Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt.There are SIX contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the GOLD TEAM–but there is also a red team, a blue team, a green team, a pink team, and a purple team for a chance to win a whole different set of books!If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page.

Click each image to see the books you can win from each team

SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE

  • Directions: Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the gold team, and then add them up (don’t worry, you can use a calculator!).
  • Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
  • Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by April 8th, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

SCAVENGER HUNT POST

Today, I am hosting Margot Harrison. Margot Harrison writes and edits for a newspaper in Vermont. Her movie reviews appear on Rotten Tomatoes. THE KILLER IN ME is her first novel.

For more information check out margotharrison.com

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The Killer in Me

By Margot Harrison

Seventeen-year-old Nina Barrows knows all about the Thief. She’s intimately familiar with his hunting methods: how he stalks and kills at random, how he disposes of his victims’ bodies in an abandoned mine in the deepest, most desolate part of a desert.

Now, for the first time, Nina has the chance to do something about the serial killer that no one else knows exists. With the help of her former best friend, Warren, she tracks the Thief two thousand miles, to his home turf—the deserts of New Mexico.

But the man she meets there seems nothing like the brutal sociopath with whom she’s had a disturbing connection her whole life. To anyone else, Dylan Shadwell is exactly what he appears to be: a young veteran committed to his girlfriend and her young daughter. As Nina spends more time with him, she begins to doubt the truth she once held as certain: Dylan Shadwell is the Thief. She even starts to wonder . . . what if there is no Thief?

The Killer in Me and order a copy here!

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

Warren and Nina Count Down Their Top Five Murder-Related Songs and Podcasts

In The Killer in Me, seventeen-year-old Nina and Warren take a road trip from Vermont to New Mexico to catch a serial killer who may or may not exist. The only evidence of his reality is in Nina’s dreams.

What do you listen to when you’re on your way to track down a cold-blooded murderer? I asked my characters to come up with five songs or podcasts that would have been disturbingly perfect for their trip, and here’s the result.

NINA: First, I just want to point out that murder is wrong, okay? We are not glorifying murder here.

WARREN: Absolutely. Murder is inglorious, evil, and wrong. But reading murder books and listening to murder stories and songs can be … fun. Who knows why?

NINA: Just don’t forget what happened to us out in the desert.

WARREN: I don’t think we’re supposed to talk about that here. Spoilers and all. Okay, I’ll go first. No. 5 on our list is the song “Red Right Hand,” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. It’s an old song, but it creeps me out whenever I hear it, because it’s about a guy with a bloody hand who hangs out at the edge of town and promises you whatever you want. I don’t know if he’s actually a murderer or if he’s Death itself, but same difference.

NINA: [shivers] That song is disturbing. Okay, so No. 4, my choice, is “Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)” by Aurora. I’m not going to lie to you: I found this by Googling “murder songs.” But this song! And this video! It’s so beautiful and creepy at the same time. And it’s from the point of view of the murder victim, which is important, because it’s the victims we should be remembering, not the killers.

WARREN: Yeah, that video messes me up. The expressions on her face—so intense. So, my choice for No. 3 is “Deep Red Bells” by Neko Case. Not only does it have a sweet and sinister Americana sound, but it was inspired by Case’s experience growing up in Washington state while the Green River Killer was active there.

NINA: Guess somebody did his research [playfully elbows him].

WARREN: [puts his arm around her] What’s wrong with research?

NINA: Nothing. I love how research-y you are. Anyway, for No. 2, I chose the podcast “Serial,” season one. Basically, true-crime podcasts don’t get more addictive than this. Sarah Koenig investigates the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, a popular high school senior. Her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, is doing life in prison for the crime. But is he really the killer? There’s conflicting evidence, and Syed is now awaiting a new trial. It’s frustrating not to get a definite solution to the mystery, but this podcast demonstrates just how complicated murder investigations can be in the real world.

WARREN: The real world? You mean, like the one we live in?

NINA: Right. That one.

WARREN: We both agreed on our No. 1 choice. It may not be the most educational murder podcast out there, but it’s definitely the most entertaining: “My Favorite Murder.” The concept’s simple: Two comedians who are obsessed with murder discuss famous murder cases.

NINA: And they link their murder fascination to their anxiety, something I can totally relate to. Anywhere I live, any space I enter, I think about how someone could get in to kill me and how I could get out. Call me paranoid, but … I used to carry a Swiss Army Knife in my boot, just in case.

WARREN: You don’t need that anymore, now you have a big strong man to protect you.

NINA: Please! In the desert, I protected you.

WARREN: She speaks the truth.

NINA: Anyway, once you’ve seen how a predator operates, the whole world changes. You may never feel entirely safe again, but at least you can share stories and tips on how not to be murdered and even have some fun doing it. Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark are all about that, which is why I love this podcast.

WARREN: Maybe we should end with their catchphrase.

NINA: You mean “Stay sexy. Don’t get murdered”?

WARREN: Why not? Out in the desert, in that abandoned mine, we certainly tried to stay sexy and not get murdered.

NINA: [squeezes his hand] Uh … spoiler alert? But yeah, you’re right. That’s exactly what we did, and I’m glad we were together.

CONTINUE THE HUNT

And don’t forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of books by me, Margot, and more! To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is 15. Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the gold team and you’ll have all the secret code to enter for the grand prize!

BONUS GIVEAWAY

Want a chance to win even more books? My debut novel, If I Fix You, is now available in paperback, so I’m giving away a signed copy. Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open internationally.

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To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author!



 
 
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About Abigail

Abigail Johnson was born in Pennsylvania. When she was twelve, her family traded in snowstorms for year-round summers and moved to Arizona. Abigail chronicled the entire cross-country road trip in a purple spiral-bound notebook that she still has, and has been writing ever since. She became a tetraplegic after breaking her neck in a car accident when she was seventeen but hasn’t let that stop her from bodysurfing in Mexico, writing and directing a high-school production of Cinderella, and riding roller coasters every chance she gets. She is the author of several young adult novels including If I Fix You and Every Other Weekend. She is represented by Kim Lionetti at BookEnds Literary Agency.

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43 Comments

  1. Jen April 3, 2018 at 1:56 pm - Reply

    I’m one of those who loves all different kinds of tropes but, my latest was the fake boyfriend. It was just so much fun. :)

  2. Katy April 3, 2018 at 3:36 pm - Reply

    I recently read and loved “Here Lies Daniel Tate” by Cristin Terrill!

  3. Alisa Harrison April 3, 2018 at 4:27 pm - Reply

    I Recently loved the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews

  4. Natalie April 3, 2018 at 4:52 pm - Reply

    I just finished reading The Immortals series by Tamora Pierce for the first time since I was about 12 or so, and I can’t believe I didn’t re-read it sooner because it’s AMAZING :|

  5. Ariana April 3, 2018 at 4:55 pm - Reply

    A book I recently read is One Hundred Years of Solitude. I absolutely loved how it made me think twice and especially the ending. Yes, I had to read it for my English Class but it was my favorite!!! Another booked I loved is The Selection. I know I may be a bit late reading it but I am so glad I did!

  6. Tashia Jennings April 3, 2018 at 5:54 pm - Reply

    Love paranormal!! Just finished The Tiger’s Offer by Lila Jean and really enjoyed it. Already started book 2, The Wolf’s Hunt.
    Thank you for this wonderful chance!

  7. ladymagnolia99 April 3, 2018 at 6:38 pm - Reply

    I have been reading A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Maas. I have read 3 in this series and really enjoyed them.

    Judy Cox

  8. Lily M.. April 3, 2018 at 7:57 pm - Reply

    I recently read Geekerella, I thought it was cute :-)

  9. Rachel McKay April 3, 2018 at 8:09 pm - Reply

    I recently loved The Dark Prince by Holly Black

  10. Nicole Cardenas April 3, 2018 at 8:57 pm - Reply

    I recently reread Ana and the French Kiss.

  11. Ash C April 4, 2018 at 8:24 am - Reply

    I just finished reading Daughter of the Siren Queen last night and I just started One Dark Throne today!

  12. Melanie B April 4, 2018 at 11:14 am - Reply

    I recently read Fade to Us by Julia Day, loved it!

  13. Vickie April 4, 2018 at 12:53 pm - Reply

    I recently read Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare and loved it!

  14. theresajs April 4, 2018 at 1:54 pm - Reply

    One of my favorite tropes is enemies to lovers!!!

  15. Michaela Sellers April 4, 2018 at 2:53 pm - Reply

    I’m currently reading Clockwork Prince!

  16. Minta Boggs April 4, 2018 at 5:10 pm - Reply

    Ok, I recently read Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie she’s dead by Christiana Miller I really liked this book it was full of fun and laughs and witches.

  17. bn100 April 4, 2018 at 6:01 pm - Reply

    beneath a scarlet sky

  18. Penny Olson April 4, 2018 at 10:01 pm - Reply

    I love the Onyx Webb series. Thanks for participating in YASH!

  19. Chelsea Hunter April 5, 2018 at 9:00 am - Reply

    I love the Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

  20. Danielle Hammelef April 5, 2018 at 10:05 am - Reply

    I just finished The Ambrose Deception as well as Gemina and loved both books.

  21. Angela Z. April 5, 2018 at 2:31 pm - Reply

    A trope I like? Hate to love relationships :)

  22. Bethany Farwell April 5, 2018 at 5:02 pm - Reply

    I love the Tiger’s series by Colleen Houck, or the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand or Honestly.. I could go on forever. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of If I fix you. the cover is GOREGOUS! and also, I’m getting used to the mom-life, so I’m STILL in a reading slump :( I need a book to pull me out of it!!!!

  23. Melissa Paschal April 5, 2018 at 5:17 pm - Reply

    i don’t have a favorite trope. There are so many great aspects in books. I do love when the girl falls in love with the bad boy though.

  24. Debi April 5, 2018 at 7:47 pm - Reply

    I recently finished Tiger’s Dream by Colleen Houck. I loved it! I’ve been waiting for this book for years and am happy to finally have a conclusion for the story and answers to all my questions.

  25. Ali Goff April 5, 2018 at 8:13 pm - Reply

    I just read and loved Ready Player One. So good. Hope the movie is as good.

  26. Cassandra April 5, 2018 at 8:15 pm - Reply

    Forbidden romance! Gets me every time. Thanks for doing a bonus giveaway!
    – @_cassandrareads –

  27. Gurlay Garcia April 5, 2018 at 10:43 pm - Reply

    I love Pen and Xander by Laekan Zea Kemp. It’s a story of Latin immigrants in the US. It’s about food and fighting for your dreams.

  28. Irma April 6, 2018 at 12:44 am - Reply

    I’ve recently read The Cruel Prince by Holly Black and I loved it so much. Thank you for this wondeful chance <3

  29. miftakhur.adik April 6, 2018 at 6:27 am - Reply

    more than we can tell by brigid kemmerer

  30. Stephanie Raines April 6, 2018 at 7:01 am - Reply

    My all-time favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I know it’s popular but do not feel its as popular in the YA world, however, it is a multi-generational book spanning 6-years to 96-years-old and is applicable to each age.

  31. Tanja April 6, 2018 at 7:21 am - Reply

    I loved From Lukov with Love :)

  32. Angie April 6, 2018 at 7:45 am - Reply

    I like YA fantasy or paranormal. The last fave read is Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins.

  33. MegCopp07 April 6, 2018 at 12:58 pm - Reply

    I’m currently reading the Jackaby Series and it’s different then I thought it would be but I like it!!

  34. Ashley April 6, 2018 at 7:04 pm - Reply

    Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse. Ok so technically that’s a world with multiple series inside of it… but whatevs. It’s absolutely positively 100% amazing.

  35. Katy April 7, 2018 at 6:00 am - Reply

    I recently finished the Revenant/Die for Me Series by Amy Plum. Absolutely loved it!

  36. Harry Brake April 7, 2018 at 11:34 am - Reply

    I LOVED READING SOLO by Kwame Alexander, it is AWESOME!

  37. Harry Brake April 7, 2018 at 11:35 am - Reply

    JUST a FYI when you click on the next author for the YA Hunt it says – “This site can’t be reached
    http://www.selenecastrovilla’s server IP address could not be found.
    Search Google for selene castrovilla blog
    ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED”

    Just so you know!

  38. Melissa Williams April 7, 2018 at 11:40 am - Reply

    I have recently loved reading Flow by Clare Littlemore!

  39. adrianna April 7, 2018 at 1:01 pm - Reply

    midnight sins by j.l armentrout

  40. Shannon Fay April 7, 2018 at 1:08 pm - Reply

    i recently finished the wild robot and the wild robot escapes, and i ADORED those. Really cute book about a wild robot who learns to live among the animals, great messages about inclusion and family, and adorable illustrations. it was awesome.

  41. Beverly Gordon April 7, 2018 at 3:40 pm - Reply

    so many I loved Sorid by Nikki Sloane but a read so many anotehr awesome one entombed in glass by Stacey Rourke

  42. Monica Rodriguez April 7, 2018 at 5:17 pm - Reply

    I just recently started reading the Harry Potter books and I’m in LOVE! I can’t believe it took me so long to read them ❤️

  43. Captivated Reading April 7, 2018 at 8:15 pm - Reply

    I’m not picky about tropes. But, I do love a good enemies-to-lovers story.

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