BOOKLIST "Sternberg's first novel is an . . . entertaining teen mystery-romance narrated by 15-year-old high-school sophomore Bianca Balducci. The lively story follows Bianca as she tries 'to hook up with a guy' who is her major crush, keep up with homework, and be a good daughter. At the same time, she's busy investigating why her new friend Sadie is apparently being stalked by a twosome dubbed 'the Lemming Lady and the Ice Man,' and trying to stay ahead of her 20-something sister, Connie, who is a real-life PI. The plot thickens as Bianca uncovers secrets in Sadie's past. The subtitle suggests that this is the first in a new series: Nancy Drew fans and other young mystery aficionados will be pleased. Gr. 6-9." KIRKUS REVIEWS "While Sternberg emphasizes mystery and action elements, she doesn't ignore deeper issues. She portrays Bianca as someone who genuinely cares about Sadie, the school's new girl, even while digging into Sadie's past, rationalizing her actions with the idea the she's really helping the girl. [M]oralizing at the end helps to tidy up Bianca's growth experience, but the emphasis remains on mystery and suspense. It's an extra entertainment for mystery fans, one for those who want a puzzle without a ghost or a murder." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "Bianca is a high school sophomore whose ear for gossip turns her into an information-hungry private investigator, or at least a PI-in-training. She befriends Sadie, only to discover that this strange new classmate from California is concerned about a 'friend' being accused of murder. Bianca will risk everything to find out who Sadie really is. Sternberg's writing mimics the social speech of a typical 15-year-old girl; it's chock-full of hyperbole and self-confidence-boosting assertions. The author exposes her protagonist's hopes, fears, and insecurities with a fresh voice, and she keeps Sadie's real secrets a mystery until the end. Bianca's relationships with friends and family are point-blank in their raw emotions and typify the rebellious nature of the teenager who also vies to be a hero to those she cares about. The epilogue reads like a PI's verbal summary of the case with suggestions for the next time, and overviews of what happened to the characters in the case. A great start to what looks like a continuing series." VOYA (DOTSY HARLAND) (4Q*4P*M*J) "Bianca's quest . . . leads to one zany mix-up after another. She is caring, energetic, and endearing, and readers will laugh appreciatively at her bumbling attempts to court Doug while playing private eye. This light and enjoyable mystery will be especially appreciated by female readers and is appropriate for school and public libraries." PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL LIBRARIANS ASSOCIATION, IN NAMING THE BOOK TO ITS YOUNG ADULT TOP 40 FICTION LIST FOR BOOKS PUBLISHED IN 2003 "Listed as 'A Bianca Balducci Mystery,' this is a delightfully written page-turner mystery about a high school sophomore developing a boyfriend while embroiling herself in the mysteries surrounding a new student at St. John's, and doing all the regular everyday things girls her age do, all while surrounded by a just-offbeat-enough group of family and friends. Bianca's sister Connie, a private eye, provides necessary backup. The next book in this new series is due out in April, and both should be on your shelves!"