Inherit Midnight

Gr 8 Up—A privileged teen and her scheming relatives compete for a chance to inherit the family fortune in this blend of "Gossip Girl" (Little, Brown) and "The 39 Clues" (Scholastic). Avery VanDemere has grown up in the lap of luxury, but she bristles at her grandmother's strict rules and pines for the deceased mother she never knew. When Riley Tate, the handsome son of her family's lawyer, interrupts her escape from school, Avery learns that Grandmother has challenged her heirs to prove their moral fiber and knowledge of family history through a series of tests. Furthermore, Riley's father has surprising information about Avery's mother, but she won't get it unless she wins. Committed to uncovering her past, the teen dives into the competition, finally fighting back against the relatives who have always diminished her and, of course, falling for Riley. Teen mystery fans who don't mind suspending disbelief will enjoy the thrilling challenges, from mining for diamonds in a Venezuelan national park to helicoptering to a remote Scottish abbey. Unfortunately, Avery isn't much of a heroine, relying heavily on Riley and other allies to get her through the competition. Readers may still struggle with Avery's lack of appreciation for her comfortable upbringing. Moments of conflict that threaten the couple's relationship feel contrived, and few will be surprised by the tidy resolution. Still, it's a fast-paced pick that will suit teens who haven't tired of tales of rich people behaving badly.