“Undercover Justice” by Hartland author Laura DeLanoy (Black Rose Writing, $18.95) is a young adult debut novel that focuses on high school senior Nora Barton.
It’s set in the small fictitious town of Pine Hills MI, where Nora and her twin brother Kent are seniors in high school.
Nora’s attracted to new student Jed Greyson, who’s both handsome and rebellious. Jed is in reality a rookie undercover cop who’s trying to get information about the disappearance of local students.
Kent is over-protective about his sister, causing conflicts with Jed; Nora’s father doesn’t approve of the teen-agers going out either.
Investigating the history of the missing students, Jed is eventually joined by Kent, Nora and other friends; the police officer faces many challenges while trying to keep his true identity hidden.
Soon they discover the existence of a multi-generational secret organization known as “The Order” at the
school. It uses corruption to improve grades, eventually producing wide-reaching effects.
school. It uses corruption to improve grades, eventually producing wide-reaching effects.
Fearful of exposure, some members are willing to murder to protect their secrets; Jed, the Bartons and their friends face significant danger.
When another student disappears and violence flares, the undercover cop finds his role intensifying as he searches for the truth.
There are other facets of Jed’s life that he doesn’t want revealed; he must also put up with fellow officers who needle him about the unusual assignment.
The plot moves at a fast clip, with frequent unpredictable events. It’s fun to watch the emotional relationship grow
between Nora and Jed, complete with rocky moments and a few kisses, as prom season arrives.
between Nora and Jed, complete with rocky moments and a few kisses, as prom season arrives.
This isn’t exactly a coming-of-age story; it’s more of a mixed genre novel with a variety of appeal, combining romance, religion, crime and adventure. It could easily be made into an intriguing made-for-television movie – no major actors or actresses would be needed.
Unfortunately the book suffers from poor editing, as the small independent publisher’s text contains many typographical and grammatical errors. While the storyline is told from varying viewpoints, some are not
clearly defined, adding to the reader’s frustration.
This is the first book in a projected series by DeLanoy, who has a degree in Journalism from Eastern Michigan University. More information about the book is available at www.blackrosewriting.com.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime
novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.
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This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on September 21, 2014.
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