The Secrets of Love and Death

by Sal Conte, E Van Lowe

Overview

Theo "Turtle" Dawson is overweight, under-confident and unloved, that is until the arrival of Turtle's new classmate, feisty Rita Calderon. It's springtime in Foster City, and young love between the teenage couple begins to bloom, until... ...Turtle's best friend, big brother returns from the grave. At least that's what A.D. wants Turtle to believe. Is A.D. really back among the living, or is Turtle going loony-bin crazy? And if Turtle's loving brother has returned, why is he asking Turtle to do such murderous things? "The Secrets of Love and Death" is a ghostly tale of romance and horror, memories, and murder. "'The Secrets of Love and Death' will tug on your heartstrings while simultaneously scaring the pants off you. A triumphant coming-of-age tale with a dash of the supernatural and a twist of gritty horror, 'The Secrets of Love and Death' may be Van Lowe's best novel yet!" -Annabelle Blume, author of "Frozen Heart" and "Melted Tears." "E. Van Lowe and his dark twin, Sal Conte, dig deep in 'The Secrets of Love and Death' and come up with emotional gold. Not for the faint of heart, 'The Secrets of Love and Death' will grab you by the throat and not let go until the horror-filled, page-turning ending." - John Lansing, author of the bestselling thrillers, "The Devil's Necktie" and "Blond Cargo"

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780986326516
Publisher:	White Whisker Books
Publication date:	06/26/2015
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.57(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

Editorial Reviews

07/01/2015
Gr 9 Up—Set in the 1980s, this dark, disturbing read centers on Theo "Turtle" Dawson, an overweight 13-year-old who's neglected by his parents and bullied, and who is grieving the loss of his older brother. Lost in sadness and self-loathing, Turtle is saved, literally and figuratively, by new girl Rita. Then his brother A.D. returns from the dead with a dangerous request. The protagonist must kill the "Teddy Bear," a delusional, murderous pedophile who dresses in a bear costume as he targets young boys he believes he's saving from bad parenting. Peripheral characters are certainly distinct; however, they often seem too mature for middle schoolers. Turtle's development into a self-assured hero and his sweet relationship with Rita will have readers pulling for him. The Teddy Bear is far more terrifying than the supernatural plotline. The dialogue and overall content make this title more appropriate for an older readership. Time jumps and changes in point of view occasionally interrupt the narrative flow. Though the conclusion is action-packed and heart-pounding, readers may be left wondering about A.D.'s role in a local's demise and A.D.'s connection to the ghost of the Teddy Bear's penultimate victim, as well as why adults, savvy about the teens' plans for the Teddy Bear, didn't contact authorities? VERDICT An additional purchase where horror is popular.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

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