Close to the Heel

✍ Scribed by McClintock, Norah

• Book ID: 107621412
• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
• Year: 2012
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 274 KB
• Category: Fiction

✦ Synopsis

"No one is more surprised than Rennie to hear that his late grandfather, whom he hardly knew, has left a mission for him to fulfill. Rennie is to fly to Iceland and deliver a message from beyond the grave, but when he gets there, nothing is simple or straightforward. For one thing, Brynja, the teenage daughter of the family he's staying with, is downright hostile. Her father Einar, who is to be Rennie's guide in Iceland, is preoccupied with looking after his elderly father-in-law, an old friend of Rennie's grandfather. Bored and a little bit annoyed, Rennie explores the town and becomes aware that the family is dealing with more than their grief over Brynja's mother's death the year before. Before he realizes what is happening, his curiosity puts Rennie in grave danger, with no one to trust and no one to save him except himself."

Review

"McClintock's style is ideal for this series. Her characters are well-developed, and secrets are revealed only gradually, leaving the murderer's identity in doubt until the final pages. She also includes much local colour...and lightens the story with a sense of humour...This title stands alone, but the intriguing series' premise and the sense of mystery and adventure should prompt middle grade readers to ask for more." (CM Magazine 20120907)

"Written as one of a set of seven linked novels to be released simultaneously, this story easily stands on its own...McClintock writes with her usual simple prose that can appeal to a broad audience, scattering little clues for astute readers and highlighting Iceland's interesting culture. Rennie's defiant character will appeal to many reluctant readers, who may be moved to try another in the series. A neat, suspenseful mystery tailor-made for young readers." (Kirkus Reviews 20120901)