The Rag and Bone Shop by Robert Cormier

The Rag and Bone Shop. by Robert Cormier. Delacorte Press, 2001. 154 pages.

Plot: Jason Dorrant is twelve years old and was just beginning to enjoy his summer vacation. He had completed a year at middle school and got along well with his eight year old sister.  Invited to swim with friends at a neighbor’s pool, he goes, but helps his friend’s younger sister, 7 year old Alicia with a jigsaw puzzle instead of swimming. The tempo of the plot quickly picks up when The body of Alicia is found in dense woods brutally murdered. Jason was the last one to see her alive and becomes the prime suspect while being lead to believe he is a vital witness helping with the investigation.  An expert interrogator, Trent, is called in with the promise of great benefits from a senator with a personal interest in Alicia, if he can get a confession.  The bulk of the story is centered  around the interrogation of Jason by Trent.  Trent is manipulative, relentless, and self-serving as he twists evidence to make Jason believe he has to admit to the killing. He persuades Jason that he only has two choices; to admit to being a cold-blooded child killer or a good kid who made a mistake. The tormentor extracts the confession, but is confronted by the fact that the real murderer confessed and there are witnesses.  There is a chilling ironic end to the story.

Review/Personal thoughts:  This is the first novel by Robert Cormier (and the last that he wrote) that I have read and I will be seeking out more of his books.  Great story line, great characters, taut and thrilling dialogue are all present. Readers will be swept up in the drama and suspense.  Guilt, corruption, murder, psychological torment, and truth are themes in this story.  I highly recommend this book for older tweens.

Genre: Fiction

Reading Level: 5.7  Interest level: Ages 12 and up.

Awards: Notable Best Books, A.L.A 2002