In Front of God and Everyone

In McCrite's first novel, which launches the Confessions of April Grace series, eccentric characters, both human and animal, make appearances at 11-year-old narrator April Grace's farmhouse and neighborhood in the Ozarks. Some come for pop-in visits, others for extended stays, but all are subject to the scrutiny of the ever-observant April Grace. With parents who strive to live by St. Francis of Assisi's prayer ("Lord, make me an instrument of your peace"); an older sister who loves fashion, fancy cars, and soap operas; a grandmother ready to start dating again; and farm work morning to night, April Grace cannot believe her parents' decision to host, indefinitely, the obnoxious new California-bred neighbors whose crumbling house is unsafe for human habitation. With keen eyes and good humor, April Grace notes the quirks, presumptions, and motivations of family and neighbors; she has plenty of fodder%E2%80%94the characters' personalities are dialed up to 11. While trying to follow her parents' good example, April Grace's instincts alert her to foul play regarding her grandmother's beau, and she turns detective, adding a satisfying mystery element to McCrite's entertaining debut. Ages 9%E2%80%9312. (May)