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In the Middle
Girl moves to new town.
Girl meets Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome.
Cue Happily Ever After.
That’s how the story goes, right?
Except this is Lucy. The same Lucy whose stellar driving skills single-handedly wiped out both of her parents, leaving her with nothing but the suitcase in her hand and the screws in her skull. Not to mention that Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome—AKA Oliver—is just as annoyingly bossy as he is hot. According to Oliver, Lucy’s not safe in her new hometown, but he refuses to say why. He just gives her some lame warning about not going out after dark, like that’ll stop her.
When several townspeople vanish, the lethargic community springs to life, fearful of the danger lurking among them. The problem is that Lucy’s the last person to have seen any of the missing. Doesn’t exactly qualify her for the Neighbor of the Year Award.
Lucy’s already given up on Happily Ever After, but now she has two choices left: find out what’s happening in her new home, or become the next victim.
Girl meets Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome.
Cue Happily Ever After.
That’s how the story goes, right?
Except this is Lucy. The same Lucy whose stellar driving skills single-handedly wiped out both of her parents, leaving her with nothing but the suitcase in her hand and the screws in her skull. Not to mention that Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome—AKA Oliver—is just as annoyingly bossy as he is hot. According to Oliver, Lucy’s not safe in her new hometown, but he refuses to say why. He just gives her some lame warning about not going out after dark, like that’ll stop her.
When several townspeople vanish, the lethargic community springs to life, fearful of the danger lurking among them. The problem is that Lucy’s the last person to have seen any of the missing. Doesn’t exactly qualify her for the Neighbor of the Year Award.
Lucy’s already given up on Happily Ever After, but now she has two choices left: find out what’s happening in her new home, or become the next victim.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2017
15 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Henderson
15 books67 followersWhen S. J. was little, she enjoyed writing stories and sharing them with her friends. Of course they were ridiculous, and, of course, she was supposed to be doing Math homework instead. However, those old stories lit the spark for sharing words with others. S. J. still avoids Math homework, and hopes you like her books more than fractions and decimals.
S. J. lives with her wild boys on a farm in The Middle of Nowhere, Michigan. Their family belongs to three horses. Most of S. J.'s free time is spent in the saddle, because she feels more comfortable there than on her own feet.
She could live entirely off of pumpkin spice lattes and movie theater popcorn. The same Florence + the Machine CD has been on repeat in her minivan for two years; she's afraid that, if she dares to take it out, even the van will forget what a CD is.
Her favorite books usually come in sets: Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Twilight. S. J. believes you should read what brings your imagination to life, so if you haven't found it yet, keep reading!
S. J. lives with her wild boys on a farm in The Middle of Nowhere, Michigan. Their family belongs to three horses. Most of S. J.'s free time is spent in the saddle, because she feels more comfortable there than on her own feet.
She could live entirely off of pumpkin spice lattes and movie theater popcorn. The same Florence + the Machine CD has been on repeat in her minivan for two years; she's afraid that, if she dares to take it out, even the van will forget what a CD is.
Her favorite books usually come in sets: Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Twilight. S. J. believes you should read what brings your imagination to life, so if you haven't found it yet, keep reading!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 5, 2017
I had the pleasure of reading the ARC for this book by S. J. Henderson. In one night, I had completed the book and next morning I had told myself, I going to buy me a copy when she publishes it.
Now that it is available on Amazon, I have bought my copy and re-read it, again, within a single night.
I have read many young adult books paranormal/supernatural elements (Yes, I am not ashamed of my mind range of 3-60 years stuck in the body of a 34-year-old woman, I read everything I want to. Don't judge me.) The heroine of this book is not a fairy-tale princess waiting for love, or a shoe. In the Middle highlights on the issue of diversity in a different way, with a scarred and battered female lead. No wall flower or picture perfect babe here. Lucy or Lucille (she hates that name, poor dear), was once an average teenager, attractive and well-loved by friends and family. One night of an unexpected and very much unwanted event changed her life.
Beware!
Spoiler ahead.
The author hooks the reader's attention right from the introduction of the protagonist surviving a near fatal accident. No beating around the bush with Ms. Henderson. By the end of the first chapter, the reader will know something isn't quite right, not 'normal.'
A fast paced read, this book shows Ms. Henderson's unique sense of humor with a touch of sarcasm even in the most difficult of the situations.
A favorite is this excerpt from Lucy's thoughts when she meets Oliver, the attractive stranger with dimples.
I laughed loud enough to wake up half of my sleeping family when I read the comparison of Aunt Perdita's fake smile with Lucy's face after eating a bowl of her mom's chilly. Did I mention, I read the book, twice, at night?
Okay, now back to the story. The paranormal is unleashed upon us pretty soon, as one by one, people start disappearing from Mitte, Lucy's current abode.
By the way, 'party pooper' Aunt Perdita's house, where Lucy stays, is a castle with little food. Poor Lucy loses the grandmotherly cook Mille, almost immediately (though not before a good meal, yay!)
Read somewhere, the name Perdita means lost. Her sad story made me reach for my baby, just to remind myself, I have one.
Anyway, people disappear usually in Lucy's presence, and to her dismay, the initially hostile citizens of Mitte warm up to her. The scenes of the orphanage, the tragic and gruesome past of Aunt Perdita, Doc Blevins, and Oliver, especially the bit about Oliver's secret knowledge of Lucy, all the bits, and pieces of suspense fit into one great jigsaw puzzle once we understand Lucy's role in Mitte.
Little things make up a memorable tale of regrets, and consequences, raising a sense of nagging self-awareness at the end. By not preaching her philosophy, the author has a way of making you think about your actions and their effects on after-life.
A fast paced novel with a mysterious air of the paranormal, this book is more than a romantic account of a girl-meet-boy. The way this young girl survived such a tragedy and lived on, it's fascinating; even if it was all inside her head.
I offer four bohostars to In the Middle.
I recommend In The Middle for all ages. This is no Hunger Games or Twilight but a sweet, sad, and ultimately feel good story of a simple girl with an extraordinary purpose of life.
If you have kids or like middle-grade stories, check out my reviews on Ms. Henderson's mindblowing kid's books Daniel The Draw-er and Daniel The Camp-er at
A bohemian mind at work
Now that it is available on Amazon, I have bought my copy and re-read it, again, within a single night.
I have read many young adult books paranormal/supernatural elements (Yes, I am not ashamed of my mind range of 3-60 years stuck in the body of a 34-year-old woman, I read everything I want to. Don't judge me.) The heroine of this book is not a fairy-tale princess waiting for love, or a shoe. In the Middle highlights on the issue of diversity in a different way, with a scarred and battered female lead. No wall flower or picture perfect babe here. Lucy or Lucille (she hates that name, poor dear), was once an average teenager, attractive and well-loved by friends and family. One night of an unexpected and very much unwanted event changed her life.
Beware!
Spoiler ahead.
The author hooks the reader's attention right from the introduction of the protagonist surviving a near fatal accident. No beating around the bush with Ms. Henderson. By the end of the first chapter, the reader will know something isn't quite right, not 'normal.'
A fast paced read, this book shows Ms. Henderson's unique sense of humor with a touch of sarcasm even in the most difficult of the situations.
A favorite is this excerpt from Lucy's thoughts when she meets Oliver, the attractive stranger with dimples.
Now that I've been reconstructed and reanimated like Dr. Frankenstein's monster, I feel nothing at all.
I laughed loud enough to wake up half of my sleeping family when I read the comparison of Aunt Perdita's fake smile with Lucy's face after eating a bowl of her mom's chilly. Did I mention, I read the book, twice, at night?
Okay, now back to the story. The paranormal is unleashed upon us pretty soon, as one by one, people start disappearing from Mitte, Lucy's current abode.
By the way, 'party pooper' Aunt Perdita's house, where Lucy stays, is a castle with little food. Poor Lucy loses the grandmotherly cook Mille, almost immediately (though not before a good meal, yay!)
Read somewhere, the name Perdita means lost. Her sad story made me reach for my baby, just to remind myself, I have one.
Anyway, people disappear usually in Lucy's presence, and to her dismay, the initially hostile citizens of Mitte warm up to her. The scenes of the orphanage, the tragic and gruesome past of Aunt Perdita, Doc Blevins, and Oliver, especially the bit about Oliver's secret knowledge of Lucy, all the bits, and pieces of suspense fit into one great jigsaw puzzle once we understand Lucy's role in Mitte.
Little things make up a memorable tale of regrets, and consequences, raising a sense of nagging self-awareness at the end. By not preaching her philosophy, the author has a way of making you think about your actions and their effects on after-life.
A fast paced novel with a mysterious air of the paranormal, this book is more than a romantic account of a girl-meet-boy. The way this young girl survived such a tragedy and lived on, it's fascinating; even if it was all inside her head.
I offer four bohostars to In the Middle.
I recommend In The Middle for all ages. This is no Hunger Games or Twilight but a sweet, sad, and ultimately feel good story of a simple girl with an extraordinary purpose of life.
If you have kids or like middle-grade stories, check out my reviews on Ms. Henderson's mindblowing kid's books Daniel The Draw-er and Daniel The Camp-er at
A bohemian mind at work
February 20, 2017
This story was delightful and hit on all the right notes: creepy, romantic, mysterious, and heartwarming. While the story on its surface is paranormal, it is truly about regret, forgiveness, and finding ones purpose in life.I loved the chilling setting, Lucy's voice, and the relationship between Lucy and Oliver.
January 5, 2017
Lucy isn’t afraid of the dark, but she should be.
After surviving a tragedy, she’s not sure how to recover emotionally, even if her physical wounds heal. It’s not long before people start to go missing, and the townsfolk are wondering what role, if any, Lucy has in their disappearance. But when she finds her purpose there, everything begins to change. Life and death suddenly have meaning again.
“Amazingly unexpected” are the words used to describe Lucy, and they’re the words I’d use to describe this book too. It’s a beautiful, haunting tale about how life tries to break us, but the grand plans for our lives still prevail. A poignant story with a brilliant twist, IN THE MIDDLE is proof that love always shines through the darkness.
After surviving a tragedy, she’s not sure how to recover emotionally, even if her physical wounds heal. It’s not long before people start to go missing, and the townsfolk are wondering what role, if any, Lucy has in their disappearance. But when she finds her purpose there, everything begins to change. Life and death suddenly have meaning again.
“Amazingly unexpected” are the words used to describe Lucy, and they’re the words I’d use to describe this book too. It’s a beautiful, haunting tale about how life tries to break us, but the grand plans for our lives still prevail. A poignant story with a brilliant twist, IN THE MIDDLE is proof that love always shines through the darkness.
January 9, 2017
Interesting concept about death and afterlife, plus the whole suspense about what the evil lurking around Mitte town was very well written and kept me hooked as Lucy kept helping the people of Mitte move into the light. The epilogue got me thinking about the story in a different view and I wonder if there will be more stories to tell about Lucy and Oliver.
June 21, 2017
When I first met Lucy, she seemed almost too young in her mindset. I read her as more middle grade because she was focused on her surroundings and family. But I'm glad that she grew more mature and teen-sounding as the book progressed. I did like the introduction of the love interest, but for some reason, it always felt odd to me that he was a bit older than Lucy (those years means a lot in high school!).
As for the supernatural stuff, that part was pretty interesting. I liked figuring out the mechanics of the town, although I understood early on that the place was weird and wondered why Lucy didn't realize so earlier. I was grateful that some scenes were not too horrific, but I'd have liked to understand exactly what the rules were, like how the Conductors worked.
The love story was interesting, but I thought the epilogue threw too big of a curveball. It's like I was reading paranormal all along--and then odd bits of science fiction flew in.
Anyway, I think the premise of the town and its residents was interesting. The growth of Lucy was nice to read, to see how she developed. (Although I felt that she should have been stronger, always getting rescued even though she was supposed to be independent-minded). The book definitely didn't follow the traditional plot path, which I liked, but I felt like it needed more cohesion as a plot and a sprinkle more of tension.
As for the supernatural stuff, that part was pretty interesting. I liked figuring out the mechanics of the town, although I understood early on that the place was weird and wondered why Lucy didn't realize so earlier. I was grateful that some scenes were not too horrific, but I'd have liked to understand exactly what the rules were, like how the Conductors worked.
The love story was interesting, but I thought the epilogue threw too big of a curveball. It's like I was reading paranormal all along--and then odd bits of science fiction flew in.
Anyway, I think the premise of the town and its residents was interesting. The growth of Lucy was nice to read, to see how she developed. (Although I felt that she should have been stronger, always getting rescued even though she was supposed to be independent-minded). The book definitely didn't follow the traditional plot path, which I liked, but I felt like it needed more cohesion as a plot and a sprinkle more of tension.
January 29, 2018
This was such a unique and interesting read. I didn't know anything about it heading into the novel, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by the twist and turns it took. Henderson did a nice job mixing the emotions that come with death, mistakes in our lives, and what might happen in the afterlife. It was both mysterious and intriguing, while also sprinkling in a dash of humor here and there. I won't give any spoilers away, but I recommend this book for a different and satisfying read.
February 16, 2020
I enjoyed reading this. I assume Lucy died at the end, but Im not really sure. I liked the originality of the story until the end. Then it was taken out of the Passion series. Lucy (same name as well) going through different lifetimes looking for Oliver (Daniel in the Passion series). I thought the author was going to go through the detail of Oliver's death as well as his family's. Not bite off another book. That part was disappointing
February 16, 2025
This was a fantastic book. I felt so many emotions while reading this story. I loved the twists some expected and some not. This book will have me thinking about the characters and my experiences with my family and friends for a long time.
May 30, 2017
Good read!
A good book that captures your attention with interesting twists. I would suggest it to anyone who likes a happy ending.
A good book that captures your attention with interesting twists. I would suggest it to anyone who likes a happy ending.
July 20, 2017
I loved In The Middle! The action drew me in, the characters kept me reading and the ending made me cry happy tears! :)
September 17, 2017
This wasn't my favorite book but I think that the ending made it I give it a 2.5
March 8, 2017
S.J. Henderson's IN THE MIDDLE is a wonderful mix of contemporary and fantasy. The story is extremely clever, and kept me guessing from beginning to end. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in YA fantasies that explore love, regret, and the power of friends and family.
February 28, 2017
A gripping, twisty, heartfelt tale
In The Middle is a brilliant story with lots of unexpected twists. If you're a fan of romance, suspense, mystery and the paranormal, this book is definitely for you. I couldn't put it down until I found out exactly what had happened and the ending was beautiful.
In The Middle is a brilliant story with lots of unexpected twists. If you're a fan of romance, suspense, mystery and the paranormal, this book is definitely for you. I couldn't put it down until I found out exactly what had happened and the ending was beautiful.
January 19, 2017
"I'd be frightened of me, too, if I didn't know my own story."
And this is a well written, well paced, fun mashup of YA horror, paranormal, and romance that adults young and old will love.
We are introduced to Lucy and the town of Mitte in the early chapters of this page turner. Lucy is broken inside and out, filled with guilt that we experience in first person point of view which I enjoyed. So many YA books are written in 3rd person it is was refreshing to stay inside one character's head for the entire book.
Lucy is a typical teenager who could be from Anywhere, USA. You probably know her in your town or remember her from high school. She is well written and believable from the first sentence; full of spunk and sarcasm; sympathetic and vulnerable; a mature woman in some ways and a little girl in others. The author did a fantastic job relating a teenage girl's thoughts and emotions to the reader.
The story unfolds through Lucy's experiences and interactions in Mitte which are odd and raise a lot of questions early on. The questions pulled me into the story and made me want to keep turning pages.
The horror is tastefully done leaving just enough to the imagination to give you that anxious feeling horror fans crave. Nothing over the top and no splatter-punk-slasher-fest happening in this book. But there are a couple of scenes that will leave you tense and gripping the sides of your book.
About half of the way through it became apparent to me what was really happening in the town and why the residents were disappearing. Many characters were introduced and more came and left, but they were easy to follow and fit tightly into the main story.
Although I had an idea of how things would end after the middle of the book, I still wanted to read on to see what Lucy would do next and to see if I guessed the the ending right. There was a nice twist at the end I didn't see coming that left the story open for another book or books, which I hope are being written as I write this review.
This was my first read of 2017 and it set the bar high for the rest of the year. Fans of YA horror and paranormal will love this book and should definitely pick up a copy. This book does not disappoint.
And this is a well written, well paced, fun mashup of YA horror, paranormal, and romance that adults young and old will love.
We are introduced to Lucy and the town of Mitte in the early chapters of this page turner. Lucy is broken inside and out, filled with guilt that we experience in first person point of view which I enjoyed. So many YA books are written in 3rd person it is was refreshing to stay inside one character's head for the entire book.
Lucy is a typical teenager who could be from Anywhere, USA. You probably know her in your town or remember her from high school. She is well written and believable from the first sentence; full of spunk and sarcasm; sympathetic and vulnerable; a mature woman in some ways and a little girl in others. The author did a fantastic job relating a teenage girl's thoughts and emotions to the reader.
The story unfolds through Lucy's experiences and interactions in Mitte which are odd and raise a lot of questions early on. The questions pulled me into the story and made me want to keep turning pages.
The horror is tastefully done leaving just enough to the imagination to give you that anxious feeling horror fans crave. Nothing over the top and no splatter-punk-slasher-fest happening in this book. But there are a couple of scenes that will leave you tense and gripping the sides of your book.
About half of the way through it became apparent to me what was really happening in the town and why the residents were disappearing. Many characters were introduced and more came and left, but they were easy to follow and fit tightly into the main story.
Although I had an idea of how things would end after the middle of the book, I still wanted to read on to see what Lucy would do next and to see if I guessed the the ending right. There was a nice twist at the end I didn't see coming that left the story open for another book or books, which I hope are being written as I write this review.
This was my first read of 2017 and it set the bar high for the rest of the year. Fans of YA horror and paranormal will love this book and should definitely pick up a copy. This book does not disappoint.
February 18, 2017
Darkness and Life
Very Interesting reading. Great story development that leaves the reader in constant doubt but at the same time aware of what may be happening. Would recommend this book to anyone broad minded enough to believe in destiny.
Very Interesting reading. Great story development that leaves the reader in constant doubt but at the same time aware of what may be happening. Would recommend this book to anyone broad minded enough to believe in destiny.
February 4, 2017
A great paranormal romance! The MC could've asked more questions, IMO, and I could always see what was coming, but it was a touching story about life and death with very vivid characters. Great writing, and I loved the romance the most!
January 30, 2022
A deep story that leaves the reader wanting more
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews