Thieving Weasels

Adult author Taylor's (Based on a Movie) first book for teens quickly draws sympathy for Cam Smith, a graduating high school senior who works at the cafeteria to afford tuition at his private boarding school. Cam may have his sights set on Princeton, but he is anything but privileged%E2%80%94he ran away from his con-artist family in hopes of starting over and pursuing a normal life. Now that the family has tracked Cam down and wants his help on their latest scheme, Cam's above-board life is in jeopardy. Taylor's characters%E2%80%94including gun-toting, tough-talking, biscotti-eating Uncle Wonderful; Hummer-driving, disability-fraudulent Vinny; and conscience-free cousin Roy%E2%80%94will feel plenty familiar to fans of the con-artist/tough guy genre. Taylor puts Cam in an impossible position, unable to trust anyone (especially if they're family) and uncertain whether he can escape his past. As Cam tries to juggle the nefarious demands of his relatives and his own respectable ambitions, Taylor's comedic crime novel entertains with its madcap, rapid-fire antics. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Uwe Stender, TriadaUS Literary. (Aug.)