Blood Trail

Children's Literature

The multiple meanings of "trail" supply the drama and intensity of this short, 105-page book that begins with the gruesome murder of Jeremy's best friend, Aaron, and follows the investigation and ramifications of the case through the voice of Jeremy. Jeremy at first can't admit that Aaron's fraternal twin, Nathan, probably murdered his brother and when Jeremy does, townspeople vehemently turn against him because they want to believe an outsider did it. Why the murderer committed the crime, but not his identity, supplies the thriller-climax. Characters are realistic and interact with the tightly woven events to maintain high interest; for example, Jeremy's delinquent father appears at a crucial time to provide practical advice about the police's case against Nathan and calm Jeremy's fear. The book provides thoughtful insights and food for thought about human behavior, friendship, sibling rivalry, and teen angst. Some cussing—Jeremy's nickname is Booger—language is typical of secondary school young adults. An engrossing and exciting read. 2003, Holiday House,
— Mary Bowman-Kruhm

VOYA

I think that this book has an excellent plot, but it is entirely predictable. The beginning does not provide the reader with enough proof of the boys' friendship. I also found all of the characters-adults included-to have very childlike personalities. The conclusion was very weak. VOYA CODES: 2Q 3P M J S (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003, Holiday House, 105p,
— Gaura Mehta, Teen Reviewer

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10-Jeremy and Aaron, 17, have been inseparable since second grade. Now Aaron has been brutally murdered, his body mutilated with 73 knife wounds. In small-town Pinto River, rumors abound and spread like wildfire. First there is total disbelief that this could happen. Then the community is sure that a psychotic serial killer is on the loose. But Jeremy has kept one small fact from the police: Aaron told him that he was afraid of his twin brother, Nathan. Springer captures feelings of fear, grief, anger, and revenge. Her direct, simple vocabulary and sentence constructions contribute to an accessible book for less capable and reluctant readers. The dynamics of two families, the community, and the police investigation keep readers guessing, even though the ending is predictable. A quick and easy read.-Gail Richmond, San Diego Unified Schools, CA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.