Andi Unexpected

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.