One Step Short

When 17-year-old Cath hears that Mark, her best friend's boyfriend, is dead, she is incredulous. Mark was the victim of a hit-and-run driver, and evidence suggests that the car was driven by someone Mark knew. Cath is disturbed that Mary, whose relationship with Mark was stormy, lies about where she was that night. Also, Cath's former boyfriend Tony--reputedly a heavy drinker--wants her to stop questioning people about Mark's death. Even more troubling are the anonymous notes Cath receives making the same demand. Although somewhat drawn out, this is a well-crafted whodunit; the author cleverly manipulates the key players so that each comes under suspicion. Cath is an admirable main character--honest, intelligent and sincere--and her narrative successfully propels the story to an unexpected outcome. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)