Adam and Evil by Gillian Roberts

From Publishers Weekly
In her ninth adventure (after The Bluest Blood), Philadelphia Prep's English teacher, Amanda Pepper, is distracted by a mid-life crisisAso much so that readers will solve this novel's mystery before she does. Amanda has been having trouble with Adam, an intelligent but erratic student who tests her resolve to continue teaching. Adam's behavior has become disturbing: his essays are nonsensical, and he is acting hostile. Amanda thinks he should be getting professional help. During a meeting with his parents, however, they accuse Amanda of being the problem. The next day, while Amanda's class is in the library, an assistant librarian in the Rare Books Room is strangled, and Adam goes missing. The police are sure Adam killed the woman, but Amanda isn't convinced. To exonerate the boy, she determines to find out more about the victim, who was a friend of Amanda's sister, Beth. The siblings compile a list of possible killers, including an ambitious former husband, who took everything in the divorce, and a sister to whom the dead woman loaned money. In the meantime, Amanda is having problems with her live-in lover, C.K. Mackenzie, who believes Adam is guilty and is trying to track him down. She is also in trouble with her principal, at first for angering Adam's parents, then for bringing unwanted media attention to the school. Although Roberts tidily ties up the strings of this divergent plot, readers may be dismayed to find that at its core lies just another predictable tale of middle-age angst and greed. Agent, Jean Naggar. (July)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
YA-Amanda Pepper seems to be suffering from multiple cases of burnout. Her relationship with police detective C. K. Mackenzie faces major redefinition, her mother constantly attempts to direct her life, and teaching high school seniors appears to have sapped what was left of her life flow. In spite of her frayed nerves, Amanda voices concern over the wacky mental state of her student, Adam Evans, resulting in the headmaster asking her to leave the teen alone. However, her concern for Adam proves to be too correct when one of the librarians from the local library is murdered with his scarf and he is the person closest to the scene. The dead woman turns out to have been a close friend of Amanda's sister, and together the women begin to piece together the puzzle of who actually committed the crime. Roberts creates well-drawn characters, including several of the students, through conversations, remarks, and gossipy observations that add lots of details and help to round out the individuals. Her sense of humor shines with plenty of one-liners, irony, and witty remarks. Watching Amanda cope with the demands of the daily grind adds interest. Through plenty of action, realistic dialogue, and humor, Roberts delivers another great story.
Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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