Crime Club

Penny, 16, has been having a hard time lately. Her father is in prison for murder, and, while she doesn’t know the details, everyone at school knows she’s the daughter of a criminal. To help her escape the stigma of her father’s crimes, her mother sends her to live with her aunt Stella in a small town in Southern Ontario, and there Penny can help in Stella’s pub. Penny and her dog Ollie move in with Stella, and, at first, everything seems great as Penny gets a friendly welcome from Stella, her cousin Simon, and Simon’s friends Brent and Tara. Penny is just settling in when Ollie digs up the yard of the pub and uncovers a long buried human skeleton that appears to have been the victim of a murder. Penny and her new friends decide to investigate and soon uncover some dark secrets in the small town. When another person ends up dead, they also realize that the murderer may still be on the loose and may be someone they know.

Crime Club is a fast-paced read with few breaks from the action. While plot is favoured over characterization, the reader is given a good sense of who Penny is and what motivates her. Her close relationship with her dog Ollie also provides some depth to her character. Crime Club is written in a simple and straightforward way with short sentences and an easy vocabulary, making it an excellent choice for a struggling reader or a reader learning English. The fast pace and plot focus will also please any reader looking for a quick mystery read.