Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/15/2023 *Starred Review* When writers gather for a conference on Swallowtail Island, 12-year-old Lark is assigned as a page to help Ann Keyheart, the author of her favorite book, by guiding her to events and providing golf cart transportation. Keyheart, a detestable woman, attempts to manipulate everyone around her, including her personal assistant, Didi, who is highly allergic to nuts. After finding Didi dead in their cottage, Keyheart screams and faints. Arriving immediately, Lark, who had befriended Didi, is clearheaded and suspicious. She calls 911, notices nut-filled and nut-free chocolates, and absorbs other details to contemplate later. A seriously skilled amateur detective, Lark is still sporting a cast on her arm following an injury sustained during her previous case, described in Beil’s Wreck at Ada’s Reef (2022). Reading that book is not a prerequisite for enjoying this one, although the earlier novel built a strong foundation for the Swallowtail Legacy series, particularly in creating the island setting and the relatively large cast of vivid characters. While Lark seems unusually precocious and courageous, she is also down-to-earth and likable. Her first-person narrative leaves no doubt of her prime suspect, but guessing the murderer’s identity seems less important than understanding what happened and thwarting the villain’s escape. A thoroughly engaging mystery. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.