The Deadly Sister

Starred review from August 1, 2010

Gr 8 Up-Abby has always protected her delinquent younger sister, Maya, always been there to shelter her misdeeds (drug use, running away, etc.) from their parents. But now, when Abby finds Maya's boyfriend dead in the river with Maya's cell phone nearby, she is going to have her hands full because it sure looks like her sister killed Jefferson in a drug-induced haze. Abby springs into action and begins playing detective to see if she can pin the crime on a more likely culprit. It turns out that Jefferson wasn't the angel adults had perceived him to be, and there are plenty of people with motive to kill him. The Deadly Sister is riddled with red herrings and told by an unreliable narrator, which make the surprise ending all the more shocking. Well-drawn characters, realistic dialogue, and suspenseful twists and turns add to the appeal. Teens crave mystery, and this book will suit them just fine.-Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2010
Grades 9-12 Abby Goodwin has always tried to keep her younger sister Maya out of trouble. But now that Maya has graduated from skipping school to using drugs, such protection may no longer be possible. While out for her morning run, Abby comes across the dead body of Jefferson Andrews, the big man on campus and class valedictorian. Unfortunately, Mayas phone is lying near the body and Abby knows Maya was the last person to see Jeff alive. Abby is determined to find her missing sister and prove Mayas innocence at the same time. This is a multitiered mystery featuring several viable suspects. Readers quickly discover that Jeff had numerous girlfriends, used almost everyone, and was a local drug dealer who had plenty of enemiesincluding his own brother. The page-turning action and the potent relationship between the two sisters will keep teens attention right up to the final confession.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)