The Romeo Catchers

Gr 9 Up—Almost a month has passed since the climactic events of The Casquette Girls, and Adele can't stop thinking about the vampires her coven trapped in the convent attic. Two vampires in particular preoccupy her thoughts: her estranged mother and the enigmatic Niccolò Medici. The teen is determined to save her mother, and despite efforts to forget Nicco, she can't shake their connection. Her budding relationship with Isaac complicates her quest, as she has yet to tell him or her best friend Désirée, both members of her coven, the truth about her mother. Adele and her friends will need to find the remaining members of their coven to strengthen their power, but along the way, they find a new danger that threatens their relationships, magic, and lives. Though lengthy, this detailed and descriptive sequel is every bit as engrossing as the first, with deftly drawn character arcs and a captivating setting. While Adele was front and center in the previous volume, here alternating perspectives allow Isaac's character to be more firmly fleshed out. Likewise, Adele's connection to Nicco through his dreams reveals more of his fascinating backstory in 17th-century Italy. As in the first book, New Orleans itself plays a vital role. The pages are filled with landmarks, history, colorful characters, and poignant scenes of a city recovering from a devastating hurricane. Indeed, some of the most vivid and powerful passages involve Isaac's work as a first responder and recovery worker.