Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4-6. While her mother is away on business, Molly finds herself staying with relatives and up to her neck in danger. Bad luck is coming from all directions: Cousin Glendon seems to hate her; Aunt Karen is stricken with a mysterious, life-threatening illness; and an intruder steals her uncle's prize llama, an animal worth upwards of $10,000. Then, the thief strikes again, trapping Molly and Glendon on a nearby mountain, where an avalanche nearly kills them. During the ordeal, Glendon explains a little of his family's past troubles so that what has happened begins to make sense; in the meantime, Molly must figure out how to outwit the intruder and save herself and an injured Glendon from the man's desperate deeds. The plot is larger than life, but Kehret keeps the reins under control, making developments seem plausible and delivering a fast-paced mystery-adventure tale with a heroine who, when forced to deal with disaster, shows courage and resourcefulness. --Denise Wilms
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-- Twelve-year-old Molly was looking forward to a relaxing and interesting month-long stay with relatives while her mother traveled in the Orient. Although she and her aunt's new husband have never met before, they hit it off immediately. But, for some unspoken reason, her cousin, Glendon, seems to resent her visit and does his best to make Molly feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Then, when his stepmother becomes deathly ill, Glendon blames Molly. Left alone on the ranch while Aunt Karen is in the hospital, Molly and Glendon discover that someone is rustling valuable llamas. They become involved in an action-packed adventure which culminates in a near-fatal battle. Some of Molly's actions and miscalculations seem designed to increase suspense and are a bit unbelievable and melodramatic, but they do not detract from a first-rate thriller. It is refreshing to meet a heroine who doesn't depend on anyone else and who must overcome her own fears, take risks, and use ingenuity to save her cousin's life. A satisfying novel that will keep readers guessing until the end. --Jeanette Larson, Mesquite Public Library, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Fiction: MY Age: 4-6 Llama lore, mystery, suspense, and a nasty villain combine in a well-sustained adventure; young Molly and her hostile cousin must confront a would-be thief on a ranch in a mountainous, lonesome area of Washington state. Horn Rating: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration. Reviewed by: ert (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
