The Crazy School

Critical Praise

Library Journal weighs in the a starred review for Cornelia Read's THE CRAZY SCHOOL in the Read's mystery debut, A Field of Darkness, was well received by reviewers and nominated for an Edgar Award; only a year later, she has an equally compelling new offering. This time Madeline Dare and husband Dean have relocated from Syracuse, NY, to the Berkshires as Madeline has accepted a teaching position at the Santangelo Academy, an alternative school for troubled teenagers. When the book opens, she is slowly adjusting to the quirky rules and therapy regimens required of students and teachers alike. An atmosphere of distrust is pervasive, cultivated by policies that encourage teachers to snitch on one another for such minor transgressions as smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee. Many of the students are prone to violence, and Read does a good job of projecting an air of unease, even before two of the students are murdered and Madeline's own life is threatened. Read's novel is fast-paced; once the action starts, don't even think about putting it down. The motives behind the murders are complex, and the ultimate heroes and bad guys are a total surprise. Strongly recommended for all public libraries."
—Caroline Mann, Univ. of Portland Lib., OR,

"Read's smart second offering starring witheringly witty exdebutante Madeline Dare….Another swiftly plotted mystery peppered with wonderful one-liners. The series belongs on the must-read list of anyone who enjoys mystery mixed with comedy."
--Booklist (starred review

"Another bitterly amusing mystery….Read borrows elements from different genres to craft a strange, compelling narrative….Madeline's deadpan voice, acid wit and psychological depth are the perfect counterpoint to the novel's positively Gothic plot. In her shadowed complexity and stubborn—but fragile—integrity, Madeline resembles many of the genre’s most enduring protagonists. She's a great character, and her creator is a great storyteller. Caustic, gripping and distinctive—intelligent entertainment."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Gutsy."
-- Publishers Weekly