From Norvelt to nowhere - Gantos, Jack
Summary: After an explosion, a new crime by an old murderer, and the sad passing of the founder of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Jack accompanies his slightly mental elderly mentor, Miss Volker, on a cross-country run as she pursues the oddest of outlaws.
Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* Whodunit this time? The murder of yet another old lady starts off this rambunctious sequel to Gantos' Newbery Medal–winning Dead End in Norvelt (2011). Is it old Spizz, who is on the lam after confessing to the murder of nine others? Is it Miss Volker, young Jack's mentor? Could it be Mr. Huffer, the local undertaker? Before the mystery can be solved, Jack finds himself en route to Hyde Park with Miss Volker to pay tribute to the recently deceased Eleanor Roosevelt, who founded Norvelt. Once there, Miss Volker receives word that her twin sister has died (or been murdered?) in Miami, and so the two catch the first train south. When first Spizz—whom Miss Volker has vowed to shoot on sight—and then Mr. Huffer show up, our heroes decamp to Washington, D.C.; buy a battered old VW; and hit the long and winding road to the Sunshine State, pursued by the usual suspects, plus a mysterious ferret-faced fellow. Yes, there's more than a little of the outré in this mystery-cum-farce that unspools episodically, building suspense along the way. Gantos does an excellent job of keeping readers guessing about his characters: are they the good Dr. Jekyll or the evil Mr. Hyde or perhaps a bit of both? Whichever, fans of Dead End in Norvelt won't want to miss this lively sequel. Copyright 2013 Booklist Reviews.
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