Finding the Forger

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-For the second time, sophomore Bianca Balducci is helping her private-eye sister solve a mystery, this one involving forgeries at the local museum. Bianca becomes involved after her friend Sarah's security-guard boyfriend is implicated in the crimes. However, the mystery takes a backseat to the drama and angst of teenage relationships. Bianca is an extremely likable character: smart, funny, and able to find humor in the worst situations. The author does a great job of capturing her voice, conveying all of Bianca's insecurities and doubts as well as her triumphs. Although the second in a series, the novel can stand alone, but readers will undoubtedly want to check out Uncovering Sadie's Secrets (Bancroft, 2003) to fill in the gaps. An entertaining read.-Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

This second installment in a series of mysteries featuring Bianca Balducci, 15-year-old detective wannabe, has the feisty sophomore involved in tracking down an art thief. The mystery takes second place in this story, providing a support to a plot primarily concerned with humor and relationships. Bianca risks losing boyfriend Doug as she allows jealousy of her best friend Kerrie-who is spending altogether too much time with Doug-to interfere with both relationships. Meanwhile, Bianca meets handsome, sexy, and very British Neville, the son of a wealthy member of the board of the local art museum, where someone has been replacing valuable modern art with forgeries. Sternberg throws in a couple of nice red herrings along with some action sequences that make the story satisfying, but keeps her focus on the kind of humor that should appeal to high-school readers. (Fiction. 12-15)