In this sequel to Roxie and the Hooligans (2006), nine-year-old Roxie, best-friend Norman, and the "hooligans" lvetia, Simon, Freddy, and Smoky Jo e now celebrities in their village of Chin-in-Hand after having thwarted bank robbers in the first book. But Roxie's ready for a break from the attention, and when her intrepid, world-explorer uncle Dangerfoot offers her and Norman a vacation at seaside Buzzard's Roost, she gladly accepts. But from the start, the house isn't the getaway they hoped for rst, the Hooligans have invited themselves (and their havoc) along; then there's the unexplained noises and inscrutable owner of the house. Progressively, Roxie and her cohorts discover things and people aren't as they seem and learn her uncle is working on a secret invention that a dastardly d relentless mpetitor wants to pilfer. As events and mysteries unfold, dangers increase, culminating when a kidnapping requires a daring rescue, ingenuity, and some old-­fashioned cooperation for a satisfying resolution. Though most likely to resonate with series fans, the peppy characters, droll humor, and quirky atmosphere make for an undeniably enjoyable read.

In her second adventure (Roxie and the Hooligans), Roxie accompanies best friend Norman and world-traveling Uncle Dangerfoot on what she thinks will be a beach vacation. Complications accumulate, and the children discover a secret jet pack Dangerfoot is testing. The shenanigans ramp up, culminating in a kidnapping. The pace is bouncy and the sensibility jokey, good-natured, and mildly anarchistic. Pencil drawings capture the mood perfectly for newly independent readers.

Gr 2-4 Roxie Warble has had her fair share of trouble with a gang of bullies known as the hooligans. But ever since they joined forces and captured some ruthless bank robbers in Roxie and the Hooligans, a sort of detente has existed between them. Still, Roxie would much rather keep her distance from these irrepressible miscreants and is thrilled when her dashing uncle Dangerfoot invites her along on vacation. Her enthusiasm quickly fades when she discovers that the entire gang has managed to come along despite not being invited. It takes no time for the children to realize things are not as they seem at Buzzard's Roost; there is a creepy and secretive widow living at their vacation home, and they spy mysterious lights coming from a supposedly vacant house. Could any of this be related to Uncle Dangerfoot's new invention, the Blasto-Sonic-Liftomatic? Once again, Roxie and the ragtag group will be relied upon to save the day. VERDICT Master storyteller Naylor (Shiloh) has delivered a charming sequel that is also a fine standalone. Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI