cover image Baby-Sittr on Horsebck

Baby-Sittr on Horsebck

Fern G. Brown. Fawcett Books, $2.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-449-70283-3

Melissa, 16, is constantly told that she is unreliable, but when the child she is babysitting disappears, she finally admits her own irresponsibility. How could she have let Scott go out to the barn late at night to check his horse? Her worst suspicions are confirmed when a kidnapper calls to demand $50,000 from Scott's father. Guilt overwhelms Melissa, and she feels driven to find Scott, for his sake and for hersshe hopes to salvage her self-respect. While the police search for Scott, Melissa and an unlikely partner make their own investigation. They are successful, but only Scott can answer the most critical questions about his disappearance. This quick-paced mystery will hold interest, despite stiff character development and a somewhat contrived plot. Even of its type, this is a mediocre effort, but some readers will find it entertaining. Ages 12-up. (Nov.)