Klein, Jen. Jillian Cade (Fake) Paranormal Investigator.

3Q * 3P * J

Klein, Jen. Jillian Cade (Fake) Paranormal Investigator. Soho Teen, 2015. 288p. $18.99. 978-1-61695-434-5.

Seventeen-year-old Jillian Cade runs a fake paranormal enterprise, Umbra Investigations, with help from her cousin Norbert, a freshman in high school. Not technically an orphan (her mother died and father abandoned her), Jillian lives above the garage at her old family home. Norbert and his parents live nearby--they would be happy to take Jillian in but she prefers to live on her own. Jillian inherited Umbra Investigations from her father; he taught her the tricks of the trade, and she is keeping up the business in case he should ever return. She lands a big case--not the usual, run-of-the-mill ghost eviction stuff she usually works on for suckers--and ends up partnering with blond heartthrob, new kid at school, and believer in the paranormal, Sky Ramsey. Jillian becomes more private investigator than paranormal sleuth as she, Norbert, and Sky try to track down a missing person. They solve the case, but in so doing, uncover new mysteries, especially about Jillian's past.

Klein's first novel for young adults is funny and suspenseful, and many readers will relate to protagonist Jillian Cade's cynicism (not surprising given her family situation and lack of popularity with her peers). Part mystery, part romance, with real paranormal action, this book will appeal to fans of mystery, fantasy, and romance.--Christina Miller.