Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Kerri Langston's life is anything but trouble-free. Ever since the death of the family dog years ago, Kerri has experienced psychic visions. At the time, only Kerri's sister, Ann, seemed to understand when Kerri mentioned her "sightings" of good old Petey.
Kerri's visions have been more frequent since the supposed suicide of her father. It has been difficult for everyone in town to accept the fact that a well-liked and respected police officer would end his life by his own hand. Kerri is definitely not convinced, and repeated "visits" from her father have only encouraged her to investigate his death further.
Life for Kerri becomes even more complicated when she stumbles over a dead body in the woods surrounding Deacon Pond. When she attempts to connect the incident with her recent visions, the police and even her own mother and sister don't take her seriously. Forced to depend on herself and her instincts, Kerri embarks on her own lonely journey in search of the truth.
DEATH AT DEACON POND can be classified as a mystery/thriller since E. M. Alexander fills her plot with enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. Just when it seems the real killer has been discovered, the plot turns in a different direction. Although appropriate for middle grades, this book requires an attentive reader to follow and appreciate the more intricate details.
Kerri Langston's life is anything but trouble-free. Ever since the death of the family dog years ago, Kerri has experienced psychic visions. At the time, only Kerri's sister, Ann, seemed to understand when Kerri mentioned her "sightings" of good old Petey.
Kerri's visions have been more frequent since the supposed suicide of her father. It has been difficult for everyone in town to accept the fact that a well-liked and respected police officer would end his life by his own hand. Kerri is definitely not convinced, and repeated "visits" from her father have only encouraged her to investigate his death further.
Life for Kerri becomes even more complicated when she stumbles over a dead body in the woods surrounding Deacon Pond. When she attempts to connect the incident with her recent visions, the police and even her own mother and sister don't take her seriously. Forced to depend on herself and her instincts, Kerri embarks on her own lonely journey in search of the truth.
DEATH AT DEACON POND can be classified as a mystery/thriller since E. M. Alexander fills her plot with enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. Just when it seems the real killer has been discovered, the plot turns in a different direction. Although appropriate for middle grades, this book requires an attentive reader to follow and appreciate the more intricate details.
