In the Blood

A Young Adult General Fiction Novel by April Henry

Subgenres:

Psychological Thriller,
Serial Killer Thriller,
Adoption Fiction

Published May 12, 2026

Length 298 pages

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This book is for you if you're into...

DNA tests that uncover way more than you bargained for
Serial killer investigations with a personal family connection
Cult backstories that ripple into the present

Publisher Description

When an adopted teen takes a DNA test to find her biological parents, she unknowingly puts herself in the crosshairs of a serial killer.

Adopted as a newborn, Tessa has always wondered who her biological parents are. After turning eighteen, she takes a DNA test in hopes of finding the answers. With best friend El and lab partner Victor, Tessa uses the results to start building her family tree. But they find more dead ends than answers.

Her biological mother, who was raised in a religious cult, has cut all ties with her controlling family. And her biological father remains a complete mystery, at least until the police show up. For fifteen years, they’ve been trying to identify a serial killer known as the Portland Phantom. Tessa may be the link they’ve been waiting for.

April Henry delivers a twisty thriller about the families who choose us—and the ones we’re born into. Biology does not have to dictate one’s destiny.

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