Eyes of the Forest by April Henry

EYES OF THE FOREST by New York Times bestselling author April Henry (The Body in the Woods) involves a kidnapping gone wrong. As Henry says, “I think every writer, if they write long enough, eventually writes a book where one of the main characters is a writer. Eyes of the Forest is mine.” She features R.M. Haldon, a famous fantasy author facing writer’s block (and reminiscent of George R. R. Martin), who conspires in his own kidnapping. Trapped in a remote cabin, he finds a way to begin writing again AND to communicate with his research assistant, seventeen year old Bridget Shepherd, in an attempt to gain his freedom. Yes, it all seemed a bit far-fetched at times, but Henry succeeds in keeping readers’ interest and builds suspense and affection for these characters. With insights into fan fiction, EYES OF THE FOREST is a title with enough cliff-hangers to entertain even reluctant readers.  Goodreads suggests many more 2021 mysteries for young adults here.