The Accomplice

Kristin Butcher writes novels for young adults. Her most recent works
are Cairo Kelly and the Mann, The Gamma War, and The Tomorrow Tunnel.

Megan’s parents are divorced, and though Megan accepts that their
marriage is over, she can’t help resenting the effect their split has
had on her life—namely her relationship with her father. Megan and her
dad have always shared a special bond, but since the divorce she barely
sees him. In fact, it’s been nearly a year since Megan has even spoken
to him. So when he telephones unexpectedly, wanting to spend the
Thanksgiving weekend with his daughters, Megan is overjoyed—until her
mother vetoes the idea and hangs up on her former husband. Undeterred,
Megan’s father calls again the next day and, still angry with her
mother, Megan recklessly agrees to sneak away with him for the weekend.
With her little sister in tow, she meets her dad, and a nightmare
adventure begins. What Megan had taken for a stolen weekend with her
estranged father quickly turns into abduction, and Megan must find a way
to stop it.

Overall, Norma Charles has done a good job of recreating the stormy
dynamics of a broken home, and the reader willingly buys into the idea
of abduction. The elements of alcoholism and a second family add further
complexity to the mix. The only jarring notes are the irrational
behavior of Megan’s father toward strangers and the lack of reaction
on the part of Bridget, the new wife, when she realizes Megan and Jen
have come away without their mother’s knowledge. Recommended.