This was a serendiptious find. I was searching for Lulu the 60s British Pop Star when I came across this Teen Mystery:
“Grade 8 Up–Once again Lulu Dark, reluctant girl detective, finds herself in the middle of an increasingly complicated Halo City mystery. Age discrimination is at the root of a number of kidnappings as a group of out-of-work actresses joins in a plot to get them movie roles. Lulu’s sort of boyfriend and her C-list actress mother are among those in peril due to the actions of a deranged Hollywood figure. As in the first adventure, there are many references to pop culture, such as the television shows The Apprentice and Veronica Mars as well as Jessica Simpson. The novel keeps moving, with a few red herrings thrown in for added piquancy. Today’s Hollywood starlets are mockingly portrayed as vapid, self-absorbed teens spoiled beyond belief. Lulu and her friend Daisy wisecrack their way through the book. The denouement leaves them all in danger until Daisy’s scarily controlling mom shows a new facet of her personality with a daring rescue. While many of the situations are outlandish, they are also amusing, such as when Lulu hijacks a city bus and involves the passengers in helping her get into a suspect’s building. Teens will enjoy this smart, funny chick-lit heroine who has real problems and a satirical outlook.”
Neat-o! You can find it at Amazon:
Lulu Dark and the Summer of the Fox at Amazon.com
PS: As embarrassed as I am to admit this, I did get this book from the library and did a cursory paw through. And it is cute. It’s definitely skewing to someone younger than 8th grade though. But, on the other hand, there’s some big words in here that I didn’t know so I think it’s pretty smart for a pre-teen chick lit book. And there is a scene with a Vespa! Even a crash. But they call it a moped! Eeeeeew. The author is gorgeous though so he is forgiven. Even if he probably is gay..
