Homicide Related

December 1, 2009
Gr 10 Up-Ryan Dooley has a troubled past. However, following his release from jail, he begins living with his uncle, a retired police officer who is determined to keep him on track. Just when it appears that the teen is on the road to success, a mysterious murder and an old friend send elements of Dooley's past soaring back into his life. After being questioned by the police, Dooley is scared his answers may land him back in jail and decides to unravel the truth himself. His investigation reveals hidden aspects about his past, but more importantly facilitates personal growth, transforming him from a troubled teen into a respectable young man. Through his narration, which includes some strong language and sex scenes, characters are developed gradually along with the plot, creating a long list of suspects. "Homicide Related" goes beyond traditional mysteries, as Dooley purposely omits critical details, keeping readers guessing and the plot moving rapidly."Mary-Brook J. Todd, The Ensworth School, Nashville, TN"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2009
Grades 9-12 Ryan Dooley (last seen in the 2008 chiller Dooley Takes the Fall) is a teen many readers can relate to: he has a chaotic home life periodically overturned by a drug-addicted mother, has been in both juvenile detention and prison, and has a history of drug and alcohol abuse. He is also a struggling, sympathetic character, trying to stay straight and finish school despite the seductions of his old friends. Dooley endures going to a school where everyone shuns him because of his past and lives with his stern ex-cop uncle, who makes life a form of house arrest. Into this bleakness comes tragedyDooleys mother, Lorraine, is discovered dead, apparently from a drug overdose. The cops treat Lorraines death as suspicious, questioning both Dooley and his uncle. Dooley, prompted by his mothers sponsor telling him that his mother had turned her life around, investigates on his own. Compelling characterizations and a pulse-pounding plot make this perfect for fans of edgy mysteries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)