Jess is thrilled when two cute, new boys move to her small town -- but then the neighborhood cats start disappearing and she spies a silent watcher lurking outside her yard. With the help of a computer-loving friend, Jess starts to investigate the newcomers, little dreaming that the Federal Witness Protection Program has unleashed a sociopath on her town. Fans of light thrillers will enjoy this creepy story by four-time Edgar winner Nixon.
From School Library Journal
Grade 8-10-An exciting thriller that will keep teens on the edge of their seats. Preliminary information explains that, after testifying in an organized-crime trial, a 17-year-old sociopath is being relocated under the Federal Witness Protection Program. The story then switches to the tiny community of Oakberry, TX, where not one but two new boys turn up at the high school. Jessica Donnally, the narrator, is attracted to handsome Mark, but puzzled by his sudden behavioral changes and desire to be in the limelight. On the other hand, she suspects Scott of spying on her and soon discovers that he's lying about crucial information. Readers will be kept in suspense thanks to Nixon's skillful plotting. Characterization is excellent, and Jess is a particularly likable and realistic heroine. Don't Scream is a well written, shivery alternative to Stine, Pike, and company.Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NYCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Spirit Seeker
"Enriched with family troubles, guilty secrets, and a whiff of the supernatural, this page-turner will please the legions of Nixon fans."
-- Kirkus Reviews
Shadowmaker
"In her usual taut, thrillingly grim style, Nixon merges mystery with moral outrage and stand-taking .... Affecting and fast-paced, this mystery delivers just the right amount of shivers to satisfy without eclipsing its message."
-- Publishers Weekly
"A solid, read-it-straight-through thriller."
-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
The Weekend Was Murder!
"Nixon keeps the diverse plot ingredients fizzing while adding a generous helping of farce; she makes the most of the clever murder mystery setting."
-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
A Candidate For Murder
"Opens dramatically and keeps unraveling at a snappy pace... an inviting read."
-- Booklist
"The suspense is expertly created and drawn out."
-- Kirkus Reviews
The Other Side Of Dark
Winner of the Edgar Alia Poe Award
Winner of the California Young Reader Medal
"Nixon has written another compelling page-turner."
-- Booklist
Whispers From The Dead
"Nixon's reputation as the grande dame of mysteries for young readers remains solidly intact with this thriller...a top-notch choice."
-- School Library Journal, Starred
Don't Scream ANNOTATION
When two new guys come to her school, Jess thinks things are really looking up, but she doesn't know their real identities or if she can trust them.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
When two new guys start at Jess's high school, she thinks the year is really looking up. What she can't know is that there is a connection between them. One has been given a new identity by the government. The other is seeking revenge. Jess doesn't know whom she can trust. Will she be the next victim?
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Mary Sue Preissner
The school year is looking up with not one, but two new boys in school and one of them is living next door. Through a series of mysterious and frightening events, Jess and Lori are not sure which, if any, of these boys they can trust. Mix in the Federal Witness Protection Program with a revenge motive and you have another exciting mystery from the master of young adult mysteries.
VOYA - Joyce Hamilton
Scott Alexander and Mark Malik have recently moved to the very small town of Oakberry, Texas. They are the only new students in Jessica's junior class and are attracting lots of attention. Scott is very quiet and secretive, revealing little about himself and his past. Mark, however, is quite charming. As Jessica's friendship with Mark grows, he begins to frighten her. His charm can turn to anger, often without provocation. Disturbing events begin shortly after Scott and Mark move to town. An elderly neighbor's cat and Jessica's cat mysteriously disappear. Jessica soon notices someone is watching her house late each night. She becomes terrified. She has reason to be frightened. What she doesn't know is that Mark's and Scott's pasts are connected. One is a killer and the other is seeking revenge for the killing. The identity of each is not revealed until the end of the book when Jessica almost becomes Mark's second victim, and Scott helps with her rescue. This lightweight mystery will please Nixon fans. Written in first person narrative, Jessica's character rings true. All the characters, teens and adults, are realistically portrayed. It is a quick read, but action is minimal until the last few chapters of the book. Then it becomes a "page-turner." VOYA Codes: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects, Will appeal with pushing, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8 and Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9).
School Library Journal
Gr 8-10-An exciting thriller that will keep teens on the edge of their seats. Preliminary information explains that, after testifying in an organized-crime trial, a 17-year-old sociopath is being relocated under the Federal Witness Protection Program. The story then switches to the tiny community of Oakberry, TX, where not one but two new boys turn up at the high school. Jessica Donnally, the narrator, is attracted to handsome Mark, but puzzled by his sudden behavioral changes and desire to be in the limelight. On the other hand, she suspects Scott of spying on her and soon discovers that he's lying about crucial information. Readers will be kept in suspense thanks to Nixon's skillful plotting. Characterization is excellent, and Jess is a particularly likable and realistic heroine. Don't Scream is a well written, shivery alternative to Stine, Pike, and company.-Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Art & Photography
Book Info
