Buzz Kill

Starred review from March 31, 2014
After 17-year-old Millie Ostermeyer discovers the body of none-too-popular football coach “Hollerin’ Hank” Killdare, the student reporter decides to investigate his murder. She has several motivations, including beating out her nemesis—cheerleader/newspaper editor Viv Fitch—and clearing the name of her own father, the team’s assistant coach and the number-one suspect. Millie is joined in her amateur sleuthing by handsome, enigmatic quarterback Chase Albright; while Millie is attracted to him (or at least to his amazing vocabulary), she discovers secrets about his past, too. Bright, underachieving Millie is an offbeat and frequently hilarious narrator; after a falling-out with her favorite librarian, a heartbroken Millie huffs, “From now on, I’ll be using the school library.” (Aside from cracking the case, Millie’s primary ambitions are to win a local steak-eating contest and “to backpack around the world after high school. Or maybe take a nice nap”). A quirky cast and Millie’s quasi-bumbling antics make Fantaskey’s (Jekel Loves Hyde) murder mystery a breezy and thoroughly entertaining read. It’s easy to get swept up in the buildup to the exciting final confrontation. Ages 12–up. Agent: Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary.

November 1, 2014

Gr 7 Up-Seventeen-year-old Millie Ostermeyer's senior year isn't turning out quite as she anticipated. It starts out well enough but soon goes downhill when she finds the body of the Honeywell High football coach. As a reporter for the school newspaper-and a Nancy Drew aficionado-Millie begins to investigate, developing a rather long list of possible suspects. She knows all too well that the gruff, unlikable coach had run-ins with just about everyone. It's even possible that Millie's own father has a motive for murder. Millie gradually develops a friendship with Chase, the talented, handsome, and totally enigmatic newcomer-someone who might also be a suspect. But then, Chase and Millie find a classmate murdered in the same way as the coach. Millie's narration is voiced by Erin Moon, who successfully captures the teen's unique personality (independent, confident but unsure, on the verge of adulthood) as well as other personalities. Though exaggerated, characters are recognizable, from self-absorbed cheerleader Vivienne Fitch to a not-so-with-it detective. Even Millie's asides to herself, the gradual unfolding of a romance, and lots of red herrings are effectively, humorously conveyed in this lighthearted romantic murder mystery.-Maria Salvadore, formerly of the Washington, DC Public Library

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