CATHY’S KEY

In this sequel to 2006’s multimedia New York Times bestseller, teen heroine Cathy Vickers returns only to have her diary and cell phone stolen. Confusion and mêlée ensue, and Cathy has to call on her immortal boyfriend Victor, her best friend Emma and Emma’s goofy boyfriend Pete to help out. Throw in Victor’s creepy dad, who’s also immortal and has a crush on Cathy, half a dozen other offbeat immortals and a drugged-out plastic surgeon. Full of the same snarky, teenaged wordplay, off-kilter coincidences and eerie tension as the first installment, this offering will thrill its fan base. Though the plot on the printed page feels pieced together, readers can flesh the story out by calling the number on the cover and—if produced similarly to the first—examining the evidence packet that comes with it. (The first included websites that worked, artwork, musings and memorabilia.) Cathy is as lovable as ever, and her deadpan, smart-alecky voice and sketches should draw new readers to the series. Perfect for gaming fans, reluctant readers and manga enthusiasts. (Fiction. YA)