Highway to Hell

April 1, 2009
Gr 7 Up-Maggie Quinn has psychic ability and a history of fighting demons and other evil manifestations, as proven in "Hell Week" (2008) and "Prom Dates from Hell" (2007, both Delacorte). She and her D&D-loving friend Lisa, who is a practitioner of spells and magic, are on a spring-break trip to south Texas when their jeep slams into a slaughtered cow on the highway. Stranded in a small town while the vehicle is being repaired, they meet many of the locals, some of whom are convinced that "el chupacabra", a legendary evil creature, has been released from the underground and is killing their livestock. Doña Isabel, the wealthy matriarch of the area, seems to know something, but isn't talking; her handsome grandson, Zeke, does not believe in "Ol' Chupy," but he is forced to face the truth when humans as well as cattle are attacked by the demon creature. Maggie and Lisa are highly likable and genuine college freshmen, and when they spring into action against the terrifying creature, the adventure really takes off. The background information on the evil being is logical and believable, and the two belief systems of Catholicism and Hispanic magical culture sustain a respectful coexistence. This story flows quickly with thrills, chills, and a first-rate mystery."Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2009
Grades 8-10 As in the previous titles of the Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series, this one overflows with plot twists, relationship issues, and enough good humor to keep the reader from choking on the premise, which has Maggie, now a college freshman, and her sorceress friend, Lisa, fighting evil in the form of a petroleum-like creature while on spring break in Texas. Unlike manyevil-manifested-as-monsters novels for teens, this one isnt afraid to discuss the role of traditional religion in mere mortals attempts to keep earthly order. As with any good roller-coaster ride, the overall thrills outweigh any desire to question credulity.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)