Death Spiral

February 17, 2014
Chodosh’s debut kicks off the Faith Flores Science Mystery series, as well as the publisher’s new YA imprint. In it, she introduces Faith Flores, a Philadelphia teenager reeling from the recent death of her heroin-addicted mother. Certain that her mother didn’t actually die from an overdose, the 16-year-old investigates the experimental treatment program she was on up until the end. When another member of the program dies in a similar fashion, and the people she’s talking to start perishing in suspicious ways, Faith knows she’s on to something. With the help of her friends, including best friend Anj and possible love interest Jesse, Faith risks all for the truth, which leaves her marked for death as well. Chodosh spins a dark and gritty tale set amid the seedy underbelly of urban Philly, and her protagonist is resourceful and grounded, despite deep-rooted traumas, insecurities, and other flaws. The science, which involves gene therapy and disease manipulation, is plausible, though the plot is straight-up conspiracy theory. Sharp characterization and deft descriptions make this a solid addition to the amateur detective shelf. Ages 12–up.

March 15, 2014
When a junkie dies, no one bothers to ask questions--except her daughter. Six weeks have passed since Faith found her addict mother dead in their West Philly apartment, but she still hasn't settled into her new life with her aunt in the suburbs. Already troubled by lingering doubts about her mother's apparent overdose, Faith begins to search for hard answers after she discovers her mother was secretly participating in a clinical trial for a new treatment for heroin addiction. Though Faith's reluctant to share her troubles with her aunt and her perky best friend, she finds a confidant--and romantic interest--in Jesse, a new student with a rebellious streak. Debut novelist Chodosh provides plenty of detail as Faith delves into the world of big-money medical research and gene therapy, but the science and mystery fall as flat as the unconvincing dialogue. Faith's research never actually feels like the start of a genuine passion for the subject, and most of the progress she makes in her investigation comes through good luck rather than actual deductions. Astute readers will guess the truth behind her mother's death long before the improbable denouement. This science-heavy mystery isn't as smart as it would like to be. (Mystery. 12-17)

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April 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-Faith Flores is convinced that her mother didn't really die of a heroin overdose. Though her mother was a junkie for years, Faith knows that she had been clean when she died, and a visit with one of her mother's former friends confirms her suspicions. When the teen starts to investigate, she is drawn into a improbable conspiracy theory involving a mysterious experimental clinical trial in which her mother had been participating. Chodosh uses this set-up as a jumping off point to explore ideas about identity and predestination. As the daughter of a junkie, Faith feels like everyone expects her to screw up, and she often acts accordingly, pushing away her best friend Anj, love interest Jesse, and Aunt T, the consistently supportive family member who has taken her in. Death Spiral also looks at how genes may play a role in fate. A genetic mutation for a terminal illness could be a death sentence, but what about a gene for addiction? The story moves quickly and incorporates interesting discussion involving topical science issues, though skeptical readers may have trouble with some of the plot twists.-Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

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