Something's Fishy at Ash Lake

Joan Weller is Head Librarian at the West Branch of the Ottawa Public
Library.

This disappointing follow-up to the authors’ popular first mystery,
The Mad Hacker (1987), again stars sleuths Amber and Liz. The story is
set at a computer camp, where the duo quickly solves two
mini-mysteries—one concerning missing tuckshop money and another a
vandalized computer.

The story, which resembles a poor script for a television sitcom, lacks
any characterization or plot development. What plot there is moves
quickly, but is fuelled by too much dialogue, especially the constant
bantering between the girls and their colorless friends. Stereotyped
adult characters (stamped with self-evident nicknames such as Mr.
Sharkman [a.k.a. Jaws] and Weird Walters) become mere butts of the
teenagers’ brash manners.

Not recommended for reluctant readers or preteen mystery buffs.