Playing for Keeps

Rikkers is a witness to the fishing boat explosion that kills Pip's father. Although he tries to be a friend to Pip, she is grieving and makes it quite clear she wants to be alone. Stunned by her hostility, Rikkers seeks advice from Charlie, an old friend of his Dad's - but Charlie is strangely guarded about the explosion and doesn't believe it was an accident. Rikkers is slowly drawn into the lives of Pip and her mother, and finds himself on the receiving end of some aggressive intimidation by a group of men who think the two kids know the whereabouts of a drug stash. It is a world of intimidation, violence - and maybe even murder. Tautly paced plot, great characters. Once again Martin delivers a great novel for teens with vivid imagery, menacing characters, bombs, drug trafficking, murder and general brutality - not to mention a bit of romance! A gutsy adventure book for boys and girls aged 10-15.