November 17, 2014
Nobody believes that Grace saw a scarred man shoot her mother three years ago, insisting that she died in an accidental fire. Now, after being hospitalized and treated like she is “crazy,” 16-year-old Grace is getting a fresh start with her grandfather, the American ambassador to a fictional European country called Adria. But when the troubled and impulsive teen sees the scarred man in Adria and overhears him threatening another murder, she and her Embassy Row friends—Rosie, a former gymnast; Megan, a genius and hacker; and loyal Noah—try to stop him from striking again. This first book in the Embassy Row series from Gallagher Girls author Carter has plenty of promise, including clever characters, an underground tunnel system, and Grace’s hard-boiled narration (“whatever chance I had for normal disappeared three years ago”). The characters and setting are somewhat underdeveloped, and plotting can be farfetched, including Grace’s admission that she never wondered why someone would kill her mother. Even so, Carter knows how to construct a gripping thriller, and she leaves enough unanswered questions to keep readers eager for the next book. Ages 12–up. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency.
June 1, 2015
Gr 8 Up-Carter fans will not want to miss this series launch. Sixteen-year-old Grace Blakely is sent to live with her grandfather, a diplomat stationed in Adria. She is determined to solve the mystery of her mother's death three years prior. Despite what the evidence and witnesses prove, Grace is sure of one fact: her mother's killer is out there, and she is going to prove it. The story introduces many characters who do not hesitate to assist Grace with her covert plan, but many of these relationships are not fully developed, thus promising more to come. A subtle hint of romance between Grace and one of the male characters will encourage readers to anticipate the next book in the series. Eileen Stevens does an excellent job of portraying the stuffy character of Grace's grandfather, the ambassador, as well as the various prime ministers and their family members. Her characterization of Grace is well presented; at times, Grace appears brave and fearless-but not always VERDICT This mystery keep listeners intrigued and interested in Grace's future visits to Embassy Row.-Sheila Acosta, San Antonio Public Library
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