Black Taxi

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Australian author Moloney creates a memorable character…a fizzy, feisty heroine caught in a fast-paced and dangerous intrigue.”

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Australian author Moloney creates a memorable character…a fizzy, feisty heroine caught in a fast-paced and dangerous intrigue."

The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

“Australian author Moloney creates a memorable character…a fizzy, feisty heroine caught in a fast-paced and dangerous intrigue.”

Publishers Weekly

When Paddy Larkin ("a nice crook [who] wouldn't hurt a mouse") is jailed for six months on a minor offense, his granddaughter, high school senior Rosie Sinclair, inherits his classic car. Gaining possession of the black Mercedes wins Rosie instant popularity and some romantic encounters outside of school, but there are strings attached to her new prize. While her grandfather is paying his debt to society, Rosie must provide taxi service for some of his rather eccentric friends. Then there is the matter of a stolen ring Rosie finds in the car's engine and the unidentified caller who threatens to harm Paddy if she doesn't relinquish it. Moloney's (Swashbuckler) novel begins with an intriguing premise (teenage girl-turned-chauffeur-and-sleuth) but much of the plot feels strained. Rosie's first-person narrative remains vibrant, but other characters (including best-friend Glenda, an exotic dancer by night so she can attend college by day, and Chris Meagher, a gas station attendant with a wolfish reputation) seem to serve little purpose except to help Rosie out of jams. Everything about this book is painted in bold, broad strokes. Readers may find themselves yearning for a little subtlety by the time the ring mystery is solved and loose ends are neatly tied together. Ages 12-up. (Mar.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

VOYA

Rosie Sinclair is an average Australian small-town girl whose family happens to be involved in a few illegal activities. When her grandfather is sent to prison for six months after a jewelry store robbery, Rosie is the only family member reliable enough to take charge of his precious black Mercedes and cell phone. Rosie quickly learns that responsibility accompanies privileges. Her new cell phone constantly rings with the requests of local senior citizens (aka "the wrinkles") for rides around town. More upsetting, however, are the threatening phone calls from someone ordering her to return a missing ring. Rosie knows that the ring is nowhere in the car, but the caller threatens to hurt her grandfather if she does not find it soon. Rosie quickly enlists the help of her best friend, Glenda, an exotic dancer, and Christian, the local bad boy. They work together to discover who has the ring and get it back before something terrible happens. Throughout the book, Rosie is interested in both the rebellious Christian and sweet-natured Todd. Her refusal to commit to either one is refreshing to see in a teen character. Rosie is a person with a strong sense of self and who knows when she should just be enjoying life and having fun. Teens who liked Son of the Mob (Hyperion, 2002) will enjoy this fast-paced, witty novel about living just outside the law. It is highly recommended for public and high school libraries. VOYA CODES: 4Q 5P J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2005 (orig. 2003), HarperCollins, , and PLB Ages 12 to 18.
—StephanieL. Petruso

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Rosie Sinclair, 16, loves her grandfather but is aware that he's "just a little bent" and oftentimes on the wrong side of the law. So when he's arrested and jailed for a crime, she knows that the inevitable has happened. The teen inherits his Mercedes and the responsibilities the Merc entails: taxiing elderly citizens on errands. She even gets a cell phone for her troubles, and her new vehicle helps catch the eye of sweet jock Todd and bad boy Chris. Soon she starts to get calls from a cranky and dangerous-sounding scoundrel who demands that she return The Ring. Rosie doesn't know what he's talking about but realizes that she'd better figure it out before anyone gets hurt. This frothy read does not falter. Rosie's narration is quirky, smart, and funny. She's essentially an Australian teenage Stephanie Plum, as in Janet Evanovich's One for the Money (S & S, 1994). While the tone and content are appropriate for teen readers, it's important to note that Rosie's friend, Glenda, is two years older and works as an exotic dancer in order to pay for her university schooling. The two enjoy an honest, sisterly relationship and are the best-developed characters in the story. Astute readers will pin the villain but will have fun finding out the how and the why.-Sarah Couri, New York Public Library Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

From Australia comes a zippy mystery that pits a high-school senior against a ruthless millionaire. Rosie feels trapped in a dumpy, nowhere town. When her larcenous grandfather finally lands in jail, he turns over his classic black Mercedes to Rosie for safekeeping. She soon learns she has to run numerous errands for Grandpa's elderly friends, but also that a valuable stolen diamond ring may be hidden in the car. While trying to juggle relationships with two highly desirable boys, the handsome, wealthy, terminally nice Todd and the hunky, racy Chris, she eludes the minions of a serious criminal who's trying to recover the ring. Moloney keeps the story suspenseful, even including a car chase, yet develops full-blown, realistic characters, especially spunky Rosie and Grandpa's quirky friends. It's a large cut above the usual teen mystery. (Fiction. 12-14)