Into the Lion's Den

September 12, 2016
Bestselling adult crime novelist Fairstein (the Alexandra Cooper series) sets her sights on middle grade readers with her version of a modern-day Nancy Drew, Devlin Quick. Twelve-year-old Dev is the daughter of the first female New York City police commissioner, Blaine Quick, and is always on the lookout for crimes in progress. Dev has her moment to investigate a real crime, when Liza, an exchange student living with Dev for the summer, witnesses an art heist in the maps room of the New York Public Library. Since they are just kids, no one believes them, so Dev decides to investigate the theft herself, using “fiblets” (white lies) to gain information and access. Fairstein gives Dev a no-nonsense narrative voice, but it comes at the expense of her character sounding like a believable tween (“I would hate for this map thief—or any of his cohorts—to become fugitives”). It’s clear that Fairstein did a great deal of research while writing this novel, but the frequent delivery of facts through dialogue can be stilted and unnatural. Ages 8–12. Agent: Esther Newberg, ICM.

Someone is stealing rare maps from the New York Public Library, and a preteen detective is on the case.Twelve-year-old Devlin's mother is New York City's police commissioner, which gives her definite sleuthing advantages. It's summer, and Dev and her mother, who are white, are hosting a student from Argentina, Liza. After Liza witnesses a man cutting a page from a rare collection of maps in the New York Public Library, Dev sets out with single-minded determination to solve the case, also enlisting the help of her African-American friend, Booker Dibble. As she says: "I sort of have investigative instincts in my genes." (And for the librarians, teachers, and booksellers out there, Dev also has "a love for reading, for everything about books.") Dev attends private school and leads a privileged life. Access to forensic labs at 1 Police Plaza is a plus, as is her wealthy, '60s-activist grandmother, who is also a library trustee. Fairstein, a longtime Manhattan prosecutor and author of popular adult detective stories, transitions well in this opener to her first series for kids. She throws in local flavor, an abandoned subway station, and a healthy dose of texting and safe online activities in a well-crafted detective tale. This likable gumshoe follows the trail from the library lions on 42nd Street to Brooklyn Public Library's Central Building, and readers will be happy to go right along with her. (Mystery. 9-12) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-Readers meet 12-year-old Devlin Quick, girl detective and book lover, in this new series. Devlin's friend Liza thinks she has seen someone slice a page from a rare book in the New York Public Library. Unfortunately, this crime was committed with no grown-up witnesses present. Devlin, knowing that defacing a book is a horrible thing to do, wants to solve this mystery as soon as possible. She enlists the help of the police commissioner, her friends, and others in an effort to crack the case. Devlin is a clever character who is constantly coming up with creative methodologies to gather evidence and piece together information. An appreciation of reading is a reoccurring theme throughout; many classic works of literature are referenced and explored throughout the narrative. The friendly and loving relationship between Devlin and her mother is also developed. The New York City setting plays an interesting and crucial role in this mystery; famous landmarks are significant parts of the plot's progression. Historical and geographical facts are also often woven seamlessly into the character's adventures. Readers will be exposed to new vocabulary in an engaging and easy-to-comprehend manner. They'll also be introduced to a wide array of concepts and techniques often used in detective and forensic work. VERDICT A well-crafted and satisfying first volume in a new series. Ideal for bibliophiles and mystery fans alike.-Deanna Smith, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

snicker9 - It all starts when Delvin Quick's new friend Liza witnesses a robbery. Liza and Devlin are at the New York Public Library when Liza sees someone steal a page from a rare book-at least that what she thinks she sees. Devlin and Liza chase the thief but soon lose him in the crowds. But Devlin isn't ready to give up. Unfortunately, not many people believe them. And even though Devlin's mom is Police Commissioner, one possibly stolen page isn't the top priority. So, with the help of her friends(and some top-notch equipment at headquarters), Devlin begins an adventure in New York as she tries to solve this mystery. She is ready to prove that she has what it takes to be a real detective. I liked that since part of the story is that Liza has come to the Quick's home to live with them for a month, we get to know Devlin and her family in a way that we wouldn't if no new people were introduced. This is a difficult book to recommend to a certain age group. I feel like most of it is written for younger grades, but there are some high-tension scenes that may not be appropriate. So I would recommend this book to middle school students. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

October 15, 2016
Grades 4-7 Nancy Drew meets her rightful heir in Dev Quick, girl sleuth. Dev is spending her summer taking some extra classes at her private school. One of her classmates, Liza, is a student from South America who is living with Dev and her police chief mother. When Liza witnesses someone cutting a page from a valuable book of maps at New York's Public Library, the game is afoot. Dev and Liza join forces with Dev's sidekick, Booker, as they search for clues to the identity of the thief. Fairstein is an author of adult books, and this background is apparent in her first book for younger readers. The adult sensibilities of the trio of sleuths, combined with references to Dashiell Hammett characters, might be confusing to some younger readers. Still, the short chapters, quick action, and the resolutions of problems will appeal to fans of the Red Blazer Girls series or Christina Diaz Gonzalez's Moving Target (2015).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)