Dying to Win

Like cotton candy, the first installment in this quartet of high school murder mysteries is fluffy, fun and not terribly nourishing. An abundance of intrigue, along with a high school full of characters painted in very broad strokes, make for a speedy and entertaining read. The winner of the school's Miss Peach Blossom contest is to receive a college scholarship, a Hollywood screen test and the adoration of her peers. Of the four girls nominated, one will win and one--as readers are frequently reminded--will die. Will it be the poor--but nasty--little rich girl Lacey? Her good-at-heart best friend Kiki? Gullible, artistic April? Or Raven, the proud and beautiful political activist? Thanks to a slickly constructed plot, a bouncy narrative and an abundance of cliffhangers, readers are likely to follow the miniseries to its finish. Ages 12-up. (Oct.)