From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-When her father leaves the family because he is "not being fulfilled," 17-year-old Abbie Thompson feels the rejection acutely. Full of anger and frustration, she follows him and his new girlfriend and, in a fit of rage, throws a rock through the woman's window. This impulsive act lands Abbie in court, and her probation includes service with "Friend to Friend," a support group that matches teenage girls with elderly women in the community. Abbie's assignment turns out to be one Edna Merkel, a cantankerous, outspoken woman who has a penchant for solving mysteries. Abbie finds herself an unwilling accomplice as Mrs. Merkel brags that she is "on to something big." When the woman is attacked, hospitalized, and unable to speak, Abbie realizes that perhaps her elderly companion was on to something. It is now up to her, armed with the sleuth's almost indecipherable notebook, to find out who attacked Mrs. Merkel, and why. Although this novel includes a mystery, it is more a coming-of-age story. The main characters are generally well drawn and distinct, and there is a hint of a possible romance that will keep readers' attention. Nixon's fans will no doubt enjoy Abbie's story, but many will miss the taut psychological suspense found in many of her previous novels.
Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Kirkus Reviews
Abbie Thompson is having a rough year—her professor father has left Abbie’s mother for a younger woman, her mother is depressed, and her little brother is angry all the time. To top it all off, Abbie is being punished for one of the stupidest things she’s ever done in all of her 17 years. After following her father to his girlfriend’s house and seeing them kiss, Abbie angrily threw rocks through the girlfriend’s window, smashing the glass and getting herself arrested. The judge assigns Abbie, a conscientious and usually law-abiding girl, to a volunteer program that matches up teenagers with elderly women to keep them company, help them run errands, and generally keep an eye on the older women. Perhaps to remind Abbie that this is meant to be punishment, Abbie is assigned to a particularly cantankerous, demanding old woman, Edna Merkel, who makes Abbie’s life miserable with her demands and unpredictable moods. When Mrs. Merkel becomes involved in a group that sets out to thwart con men who target senior citizens, she puts herself and her young companion in danger. While the story is fast-paced and involving, many of the characterizations are weak and one-dimensional. Abbie is too much of a pushover, letting herself be manipulated by Mrs. Merkel to an unrealistic extent. The father is so insensitive and so uncaring about his children that it strains credulity; and Mrs. Merkel is so nasty, rude, and selfish that it’s hard to believe anyone would put up with her behavior for more than a few days. A readable story, but certainly not Nixon at her best. (Fiction. YA) --
Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
