Summary: After his father is killed in a car accident and his mother (not dealing well with his father’s death) has to check into rehab, Mickey must move to a new area and live with his uncle. But fitting into his new school is the least of Mickey’s worries. His girlfriend has disappeared and a mysterious lady in town has told him that his father is not dead. Mickey is determined to discover the truth.
Thoughts: I love that one of my favorite adult authors, Harlan Coben, is now also writing for young adults! In Shelter, Mr. Coben brings his trademark fast-paced plotting to the teen audience. Mickey, like his uncle Myron Bolitar (the star of several of the author’s adult novels), is a smart, quick-witted main character. Having traveled the world with his parents, he has an interesting perspective and skill set. He is also a friend to the friendless and not afraid to stand up for them as well as for himself. The mystery is suspenseful, with lots of plot twists and intrigue. I like how Mr. Coben chose to create a spin-off with a younger Bolitar and look forward to his next adventure!