Dark Angel » (~)

David Klass is the author of six other young adult novels, including the ALA Notable books Wrestling with HonorM and California Blue. He has also written a number of screenplays, including Kiss the Girls and Desperate Measures. This is his first book with HarperCollins.

I don't know if you've ever held a secret so powerful that it could make someone you love stop caring for you in the blink of an eye.

If you ever find yourself in possession of such a secret, you might be braver or more honest than I was. You might come right out with it at the first opportunity. Here it is. I think you have the right to know this. Now I've told you everything. Do you still love me?

Publishers Weekly

When Jeff's older brother-a convicted murderer-is unexpectedly pardoned from his life sentence, he comes to live with his family in a small New Jersey town. Jeff is suspicious of his brother from the beginning, even though Troy seems like "a model of rehabilitation," acting overly polite to his parents and landing a job at a local supermarket. Jeff is afraid of what will happen when word spreads, too, and does not even tell his best friend about Troy's return. But when a local golden boy goes missing after fighting with Troy, the family secret gets out. Readers will find the premise fascinating, and will empathize immediately with Jeff, whose girlfriend's father forbids her to talk to him and whose own family is being torn apart by suspicion, pain and guilt (his mother is even hospitalized). Jeff tackles a school paper on evil and human behavior, and struggles with complicated emotions towards his brother (Troy likewise admits his pain at being abandoned in prison). The family drama gives way to a true murder mystery; this plot line gains momentum and culminates in a thrilling, if predictable, final face-off. Overall, this is a dark, gripping novel, even if it leaves some questions unanswered. Ages 12-up. (Dec.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.