Out of Tune

Gr 7 Up—Alicia, a popular student and talented violinist in a small town in Canada goes missing—after a short search, her body is found bludgeoned in a field. The police suspect Carrie, a classmate and fellow musician, who had spewed public vitriol after losing out to Alicia for a spot in a prestigious national orchestra. When Carrie, who maintains her innocence, appeals to teen sleuth Riley Donovon for help in clearing her name, Riley starts her own investigation, digging up some secrets as she goes. This is the third book in the revamped "Riley Donovan" series, and while it's not crucial to the central mystery to read the others first, readers might have unanswered questions about Riley's relationship with her aunt, her friends, and this town if they skip the first two. The author has written hi-lo for teens in the past, and while this title isn't in that category, the straightforward language, evenly plotted mystery, well-placed red herrings, and suspenseful situations makes this a solid choice for teens reading at a variety of levels.