MEDIA

Sammy Keyes and the Night of the Skulls

by Wendelin VAN DRAANEN

(Sammy Keyes: Bk. 14). 7 CDs. 10 hrs. Live Oak. 2014. $58.95. ISBN 9781430117506.

COPY ISBN

Gr 4–7—When Sammy and her friends cut through the graveyard on Halloween, they encounter a boy running away from a mustard-colored car. In the excitement, they wind up with the boy's bag, which has two skulls in it. As they begin to investigate, the friends come face to face with knife-wielding maniacs, corrupt morticians, grave robbers, missing people, and a caretaker who's vanished. What's going on in Santa Martina? Are the disappearances and the skulls linked? Narrator Tara Sands's distinct intonations are engaging. Her unique narrative style complements the author's humorous writing style. The interwoven plotlines are brought together expertly to create a fun page turner.

VERDICT This is a terrific listen for avid and reluctant readers who enjoy humorous mystery and adventure.

Reviewed by Jessica Moody, Olympus Jr. High, Holladay, UT , Apr 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:

Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.