Chasing Starlight

Gr 9 Up–This Hollywood murder mystery set in the 1930s will have readers guessing until the end. Kate Hildebrand, 17, unwillingly moves in with her estranged grandfather, Ollie, an old-school movie star. His mansion is filled with so-called “unsavory boarders,” men who are down on their luck but were befriended by Ollie. An opportunity arises that gives Kate a way out, but she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Black’s leisurely paced novel allows readers to imagine and savor the descriptive qualities of not only the locale but of the characters as well. The atmospheric setting enriches every scene and movement, and every character, including secondary ones, are fleshed out and have their own interesting back stories. In fact, these characters affect Kate’s emotional growth, romantic interests, and personal development. Black also addresses the stereotypes of the era.