Charlie, Presumed Dead by Anne Heltzel

3 Out of 5 stars

I was sent a ebook copy of this from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description: 

In Paris, family and friends gather to mourn the tragic passing of Charlie Price—young, handsome, charming, a world-traveler—who is presumed dead after an explosion. Authorities find only a bloodied jacket, ID’d as Charlie’s. At the funeral, two teens who are perfect strangers, Lena Whitney and Aubrey Boroughs, make another shocking discovery: they have both been dating Charlie, both think Charlie loved them and them alone, and there is a lot they didn’t know about their boyfriend. Over the next week, a mind-bending trip unfolds: first in London—then in Mumbai, Kerala, and Bangkok, the girls go in search of Charlie. Is he still alive? What did their love for him even mean? The truth is out there, but soon it becomes clear that the girls are harboring secrets of their own. 

No one knows whom to trust in this thrilling tale of suspense and deception.

My Review: 

I enjoyed this but I didn't love it.

Lena and Aubrey were likable enough. They joined together for a common goal, to find a journal and their now ex boyfriend. They were both dating the same boy and now he is missing presumed dead.

Lean and Aubrey we both kind of average teen/early 20's type characters. Both were worried about boys and college and their futures which now does not include their long time boyfriend Charlie.

I felt like maybe I knew girls like this throughout my teens/20s so they were very relatable and I think their personalities helped move the story along.

I also loves the mystery aspect and they banding together for a common goal.

The more I learned about Charlie the more I didn't like him, which is basically the point. He has all these lies and terrible things surrounding him but these girls just can't get past their relationships and get over him.

Everyone needs closure and you will have to read to find out if they get it.

Part mystery, part scavenger hunt, and great writing keep you engaged throughout the story. 

Definitely worth picking up, but in my opinion, not something I would reread for fun.

Overall, worth it.