Whether or not the body in the woods was actually Toby's was debatable and —at the time— unknown. However, in A DAngerous GAme, it was revealed that Toby is alive and that the body Spencer found was a John Doe. Toby meets Spencer at a diner (thinking she is Mona) to say that Hanna got the babysitting job.

Is Toby really dead in PLL books?

He begs her not to tell anyone as he has finally gotten his life on track, but she refuses and tells him to go away. Toby does and runs into the woods behind Emily's house, where he overdoses on pills, which results in a fatal death. The next morning, his body is found.

Does Toby come back in Season 2?

Toby's return to Rosewood brings a surprise reunion. The hunt for answers about what Ali knew leads Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer to a rundown doll hospital that holds more than just secrets.