Five teens in Mount Cobalt each carry a heavy secret alone: they suspect they are adopted, and they are certain their parents are lying to them. When they each receive an email invitation to join a private message board for teens in the local area who doubt their paternity, it seems too good to be true. Emboldened by anonymity, they find support in each other and begin to give voice to the fears they have carried alone for so long. It feels like hope.

Behind the screens is an unlikely bunch of friends: obnoxious know-it-all Emma, who always stands up to the bullies; Michael, king bully himself; and his favourite target, the sweet, cowardly Fabian; Tessie, the vigilant loner; and the mysterious Sam. When they finally meet in real life, they are humiliated. These are not the kind strangers they imagined: these are their enemies. They decide never to speak again, to continue living a lie. But their parents are hiding something much more sinister than just their adoption, and they have to find the truth together.

Narrated in turns by each teen, we learn more about their stories and their stereotypes inevitably melt away. As they reconnect, the more dangerous the secrets being kept from them appear. Something happened in Mount Cobalt, and it began in the caves. This small town has a secret that it is desperate to protect. Mercy Point will appeal to fans of YA thrillers and urban fantasies alike, and will keep readers guessing until the very end. Recommended for readers 13+.

Kushla Egan works as a bookseller at Readings Carlton.