And Then Everything Unraveled

July 13, 2009
Sixteen-year-old Cordelia (Delia) Truesdale is forced into the role of private detective when her genius mother, founder of the Internet company TrueTech, disappears on a research trip somewhere between South America and Antarctica. Delia is sent, against her will, from her home in Silicon Valley to Manhattan to live with her dramatic and charming Aunt Charley (“It would be a while before I realized that just about everything Charley did turned out all right,” Delia says). Meanwhile, her uptight Aunt Patience has been left in control of Delia's schooling and social schedule. Despite having her life turned upside down, Delia remains logical, stubborn and focused on proving that her mother is still alive. Delia contacts both a psychic and a private detective as she attempts to solve the mystery and determine the culprit, who could be anyone: her mother's trusted assistant, Thad; oil company executives; or her crush's father. Mystery novelist Sturman's (The Hunt
) YA debut treats readers to intrigue and taut dialogue, and while Delia does get some answers, the “to be continued” ending leaves the door wide open for a sequel. Ages 12–up.