Tell (Orca Soundings) [Hardcover]

Norah McClintock (Author)

Book Description

Series: Orca Soundings | Publication Date: September 1, 2006

How much does David know about his stepfather's death? (RL4.0)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up—In poker, a "tell" is a sign that someone is bluffing. It might be a twitch, a nervous cough, or a glance. David learned a lot about tells as he watched his stepfather play the game. Now the man has been murdered, and the teen lies when a policeman shows up on his doorstep asking questions. The police quickly focus in on him, and in convincing them of his innocence, David thinks back to his stepfather's tells and realizes some long-hidden truths about his family. Embedded in the mystery are two smaller puzzles involving the boy's brother and birth father. Unfortunately, David's questions about why this man disappeared from his life and where he is now are never explained, but they are not central to the plot. The main mystery is wrapped up so quickly and neatly that fans of the genre might be disappointed that it's over so soon. This short novel is aimed at teens with lower reading levels but it will also appeal to others. Overall, the quick pace and David's secret make this a good thriller.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
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Review

"The short length, quick pace and elements of mystery combine to make this thriller another Orca Sounding title that will appeal to many readers." (NMRLS Youth Services Book Review 20070101)

"Fast-paced and edgy Tell will satisfy any reader eager to solve a case A clever, modern who-done-it. Highly Recommended." (CM Magazine 20080601)

"A well-written, compelling story to be enjoyed by [a] YA audience, especially male readers." (KLIATT )

"A beautifully written book. [The author] can definitely keep the reader attached and interested. A great read!" (TeensReadToo.com )

"Highly Recommended." (Canadian Book Review Annual ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 100 pages
• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551436728
• ISBN-13: 978-1551436722
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,562,570 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, January 15, 2007

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tell (Orca Soundings) (Paperback)

Where did you get the gun? Where did you hide it after you murdered him? How did you even do it?

These are all questions that Detective Antonelli asked David, the main character of TELL, after his stepfather, Phil, was shot and killed.

All signs pointed to David when the police found out that he was only a block away from the crime scene. Not to mention that he was there with Phil just moments before his stepfather's death. David has no way of talking himself out of this one, because no one else was there when Phil was shot.

David stretches the truth and ends up making it harder to claim himself innocent. He has nowhere else to turn but the TRUTH. In the end, which will he choose--juvenile hall, or telling what really happened?

Ms. McClintock tells the tale of an amazingly thrilling murder mystery in this beautifully-written book. She can definitely keep the reader attached and interested. A great read!

Reviewed by: Holly