Into the Dark

March 1, 2008
Gr 5-8-When an environmental agent is murdered on her grandfather's farm, Ingrid Levin-Hill, 13, is again cast in the role of detective. Her grandfather is the primary suspect, but she knows that honorable, independent, and sometimes cranky Grampy could not have committed the crime. So why does he refuse to give an alibi? From the outset Major Ferrand seems a much more likely suspect. He also is a World War II veteran and the town newspaper is about to present a series of articles featuring the three men from Echo Falls who served in the war. Alymer Hill refuses to offer an alibi for his whereabouts at the time of the shooting (the killer using coincidentally a World War II issue rifle). The story is accessible, and Ingrid's ability to not only think through the crime but also solve it is impressive. There's suspense, as Ingrid is captured by the murderer during her investigation, and a fire that also puts her life in danger. Additional appeal comes from Ingrid's friendship with the sheriff's son and her relationship with her brother and grandfather."Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2008
Abrahams continues his Echo Falls series with this tale that features intergenerational history and tension, a mysterious Indian trail in a forest, and, once again, intrepid ninth-grade sleuth Ingrid Levin-Hill. Ingrids grandfather, a World War II veteran, has been locked in a land dispute with the Department of Conservation for years. After Ingrid witnesses an especially nasty altercation between Grandpa (whobrandishes a shotgun) and some agents, one of the agents disappears.When Ingrid and her pal/sidekick Joey Strade discover the agents body, Ingrid cant help wondering if Grandpacould be akiller.Adult readers may be appalled by the scene in whichIngrid takes out and handles the guns left in Grandpas unlocked broom closet (and longsegments following Ingrid at school tend to slow things down). But Abrahams does a good job sustaining tension throughout, and readers who liked previous books in the series will welcome this one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2008
Ingrid's grandfather is the prime suspect in a murder, but the curmudgeonly WWII hero refuses to provide an alibi. In between rehearsals for Hansel and Gretel, thirteen-year-old Ingrid does some investigating of her own. Abrahams expands on subplots introduced in earlier books (e.g., Ingrid's friendship/relationship with Joey; her dad's extramarital affair), but this book's mystery isn't nearly as engaging.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)