Panic in Puerto Vallarta

"Konstantina Cassandra Flanagan doesn't mean to attract trouble, but it always finds her. While in Puerto Vallarta on a family vacation, she inadvertently witnesses a murder from the balcony of her hotel room. Her father and brother don't believe her, attributing what she thinks she has seen to an overactive imagination. The next day, K.C. spots one of the killers and trails him to the offices of a legal firm. There, she cunningly learns his identity. Over the next few days, several frightening and dangerous close calls convince K.C. that the killers are equally aware of her identity. In an exciting climax, she finds herself embroiled in a veritable Perils of Pauline scenario, but one in which she proves to be a wily and brave heroine. Not only is this a satisfying mystery that sets a brisk pace, but it also offers wonderful glimpses of Mexican scenery and customs. The meanings of the many Spanish words and expressions are clear in context. This title will work well where mysteries are popular (and where are they not?) and in conjunction with social studies or multicultural units."—Sylvia V. Meisner Allen Middle School, Greensboro, NC (Gr 7-9)School Library Journal