Death Spiral: A Faith Flores Science Mystery

Description

When loner Faith Flores finds her mother dead of an apparent overdose, she refuses to believe that's the case. Sure, her mom made some bad decisions, but leaving her daughter would never be one of them. Unfortunately, the cops are all too eager to close the case and move on, sending a distraught and unsatisfied Faith to live with her Aunt T in the

Janie Chodosh is a scientist wannabe and a naturalist. Janie has spent the last decade teaching high school English and middle school science. When not writing or obsessing about writing, Janie can be found with her family in various outdoor pursuits including bird watching, rock climbing, or trying to grow a garden in the arid southwest. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her daughter, stepson, and husband. Death Spiral is her first novel.

Chodosh's debut kicks off the Faith Flores Science Mystery series, as well as the publisher's new YA imprint. In it, she introduces Faith Flores, a Philadelphia teenager reeling from the recent death of her heroin-addicted mother. Certain that her mother didn't actually die from an overdose, the 16-year-old invertigates the experimental treatment program she was on up until the end. When another member of the program dies in a similar fashion, and the people she's talking to start perishing in suspicious ways, Faith knows she's on to something. With the help of her friends, including best friend Anj and possible love interest Jesse, Faith risks all for the truth, which leaves her marked for death as well. Chodosh spins a dark and gritty tale set amid the seedy underbelly of urban Philly, and her protagonist is resourceful and grounded, despite deep-rooted tramas, insecurities, and other flaws. The science, which involves gene therapy and disease manipulation, is plausible, though the plot is straight-up conspiracy theory. Sharp characterization and deft descriptions make this a solid addition to the amateur detective shelf. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)-- "Publishers Weekly" Faith is a wonderful role model for intellectual and never giving up. When adults give up she does not at all costs. Not that I say a teenager should ever put herself in danger, I do like that women, teen age girls can be strong and willing to battle. Bravo.--Cynthia Lea Clark "FMAM"