Christopher follows his dependable formula--heavy on sports, light on characterization--with the expected results. Dana Bellamy's struggles on the soccer team are paralleled by his problems off the field, as he tries to prove that his father is not responsible for burning down the house of one of his teammates.

In his latest sports story, Christopher skates the edge of self-parody. Dana is being ostracized by members of the Hammerville Anchors; consequently, the team is losing game after game. His father's in the hospital, badly injured while rescuing Dana's best friend Benton from a burning house, but Benton—rather than showing gratitude—is spreading a rumor that Dana's father is responsible for the fire. The author provides more than enough clues that Benton is hiding something: shifty behavior, a persistent cough, a mysterious box that he disposes of after the fire while a neighbor secretly films him. Yes, he's taken up cigarettes (``I got hooked,'' he confesses when Dana confronts him) and it has not only affected him on the playing field but has resulted in his burning the house. His horrified parents rush him off to therapy; the Anchors once again become a winning team. Christopher's handling of underlying issues is uncharacteristically exaggerated; still, his soccer action is dependably fast and furious. (Fiction. 8-11)"

Gr 4-7-Another book from the prolific sports writer. This time the plot centers around a house fire that occurs while parents are out for the evening. Neighbor Mr. Bellamy rescues the two Crawford children, but suffers smoke inhalation. Later, the fire victims claim that Mr. Bellamy, an electrician, installed faulty wiring in their home. This causes trouble between soccer teammates Dana Bellamy and Benton Crawford. If the wiring is not at fault, how did the fire start? Dana finds out something that could get Benton in trouble and has to confront him with the facts. Christopher reveals the clues slowly so that only astute readers will be able to solve the mystery before the ending. He is best at describing sports play-by-play, and his readers will not be disappointed with the added suspense.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA