The Flappers

Gr 8 Up—Set in the Roaring Twenties, Jillian Larkin's sequel (2011) to Vixen (2010, both Delacorte) describes time and place more fully than the characters. In this world of speakeasies, gangsters, and jazz clubs are four women struggling in New York to prove themselves and find love. Lorraine manages a speakeasy as a "front" to find her former friend Gloria whom she has exposed to the mob. Gloria, a well-connected rich girl, has followed her love, Jerome, an African-American piano player. They are hiding from the mob because Jerome is accused of killing one of their members. Vera, Jerome's sister, comes to New York to warn her brother and Gloria that they are in grave danger. Clara, Gloria's cousin, has followed her new boyfriend to New York to start over and leave her wild flapper days behind, but becomes caught up in the world of news reporting. Abby Craden does a masterful job of giving each character, even minor mobsters, a distinctive and appropriate voice. Lorraine is almost always angry and her snarls reflect her bitterness and evil intentions. Gloria's innocence, while sometimes annoying, is perfectly captured, and Jerome's world weariness and awareness of the difficulties they face as an interracial couple make him a very sympathetic character. Teens will be caught up in the drama.—Edie Ching, The University of Maryland, College Park