THE MAY QUEEN MURDERS by Sarah Jude

The May Queen Murders

MARCH 29, 2016

THE MAY QUEEN MURDERS

by Sarah Jude 

May 3rd 2016 by HMH Books for Young Readers

Stay on the roads. Don’t enter the woods. Never go out at night.

Those are the rules in Rowan’s Glen, a remote farming community in the Missouri Ozarks where Ivy Templeton’s family has lived for centuries. It’s an old-fashioned way of life, full of superstition and traditions, and sixteen-year-old Ivy loves it. The other kids at school may think the Glen kids are weird, but Ivy doesn’t care—she has her cousin Heather as her best friend. The two girls share everything with each other—or so Ivy thinks. When Heather goes missing after a May Day celebration, Ivy discovers that both her best friend and her beloved hometown are as full of secrets as the woods that surround them.

REVIEW: The atmosphere and world-building is spot on and makes the perfect backdrop for such a dark, twisted tale. Jude’s descriptions are vivid and imaginative and her writing is nearly flawless. The characters are well-constructed, and while not always likeable, they are real and relatable.

If you’re looking for a thrilling Southern Gothic tale filled with mystery, atmosphere, and beautifully written characters, look no further! Sarah Jude is a master of her craft. You won’t be able to put this one down. Fresh edgy, and diverse YA that doesn’t shy away from delving into the dark and twisted, The May Queen Murders is a must read for 2016. Loved it!