About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Riley Donovan is the new kid in a small town where her aunt (and guardian) has just started a job as a detective on the town’s police force.
Riley is home alone when a neighbor’s barn catches on fire; when she realizes that he is trapped in the barn, she calls 9-1-1 and then tries to save him. But instead of being hailed as a hero, Riley finds herself the target of vandalism and violence. Never one to back away from a confrontation, Riley discovers that her neighbor, Mr. Goran is an immigrant from Kurdistan who is hated by most of the townspeople. When he is accused of arson, Riley is positive he’s innocent. In her determination to get to the truth, she makes some powerful enemies, uncovers the depth of the town’s prejudice and corruption, and figures out who is targeting Mr. Goran—and why.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12 to 18
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- Short-listed, The Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award - Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
"Another winning entry in [McClintock's] string of YA mystery novels...[The author] captures the essence of small town life with its biases towards all outsiders...Riley prevails as an appealing attractive and effective teenage sleuth."
— Resource Links
“This tightly plotted page-turner is another solid entry in the series. Riley Donovan is a strong-minded, sensible and personable teen with whom readers will identify and cheer on. Highly Recommended.”
— CM Magazine
"An action-packed mystery that will keep any reader on the edge of his or her seat...highly recommended."
— School Library Connection
"The fast-paced plot will make this a satisfying read for fans of crime fiction...A solid young adult crime novel."
— VOYA Magazine
"A solid mystery with social overtones."
— Kirkus Reviews
