Homicide Related

Norah McClintock
• On Resource Links Best Books of 2009 list

Fiction / Teen Fiction / Mysteries and Detective Stories
Ages 14+ • 256 pages • 5 1/4 x 7 1/2"
ISBN 0–88995–431–3 paper • CDN 14.95 • USA 12.95

In this sequel to Dooley Takes the Fall, Norah McClintock’s gritty mystery of a year ago, Ryan Dooley continues to struggle against circumstances that would defeat most teenagers, let alone kids who have been in serious trouble with the law. Dooley (as he prefers to be known) was involved in a break and enter a few years ago, served his time, and is now living with his hard-nosed uncle, a former cop determined that the boy will find a way to lead a blameless and useful life from henceforth. But there are threads that still link Dooley to his former life of aimless criminality, and one of them – with the affable Jeffie, a sometime drug dealer and one-time buddy – threatens to bring him down, especially when Jeffie turns up dead, while still owing money to Dooley.

Much worse, Dooley’s estranged mother turns up dead as well. They have been estranged for much of Dooley’s life, and kept apart by the uncle who feels the son is better off away from the mother, but recently she has made efforts to clean up her act and get in touch with her son again. This time it’s Dooley’s uncle who is suspected of having caused her death somehow, and this of course has major implications for Dooley’s own life. Looking around, the young man doesn’t look to have many options in life, especially when the props holding up his existence start to get kicked away.

The best thing Dooley seems to have going for him is his girl friend, the luminous Beth, sister of a teen whose death was the focus of Dooley Takes the Fall. Never confident about his social status, Dooley hopes against hope that Beth will stick by him, but fears the competition from Nevin, a rich friend of the girl, who drives a Jag and always seems to be around when Dooley wants to be with Beth. Somehow, though, Dooley is able to work his way through the immense hazards in his life and emerge, not unscathed, but with his integrity intact.

Once again, award-winning author Norah McClintock weaves an intricately layered, page-turning narrative that will compel a wide range of readers. Information is withheld until just the right moment, and through it all Dooley’s spirit and determination, in the face of difficult odds, is bound to hold readers’ attention to the very last, unexpected paragraph.

Reviews:
"McClintock, five-time winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award, demonstrates her skill at creating complex, multi-layered plots that capture and engage readers of all ages. . . A compelling and complex plot, an intelligent and engaging protagonist, a cast of familiar and new secondary characters, well-paced prose, and vivid, albeit sometimes graphic dialogue combine to hold reader's attention to the conclusion. . . (Fans will) eagerly await the next episode in the planned trilogy.
Highly Recommended."
-- CM Magazine

"Homicide Related goes beyond traditional mysteries, as Dooley purposely omits critical details, keeping readers guessing and the plot moving rapidly."
-- School Library Journal

"Homicide Related is an intriguing read of trying to do what’s right when everything is going wrong."
-- Midwest Book Review

"The author does a wonderful job of showing us what Ryan's head and heart are going through. He is, in no way, a goody-goody, but at the same time, I found a strength and light in the Ryan character that made me want to see him succeed. This book is partly mystery but more importantly it is about a boy who has to make some very, very though choices in his life. This is a good, good read."
-- www.bookshipper.blogspot.com

"A five-time winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for Juvenile Crime, Nora McClintock has amassed a great store of thrillers for young readers. . . While this book can be read as a stand-alone, its many pleasures will be enhanced by acquaintance with its predecessor, Dooley Takes the Fall."
-- Globe and Mail

"The dialogue is completely realistic, sharp and witty, complete with the swearing typically found in the conversation of high school students. Dooley’s introspective analysis of his situation- his internal self-talk- is particularly well done. Older high school students, especially boys, will be attracted to Dooley’s flirting so closely with the criminal life, yet having the strength to stay clean and to help bring the villain to justice.
Highly recommended."
-- Resource Links

Norah McClintock was born and raised in Montreal but now calls Toronto home. Armed with a degree in history from McGill University, she has worked in the non-profit sector as an editor and writer for many years. But without doubt, Norah's passion is crime writing. A member of the Crime Writers of Canada, Norah has been the recipient of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Fiction a phenomenal 5 times.