This is an excellent book for young adults who still don't understand terrorism. It was written pre-9/11, but is surprisingly timeless. ( )

Cooney's gripping 1999 YA novel has been reissued by Open Road Media and takes on new resonances in the post-9/11 era. When Billy, living with his family in London, is handed a brown paper package in the Underground, he realizes too late that it is a bomb. His death sends his family, particularly his sister Laura, into a tailspin. Her seemingly-idyllic international school is transformed overnight, and everyone feels like a suspect. Was Billy a random victim? Or was he a planned target? As her school social life shifts, knowing who to trust and what to think becomes complicated indeed. Features Cooney's trademark fast-paced writing and an exciting climactic moment. (4) ( )

Mystery books have always been my favorites. Solving mysteries is what I wanted to do as a younger kid. When I read the book I couldn't stop because I wanted to find out who Billy's murderer was. This book shows a lot about what we are going through now and Caroline B. Cooney is one who knows how to write a story.

This quick easy read by Caroline Cooney is right up there with her other books - it has action, suspense and an unexpected twist. The problem is very fitting for today's society, although this book was written before 911. The urgency of the main character, to solve her brother's murder is admirable and stays constant throughout the book. ( )

"The Terrorist" is a different kind of book for popular children and young adult author, Caroline B. Cooney. Set in London, England, Laura's family is here for a year for her father's work. Laura's brother Billy is killed by a bomb on the London Underground. The rest of the book is devoted to Laura trying to find out the reason behind this senseless killing. The lines between friends and enemies becomes blurred as Laura discovers more and more information about the lives of the students she thinks of as friends. The suspense builds to an almost intolerable peak as the truth behind Billy's killing starts becoming painfully apparent. ( )