Multicultural Teen Mystery knocks my knee socks off...
The idea of prep school and/or boarding school has been super popular for quite a while. There is an appeal to reading about a familiar situation like school that involves something with a little more freedom - implied by the money needed for a prep or boarding school.
This book combines the drama of school (they just don't like me!) with mystery (of the 'girl detective' variety) and a dash of romance (hubba hubba!) which is a recipe for success!
The prep/boarding school books that have been out and popular have been fairly homogeneous (read caucasian) as if no one else in the world attends these schools. This is also, unfortunately, indicative of much of YA lite. This book reflects a far more realistic view of the world through its multi-cultural cast of characters on top of the fact that is very well written and executed. There were no false leads, but even though I guessed right as far as the bad guys, i wasn't *certain* that I was right. So it was still a satisfactory surprise in some ways.
The characters are solid and non-stereotypical. I am REALLY looking forward to getting the next one in this series!
- Miss Kelly