cover image The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group

The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group

Catherine Jinks, Harcourt, $16.99 (416p) ISBN 978-0-15-206615-4

In this action-heavy sequel to The Reformed Vampire Support Group, Australian author Jinks focuses on a different breed of misunderstood monster. After 13-year-old Toby is found, naked and amnesiac, in the dingo pen of a wildlife park in Sydney, his life takes a turn for the weird, as Fr. Ramon Alvarez (whom readers will remember from the previous book) tries to convince Toby that he's a werewolf. Despite initial skepticism, Toby eventually accepts the truth, just in time to be kidnapped by a group running underground werewolf fights. Now, he and an assortment of new allies have to turn the tables on their captors. And when a (recognizable) group of vampires gets involved, things get even messier. As in the earlier book, Jinks has hold of a clever idea and a solid sense of humor, but this installment is brought down by an overdose of disbelief on Toby's part and the chaotic second half of the story. With so much shouting and running around, it's easy to lose track of the actual plot. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)