Alibi Junior High by Greg Logsted

Cody has lived in almost every country in the world and knows five languages. He helps his dad profile suspects for the CIA. But one of those suspects gets too close, and Cody has to stay with his aunt while his dad tracks down the man trying to kill them.

Cody is unprepared for the dangers of middle school. He has no idea how to manage the other students and he already knows everything they talk about in class. The bright spots in his life have narrowed to his aunt, his aunt's neighbor Andy, and the girl he likes--Renee.

But someone is stalking through the yard at night spying on Cody. And before he knows it, that someone gets the drop on him.

Interesting story--it seems a little far-fetched. But Cody is a believable character, and anyone in or out of middle school will recognize a lot of his struggle to fit in and become invisible. There is enough action throughout the book to stay interesting. A good quick read.

Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

Madison's former friend Lisa is missing. The problem? Madison and Tyler were the last to see her. But nothing bad ever happens in Soundview, so no one is worried at first. Then Adam, Lisa's boyfriend and Madison's best friend also goes missing, again with Madison being his last contact. The rumors say they ran off together, but Madison knows better. Then Courtney, another of Madison's friends, disappears, and Madison can't help but wonder if she'll be next.

You are definitely left wondering who the kidnappers are throughout the book, and the ending is a surprise. You get a glimpse of the killers' mind throughout along with other points of view. A fascinating read.

The Other Side of the Dark by Joan Lowery Nixon

Stacy wakes up after being in a coma for four years--since the night her mother was murdered and Stacy was shot. Coping with the time difference is one thing--her body matured, songs, fashions, and everyone in her life have changed.

What's worse--the man who shot Stacy killed her mother and Stacy saw him. She just can't remember his face. She wants to make him pay, but will remembering once again put her life in danger?

A mystery and a thriller. Stacy tries to adapt to the world that changed without her, but it's hard. This book was published a while ago, so it's dated, but still one of my favorites.