You Were Never Here by Kathleen Peacock
Published by HarperTeen on October 20, 2020
ISBN: 0063002515
Pages: 400
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Cat has been sent back to her tiny Canadian hometown for the summer by her dad following an as yet unknown to us event in NYC.  She hasn’t been there since she left after sharing a kiss with her best friend, Riley, and seeing his deepest fear.  Turns out  Cat can see people’s fears and desires when she touches anyone’s skin.  She discovers that Riley has been missing for 3 months, and his brother assumes he’s dead.  His brother knows  Cat’s secret and asks her to help him solve the mystery.  Peacock sets us up for a well-paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns and a surprising ending.  Not just a mystery, Cat takes us along with her as she learns self-acceptance and forgiveness.  Recommended for grades 7+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library