The Girl from Felony Bay by J. E Thompson (review)

Twelve-year-old Abbey Force is feeling “meaner than a stepped-on-rattlesnake,” and she’s got good reason: last year, her lawyer father had an accident and fell into a coma, and since then he’s been accused of stealing from one of his wealthiest clients, forcing the sale of Abbey’s childhood home, Reward Plantation, and the relocation of Abbey to the house of her abusive uncle. Her only joy now that school’s let out is her job taking care of Reward’s horses, and it’s at the stables that Abbey meets Bee, the daughter of Reward’s newest owner. After a bit of awkwardness, the girls become fast friends, and their afternoon adventures on the plantation’s estate lead to a few key discoveries: first, there’s something suspicious going on down at Felony Bay, which is technically part of Reward, and second, it may have something to do with Abbey’s uncle, her dad’s shady business partner, and the accident that maybe wasn’t an accident after all. Wonderfully inventive colloquialisms and true Southern sass mark Abbey’s narration, and she’s impossible not to like, even when she’s being a bit too precocious for her own good. The bad guys are apparent from the beginning, but it’s puzzling out how they fit together and what exactly their scheme is that will keep readers turning the pages. A character in itself, the South Carolina setting is fully realized with the danger and beauty of its swampy backwoods a factor in every chapter. Future fans of Grisham will find this immensely satisfying, as will readers who were enchanted by Turnage’s Three Times Lucky (BCCB 7/12).