Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Police Investigations in Teen Lit


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Cover art for MYSTERY OF THE TEMPEST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011

"A true mystery with something to offer teens of any orientation. (Mystery. 14-18)"
Set on Florida's Fisher Key, this genial mystery finds 18-year-old twin amateur sleuths investigating the explosion of a yacht. Read full book review >
Cover art for MASTIFF
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011

"An involving police procedural wrapped in fantasy clothing, this novel provides both crackerjack storytelling and an endearingly complex protagonist. (Fantasy/mystery. 12 & up)"
Pierce's sturdy policewoman Beka Cooper returns for a triumphant trilogy conclusion. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY OWN WORST FRENEMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011

"This clever mystery with a biting look at class and privilege is a breath of fresh air. (Mystery. 14 & up)"
This new mystery series with a multicultural cast stars the canny teenage daughter of a vice cop. Read full book review >
Cover art for CLARITY
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011

"Light entertainment that will make good beach reading. (Paranormal mystery. 12 & up)"
A murder mystery with a twist involves teens in a police investigation that may get some of them killed. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE AGENCY
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010

"Most intriguing is the unusual ethnic heritage Mary strives to conceal, which adds a fresh dimension. (Historical mystery. 12 & up)"
Mary Quinn, a young woman alone in Victorian London, is about to hang for thievery when she is whisked away and offered a new life in a women's academy. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LESS-DEAD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 12, 2010

"At times the religious themes feel didactic, but when the author adds everything up, the results fall somewhere between a fun, campy, teen horror film and a better-than-average afterschool special. (Mystery. YA)"
When his new friend and two other gay homeless teens are murdered, Noah, a nearly burned-out musician with a penchant for partying and a radio evangelist for a dad, decides to investigate the case. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CIRCLE OF BLOOD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2008

"Teen readers with a taste for gory mysteries will find this suspenseful page-turner a delightful diversion. (Fiction. 12-17)"
Who needs CSI? Read full book review >
Cover art for BAD KITTY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2006

"Although readers may become weary of the constant life lessons, argumentative footnotes and the protagonist's voice, which sometimes grates yet is paradoxically the book's greatest asset, the story manages to hang onto its fizz until the enjoyably twisty ending. (Fiction. 12-15)"
Jasmine Callihan, an irrepressible, accident-prone, 17-year-old aspiring police detective, is a trouble magnet. Read full book review >
Cover art for A NORTHERN LIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2003

"While tighter writing would have enhanced the work, this is nevertheless an absorbing story that will appeal strongly to the growing number of historical fiction fans. (Historical fiction. 12+)"
Donnelly combines a mystery with a coming-of-age story about a girl choosing among family obligations, romance, and education. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE RAG AND BONE SHOP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2001

"Chilling. (Fiction. YA)"
The late Cormier's final work is a tense thriller exploring how confession affects those who give it and those who get it. Read full book review >