As I write this, I feel like I shouldn't even mention Nicki and just begin with Charlotte's story but I will take the risk.
In and out of foster care after her grandmother passed away and a felon for a father, the perfect new home has been found for Nicki. Elena, now Harriet, is getting a new identity along with her husband and son. "Elena is brave. Very brave. Because of her bravery, many evil men and women are in prison. However, there are other evil people out there who are looking for her, who want to punish her." Here enters Nicki. Become the second child in Harriet and "Jonathan's" new Trevor family in a new town in a new state, North Carolina. Everything is new, even Harriet's engagement ring.
Charlotte has a special knack for stealing. There's some irony here isn't there? Isn't the US government "stealing" Nicki's identity to keep Elena safe? In doing so, they stole every ounce of Elena, Pietro (Jonathan) and Lucas's (Jackson) old life. As you can imagine, this does not bode well for teenager, Jackson. On top of that, he certainly doesn't want a new (old) sister.
Yet, time works its wonders. Charlotte makes friends. Jackson comes to the other side. The Trevors are one. All seems protected until it doesn't.
This story, one I have never "witnessed" before reminds me a little of last year's All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor. Two very different stories, so I think the resemblance is because both books have very unusual plots. It's crime, mystery, family, friendship with a little twist at the end, all wrapped into one great middle grade novel. So try and hold your "pawtuchins" till October 3 for that's the day you can pick up this gripping debut by author, Jake Burt.
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