Ana Reyes deftly mixes themes of friendship, mental health and manipulation in The House in the Pines, her satisfying debut. The novel works as an intense psychological thriller that thrives on subtle, but forceful, action.
Before she left for college, Maya Edwards's best friend, Aubrey West, unexpectedly died while talking with Maya's boyfriend, Frank Bellamy. No foul play was uncovered, and the authorities ruled the 17-year-old's death accidental. Maya believed Frank was involved but couldn't convince the police or her mother of her suspicions. Seven years later, Maya's life seems to be on track: she lives in Boston with a nice boyfriend, Dan, with whom she feels she has a future. But she hides from Dan her addiction to a medication that helps her sleep while continuing to mourn Aubrey. One restless night she sees a trending video showing another seemingly healthy young woman dying in a diner while with Frank. Again, Maya is convinced Frank is responsible, so she travels to her hometown of Pittsfield, Mass., to confront him. Maya is sure the answer is at Frank's cabin in the woods where she and Aubrey used to visit. Again, no one believes her and, given her fixation on Frank, her mother is worried about her daughter's mental health.
Reyes's brisk plotting and believable characters keep The House in the Pines on track. Readers will root for the likable Maya as she tries to overcome her addiction and prove her sanity. --Oline H. Cogdill, freelance reviewer