From School Library Journal
Grade 5–9—Brian Bain, 13, and high schooler Roni Delicata, the sleuthing pals featured in
Snatched (2006) and
Skullduggery (2007, both Putnam), return in another book that begins quickly and doesn't slow down. When Brian wins a paper airplane design contest, his picture is published in the local Bloodwater newspaper, garnering interest from several mysterious strangers. Meanwhile, Roni, who is browsing a missing child Web site, is amazed to find that the age-progressed photo of Bryce Doblemun, a three-year-old boy abducted 10 years before, is the spitting image of Brian. Like Brian, Bryce was born in Korea and adopted by Caucasian parents. Brian's parents seem reluctant to reveal much about his past, and he begins to wonder about his early years. Roni investigates the missing boy and turns up information about a suspicious fire, a shady father, and a large reward. The plot twists are fast and furious and the conclusion is satisfying as it resolves Brian's ancestral quest, an unsolved kidnapping, and a murder. Readers meeting these well-drawn characters for the first time will seek out the other two mysteries.—
Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Searching for another mystery to investigate, Roni checks a missing child Web site and finds an age-progressed photo of a Korean-American boy who looks suspiciously like Brian Bain, her partner in crime solving. Initially, Brian refuses even to recognize the resemblance, but soon he becomes intrigued by questions about his past and wonders if his parents know more than they’ve told him. Meanwhile, the appearance of Brian’s photo in the newspaper brings unwelcome attention from some shady characters. The third book in The Bloodwater Mysteries, which features high-school detectives Roni and Brian, continues the series’ strengths of smart dialogue, quick pacing, and likable protagonists. Also, it adds depth to the characterization of 13-year-old Brian, who tends to stand a bit in the shadow of Roni, who’s old enough to drive. An appealing mystery for newcomers to the series, as well as for loyal fans. Grades 6-9. --Carolyn Phelan
