The Dead Girls Detective Agency

Cox, an editor at Cosmopolitan UK, debuts with a quirky story of life after life, driven by its heroine's enthusiastic narration. Sixteen-year-old New Yorker Charlotte Feldman didn't expect to die by being shoved under the F train; she also didn't suspect that she would have to track down her murderer. Charlotte is coached on her new afterlife by the self-proclaimed Dead Girls Detective Agency: brainy Nancy, bubbly Lorna, and aggressive Tess; there's plenty of fun sparring between the girls (and resident bad boy Edison), though they don't rise above type. Cox's premise allows for a boisterous paranormal tour of present-day Manhattan, complete with teleporting around town and taking over bodies in the interest solving the mystery of Charlotte's death. The author isn't all that interested in answers to questions like "Why do ghosts need to solve their own murders?" or "Why can't they cross water?" but Charlotte's distinctive voice and amusing commentary will have readers in a forgiving mood. Ages 13%E2%80%93up. (Sept.)