Grant, Helen The Vanishing of Katherine Linden

Grant, Helen The Vanishing of Katherine Linden
Delacorte see Random 2009 287p 24.00
978-0-385-34417-3 hs/adult Missing children, horror thriller VG


Pia becomes an outcast when her grandmother “explodes,” overshadowing the sudden disappearance of first Katharina Linden, and the other children in the small German village of Bad Münstereifel, which Pia begins to investigate.
A rare delight of a first novel that will appeal to both adult and young adult audiences. The characterization is outstanding, the writing lyrical, yet dark and forboding. Touches of supernatural glint on the edges of the narrative and the mystery is challenging and first rate. That the protagonist, Pia, is only 10 has no bearing on the enjoyment of the story by many age groups. In many ways, this is reminiscent of Flavia de Luce, Alan Bradley’s dauntless 11-year-old sleuth (The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, 2009 and The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag, 2010). Quirky, many-layered and a mystery readers will not want to put down, from the grandmother’s spontaneous combustion at the beginning of the book until the truly scary ending. The light tone of the narration belies the frightening and sinister character of the story. Not for younger readers, but satisfying and engaging for older ones. A delightful horror story.

This novel had just been selected for the 2011 Alex Award. Mystery/Detective Naismith, Pat

Benjamin, Melanie Alice, I Have been

Benjamin, Melanie Alice, I Have been
Delacorte see Random 2010 351p 25.00
978-0-385-34413-5 ms/hs Historical E-BN
This is a portrayal of the world of the real Alice In Wonderland that expertly blends fact with fiction. The author had written a many faceted novel that presents a compelling mystery that surrounds the girl behind the story of Alice in Wonderland.
At the same time the novel provides the readers with a insight into the Victorian mores that were prevalent at the time.
The story is told from the perspective of Alice and her thoughts. The blend of the literary Alice in contrast to the actual Alice and her striving to understand her place in the world. All of Alice’s emotions, loves, and failures are woven into a emotionally paced story that will be enjoyed by the readers.

The historical novel offers both realistic and suspenseful action in a well-paced plot and with engaging characters. The story is engaging and full of interesting details, the locations are believably described, and the characters are very three-dimensional. This is a well written book that is recommended as a Books of Note. It would be an excellent addition to any secondary school library. McNeil, Linda
Alice In Wonderland

Bradley, Alan The Weed That Strings the Hangman’s Bag

Bradley, Alan The Weed That Strings the Hangman’s Bag
Delacorte see Random 2010 364p 24.00
978-0-385-34231-5 hs/adult Mystery/Detective VG
Flavia de Luce once again uses her considerable intellect and vast chemical knowledge to solve another murder. This time there seem to be links to a child’s mysterious death many years before.
Bradley’s spunky heroine once again saves the day. The Debut Dagger (for Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie) Award winning author weaves a delciously entangled story, involving a German prison of war, a grieving mother, a famous television personality with multiple love affairs, a puppet stage with electrical problems and a meddling aunt.

Flavia is not above telling a few white lies and breaking into the periodical storage area of the public library to get to the bottom of this case, and that may bother some readers. Whereas Bradley’s last story had nothing objectionable for middle school readers, this tale does contain sexual references, an unwanted pregnancy and a farmer growing cannabis. Still nothing is overt or graphic, and the 11-year-old heroine solves the mystery by linking clues surrounding those plot revelations, so they are essential to the plot.

The meddling aunt does provide family background and a little emotional life for Flavia, but seems to be dropped too quickly. One can only hope that that area is explored in future novels. The historical setting (immediately post World War II) is essential to certain elements of the story, but does not hinder enjoyment of the mystery for mystery’s sake. Again, a thoroughly delightful read.
Although the language and literary nature of the novel, as well as the sexual references and cannabis, may make it unsuitable for younger audiences, high school readers and adults will enjoy this light-hearted murder mystery. Naismith(3), Pat
Murder mystery with historical setting