From School Library Journal
ea. vol: (Quick Fox Bks.). CIP. Chariot Bks: David C. Cook. 1986. pap.$2.95. Grade 5-8 Blend a Nancy Drew mystery with a horse story, add a dash each of Christian precepts and ``The Girls of Canby Hall,'' and transport the mixture to Idahothe result is this fluffy Western series. Crystal is a cute, blonde 14 year old who seems to leap from one adventure to another, accompanied by her trusty horse, her handsome boyfriend, and her Nez Perce girlfriend. In this formula fiction, wholesome Crystal faces few problems. Her horse Caleb always performs to perfection, winning a series of events for the high-school rodeo team. With her cohorts, she easily solves the mystery in each volume. Her major fault seems to be her ever-present jealousy regarding her boyfriend. Although the plotlines are fast-moving, the writing is awkward and the editing sloppy. Except for Gabrielle, the wise-cracking Native American, characters are cardboard. Even the horse, whose presence will attract readers, lacks personality. Some scenes authentically portray rodeo action, but they're overshadowed by others that are ``saddled'' with irrelevant dialogue or are eminently laughable. The frequent mention of the Lord and Crystal's reliance on prayer might increase the series' appeal to some readers, but for superior rodeo fiction, stick with Lynn Hall's Tin Can Tucker (Scribners, 1982). Charlene Strickland, Los Angeles County Public Library, Valencia
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
