are short. Told in 3 perspectives. First, Willow--She is passionate about her work at the animal shelter. She takes pictures of the animals trying to get them adopted and takes on most of the responsibility of the shelter as the owner deals with her cancer treatments. Her mother seems to be bedridden since a car accident that took her father's life and she tries to avoid her step father. Second, Dare--he must fulfill a court ordered volunteer requirement of 200 hours at an animal shelter. This was not how he pictured his summer but he has done something bad and must make amends. He learns a lot from Willow as they begin to trust each other, he also adds to making the animals more adoptable. Third, Ryan, 3 weeks earlier--a sinister feel to this man who likes to take pictures but what else is he doing?
Willow finds a camera card while walking the dogs that hold hundreds of pictures of young girls.. She believes some of the girls look frightened. They go to the police and it is not taken seriously. It is not a crime but Willow just does not believe that. When she learns some girls on the camera card have gone missing, she knows she must act. But, meanwhile the secrets that every around her holds (as wall as herself) might interfere with her clear thinking. Great ending
Story moves quick, perfect for YA

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

April Henry delivers another gripping thriller with When We Go Missing, a chilling and fast-paced story that will keep readers on edge from start to finish. With alternating perspectives, including that of a deeply unsettling predator, Henry expertly builds tension while weaving in themes of resilience, found family, and social awareness.

The story follows Willow, a teen photographer who volunteers at the Finding Home animal shelter. While taking publicity photos for the shelter, she stumbles upon a camera memory card filled with images of young girls—an unsettling discovery that sets her on a dangerous path. With the help of Dare, a fellow shelter volunteer with a troubled past, Willow tries to unravel the mystery, but the authorities don’t take her concerns seriously. As the story unfolds, the reader also gets eerie glimpses into the mind of Ryan, a real estate agent who secretly stalks and photographs girls, with increasingly sinister intentions. The tension mounts as past and present events begin to converge, leading to a high-stakes and harrowing confrontation.

Henry does a masterful job of balancing the story’s darker elements with moments of warmth and hope. The animal shelter setting is a highlight, adding an emotional layer to the story as Willow, Dare, and the other volunteers work tirelessly to save and rehome animals, even in the midst of their own personal struggles. The bond between the characters, especially Willow and Dare, is compelling, and their gradual connection feels natural despite Dare’s initial standoffishness. His character growth is one of the novel’s strongest points.

While the novel tackles disturbing themes—including stalking, implied assault, and murder—Henry handles them with care, ensuring that the book remains accessible for younger YA readers. The chapters are short and punchy, making this a fast, immersive read that many will devour in a single sitting. Though the book starts off slowly, once Willow uncovers the memory card, the pace picks up significantly, culminating in a thrilling and satisfying resolution.

Beyond its mystery and suspense, When We Go Missing also touches on social issues, including homelessness and domestic struggles, adding depth to the narrative. Willow’s naïveté at times makes her decisions risky, but her quick thinking in the face of danger proves her strength. The book’s conclusion offers closure while reinforcing the importance of perseverance, courage, and community.

Overall, When We Go Missing is a must-read for fans of YA thrillers. It’s creepy, intense, and impossible to put down. Henry once again proves why she is a favorite among young readers who crave suspenseful and high-stakes mysteries.