Betrayal by the Book

February 1, 2023
Lark Heron-Finch is happy to assist at Swallowtail Island's book festival only to find herself in the middle of another murder mystery. A newcomer to the Ohio island from Connecticut, 12-year-old Lark ruffled the feathers of some prominent local citizens while solving a 75-year-old murder mystery and land dispute in Wreck at Ada's Reef (2022). She was going to lie low but can't resist the invitation to be a festival volunteer helping Ann E. Keyheart, her favorite YA author. Sadly, Ann proves to be mean and manipulative. But Lark quickly forms a close connection with Didi Ferrer, Ann's personal assistant--especially after learning that Kate Heron, Lark's deceased mother, inspired Didi to write after the two crossed paths on the island 11 years earlier. Before Lark can learn more about Didi's manuscript, however, Didi dies. It seems she suffered anaphylaxis after ingesting chocolate containing nuts. Lark is suspicious of the circumstances and even wonders whether Ann, who also has a nut allergy, was the intended victim. She methodically follows her hunches and the clues, even when confronted with red herrings. Some of the details about publishing-world relationships and rivalries are dense, but the sting and culminating chase scene are exciting. While it's not essential to have read the first volume to appreciate this one, it's helpful. The main cast defaults to White. Final art not seen. A determined young detective returns to solve a crime in a setting bibliophiles will especially enjoy. (maps) (Mystery. 8-12)

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Starred review from February 15, 2023
Grades 5-7 *Starred Review* When writers gather for a conference on Swallowtail Island, 12-year-old Lark is assigned as a page to help Ann Keyheart, the author of her favorite book, by guiding her to events and providing golf cart transportation. Keyheart, a detestable woman, attempts to manipulate everyone around her, including her personal assistant, Didi, who is highly allergic to nuts. After finding Didi dead in their cottage, Keyheart screams and faints. Arriving immediately, Lark, who had befriended Didi, is clearheaded and suspicious. She calls 911, notices nut-filled and nut-free chocolates, and absorbs other details to contemplate later. A seriously skilled amateur detective, Lark is still sporting a cast on her arm following an injury sustained during her previous case, described in Beil's Wreck at Ada's Reef (2022). Reading that book is not a prerequisite for enjoying this one, although the earlier novel built a strong foundation for the Swallowtail Legacy series, particularly in creating the island setting and the relatively large cast of vivid characters. While Lark seems unusually precocious and courageous, she is also down-to-earth and likable. Her first-person narrative leaves no doubt of her prime suspect, but guessing the murderer's identity seems less important than understanding what happened and thwarting the villain's escape. A thoroughly engaging mystery.

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