Andi Unexpected
Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower 2013 Zonderkidz
[image error]Amanda Flower is one of my local authors and has encouraged and inspire me to write. She introduced me to Sisters In Crime, a group of women who write mysteries, and she started a writing group at a local library. Writers need peers who will support them. It’s a tough business.
Andi Unexpected is a mystery novel for young adults. Andi, whose real name is Andora, and her sister Bethany have been orphaned by their scientist parents and arrive at Aunt Amelie’s house to start the story. We are sympathetic to Andi because she is an orphan but also because Bethany, who is older, seems to dislike her. She does’t want to share a room so Andi cleans out the attic with neighbor and nerd, Colin.
They find a hidden compartment and a trunk with the name Andora on it. Inside are some baby items. She also finds an envelope of pictures of her great-grandparents and a baby. What happened to Andora? So begins the mystery she must solve.
Colin takes her to the local historical museum which used to be the Pike’s soda pop factory where her great-grandfather worked before he went to college. Adults act strangely when she asks about Andora, which increases her determination to find out what happened to her.
Andi takes plenty of risks to uncover clues to keep the tension high and the reader turning pages. Flower puts Andi and Colin in danger as the bad guy reveals his motives.
Unlike so many of the young adult books of today that are filled with gloom and doom, this one offers a brighter story. Andi and Colin work together to piece together the past and uncover a secret that is tied to the Great Depression and poverty.
Flower uses Ohio locations that make it fun for anyone from the area. “I know that place.” She knows how to blend description, dialogue, and personality in her stories. Flower also writes cozy mysteries for adults. If you’re looking to add an author to your list of what to read, add Amanda Flower.
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