reviewed by
Jennifer Kahng
Aphra Connolly is a sixteen year old girl who lives on a tropical island. That's right, a tropical island. Her father owns a resort and all manner of rich and famous (or want to be famous) show up at their place. All but, say, people her age. Like boys.
Until one night a family mysteriously arrives and Aphra is unceremoniously dismissed by her father...but not before she spies a boy her age. And he's cute.
But there's no fun to be had there. Her father bans Aphra from meeting with the boy. And then one of the guests turns up dead. Is there a connection? Obviously. And what better way for a teenager to pass the time than to start digging into who the mysterious new boy is. Does she ever find out.
Within the span of a couple days, Aphra goes from leading a fairly boring life on a tropical island to running for her life as someone chases her and tries to kill her. There is clearly something going on with the boy and his family, but what? Aphra almost doesn't get the chance to find out.
In the end, Aphra's questions are answered but even more are raised when the whereabouts of her absent mother are revealed. Alas, there's no happy ending for her and the boy, Seth. At least, not yet.
Linda Gerber presents an intriguing story and a vibrant character in Aphra Connolly. Told from Aphra's point of view, Death by Bikini is the first in a series of teen mystery novels. Rated for ages 12 and up, young readers should enjoy the thrill of the adventure and the fun of a budding romance.
