Joyce A. Stengel

What ages would I recommend it too? Twelve and up.

Length? Most of a days read.

Characters? Memorable, several characters.

Setting? Real world on a cruise and an island in the Caribbean.

Written approximately? 2002.

Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? No.

Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.

Short storyline: A young girl goes on a cruise and discovers a mystery.

Notes for the reader: The main character is 14. In many ways, she acts more 16. It would be nice if the story could just be a fun mystery, without the need for romance. Or, at least make the character 16, so society with be more comfortable with that level of romance, as well as running off alone on adventures with an older male she had just met.… (more)

Cassie's parents have divorced and she and her brother have moved with her mom to Kittiwake Bay, Maine. Cassie volunteers at Waterview Manor where things starting disappearing. Cassie sets forth on a mission to find the thief.

I think young adults can relate to Cassie. She is coping with her parents divorce and a move to a new town. She is anxious to discover the mysteries that Waterview Manor holds. I especially liked the part where Cassie rescues Danny from the cave. I think this shows that she is not just a 13 year old girl, but someone who is caring and willing to place herself at risk to help others.

The setting is perfect for this story--the ocean, a mysterious mansion, a cliff. I especially like the inclusion of the mansion. This is a perfect spot for mysterious things to occur.

Honors and Awards: None… (more)