Nixon, J. (1985). The Stalker. New York, NY: Laurel Leaf Books
ISBN-10: 0440977533
•Plot Summary
Jennifer Lee Wilcox is only months away from her high school graduation, and her boyfriend (Mark) is convinced she is going to marry him as soon as she can. Jennifer, on the other hand, is having second and third thoughts about marrying anyone so soon. When her best friend, Bobbie Trax's mother is found dead, the police think that Bobbie is to blame. Jennifer, knowing where her friend may have hidden out, goes to check on her. Followed by the police, Jennifer is warned, and Bonnie is arraigned. Desperate to help her friend, and unable to get P.I. Mr Biddle or his colleagues to help, Jennifer asks Lucas Maldonaldo, a retired cop. In the meantime, someone is keeping eyes on Jennifer without her knowledge, and her father becomes engaged. Jennifer has been living with her father and grandmother since the death of her own mother, but it's clear that the new couple isn't pleased with the idea of Jennifer's grandmother continuing to live in the house. Together, Jennifer and Lucas unravel a series of credit card fraud cases that have been baffling even the FBI, and Jennifer reveals that it was in fact Mr.Biddle that murdered Stella Trax as part of the scam. Lucas suggests to Jennifer that after two years of college, she might be right for the police academy. To Jennifer, means not only the possibility for a brighter future, but will also provide her grandmother a new home.
•Critical Evaluation
A simplistic novel, although the identity of the murderer is reasonably well covered until the final moments. Despite being just under two hundred pages, it could be read in one sitting. Jennifer is often an annoying character, impatient, and prone to whining.
•Reader’s Annotation
Best for younger teens or possibly reluctant readers.
•Information about the author
•Genre
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
•Curriculum Ties
N/A
•Booktalking Ideas
Stalkers, basic mystery plots
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-11/Ages 14-16
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
This novel takes places in Corpus Christi, which is located only about four hours from where I grew up. I spent a few vacations in Corpus as a teenager.
