• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Ria is rich, slim, pretty, and popular. If you only knew her at school, you'd think she led a charmed life—and until recently you'd have been right.

But her situation has taken a sudden, unfortunate change. Her parents' seemingly perfect marriage has broken up, and before she's had a chance to absorb the blow, her beloved father disappears in a plane crash. What's worse, rumors begin to surface that he may have perpetrated a multimillion-dollar investment scam and everybody—Ria's mother, her best friends, even her boyfriend—believes them. Ria sees no choice but to take her little brother and run. She vows to keep the memory of her father alive. Soon, though, she begins to wonder: is her memory playing tricks on her—or is he?

Also available in Spanish or French.

VICKI GRANT left her career in advertising and television to write her first novel, The Puppet Wrangler, in 2004. She has written many books for young readers, including Not Suitable For Family Viewing, winner of the Red Maple Award, Quid Pro Quo, winner of the Author Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Fiction, Betsy Wickwire’s Dirty Secret, Pig Boy and B Negative. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Web: vickigrant.com

Twitter: @VickiGrantYA

Instagram: @vicki_grantya

Vicki Grant's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, TriState YA Review Group Book of Note
• Commended, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note

"Grant expertly captures teenage nuances of speech and behaviour…The less-than-happy ending is a refreshing and realistic change from the many young adult books with idealistic finales…A fast-paced and entertaining read that teachers, librarians, and parents should consider sharing with their reluctant readers. Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Grant takes readers on a frightening ride in Comeback. She captures the disappointment and frustration Ria feels when the life she's always known takes a dramatic turn. This fast-paced read is perfect for reluctant readers."

TeensReadToo.com

"Realistic dialogue and excellent character development accompany a fast-paced plot. Great for a hi/lo reader…Strongly recommended."

TriState YA Book Review

"This Orca book carried so much depth...Ria felt like a real person, and I truly loved that. This book is something that I really recommend readers pick up if they want a story of intrigue, thriller, romance, mystery, etc. "

The Review Chronicles blog

"Grant's novel folds drama and suspense into a story that carries echoes of our country's current financial woes…Its premise will quickly grab readers, who will empathize with Ria's disillusionment and split-second, bad decision making."

Booklist

"Reluctant and struggling readers will be satisfied by the compelling story."

School Library Journal

Comeback (Orca Soundings)