From Publishers Weekly It's hard to believe that this overstuffed mystery was written by the gifted author of Journey to America and Escape from Egypt. Following her parents' divorce, Michelle has moved with her mother to California, and a teacher at her new school notices that Michelle is having trouble adjusting. Before long Michelle joins a therapy group lead by a maverick counselor named Luke, whose charisma almost?but not quite?blinds Michelle to his dubious ethics. A weekend workshop with the group at a remote estate moves from therapy to sex and drugs?and to Luke's murder. Soon after, Michelle's mother is arrested for the crime; Michelle, working pretty much on her own, uncovers the real culprits. Along the way Michelle copes with her father's infidelities, a growing intimacy with a sympathetic classmate and what may or may not be an eating disorder of her own. Levitin virtually frog-marches Michelle through this busy story, letting brief descriptions of Michelle's wardrobe take the place of the fluid, perceptive characterizations that typically grace her writing. Almost none of the many subplots are developed credibly, much less fully, and the main story line switches direction so frequently that readers are likely to lose patience. Ages 12-up. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From School Library Journal Grade 7-10?Michelle, a high-school junior, blames her mother for her parents' divorce and hates southern California because it is so far from the father she has always adored, but who never seems to be available anymore. When her school suggests professional counseling, Michelle's mother signs her up for group sessions. The young woman becomes intrigued with Luke, the charismatic therapist. While attending his special seminar in an isolated Palm Springs villa, she is terrified when he encourages her to take peyote and when he makes advances toward her. Later, when Luke is revealed to be a fraud, and her mother is accused of being both his lover and his murderer, Michelle realizes she is the only one who can solve the crime. From perky J. Peterman catalog fans to burned-out, aging flower children, Levitin knows California cool. She understands how adults with unresolved issues can lose themselves in pursuit of career and libido only to be mystified when they find they have lost their children, too, in some indefinable way. The portrayal of a pop-therapy group dominated by a gifted con artist is riveting. Luke is very believable as he wins confidences, probes pain, and uses vulnerability to maintain his grip. Smooth dialogue and a tension-filled plot will make readers eager to finish the story. Although more sophisticated YAs may challenge the denouement, and the drug scenes don't ring completely true, most will find it satisfying. An exciting story, sure to promote much-needed discussion about psychological practice and ethics.?Cindy Darling Codell, Clark Middle School, Winchester, KYCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
