Overkill (An Avon Flare Book)

Lacey has a nightmare in which her best friend, Celeste, is murdered, and when she learns that Celeste has died exactly as she dreamed, Lacey realizes that her personal nightmare is just beginning. Reprint.

Grade 7-10-- High school senior Lacey Brighton's life is unraveling. Her parents' recent divorce, a serious fight with her friend Celeste, and her antagonistic relationship with her older sister have driven her to seek the help of Mr. Otkin, a therapist. She is also tortured by recurring violent nightmares. When her poor grades cause her to lose the lead in the dance recital to Celeste, Lacey lashes out at her friend in anger. Then, Celeste is found murdered. Hoping to help find the killer, a horrified Lacey reveals the details of her vivid nightmare to the police in such accurate detail that she is charged with the crime. With the support of her boyfriend and her lawyer sister, Lacey faces the hatred and suspicion of her schoolmates and town. In pain and confusion, she turns to her therapist, only to realize almost too late, that he is not "the best friend my mom ever paid for," but rather a dark individual with sinister motives of his own. This mystery relies more on sensationalism than substance. Elements of ESP and violence are sure to intrigue readers. However, plausibility in characterization, plotting, and tension are what lead to the satisfying solution of a mystery; relying on the gimmicky tricks of a TV or movie thriller is overkill. --Alice Casey Smith, Chappaqua Library, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.