Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 Gr 4–6—Nesbet's new novel has all of the elements of classic old-fashioned adventure tales. Set in 1914, the fast-paced story centers on a motherless 12-year-old star of a silent weekly photoplay and includes a case of mistaken identity, dastardly villains, and shady characters. Darleen, who as a young child was known as Darling Darleen, is now Daring Darleen, a role that allows her to dangle from cliffs and jump between trains. But when Aunt Shirley, the manager of Matchless, the struggling film company behind Darleen's show, comes up with a fake kidnapping scheme to attract attention to the series, things get complicated. The kidnapping plot goes spectacularly wrong, and what was supposed to be a publicity stunt becomes all too real. Thanks to the bumbling kidnappers, Darleen finds herself sharing the backseat of the getaway car with Victorine Berryman, the orphaned young heiress to a railroad empire. The two girls, who become fast friends, escape together and go through a series of escapades that begin to resemble episodes of Darleen's photoplays. Darleen is resourceful and smart. It's her quick thinking, and the support of her new friends, that help save Matchless and Victorine's fortune. Bonuses include learning some behind-the-scenes tricks of the silent film days, the importance of Fort Lee, NJ, in early filmmaking, and a cameo by Alice Guy Manche, the pioneering French filmmaker. VERDICT A rollicking vintage adventure. Recommend to movie fans and readers who enjoy escapades of the past, with lots of twists and tangles.—Shelley Sommer, Inly School, Scituate, MA - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2020 *Starred Review* Darleen Darling's beloved papa has always told her to keep her feet on the ground. It's a task that's easier said than done, as 12-year-old Darleen spends most of her time dangling off cliffs, escaping villains, and performing other daring stunts that befit a 1914 silent-movie star. But she's determined to do as her father asks so she doesn't break his heart, like her adventurous movie-star mother did when she died of a lung disease. So Darleen's a little uncertain when her manager-uncles plan a fake kidnapping to drum up some publicity . . . and even more uncertain when their plans go awry and she ends up being actually kidnapped, alongside heiress Victorine Berryman. But though her stunts in the movies may be all smoke and mirrors, Darleen is far from helpless, and she soon learns that Victorine is a steadfast and able companion. As the two plan their escape, they find themselves caught up in dastardly plots, embarking on incredible adventures, and consorting with some truly remarkable people, including pioneer filmmaker Madame Alice Guy Blaché. Nesbet's (The Orphan Band of Springdale, 2018) deftly researched historical novel, set against a seldom-featured backdrop, has a comforting, old-fashioned feel. Spunky Darleen's story is buoyed by lively prose and crisp characterizations, and readers will be thrilled to join the adventure. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.