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Description
Finn watches in horror as his stepmother is gunned down in front of his house. His father reacts and kills the gunman. When Finn learns that the killer is the same man who admitted to killing his birth mother years before, he is shocked and wants to know if this is more than a terrible coincidence. At the police station, he meets Lila, daughter of the killer, and they strike up a wary friendship. Both of them are desperate to find the truth. What they discover hints at a much larger conspiracy.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12
Awards
- Short-listed, Golden Oak Award nominee
- , Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award
- , Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award (MYRCA)
- Commended, YALSA Quick Picks
- Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
- Short-listed, SYRCA Snow Willow nominee
- , Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Snow Willow
- Short-listed, Manitoba Young Reader's Choice Award nominee
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- Commended, CCBC Best Books
Editorial Reviews
"[A] searing detective story...The novel gets off to a tense start as 17-year-old Finn watches a strange man approach his father and stepmother in front of their garage...The chapters alternate between Finn and Lila's points of view, a juxtaposition that lends even more depth and energy to an already exciting story."
— Booklist
"McClintock maintains pace and tension throughout this novel and manages to make an incongruous situation entirely believable."
— Resource Links
"Guilty is a perfect example of why Norah McClintock is the queen of Canadian YA crime fiction, having won the Arthur Ellis Award for crime fiction at least five times...With both Finn and Lila coming at the crimes from different perspectives, converging at a dramatic life-threatening climax, Norah McClintock keeps the story fast-paced and intriguing, hopeful for justice (the coveted aim for most readers of crime fiction) and even peace of mind through resolution."
— CanLit for LittleCanadians blog
"A thrilling tale of three mysterious murders. Just when you think you have it all figured out—everything changes...Best. Ending. Ever."
— YALSA YA Galley Teen Review
"McClintock is well-known for her many young adult crime novels...Guilty will appeal to both her fans and to new readers as well. The book is fast-paced and exciting...The usual elements of a good mystery are all there, with a number of suspects and potential scenarios. People keep secrets of all kinds, and the final unravelling of the plot surprises both Lila and Finn and will catch readers off guard both in its simplicity and ingenuity....Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine
"McClintock has crafted an engrossing thriller that will keep readers turning pages. Full of intrigue from the first page, the story alternates between Finn and Lila's narration...McClintock does a fine job of capturing both teen's emotional responses to events. The quest to discover the truth, rather than character development, is what drives this book, and teens will be drawn into the mystery. The action and shorter length make this an ideal choice for reluctant readers, but it is also a good pick for avid mystery and thriller fans."
— VOYA
"Layers of description and Finn and Lila's discoveries, as well as their budding relationship, will keep the readers engaged until the very end...A good read for reluctant and voracious readers alike. The characters are compelling and the plot just twisted enough to hold attention."
— Tri State YA Book Review Committee
"McClintock's book will be a sure winner because of its short format, intriguing plot, and interesting characters."
— Library Media Connection
