Nan Willard Cappo

Milo Shoemaker's father is dead; a victim of a suicide. When he finds books on how to commit fraud in his father's library, Milo wonders if his father is a cheat as well as a coward. But could his father have been conducting his own investigation of the mighty Wolverine Motors? Milo takes a year off from college and finagles a job with Wolverine. His best friend, Zaffer, is also hired so the two spend the summer infiltrating the Company. The book offers an array of suspicious characters: the show more owner of the company, Alf Farnon, the chief controller, Gordon/George Pearce, the owner's beautiful daughter, Ellie. There are stake-outs, chases, and a thrilling show-down. The ending is unsettling: the good guys and the bad guys are not all that they seem.

As in Cappo's CHEATING LESSONS, this book is a study in shifting loyalties and murky ethics. Cappo adds Midwest, rust-belt culture with a light touch. Astute readers will catch Michigan references. A little slow to start, the book gathers steam and becomes a who-done-it of the finest order. show less

Very entertaining and well written. there is an obvious twist, but was not sure which way the writer would go.

Really enjoyed this book. Think it is a great Teen book because it has mystery, adventure, detective work, and is more "wholesome" than many of the books that are currently avaiable. I would highly recommend.

P. Schaffner named in acknowledgments.