SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED ON KENMORE

Five-year-old Marta Carney’s murder changes the lives of three Depression-era Chicago teens. Fred and Maizy are from the poorer neighborhoods, but both attract the attention of Zane, a pampered preacher’s son. When Zane’s father becomes gravely ill, the teens uncover his dark secret. Stillerman struggles with her historical setting, failing to bring it to life, though some of her language choices try to help it along. Maizy’s rape is somehow both brutal and understated; in keeping with the sensibilities of the times, Maizy is held responsible for Zane’s actions and even naïvely believes she and Zane will achieve happiness. Despite a somewhat endearing first crush on Maizy, Fred’s persona is otherwise bland, and he’s easily overlooked. Although she tells the story from three different viewpoints, the author never differentiates the voices enough to make the device work. While the boys’ forensic knowledge appears incongruous with the era, this is only a minor flaw among many. Kenmore Street may have seen something awful, but the narrative is a dead end. (Historical fiction. YA)