Queen of Disguises. (A Dinah Galloway Mystery). Melanie Jackson. Victoria, BC: Orca, 2009. 159 pp., pbk., $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-037-4. Grades 4-6 / Ages 9-11. Review by Wendy Williams. *** /4 Reviewed from Advance Reading Copy.

excerpt:

"I've come to know you better, Dinah. Your perception of the world is so vivid that you don't need to make things up." ... "I believe that you think Beak Nose was there. And maybe you didn't prop the maple-syrup can over Cornwall's door."

"Dinah just needs to sing "British Columbia on Fire" publicly-and she's it! The Star! So, get ready to dance in the aisles everyone — this is gonna be one rousing performance!"

In the sixth installment in the "Dinah Galloway Mystery" series, Melanie Jackson again delivers more laughs, problems and adventures for her singing sensation to overcome. To get into shape for a possible gig singing for the 2020 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Dinah has to slim down by going to a wellness retreat on Salt Spring Island. Dinah, who is just over twelve, lives with her mother and beautiful older sister and is another Judy Garland in her dreams. Her red hair, less than fashionable shape, and a talent for trouble keep getting her sidetracked in her quest for singing fame. When she is given the opportunity to shape up before the singing competition, it seems to be a dream come true. The wellness centre would be a place of happy calm, among the beauties of nature on Salt Spring Island, right? No, this will not be a quiet retreat for Dinah, as a vengeful stalker threatens her attempt to lose weight and even her survival to win the singing competition. Once again, Dinah's two buddies, Talbot and Pantelli, help her to follow clues, and all three bumble about until they finally win the day, not without danger and surprises along the way. Dinah finally unmasks the villain but only loses the weight because she grows two inches over the summer.

     Followers of this lively series set in British Columbia will be in for a treat as they re-connect to the liveliest 12-year-old on the west coast.

Recommended.

Wendy Williams is a teacher-librarian who finds that 100% of her female students are, in fact, currently obsessed by the "Twilight" series. What a pity it was not set in British Columbia instead of Washington.

NEXT REVIEW |TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - March 20, 2009.