A novel aimed at
young adult readers, but a great read for everyone, Amanda Flower’s Andi Unexpected
is highly recommended. Upon the
untimely death of their parents, Andi and her always-on-the cellphone sister
come to live with their twenty-something aunt in a small country town. While cleaning out the attic, Andi discovers
an old trunk that may have some connection to herself. As she and neighbor Colin try to locate
another Andora of years ago, they become involved in a web of family secrets.
They put themselves in imminent danger from those who do not want the secrets
revealed. Along with the intriguing mystery, the novel also deals with
the sisters’ deteriorating relationship with each other and the loss of their
parents that both feel. The aunt, an
instructor at a local college, must learn to become a real parent to her
nieces. The neighbors, Colin and his
grandmother, provide some comic relief, as does their pug, Jackson, who is
eager to lap up cookie crumbs. Although the story begins slowly, it quickly picks up pace
and interest as the mystery deepens. Though the protagonist is young, her
escapades appear realistic if a little impulsive. The story builds to a
crescendo as Andi and Colin meet some bad guys face to face. At that point, the book is impossible to put
down. As it is subtitled “An Andi Boggs Novel,” there may be
others in the series that would be worth looking for. It’s an enjoyable read and good, clean
fun. I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the
publishers. I was not instructed to write a positive review and the opinions
expressed here are my own.
