Cold Fury

Let down by plot holes and a barely developed supporting cast, Goeglein's debut, first in a planned trilogy, fails to do its nifty hook justice. When Sara Jane Rispoli's family goes missing and she is nearly abducted, the 16-year-old suspects her jealous Uncle Buddy is behind the crime. A hidden tape from Sara Jane's father reveals a secret room in the family bakery that helps her discover the Rispolis' history with the Chicago mob. While there are several fun hooks in the story (including a series of "Capone Doors," secret escape doors hidden in many old Chicago buildings and El stations), they pale next to oddities like a four-star hotel staffed entirely by mob employees, mob enforcers beating up a school bully, and a case of literal (and ludicrous) rattus ex machina. Adding to the mix are inexplicable character decisions%E2%80%94most notably Sara Jane's decision to return to school while still on the run from her assailants%E2%80%94and the sort of large-scale cop-and-mobster collusion that falls apart unless all the players are hypercompetent. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Jason Anthony, Lippincott Massie McQuilkin. (July)