BLACK TAXI

When Paddy Larkin ("a nice crook [who] wouldn't hurt a mouse") is jailed for six months on a minor offense, his granddaughter, high school senior Rosie Sinclair, inherits his classic car. Gaining possession of the black Mercedes wins Rosie instant popularity and some romantic encounters outside of school, but there are strings attached to her new prize. While her grandfather is paying his debt to society, Rosie must provide taxi service for some of his rather eccentric friends. Then there is the matter of a stolen ring Rosie finds in the car's engine and the unidentified caller who threatens to harm Paddy if she doesn't relinquish it. Moloney's (Swashbuckler ) novel begins with an intriguing premise (teenage girl–turned-chauffeur-and-sleuth) but much of the plot feels strained. Rosie's first-person narrative remains vibrant, but other characters (including best-friend Glenda, an exotic dancer by night so she can attend college by day, and Chris Meagher, a gas station attendant with a wolfish reputation) seem to serve little purpose except to help Rosie out of jams. Everything about this book is painted in bold, broad strokes. Readers may find themselves yearning for a little subtlety by the time the ring mystery is solved and loose ends are neatly tied together. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)