DON'T LOOK BEHIND YOU

by Lois Duncan ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1989

A hard look at the witness-protection program--in a suspenseful recounting of what happens to one family when their father testifies against drug kingpins. Narrator April Corrigan, 17, has everything: a wide circle of friends; money for anything she wants; a wonderful boyfriend; a great future as a tennis player; even long, blond hair. Then one afternoon her grandmother pulls her out of class and into a whole new life--which begins in a hotel where the family's guard loses his life to a hired killer, largely as a result of April's stubbornness. Next they are moved to Florida and a far simpler life-style. In the name of safety, the program's supervisors require extensive changes: gone are Mrs. Corrigan's writing career, Mr. Corrigan's high-paying job, and April's future at Duke University. As a result, family life deteriorates and April flees back home, convinced that she can resume her old life if she's careful--only to discover that she's placed her entire family in jeopardy. April's desperate efforts to rescue them--culminating in a violent confrontation with a hit-man--make a tense climax to the story. While characterization here is weak (April, especially, is too good to be true), crisp attention to the details of the Corrigans' plight and tightly wound storytelling keep the pages turning.

Pub Date: June 1, 1989

ISBN: 0316126586

Page Count: 179

Publisher: Delacorte

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S