Notorious

American seventh grader Keenan, who has moved in with dad on Centerlight Island, Michigan, while he recovers from tuberculosis, meets fellow islander, Canadian Zarabeth (ZeeBee) Tice and her spaniel, Barney Two. As one of the few Canadian kids on the island (and thus required to attend school on the mainland), ZeeBee is anxious to make a new friend and introduce him to the Prohibition-era island history, including stories of a lost treasure that once belonged to mobster Tommy-Gun Ferguson. ZeeBee is also mourning the loss of her beloved dog, Barney One, although she concedes that her mutt caused much damage and was almost universally hated. Although their friendship stalls once Keenan makes friends at school with the other American kids on the island, the two put bygones aside once Keenan uncovers proof that Barney One was murdered. Their organized sleuthing (complete with suspects, motives, deductions, and several red herrings) eventually puts the two in danger when treasure hunters, hoping to find Ferguson’s lost gold, break into ZeeBee’s house and bring the two story threads together.

As always, prolific middle grade author Korman (a Canadian now residing in the US) serves up a funny and perceptive story that manages to accurately capture middle grade foibles and concerns while also cleverly conveying Canadian perceptions of the US. For example, ZeeBee’s father, a Canadian border officer assigned to patrol the island’s lighthouse, always expects to be called in for every lighthouse problem, even on the days when the Americans are supposed to be in charge. With interesting, multi-dimensional characters, plenty of action and humor, and a decent mystery that never lags, Notorious is a pretty perfect escape read, whether you are isolated or not.