About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
The mayor’s six-year-old son, Ben Carter, is missing—and Lauren’s brother, Tom, is the main suspect. Lauren knows her brother would never harm anyone, but the police don’t agree. Ben’s stepbrother doesn’t agree. The mayor certainly doesn’t agree. To some people in Resurrection Falls, Tom is the freak who, rumor has it, once tried to lure a kid into the woods.
But if Tom is innocent, why was he lurking around outside the mayor’s house the night Ben disappeared? And why has he also vanished? After teaming up with Tom’s friend, Grady, a computer enthusiast and part-time hacker, Lauren decides that rather than try to prove Tom’s innocence, they should simply give the police some more options. Because everyone, even the mayor’s apparently perfect family, has secrets.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12
Awards
- Short-listed, The Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award - Best Juvenile/YA Book
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
"Lauren's edgy personality, Grady's admirable tricks, and plenty of suspense make this a worthy read. An engaging and entertaining mystery."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Well-developed characters, an original plot, and a thrilling story line make this book impossible to put down. This page-turner is a must read for teens who enjoy mystery...An extremely well written crime thriller that asks the question 'How well do you really know anyone?'"
— School Library Journal
"Lauren is a believable teen, caught between her ill mother’s care and the allure of making a reputation as the fun girl. This novel works well in the style of a suspense thriller."
— Resource Links
"Fans of small town crime thrillers will really enjoy this brisk page-turner from Jeff Ross.”
— Yvonne Prinz, author
"Effectively stretches out the tension inherent in a missing child case, gradually getting more fast-paced and exciting...The writing is engaging, and the mystery is intriguing...Set You Free would make an interesting departure point to discuss law versus morality: is it ever okay to disobey the law in order to do something right? The book could also be used in a discussion of unreliable narrators. Teens will enjoy the good writing and the suspenseful, action elements of the plot."
— CM Magazine
"Readers will be intrigued...Ross does a good job of offering clues to the reader while throwing some curve balls...Recommended."
— School Library Connection
"This tale of suspense about the simultaneous disappearance of a young child and an enigmatic teenager turns out to be not at all what it seems...The narrow squeaks and plot twists are well placed, and as an unreliable narrator, Lauren holds attention from bleary beginning to triumphant close."
— Booklist
