Seconds Away by Harlan Coben - ADVISABLE

Coben, Harlan  Seconds Away, 338 pgs.  G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2012.  $18.99.  Language: PG (6 swears; 1 God); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (suicide described; shootings).   

Mickey’s friend Rachael and her mother are shot shortly after Mickey hangs up from talking to her.  So Mickey with his best friend Ema and his sidekick Spoon start to investigate the shootings, leading them to uncover a suspicious drug ring in their community.  While drawing the negative attention of the local police, the friends connect the clues that put Rachael’s father and Chief Taylor under suspicion.  However, the truth twists and turns to an unexpected finish that puts Mickey in a tight spot with his friend Rachael.  

This is the second book in this series and each book has its own mystery that is solved, while at the same time working towards uncovering an overriding mystery throughout the series.  Mickey and his friends are fun characters that I found myself cheering for and they have normal lives with basketball and bullies, while solving bigger problems like shootings and kidnappings.    This is a great series that can be recommended to boys who like mystery, basketball and suspense.  

MS, HS - ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.