Genius slacker Garvie Smith is still under scrutiny for his part in the police investigation of his ex-girlfriend's murder (in Running Girl, 2016). Sure, he helped catch the killer, but in the process he almost flunked out of school and left his contact, Detective Inspector Singh, disciplined and barely hanging on to his job. Then, the DI stumbles over the dead body of a kid who goes to Garvie's school. What makes Garvie such an interesting main character is that, unlike many teen detectives, Garvie doesn't get away with metaphorical murder, and his actions often drag DI Singh down with him. Readers will understand not only the anger of those around the teen detective, but also Garvie's own frustration with himself needs to solve these crimes, but he is also aware that he is hurting those around him. It's a powerful mix that makes for compelling reading, especially alongside a complex mystery and the problems of racism, immigration, poverty, and autism. The working-class British setting adds an interesting spice to a solid tale.

Garvie Smith, the underachieving teen detective, returns in a new mystery with more murder, dangerous intrigue, and highly inconvenient exams. Fans of Running Girl (2016) will find the mixed-race amateur sleuth and company much the same in this direct sequel, in which Pyotor Gimpel, a Polish boy with Asperger's who also attends Garvie's school, is found shot to death in a storage facility. True to form, Garvie abandons his already-small inclination to complete his exams, jeopardizing his future prospects, in order to solve this far more interesting whodunit puzzle, even as the recently demoted Sikh D.I. Singh tries in vain to keep Garvie out of it. Where Mason has added some depth to several aspects of Garvie's world, including a closer look at his relationship with his Barbadian mother (his white father has abandoned the family), much of this sequel has disappointingly managed to outpace the problems of the first installment. The inclusion of a neurodivergent character as a murder victim, whose homicide is only solvable due to the particular behavioral manifestations of his autism-spectrum disorder, smacks of lip-service representation and lazy craft reliant on stereotype shorthand. Confusing elements such as the misrepresentation of Polish ethno-nationality as a racial identity also muddy the waters, and the juxtaposed-but-unexplored relationships of several different (Polish, Pakistani, Bajan) immigrant-family dynamics feel like a missed opportunity in a narrative where diverse cultural tensions are so largely at play. Second swing and a hard miss. (Mystery. 13-17)

Gr 9 Up-arvie Smith, a sarcastic teen with a photographic memory, has a record IQ and is a notorious slacker. When a schoolmate is murdered at the nearby industrial estate, Garvie calculates the minimum effort to expend on school and turns his attention to the case instead. He extends his aid to the police, regardless of whether they want it, creating more problems than solutions in the process. The teen's personal life begins interfering with his would-be detective work; school exams and a new crush all hinder his focus. Staying one step ahead of the police, Garvie is determined to find the killer. This second installment takes place in the same gritty urban setting as the first and again, though incredibly apathetic, Garvie is committed to solving the murder. This entry has all the elements of a classic mystery as well as aspects particularly suited to teens. Police interviews and various conversations are presented as interrogation notes, prompting readers to search for clues. And although Garvie observes small details and deduces important information from them, he keeps those thoughts to himself, compelling teens, along with secondary characters, to try solving the puzzle on their own. VERDICT A Holmes-inspired Afro-Caribbean protagonist, diverse supporting cast, twisty mystery, and text with enough sass to keep readers guessing and entertained combine to create a must-read sequel.Maggie Mason Smith, Clemson University, SC

Garvie Smith is a genius, but he does not apply his nimble mind to his studies—he is flunking every class at his British high school. Instead, he spends his time solving the murder of his classmate. Pyotor, who was on the autism spectrum, is found dead in an abandoned warehouse. Garvie enlists the help of his tech-savvy, intuitive friends, as well as a duty-bound police officer, to crack the case. He is dedicated to getting justice for Pyotor, to the consternation of his Bahan mother, who just wants Garvie to pass his finals. As Garvie unravels the events leading up to Pyotor’s death, he encounters bereaved grandparents, drug dealers, and a host of suspicious individuals. Police transcripts and glimpses into Pyotor’s secret life keep Garvie, and the reader, guessing until the very end. Mason has created a gritty, vibrant world with rich characters. Teens will particularly appreciate how the adults never speak patronizingly to the young investigator. Supporting characters’ descriptions of Pyotor’s atypicality border on the stereotypical, but his grandmother injects a needed voice of sensitivity. American readers may find a few British slang words confusing, but their inclusion helps establish a well-defined sense of place. The omniscient narration lends extra insight into the crime and potential motivations. To really enjoy this book, it is most helpful to suspend reality and not question how Garvie is able to sneak into police headquarters or break into homes undetected. Give this to teens who enjoy moderately-paced thrillers or detective dramas such as Luther.—Hannah Grasse.