School Library Journal (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

Gr 7 Up-Bruce Logsdon's Period 8 session, held during the regular lunch period, is a place for Heller High School students to talk about their concerns and feelings. Logsdon, or Mr. Logs as he is called by his students, is gifted at getting teens to unburden themselves and speak honestly. Chief among his admirers is Paulie Bomb, whose unbridled honesty has cost him his relationship with his girlfriend, Hannah. When quiet, unassuming Mary Wells (called the "Virgin Mary" by other students due to her outwardly prudish behavior) goes missing, Period 8 must grapple with the fact that their safe space has been compromised. Issues centered on trust, forgiveness, extreme bullying, disturbing parenting, and reputations are prevalent throughout the story. Crutcher captures teen speak in a natural and realistic manner. Although the narrative begins at a deliberate pace, the drama over Mary's disappearance and incidents in the final quarter of the story ratchet up the intensity. Some sexuality and rough language are present, but it is never gratuitous or excessive. Mr. Logs is a positive portrayal of an involved teacher; he is dedicated to his students and genuinely concerned about them. However, his personal contacts with several students outside of school might, in real life, cause some concern among hypervigilant administrators and parents. Crutcher keeps readers guessing as to who is behind Mary's disappearance, and the portrayal of the psychopath is truly chilling. A must-have where the author's novels or psychological thrillers are popular. Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Kirkus Reviews

Suspense, heartbreak, a healthy dose of athletics--this novel has everything that Crutcher's longtime fans have come to expect, and more. When distance swimmer Paul "Paulie Bomb" Baum confesses to his girlfriend that he's cheated on her, he turns to his mentor for advice. During lunch period, Mr. Logsdon--Logs--runs an open classroom where students can freely air their feelings and opinions. Paulie and Hannah's breakup takes a back seat to the disappearance of straight-A student and Period 8 regular Mary Wells, aka the Virgin Mary. Meanwhile, semi-nemesis Arney seems a lot more manipulative than Paulie would have expected from the student body president, especially when he worms his way into Hannah's good graces. With his signature straightforward storytelling, economy of language and credible teen voices, the author stretches into new territory here, exploring the emotional toll being coerced into sex against their wills takes on boys as well as girls. While at times plot elements seem disconnected against a backdrop of a wide array of characters and motivations, there's a lot here that will appeal to teens, including the way that Logs, nearing retirement, plays a little fast and loose with confidential information. Fast-paced intrigue keeps the reader hanging on as Paulie pieces together clues to the discomfiting truth behind the strange, shadowy behavior of people he trusted. (Fiction. 14 & up)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

The coolest teacher at Heller High is -Logs,- as the students call him, who hosts an extended therapy session in his classroom during lunch, the -Period 8- of the title. Even in Crutcher-s normally sure hands, this premise doesn-t work, largely because the action of the story isn-t remotely believable. Basically, a psychopath is roping the school-s prettiest girls (including one nicknamed the Virgin Mary) into a sex ring. Logs and his mentee, 17-year-old distance swimmer Paulie Baum, slowly unravel what-s going on, leading to a high-octane finish that will keep readers furiously flipping the pages to uncover who the good guys really are. But subplots about Paulie-s parents- marital woes and Paulie-s struggle to finish his senior essay on -adolescent decision-making,- coupled with cartoonish villains and implausible details-when the Virgin Mary goes missing, police recruit the Period 8 crew to help them scour the woods for her body-may stop some readers from reaching the exciting conclusion. Ages 14-up. Agent: Darhansoff & Verrill Literary Agents. (Apr.)

Voice of Youth Advocates (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

A suspenseful thriller from the usually character-driven Crutcher, this mystery features a cast of characters dealing with truth, but with more edge. The truth is hashed out during period 8 in school with a retiring teacher, Mr. Logs, and a group of students whose rules are that what is said there, stays there, and that they must be honest at all times. But this takes an unrealistic and eerie turn when Paul admits to cheating on his girlfriend; Hannah begins seeking Mr. Logs's help in the middle of the night; and all other members openly question why the perfect student, nicknamed the "Virgin Mary," has started acting strangely and missing school. The unfolding drama of each character's baggage adds slight confusion but does not overcomplicate the need to find out how another character, Arney, the class president and a member of Period 8, has a hand in Mary's periodic disappearances only to have her reappear in unconventional ways.Readers who enjoy Todd Strasser's Thrillogy series or the heart-pounding conclusions in any of Gail Giles's books would do well to pick up Period 8. The book is engaging, with a good balance of sporty and suspenseful, and an insistence on finding out what happens next. These characteristics will absolutely appeal to boys who are not opposed to abundant cursing, mild sex, and seeking the truth.Alicia Abdul.

Horn Book (Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

Even though Paulie knows he deserved to get dumped, he is frustrated when Arney, one of his close friends, tries to pursue Hannah. Things get more confusing when one of the girls from their lunch hangout group disappears and Arney appears connected. This is a well-paced thriller but also a melodrama in which many of the events are far-fetched.

ALA Booklist (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

Welcome to Period 8 lunch with Mr. Logs, where any topic is fair game, everyone can come, and the only rule is that nobody gets hurt. Here, truth is encouraged, but it has surprising effects. Paul finds that after he is honest, the girl he loves hates his guts. Student body president Arnie Stack uses his idea of truth to get elected, and "the Virgin Mary," Mary Wells, only tells one side of her truth. When Mary goes missing, Mr. Logs and his Period 8 students set out to find her and plunge into danger that goes far beyond the classroom and challenges what they thought they knew. This is vintage Crutcher, with authentic dialogue, a school setting, lots of sports, and sympathetic characters that feel as if they had walked out of another Crutcher novel. This time, the suspense and action are ratcheted way up, though, and the result is a nail-biter with well-planted hints that lead up to a surprising, satisfying resolution. This book may win new fans, so be prepared to bring out the Crutcher canon.