Jex Malone

Shipped off to Las Vegas to spend a summer with the father she’s never met, 17-year-old Jex instantly bonds with an ethnically diverse, tight-knit trio: dim-witted Cissy, spoiled Deva, and brilliant Nat. Together, the “Drew-Ids” (an homage to Nancy Drew) investigate the cold case that tore Jex’s parents apart: the disappearance of local girl Patty Matthews. They’re not above breaking-and-entering or theft in the pursuit of evidence, and their unorthodox tactics meet with an implausible amount of success as they find Patty’s journal and a series of drawings related to her disappearance. Meanwhile, Jex and her father, the detective who failed to find Patty, face the consequences of years of estrangement. Debut authors Gaber and Stanley capture Jex’s rage and longing (“You want me to call you Dad?” she screams at him. “Why?.... You’ve never found real time to deal with the burden of having a daughter!”). A surprising ending wraps up the mystery and reconciles Jex and her father, but relies heavily on coincidence. Gaber and Stanley never quite recreate the suspense of the classic detective novels they pay tribute to. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jill Kramer, Waterside Productions. (June)