Neil Flambé and the Aztec Abduction

Gr 5–8—Neil Flambé isn't your average 14-year-old: his culinary skills and extraordinary sense of smell have made him a world-famous chef, restaurateur, and crime-solving partner of the Vancouver police force. Fresh from his success in The Marco Polo Murders (Key Porter Books, 2010), Neil is determined to cement his fame with a victory in the Azteca Cocina, an international cooking competition in Mexico City. The outcome is jeopardized when his girlfriend is kidnapped and the ransom note tells Neil he must reach the finals—and then lose—or Isabella will be killed. Fortunately for Neil, mentor Angel, sous-chef/cousin Larry, and police-inspector Sean return from the first book in the series to help. The narrative struggles under the weight of voluminous information about both modern-day Mexico City and the ancient Aztec history behind Isabella's kidnapping. The result is a protracted climax that requires a patient, attentive reader. Neil's abrasive nature mellows as he gains appreciation for his friends, especially Angel—a former celebrity chef—and Larry, a perfect comic foil for Neil's precociousness. Isabella, a world-famous perfume maker in her own right, is feisty, mature, and a good role model for female readers. Bold pen-and-ink illustrations are rendered in a romantic, impressionist style. The book may find a wide audience given its cross-gender appeal and the popularity of TV cooking programs. A glossary would have been welcome given the liberal use of culinary terms ("ceviche," "charcuterie"). Purchase where the first book is popular.—M. Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY