The Monster She Trusted (Milkshakes & Mysteries)

Hunter Greene had big plans for his senior year of high school. Graduate with a higher GPA than his twin sister, Em, get into college with his girlfriend, Abi, and build a future away from his small town. Everything was laid out perfectly. All he needed to do was to survive one more year of classes and teachers, but when the authorities arrive at Hunter's home asking about Abi's whereabouts the day after a fight with her father, something doesn't feel right.

They say everything's fine. They're sure she'll return in a few days after blowing off some steam, but she's has never been one to up and disappear without a word. After days go by with calls and texts going unanswered, Hunter is informed that she's been deemed a runaway and the search is coming to an end.

Deciding it's time to take matters into his own hands, Hunter enlists Em and Abi's younger sister, Maddi, to help figure out what happened. However, nothing could've prepared them for the twists and turns they find along the way. With the discovery of secret meetings and hidden notes, Hunter and his friends find themselves in a race against the clock to bring Abi home safely.

R.L. Bates (They/Them/Theirs) is an author of crime based mystery-thrillers for both adults and teens. They were born in Michigan, have lived in many states throughout their life, and hold a BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. When not working or writing, they can be found singing, crocheting, or visiting local haunts. To learn more about them, follow them on Twitter or Instagram at @RL_Bates.