The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Pages: 370

Intended Audience: Mature Teens

Genre: Suspense/Intrigue

Notes for Parents: Contains mature themes, some underage drinking.

The Back Cover

When sixteen-year-old Tess Kendrick is sent to stay with her older sister, she has no idea that the famed Ivy Kendrick is the capital’s number-on “fixer.” For powerful people looking to make a scandal disappear, Tess’s sister is there to help…for a price.

And no sooner does Tess enroll at the prestigious Hardwicke School that she unwittingly finds herself following in Ivy’s footsteps. Tess never thought she and Ivy had much in common, but when her new friends at school need help, she discovers that her talents quickly make her Hardwicke’s go-to high-school fixer.

Secrets pile up as each sister lives a double life—until their worlds come crashing together in a conspiracy that reaches from the halls of Hardwicke to Capitol Hill. Suddenly, there is much more on the line than good grades, money, or politics.

The odds are stacked against Tess, and the price for this fix might be more than she can pay.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the author’s 15^th book. Barnes has a degree from Yale University in cognitive science and is currently working on her PhD.

What’s good?

Mystery, murder, and political intrigue are at the heart of this fast-paced thriller about a teen who gets drawn into a world of power and influence. The plot is swift-moving with strong characters and clever dialogue. The complex world of politics is presented in a sophisticated but easy-to-understand way. Tess is a well-drawn, female character with strength, wit, and vulnerability while Asher is full of exasperating charm. While there’s definitely sexual tension, there’s no romance to get in the way of the action. The characters are a healthy mix of adults and teens who interact with each other in a realistic way. The story wraps up well, tying up loose ends but still leaving room for a sequel.

Best Part: The banter between Asher and Tess is hilarious!

What isn’t good?

The politics might be a turn off for some, and a few characters were a little flat.

Worst part: None.

Recommendation ☻☻☻☻☻ (5/5)

This was an engaging story full of fun, action, and plot twists. The chapters are short and easy to read, there’s plenty of humor, suspense, and interesting characters. I was surprised and delighted by how much I enjoyed this book! Definitely recommended.

Barnes, Jennifer Lynn. The Fixer. New York: Scholastic, 2015.