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.
"A solid mystery with social overtones."
– Kirkus 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
"The fast-paced plot will make this a satisfying read for fans of crime fiction...A solid young adult crime novel."
– VOYA Magazine
"An action-packed mystery that will keep any reader on the edge of his or her seat...highly recommended."
– School Library Connection
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2016 | Commended
The Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award - Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book | 2017 | Short-listed
