First published 2011
Mark Cutter has lost both parents and dreams of following his father's path into police work. His world turns upside down when he discovers that dangerous criminals operate from the house next door. These aren't petty thieves but drug dealers who have already committed murder. Mark refuses to wait for adult help. He recruits his friends for a risky mission to bring the criminals to justice themselves. The obstacles pile up quickly. Mark's eccentric aunt creates chaos at home while his unpleasant cousins mock his plans and block his efforts. The drug dealers prove more dangerous than Mark anticipated. Each step toward exposing them brings new threats and forces Mark to make increasingly difficult choices. His amateur detective work puts everyone he cares about in danger. The criminals fight back with violence when they realize children are investigating them. Mark must find strength he never knew he possessed. The case will test not just his detective skills but his ability to protect his friends and survive encounters with killers. Through each frightening confrontation, Mark learns that true bravery means acting despite fear, not feeling no fear at all.
Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: House
176 pages · Paperback · Lulu.com
Content warnings: violence