Jemma has cerebral palsy and is noncommunicative. She may not be able to move or speak, but she is intelligent. Unfortunately, Dan, her aide Sarah's boyfriend, thinks this makes her the perfect person to confess his crime to is the mysterious assailant who stabbed a neighbor to death. This confession confirms Jemma's feelings that Dan is not a good guy, and when Sarah disappears with no warning, Jemma fears the worst. She feels completely helpless until she meets a new doctor who has been experimenting with a communication tool that is controlled by sniffing. For once, Jemma can actually share her thoughts and feelings with others. However, if Dan finds out, will Jemma be his next victim? Joelson writes a compelling, emotional story with a mystery tied in. While it takes a while to get to the action, readers will appreciate the realistic description of Jemma's disability and the thought-provoking commentary on how disabled people are often treated. Hand to fans of character-driven thrillers.

Gr 7 Up-Jemma has cerebral palsy and can't communicate, despite previous attempts with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology. Otherwise, she is a typical teenager. She loves Agatha Christie novels, the popular band Glowlight, and gossiping with her aide Sarah about boys. Because she's immobile and can't speak, people consider her a confidante and tell her more than what they otherwise might indulge. Recently Ryan, a neighborhood boy, was murdered, and Sarah mysteriously never made it home from a Glowlight concert. Jemma, while overlooked by everyone for her lack of ability to communicate, may have the information needed to solve Ryan's murder and Sarah's disappearance, but no one ever questions her. Doctors and researchers are hopeful that a forthcoming technology may be that one that works, but will it be available in time? The time line of events feels too quick to be realistic. And while the story is predictable at the beginning, readers will find themselves caught up in the suspense by the end. Jemma is easy to empathize withher anxiety and frustration is palpable as tension builds. VERDICT The story feels stilted and simplistic at times, but Joelson offers a unique story line that some readers may enjoy. A secondary purchase for collections where murder mysteries circulate well. Alicia Kalan, The Northwest School, Seattle