Emerson and her father are moving to Minnesota in January. Her father, a contractor, is ready to embrace the job of refurbishing an old lodge. For Emerson, all she sees at first is a grey and desolate place–not to mention, it’s freezing. At least she has Zuri, a German Shepherd mix, to keep her company. The father/daughter duo meet the friendly owners of the O’Malley Lake and Lodge upon arrival. The Stevensons are warm and inviting and eager to make friends with Emerson and her dad.

 Unlike the Stevensons’ two children, Reid and Raina, Emerson is enrolled in online school. This allows for plenty of free time to roam the O’Malley grounds with Zuri. It is easy to see from a distance that the lodge is in much need of repairs. Her dad definitely has his work cut out for him. On the inside, Emerson discovers a wonderful library filled with literary classics. This quickly becomes her favorite place. She’s not the only one who loves it. Reid enjoys exploring the property too and claims there are hidden rooms within the lodge. The thought of such a mysterious old place thrills Emerson. She and Reid quickly bond over their sleuthing adventures. Their relationship quickly goes from friendship to a sweet chaste romance.

As Reid and Emerson spend time together, two things reveal themselves. The O’Malley Lake and Lodge has a history spanning one hundred years and was once a speakeasy during Prohibition. While researching the lodge and talking to locals, Emerson and Reid hear suggestions of possible Chicago mob involvement in the lodge. Will the teens find the real truth behind the place? The other revelation involves Emerson and why she is reluctant to make friends. And what happened to her mom and sisters? Author Leslea Wahl does a great job revealing Emerson’s backstory little by little.

As a mom with a tween daughter, In Plain Sight is the type of romance book I would be happy with her reading. Reid is a dreamboat of a guy who takes his Catholic faith seriously and invites Emerson to his parish. He sees Emerson’s pain and wants to help her, but he allows her to open up on her terms. Mystery lovers will enjoy the familiar tropes in the story: a remote setting, adventure, heroism, romance, and mild peril keep the reader engaged. Of course, Zuri, the dog steals the show on every page. I love a mystery story about an old house with secret rooms. It made me want to jump into the story and search for the rooms along with Reid and Emerson. This fun young adult novel is a fast read that blends mystery, faith, family, and romance. Although the characters are Catholic, teens of other faiths will enjoy this novel.