Jennifer recently enjoyed this atmospheric historical Young Adult mystery set in 15th Century Korea. Here is her review:

This atmospheric historical mystery set in Joseon Dynasty Korea (early 1400s) is about a teen who returns home to pick up the trail after her father vanishes while investigating the disappearance of 13 young women. It transports readers to 15th century Korea to unravel a compelling mystery that interweaves the real dangers that Korean women faced at the time.

Our protagonist Hwani is raised in a small village on an island with a reputation for a forest that steals young women. The shroud of fear surrounding a mysterious malevolent force drives the villagers to conceal their girls in stark and sometimes brutal ways. The obsessive repression of bodily agency does not prevent young women from going missing.

Indeed, Hwani and her younger sister Maewol nearly fall victim to the forbidden forest as children. While Hwani remembers nothing of the forest incident, Maewol recalls a figure in a mask. During this traumatic time, Hwani’s mental block, Maewol’s apparent vision, their mother's death and their father’s powerlessness to resolve the issue fractures the family: their father takes Hwani to the mainland and leaves Maewol with a local shayman.

Their father Jewoo becomes a famous detective who solves all of the cases he encounters in his career with the exception of that which afflicts his own family. When he learns about the recent disappearance of another young girl from the same area he investigates the possible connection to his family’s experience. His subsequent disappearance triggers Hwani to follow in his footsteps.

This story of identity, belonging, family and historical trafficking of young women is unsettling and memorable.

Hwani disguises herself as a young male scholar since it is not safe for a woman to travel alone. It appears that all young women take protective measures to hide their identity. When Hwani bumps into the local magistrate on the boat to the island he is aware of her father’s efforts and his disappearance and the villagers later share their suspicions of his complicity.

When Hwani arrives at the island she seeks out her estranged sister Maewol. Although they corresponded in the intervening years there is considerable tension between them due to their unresolved trauma -- Maewol feels abandoned and Hwani feels guilty. They manage their discomfort as they seek their lost parent, each bringing her particular talents to the investigation. Hwani meticulously follows notes left in her father’s journal and Maewol freely shares insights into the beliefs and habits of the villagers as well as her knowledge of the countryside.

The suspense builds -- it seems that everyone in the small village is a suspect and nearly everyone is touched by tragedy. The villagers’ characters are multidimensional and well drawn. For instance, while looking into the matter, the sisters come across a local gossip who is discredited as a drunk yet assists them in collecting and interpreting evidence. Through numerous conversations with concerned citizens they sift through layers to discover the frightening truth behind the folklore.

While gathering testimonies from villagers, Hwani and Maewol are inspired to expand their efforts. They travel across the island to retrace their father’s journey. While breaking through their limitations broadens their understanding it also brings danger closer to them. Read this book to find out how Hwani’s buried memories and Maewol’s vision reveal the fate of the missing villagers. This story of identity, belonging, family and historical trafficking of young women is unsettling and memorable.

Reserve The Forest of Stolen Girls here

Check out Jennifer's other picks here.