Running Scared

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Jen witnesses a hit-and-run accident, but because she recognizes the car
as that of her estranged father, she tells no one what she saw. She did
not see the driver, but the driver saw her. When she is followed and
receives threatening calls and notes, Jen realizes that her secret puts
her in danger. The menace escalates when her younger sister goes
missing, and culminates when her best friend, Ambie, is nearly drowned.
Then Jen discovers that the perpetrator is Ambie’s new love interest
and not a family member, as Jen had feared.

A strength of this well-paced mystery story is that the main characters
are not unidimensional but have distinct personalities, especially those
of Jen and her sister. Her harried single mom, who initially appears
authoritarian, emerges as a warm and caring individual, as does her
volleyball coach to a lesser degree. Chapman handles the mystery element
deftly, and the suspense does not overwhelm the story. The ending and
the possible reconciliation between her parents are a little pat, but
overall this story strikes a good balance between teenage angst and
suspenseful mystery. Recommended.