THE TWILIGHT PRISONER

Marsh proves immune to the sophomore jinx in this sequel; after a quick reset of The Night Tourist (2007), this briskly paced story soars. Fifteen-year-old Jack Perdu, ghost whisperer and the series’s hero, is smitten by fellow Latin Club member Cora Flores. He musters up the courage to ask her out, but school heartthrob Austin Chapman tags along. Determined to one-up Austin, Jack suggests an underground tour of Columbia University. Actually, the tunnels are portals to the Underworld and Jack recklessly leads Cora and Austin into the ghostly realm. A second romantic thread spices the tale when Euri, Jack’s deceased friend from the first book, appears. Jealousy crackles between the living and dead girls. The more pressing problem is that the trio must find an escape route within three days or join the ranks of the dead. Cerberus, mythology’s vicious three-headed dog, relentlessly hunts the real-world humans while time mercilessly ticks away. The plot is lavishly draped with snappy dialogue, realistic teen characters and clever didn’t-see-it-coming twists. An outstanding story with wide appeal. (Fantasy. YA)